QUEEN’S PARK – LEADERS LEDGER – New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath has released a letter she has written to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty:
Over the last week the people of Thunder Bay have seen the worst of nature and the best of their neighbours. This community has heart, and the people are tough as nails, but they need a helping hand right away from all levels of government.
I promised Mayor Keith Hobbs that New Democrats would do everything in our power to assist in the crisis. On Wednesday Thunder Bay City Council declared the city a Disaster Area. So I urge you to respond as quickly as possible with the needed support from the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program.
New Democrats are fully prepared to cooperate with the minority Liberal government so that that the necessary financial and material aid can begin to flow to the people of this stricken city as quickly as possible.
The record rainfall that overwhelmed the Atlantic Street Secondary Sewage Plant has caused extensive flooding damage to personal property and public infrastructure in Thunder Bay.
Workers at the sewage plant have made heroic efforts to bring auxiliary pumping capacity online. Neighbours are feeding neighbours. Community groups and business associations are pitching in. The Salvation Army and the Red Cross are providing on the ground support. City officials, police, firefighters, paramedics medical personnel and utility crews have done an extraordinary job keeping people safe during this ordeal.
Now it’s up to government to do its part. Please act quickly and decisively for the sake of the people of Thunder Bay.
Andrea Horwath
Leader, New Democratic Party