Thursday, June 1, 1995
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Thursday, June 1, 1995
The House met at 1:30 p.m.
PRAYERS
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS
Forest Fires--Northern Manitoba
Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): Madam Speaker, I have a statement for the House.
Yesterday, in this House, I indicated to all members that the forest fire situation in northern Manitoba was very volatile. That situation has not changed. With the very hot weather over the past few days and very dry conditions in northern Manitoba, the forest fire situation has become more serious.
The past three days, there have been approximately 60 forest fire starts in northern Manitoba. The majority of these fires have been caused by lightning. A high percentage of these fires are under control due to the work of 250 to 300 people. These firefighters are working very hard to suppress these fires, and I want to thank all of them for their commitment and dedication.
Manitoba is receiving assistance from the provinces of Quebec and Newfoundland. There are two water bombers from Quebec stationed in Thompson prepared to help fight fires in northern Manitoba. There are also two water bombers from Newfoundland stationed in Gimli prepared to fight fires in eastern Manitoba. The water bombers are in Manitoba as part of a mutual aid resource-sharing agreement.
On behalf of Manitobans, I want to thank the provinces of Quebec and Newfoundland for this much-needed assistance.
At present, we have five Manitoba water bombers, approximately 20 helicopters and 20 airplanes and various other heavy equipment and machinery helping to fight the fires. As you know, the northern parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan are also facing very difficult situations and have even larger fires than we do. The fire situation has basically moved from the west to the east with the hot temperatures.
One of the more critical fires in our province is at Cranberry Portage where we have a crew of 50 firefighters and three water bombers. I am pleased to report that the fires in this area are being held and it appears at this time that we will prevail. As well, PTH No. 6 south of Ponton was closed yesterday with three or four fires near the highway. At last report, the highway was open. However, smoke in the area is still of concern.
Forest firefighting forces will do whatever they can to keep the fire hazard situation in our province under control. Of course, it is impossible to control the weather. However, we have experienced these situations many times before. We will be taking the necessary measures to ensure that people in communities are as safe as possible and hopefully keep damage to property and forest to a minimum.
At this time, there are no travel restrictions in the province. However, the department will be assessing the situation on a daily basis. I am encouraging everyone to be extremely careful in their travels in the wooded areas throughout the province.
Madam Speaker, I want to again thank the provinces of Newfoundland and Quebec for their support.
I also want to thank all of the hard-working firefighters. I look forward to continued assistance and support from everyone involved in the situation.
I will be keeping Manitobans informed on the seriousness of our forest fire hazard as situations develop. Thank you.
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Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister of Natural Resources for making the statement today and keeping us apprised of the situation in northern Manitoba.
I agree that it is a very serious situation, one that is going to require the attention of the minister and his department. I will fully co-operate with the minister in serious attempts to battle a serious situation.
I want to make sure, though, that we pay tribute to the staff of Natural Resources and the community volunteers in such places as Snow Lake and Cranberry Portage.
I want to stress, as well, that the department and the minister work in co-operation with the First Nations in the area that will be affected by the fire. I do not want to see a repeat of what went on last year at Tadoule Lake.
I also want to caution the minister on the resources from out of the province. I hope there is a commitment from the department on using local personnel who are trained in firefighting, as the province has those people available to us.
I want to repeat that I appreciate being kept up to date by the minister on this issue, and I will be willing and able to listen to all the updates that he gives me. Thank you very much.
TABLING OF REPORTS
Hon. Jim Ernst (Minister responsible for Sport): Madam Speaker, I would like to table the Supplementary Estimates for the Fitness and Sport Directorates.
Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, I am tabling Supplementary Information for Legislative Review respecting the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
Introduction of Guests
Madam Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, I would like to draw the attention of all members to the public gallery, where we have seated this afternoon twenty-five Grades 7 and 9 students from Inglis School under the direction of Mr. Clarence Lazariuk. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable Minister of Rural Development (Mr. Derkach).
Also in the public gallery this afternoon, we have thirteen Grade 9 students from The King's School under the direction of Mrs. Angela Schaefer. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Radisson (Ms. Cerilli).
On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you this afternoon.
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