Madam Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, I would like to share two letters and two resolutions that I have received from neighbouring provinces, with all members of the House.

Dear Madam Speaker. On Thursday, April 24, 1997, members of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly agreed to send a message to the people of Manitoba who have been experiencing the devastation caused by the flooding of the Red River. Enclosed is a copy of the resolution brought forward by Mrs. Lila O'Connor. Sincerely, the Honourable Wayne Gaudet, Speaker.

This is from the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.

WHEREAS people who live along the banks of the Red River in the province of Manitoba have to evacuate their homes because of flooding; and

WHEREAS in July 1996 several members of this House had the opportunity to attend the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in Winnipeg; and

WHEREAS while attending that conference the members of this House visited many of the areas that are presently being evacuated, meeting many of the fine people who live there;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that all members of this House extend to the people who live along the shores of the Red River their expression of concern and caring during a most difficult time.

The motion was unanimously carried.

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Additionally, I am in receipt of a letter from the Honourable Lloyd Snow, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador: On Thursday, May 1, 1997, the Newfoundland House of Assembly gave unanimous consent to a resolution acknowledging the difficulties presently encountered by the people of your province who live along the banks of the Red River. Through the resolution, members of the House of Assembly wish to convey to the people of Manitoba their concern for the challenges that your citizens are facing. We want them to know that our prayers and thoughts are with them. We trust that the efforts that have been made in the last few weeks to protect lives and property will be sufficient and that, as the flood reaches its crest, the dikes will hold.

This resolution was also passed unanimously.

This is to certify that the following resolution was approved and adopted by the honourable House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland on the 1st day of May, 1997:

WHEREAS the people of Manitoba who live in the Red River Valley are facing a monumental challenge brought on by natural causes; and

WHEREAS all Canadians share in the struggle of the people of Manitoba and of the Premier and government, the mayors and municipal councils, relief organizations, water control management authorities and all other emergency teams to minimize the life-threatening challenges and the property damages thrust upon them by the unusually high levels of the spring runoff in the flood ravaged areas of southern Manitoba;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador express our concern and, as members of the Canadian family, want them to know of our prayers, thoughts and best wishes as they struggle to control the harsh realities that nature has unleashed.