“Our thoughts continue to be with the residents of Wawa, the Michipicoten First Nation, and the surronding region as they go through this difficult time and work to rebuild.

The Province of Ontario is helping in a number of ways and progress is being made.

I spoke to Wawa Mayor Lynda Nowicki on Friday and Saturday to express my concern, offer the support of the provincial government, and update the mayor on provincial participation.

The Commissioner of Community Safety was arriving in the community today to meet with local officials. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing staff have been in contact with Wawa officials and are helping with their application for the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program. The program is designed to help municipalities, individuals, farmers, small businesses, and non-profit organizations rebuild after a natural disaster.

Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) is coordinating the provincial response to the flooding in the Wawa area. We have had an EMO field officer in the community since Friday to support local officials.

The Ministry of Transportation is providing reconstruction support on multiple sites along Hwy 17 and 101. Hwy 17 South re-opened yesterday and work will continue on Hwy 17 West and other affected roadways.

Saturday, there was a precautionary evacuation of 18 vulnerable residents from Michipicoten First Nation to Wawa; this was supported by a helicopter from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The province will continue to help the people of Wawa, the Michipicoten First Nation, and the surrounding communities in every way possible.”