Kinew visits flooded Manitoba communities, promises additional help

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew visited flood-stricken communities in the western part of the province, promising comprehensive government assistance for recovery efforts. Heavy rains over the weekend caused widespread flooding, power outages, and significant damage, particularly in the Swan Valley area, including Swan Valley West and Swan River.

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Then, hopefully, Manitoba homeowners in this region and businesses will be able to get the help that they need. But, if not, then that’s where we step in with the additional level of help.

Kinew announced that the province, in conjunction with municipalities, will activate the disaster financial assistance program. He assured residents that if this initial aid is insufficient, the provincial government will provide further support. "But, if not, then that’s where we step in with the additional level of help," Kinew told reporters.

Communities like Swan River have mobilized volunteers for sandbagging, while towns such as Minitonas, Virden, and Russell also experienced storm impacts, leaving hundreds without power. Both Minitonas and Swan River declared states of local emergency. Kinew acknowledged the emotional toll on residents, noting their stress and exhaustion but also highlighting the strong community spirit.

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There’s a lot of emotion. People are stressed out, some tears, people have been up for, in some cases I’m sure feels like days at this point. But there’s a lot of community spirit, people are feeding their fellow neighbours, people are cleaning out houses in the neighbourhood.

"There’s a lot of emotion. People are stressed out, some tears, people have been up for, in some cases I’m sure feels like days at this point. But there’s a lot of community spirit, people are feeding their fellow neighbours, people are cleaning out houses in the neighbourhood," Kinew said. He described the damage as "extraordinary" and emphasized the need to mobilize provincial resources.

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Based on what we’re seeing with Minitonas, we’re also going to step forward with a provincial program called ESS, Emergency Social Services. There’s just that need to help people out with immediate… food, folks who can’t make it into work, things like that.

In addition to federal disaster assistance, the province will implement a new program called Emergency Social Services (ESS) to help with immediate needs like food and support for those unable to work. "In a disaster like this, money is never an issue. Whatever resource is necessary will be provided to help people out," Kinew stated, underscoring the government's commitment to aiding affected residents.

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In a disaster like this, money is never an issue. Whatever resource is necessary will be provided to help people out.