2ND RESPONSE FROM THE PREMIER

Dear Ms Smith:

On behalf of Premier Greg Selinger, thank you for
taking the time to share your experience and concerns regarding this year’s
unprecedented flood. This is a difficult and stressful time for many Manitobans
and Premier Selinger appreciates you taking the time to contact his
office.

On May 24, Premier Selinger announced the 2011 Flood Building
and Recovery Action Plan, a three-part strategy to build for the future,
strengthen communities, and help families and producers deal with the serious
impacts of flooding. For more information, please contact Manitoba Agricultural
Services Corp (MASC) at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding or floodrecovery@masc.mb.ca or phone
1-855-220-1822 (toll-free).

The Flood 2011 Building and Recovery Action
Plan includes a special Lake Manitoba Financial Assistance Programs to provide
recovery support for families and producers in your area. Program details are
available at the web address above and any questions about the program can be
raised through the toll-free number.

On July 4, Premier Selinger
announced enhancements to the Action Plan for primary residents along Lake
Manitoba. These enhancements include increasing the maximum amount of financial
assistance available to home owners to $270,000, or $300,000 if permanent flood
protection is undertaken. A 2011 Individual Flood Proofing Initiative has also
been launched, offering up to $86,000 in financial assistance toward projects to
permanently flood proof homes.

Also, for those who are eligible, the
Individual Flood Proofing Initiative will be available for non-primary
residences, where up to $34,400 will be provided to permanently flood protect
cottages.

For Manitobans who have had property damaged by the 2011
flood, the province will cover municipal and school taxes for families for the
period of time from when their property was damaged through to the end of the
year. Municipalities have been asked to identify the flood-affected properties
that will qualify for this tax relief.

Please also note that there is
extensive information available on our website related to the 2011 flood,
including lake and river forecast information, new investments in flood
mitigation works and flood-proofing, and resources for flood recovery and
support. Please visit www.gov.mb.ca/flooding for more
information and check back often for updates.

Thank you,

Joel
Carleton
Flood Intake Coordinator

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