Learn more about disaster financial assistance

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/06/2022 (359 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As we officially move into the summer season, I hope that everyone is keeping well and staying dry.

With the unprecedented storms that most of Manitoba experienced last month, there has been a lot of damage from flooding to municipal and provincial infrastructure as well as private residences. When a natural disaster occurs, the Manitoba government may declare those who suffer loss or damages due to the event eligible for disaster financial assistance. Manitoba aligns its disaster financial assistance program with Canada’s disaster financial assistance arrangements in order to share disaster costs with the federal government.

Canada’s arrangements establish the criteria for who is eligible to apply for disaster financial assistance and Manitoba follows this criteria. Canada and Manitoba’s programs are set up to meet the basic and essential needs of Manitobans whose primary residences have been affected by a disaster. Overland flood insurance is available in Manitoba, and Manitobans should check with their insurance providers to see if they offer this product. This insurance provides much more comprehensive coverage than what is offered through disaster financial assistance.

Information on the DFA program can be obtained by visiting the Province of Manitoba website: www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa

On May 9, Premier Heather Stefanson announced a one-time grant program to provide municipalities with financial support for road reconstruction, rehabilitation and preservation projects. I am pleased to announce that, through the municipal road repair fund, the province is dedicating $136,812.68 to the R.M. of St. Clements and $114,837.16 to the R.M. of East St. Paul to aid in the repair of potholes and other road damage. Our government values safe and reliable roads for Manitobans to travel on and this funding will help municipalities across the province fix any damage caused by these unexpected conditions while easing their financial burden.

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On Tuesday, May 31 it was my privilege to present a private member’s statement in the house and honour Jim Stinson, a resident of the R.M. of St Clements, for his outstanding contributions to his community. Jim and his wife Darlene moved to St. Clements in 1990 while Jim was still employed with the RCMP and immediately became involved in his new community. When the province began discussion regarding the expansion of the Red River Floodway, Jim researched the proposed expansion to ensure that the drinking water and the aquifer that supplies it would not be affected. Jim provided important information to this expansion and provided valued information to the committee tasked with reviewing this project. In late 2000, Jim agreed to assist the municipality with its emergency preparedness program. This endeavour soon became a passion, which led to Jim becoming the full time manager of protective services. Every spring, Jim monitors the breakup of the Red River and keeps daily watch on the gauges located on the river and its tributaries. As a result, he is frequently contacted by emergency co-ordinators for his opinion on the flooding situation. I would like to acknowledge Jim Stinson for his outstanding contributions to the R.M. of St. Clements.

I welcome constituents of Red River North to continue to access our constituency office either by email at rrnorthca@mymts.net or by telephone at 204-641-2107.

Jeff Wharton
Red River North constituency report

Jeff Wharton is the PC MLA for Red River North.

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