PREMIER OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO PROVINCE OF MANITOBA

Released on May 1, 1997

Premier Roy Romanow said today he has sent a letter to Manitoba Premier

Gary Filmon offering whatever assistance may be required by that

province in dealing with the severe flooding situation.



"It is with deep concern that we watch the on-going flood situation in

Manitoba," Romanow said. "Let me take this opportunity to say our

thoughts and prayers are with the people in communities throughout

southern Manitoba who continue to battle rising flood waters."



Romanow said the Government of Saskatchewan, if called upon, would be

willing to offer assistance in a number of areas:



Saskatchewan Health, and Saskatchewan Health Districts, would be

prepared to offer whatever assistance is required in an

emergency situation;



SaskTel and SaskTel Pioneers would offer whatever network,

technical and other assistance is required to help maintain

service levels for customers of the Manitoba Telephone System;



Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management (SERM) would

offer conservation officers, water quality technicians and

hazardous materials personnel;



Department of Agriculture and Food could assist its colleagues in

Manitoba to locate livestock feed supplies;



Department of Municipal Government would offer emergency planning

consultants as well as duty officers for command posts.



Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation (SPMC) would offer

assistance to Manitoba Government departments, or agencies, as

well as private businesses to find temporary locations in

Saskatchewan;



Department of Social Services would provide emergency personnel to

help run evacuation centres as well as identify counselling

resources. If required, the department would also establish

evacuation centres in Saskatchewan; and,



Department of Highways and Transportation would provide civil

engineers for infrastructure needs.



"Saskatchewan will provide whatever assistance Manitoba requires in the

coming days and weeks," Romanow said. "Again, let me say the thoughts

of the people of Saskatchewan are with our neighbours in Manitoba

during this time of need."



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For more information, contact:



Wayne Marr Julianne Jack

Director of Emergency Planning Media Services

Municipal Government Executive Council

Regina Regina

Phone: (306) 787-9567 Phone: (306) 787-6349