1,903 Manitobans still displaced from homes, 3 years on
Cost of supporting evacuees impacted by one of worst floods in Manitoba's history nearing $100M
More than 1,900Manitobans are still out of their homes three years after one of the worst floods in the province's history, and the majority of them are from four First Nations.
The cost of supporting evacuees has risen to nearly $100 million; some of them have raised concerns about where all the money has gone.
The federal and provincial governments are working to get displaced residents home.
Manitoba's emergency measures minister,Steve Ashton, said an adequate long-term solution takes time.
It's far better to invest in flood mitigation and making sure people have homes and live-in communities that are flood-protected, said Ashton.
In the meantime,there havebeen investigations into inaccurate evacuee lists and financial mismanagement.
This week, it was revealed thatone First Nation had sold condemned, flood-damaged buildings despite the fact that Ottawa has already paid half of a nearly $2-millioncontract to have the buildings demolished.
Evacuee Alex Marsden witnessedsome of the properties being moved.
Why were they removed if they were condemned? Why were they sold? and where did all that money go, said Marsden.
Ottawa confirmedit isinvestigating why condemned buildings have been sold andwhere themoney has gone.
None of the chiefs could be reached for comment.
Lingering flood effects of 2011
As of January 2014, the cost to support all long-term evacuations of First Nations residents affected by floods in 2011 was approximately $89 million.
As of March 25, the total evacuee count is 1,903:
Peguis First Nation (total 151)
- No. in private accommodations 151
- No. in hotels0
Pinaymootang First Nation (total 10)
- No. in private9
- No. in hotels 1
Lake St. Martin (total 1,104)
- No. in private 1,044
- No. in hotels 13
- No. with extended family 47
Ebb & Flow First Nation (total 51)
- No. in private 51
- No. in hotels0
Dauphin River First Nation (total 216)
- No. in private209
- No. in hotels1
- No. with extended family6
Little Saskatchewan First Nation (total 371)
- No. in private 353
- No. in hotels7
- No. with extended family 11
"The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a difficult situation for those First Nations individuals and families who remain evacuated from their homes following the 2011 floods," theAboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada stated in an emailto CBC News.
"Achieving a long-term accommodation solution for First Nations communities affected by the flooding is a priority of this government, and we continue to work in partnership with the Red Cross, affected First Nation communities, and our other emergency partners to ensure long-term recovery and support services are available."
SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
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