News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

---

PM visits flood affected region of Quebec

June 6, 2011
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today visited the Quebec region of Montérégie to see first hand the impact of the floods that have precipitated evacuations and impacted infrastructure and businesses in 22 municipalities.

Following his visit, the Prime Minister announced that the Government is also prepared to discuss a mitigation strategy that would apply to all provinces and territories to help enhance infrastructure to better withstand future floods. He also offered to evenly split with the province of Quebec the costs of permanent flood mitigation measures taken specifically for this year's flooding in Quebec, that are not otherwise eligible under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements.

"The people of Montérégie can rest assured that our Government is working closely with the province and affected communities to keep them safe and to help them rebuild their communities and lives," said the Prime Minister. "Our goal is to help them return to a normal life as quickly as possible."

The Prime Minister also thanked members of Canada's Armed Forces who have been actively engaged in the region since May 4th assisting in evacuations as well as preserving infrastructure, transportation routes and residential areas.

The Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements is the mechanism through which the Government provides financial assistance to provincial and territorial governments for response and recovery from natural disasters for eligible costs.

---

The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Manage my subscriptions | Unsubscribe]