First Nation leaders want compensation for 2011 flood from federal government – CP

Source: The Canadian Press

Aug 12, 2015

WINNIPEG _ First Nation leaders say they will attempt to block construction of outlet channels on Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin until the federal and provincial governments resolve outstanding issues arising from the 2011 flood in Interlake communities.

Derek Nepinak, grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, says First Nations were not consulted before the Selinger and Harper governments announced their $495 million water-diversion project late last month.

Nepinak says the federal Conservatives are trying to look like they’re saving the day with a well-funded infrastructure project for their supporters in Manitoba.

But he says Canadians should be aware that Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government has failed to adequately reimburse millions of dollars owed to First Nations communities because of the flood of 2011.

He and several other chiefs sat at a large table in front of the Manitoba legislature on Wednesday to plead for help for their communities as a thunderstorm threatened.

The event drew about 60 supporters.

(Winnipeg Free Press)

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