Last week NDP candidate for Kenora-Rainy River JoAnne Formanek Gustafson issued the following statement calling out her opponent, the incumbent candidate, Conservative Greg Rickford for inaction over the recent wave of flooding across the riding.
“The flooding in communities here in Kenora-Rainy River and across the Northwest is getting worse and needs all provincial resources available now.
“Greg Rickford should be calling for provincial help to protect families and communities from further damage due to flooding yet he is nowhere to be seen. People’s homes and communities are at stake. They are being evacuated. Communities have declared emergencies. They are doing everything they can on their own to protect their homes. “They need provincial help now.
“The people of Couchiching are fending for themselves with help from local people to sandbag the shoreline and protect their community. Where is Mr. Rickford?”
When asked about the statement from Ms. Formanek Gustafson, Rickford issued a statement in response.
“I know that extraordinary weather conditions have created challenges for many families and businesses in the Northwest. Ministry officials are actively working on the flooding situation in partnership with municipalities and local services boards in unorganized territories,” Rickford said. “Municipalities and ministry officials will continue this important work to respond directly to the needs of those who have been impacted.”
While on the campaign trail Rickford no longer serves in his former role as Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry Minister of Indigenous Affairs. Rickford’s campaign advised that if anyone needs further assistance or information that they contact their local district Ministry of Natural Resources office. The number for the office in Fort Frances is 807-274-5337 and in Kenora 807-468-2501. Contact for other offices can be found at ontario.ca/mnroffices.
