The following statement was issued today by Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Emergency response to Badger Flood

On February 15, the Town of Badger declared a State of Emergency, after water and ice quickly engulfed about one third of the town. Representatives of the Emergency Measures Organization and the Fire Commissioner�s Office immediately responded, and are continuing to work through each stage of the emergency.

Within hours, as minister responsible for both of these divisions, I traveled to Badger, along with the director of the Emergency Measures Organization, to join MHA Anna Thistle in assisting with the response efforts.

The commitment of government was immediately apparent, and was enhanced when Premier Grimes, who grew up in the central part of the province joined us in Badger. His attendance at Emergency Operations Centre meetings, and genuine concern expressed during visits with displaced residents, was a clear indication of this government�s support for the people of Badger.

Representatives from many provincial departments including Municipal and Provincial Affairs, Human Resources and Employment, Environment, Government Services and Lands, Works Services and Transportation, Health and Community Services, and many other supporting agencies and organizations, also quickly joined the town council and were diligent in both dealing with the danger at hand and the safety and comfort of the displaced residents.

The response effort of Badger�s firefighters and their chief, Harry Noel, was outstanding. How fortunate we were that on February 15 there was no loss of life. This team of vigilant volunteers, and others who were quick to come to the assistance of their community, neglected their own property so they could ensure the life safety of others.

In the weeks following, many firefighters from Badger and other nearby fire departments held a vigil at night as they watched for signs of danger in the river. An incredible example of community commitment and value for one�s neighbour.

Volunteer firefighters have a key role throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in protecting the lives and property of others. Their invaluable service should not be underestimated.

The support of volunteers was also evident in the temporary accommodations at the two Pentecostal churches in Grand Falls-Windsor, and the Carmelite House which was operated by the Salvation Army, and also the support of the Canadian Red Cross. In true Newfoundland and Labrador style, food, friendship and comfort was provided by many people, who were eager to help their neighbours in need. Indeed, there was a community, provincial and national response to this tragedy.

Under the leadership of Mayor Gerald Hurley and the town council, the community of Badger is beginning to put their lives and homes back together. But the town will not be picking up the pieces alone.

The province immediately recognized the importance of dealing with compensation for damage in an urgent manner, and committed to providing financial compensation to residents who had experienced property loss and the significant infrastructure damage. It is expected that official notification of federal participation will be received very soon.

The province committed in the early stages of the disaster, that once it was safe for residents to return to the town, the damage assessment teams including adjustors would be on the ground to begin assessments.

Indeed, they began the very day that part of the evacuation order was lifted. Also, the assessments office of the Emergency Measures Organization was also set up and functioning in Grand Falls-Windsor at that time. As claims are received they will be processed as expeditiously as possible so residents can begin to return their homes to normal.

Most residents whose homes received extensive or irreparable damage have been placed in longer term rental units, with others to be situated as soon as accommodations can be secured.

As many decisions must now be made, government is committed to working with the residents of Badger through the mayor and council to do what they feel is in their best interest.

While things are getting much better in Badger each day, there is a long road ahead. This government will be with them every step of the way.

2003 03 20                                        2:15 p.m.