Powlowski urging province to apply for federal flood funds

Staff

A Request for Federal Assistance would release additional funding and assistance for community

Marcus Powlowski, MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River is encouraging the Province to submit a Request for Federal Assistance (RFA). RFAs allow the Federal Government to lend additional support to a Province facing an emergency beyond its capacity to respond to. Without an RFA, the Federal Government cannot send in additional support, including the military.

“I believe the Province is offering as much help as it can to the people of Northwestern Ontario. However, from the people I have talked to and the damage I have seen, I think it is arguable that the province is facing an emergency beyond its capacity,” said Powlowski. “On this basis, I think a strong case can be made that the province should submit an RFA. I know that my Government is more than ready to assist if this RFA comes in.”

Powlowski was in the Fort Frances region this past weekend to see first-hand the devastation in the towns and First Nations caused by the recent flooding. In Fort Frances, MP Powlowski met with Mayor June Caul and Operations & Facilities Manager Travis Rob.

“My office has been receiving a number of calls from constituents in the region upset with what is happening to their homes and community,” he said. “I needed to drive down myself to talk with them and see the flooding first-hand.”

MP Powlowski assisted with sandbagging efforts and was amazed to see the affected communities come together, providing assistance where needed. At the same time, it was difficult to see so many of his constituents stressed and exhausted from protecting their properties night and day for the past several weeks.

He also visited flooding sites in Watten Township, Halkirk Township, Couchiching First Nation, and Seine River First Nation.

Powlowski has also been in contact with the Federal Government’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair, who has been regularly briefed on the situation and reassured Powlowski the Federal Government is willing to help if needed.