Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Brandon-Souris for his question. I understand his concern for our fellow Manitobans.
By all measures the flood waters that now threaten Manitobans are cause for great concern. While we cannot fully overcome the full force of Mother Nature, the local municipalities, the Government of Manitoba and the Government of Canada will endeavour to do everything within their powers to minimize the personal, social and economic dislocation that so often follow natural disasters of this magnitude.
Already the federal government, working with Manitoba's emergency measures organization, has in place a number of initiatives aimed at helping Manitobans prepare for the impending floods. As of today more than 300 Canadian forces members are actively participating in sandbagging operations in southern Manitoba. An additional 1,400 CF members have been committed and are moving into the area. Many more CF members are on standby and ready to deploy at a moment's notice.
A number of reservists from the Manitoba area are among those on standby, a wonderful example of how local support for the militia is often returned in kind to the community.
By Friday April 25, air command will have 10 helicopters in Winnipeg. Zodiac boats, heavy equipment and more personnel are being moved to the area as we speak. Resources such as these will prove to be vital in flood support operations such as evacuations and emergency situations.
At the request of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Manitoba's Liberal MPs, yesterday afternoon the Minister of National Defence toured by helicopter the area south of Winnipeg affected by flooding. The minister wanted to review the situation personally and ensure that all that can be done is being done to assist the Manitoba government and those people affected by this natural disaster.
The Canadian forces however represent but one dimension of the federal government's response to this potential disaster.
Human Resources Development Canada is arranging for expedited movement of pension and other such cheques.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is in close communication with First Nations communities, including Dauphin River, that could be isolated by flood waters.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has compiled an inventory of emergency housing if evacuees need to be relocated.
Revenue Canada Customs has arranged to provide 24-hour service at other entry sites to expedite commercial truck traffic detoured from its usual port of entry.
The Canadian Wheat Board has been moving grain out of threatened areas with the assistance of the railways.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans-Canadian Coast Guard in Manitoba has its fleet of small boats and equipment ready for use by municipalities if required. The coast guard has mobilized several large barges ready to transport livestock and other property if evacuation is necessary. Some cattle already have been evacuated in the St. Pierre-Joly area.
The Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration has five fields ready for use as an emergency feedlot. Preparations are also being made to deal with an influx of animal carcasses in areas where evacuation of livestock may not have been completed.
No one can fully mitigate the devastating effects caused by flooding. If our worst fears are met, challenging times surely will come in the wake of rising flood waters.
While it is the human spirit which will ultimately ensure that the vitality of communities facing flood waters will remain intact, I can assure the citizens of Manitoba that the Government of Canada will do its part. Everyone from the Prime Minister on down is on alert and everything possible will be done to help my fellow Manitobans.
Finally, Manitoba is not facing its first nor likely its last natural disaster. The treatment of Manitobans by the Government of Canada however will be second to none.