OTTAWA, Feb. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Canada announced plans to advance negotiations for comprehensive final settlement packages with the four Lake St. Martin area First Nation communities that remain displaced by the severe 2011 flooding.
The negotiations will aim to reach final settlement packages that include flood mitigation measures, replacement lands from the province, compensation for damages, and infrastructure and housing to rebuild First Nation communities, and ultimately aim to return remaining flood evacuees to their home communities.
Of the 1,888 Manitoba First Nation residents still displaced by the severe 2011 flood as of January 20, 2014, over 1,600 are from the First Nations of Lake St. Martin, Little Saskatchewan, Dauphin River and Pinaymootang.
The Government of Canada also continues to work to return the remaining evacuees from Ebb and Flow and Peguis First Nations to their home communities.
Quick Facts
- In November 2013, Minister Valcourt announced that the Government would take action to strengthen emergency management support to First Nation communities.
- Sid P. Dutchak, QC, has been appointed Chief Federal Negotiator. He will lead negotiations to see a return of the flood evacuees to their home communities.
- Since February 1, 2014, the Canadian Red Cross is responsible for the delivery of essential services to the flood evacuees.
Quote
"Our Government's priority is the health and safety of First Nations. We are mobilizing our efforts to ensure the remaining evacuees are safely returned to their home communities. This, in addition to the disaster mitigation funding committed through Economic Action Plan, and the new emergency management approach announced in November 2013, show our dedication to stronger and more resilient First Nation communities."
Bernard Valcourt
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister
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Harper Government Announces New Measures to Strengthen Emergency Management on Reserve
Statement by the Honourable Bernard Valcourt Regarding the Transfer of Responsibility for Emergency Management Services for Manitoba Flood Evacuees
Press Conference to Announce a New Approach to Emergency Management: Notes for an address by the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Important Progress Made in Effort to Return Lake St. Martin First Nation Flood Evacuees Home
Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba to Ensure Flood Evacuees Continue to Receive Accommodations
Associated Links
Biographical Note: Sid P. Dutchak, QC
Fact Sheet: 2011 Manitoba Flood Evacuees Update
Frequently Asked Questions: Information for 2011 Manitoba Flood Evacuees
SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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