MPP Arnott disappointed with Provincial Government’s tornado response

In response to the Government’s announcement of insufficient funding for the Townships affected by the August 19th tornados, Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott has written to Municipal Affairs Minister John Gerretsen to ask that he reconsider the matter.

Mr. Arnott wrote the Minister in reply to the news that Centre Wellington Township will receive $182,500 and Mapleton Township will receive $152,600 from the Provincial Government in assistance, well below the Townships’ estimated recovery costs.

In his letter to the Minister, Mr. Arnott pointed out that the Government has been quick to react to Ontario disasters in the past, such as the July 15th, 2004 flood in Peterborough where the Government committed $5 million to the area only six days after the flood hit. In total, the Government announced approximately $22.5 million to assist the residents of Peterborough.

“It is clear from the rapid and charitable response to these flood victims that the Government is both willing and able to assist communities with emergency funding,” Mr. Arnott wrote in his letter. “Unfortunately you have not extended our area the same consideration.”

Mr. Arnott is prepared to continue to push for increased funding for the communities affected by the August tornados and, if necessary, will raise the issue again with the Minister when the House resumes next week.