Skeena-Bulkley M.P. Calling for Federal Assistance

By 250 News

The New Democrat M.P for Skeena –Bulkley Valley says the Federal Government has to come through with promised financial assistance now, before the flood situation eases.

Nathan Cullen says as the waters rise, so does the level of anxiety being experienced by area residents. “These people need to know now that there is going to be  support, they need to know there won’t be any gaps of 8 – 9 days before  there is any  federal promise  to help.  People need the assurance in order to reduce the anxiety.”

Cullen says the federal government also has to beef up the protection on northern rivers “We know there isn’t enough protection here and there is not sufficient protection in the lower mainland” He says  the Federal government has to put more money into infrastructure.

Cullen says the communities are starting to face shortages of supplies.   The rail line between Smithers and Prince Rupert is closed, the Highway   is closed east and west of Terrace.  “These communities are gong through a real isolation issue.   The Federal and provincial Governments need to speak to the communities to see how these transportation issues can be addressed.”

“We expect the government will have to respond to this, they claim to have come in on this message of ending western alienation so when real  issues come up like this, they need to respond.  They will answer, one way or another.”

A local state of emergency has been declared in Prince George, the City of Terrace, the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, and in Smithers. Evacuations have been ordered in all but  the City of Terrace.

The Fraser, Skeena and Bulkley rivers are all  flooding,  with the Bulkley at a record high level.

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