Minister Toews comments on the deployment of Canadian forces to assist areas of manitoba threatened by severe flooding

May 08, 2011

Ottawa, May 8, 2011 – The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Regional Minister for Manitoba today made the following comments on the imminent assistance of Canadian Forces military personnel and equipment in dealing with rising floodwaters.

“In response to a formal request from the Province of Manitoba for assistance, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced that our Government is deploying Canadian Forces personnel to areas of western Manitoba currently threatened by severe flooding,” said Toews. “Our Government stands ready to help Manitobans during this challenging time.”

The Canadian Forces will work closely with their federal partners and the Province of Manitoba to determine what assets support will best assist the affected population.

“Manitobans are no strangers to spring flooding and have demonstrated a great deal of resilience over the last number of weeks,” said Toews. “Families, friends and entire communities have banded together as the water has continued to rise throughout the province. The deployment of the men and women of the Canadian Forces will ensure that everything possible is done to help those in need as a result of the flooding.”