Blake Pedersen, MLA

Medicine Hat

August 14, 2013 Honourable Doug Griffiths Minister of Municipal Affairs 104 Legislature Building 10800 97 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6 Dear Minister Griffiths: I am writing this letter on behalf of my constituents in Medicine Hat. As we are in the process of recovering from the recent flooding, a number of serious concerns have become apparent. Of immediate concern are individuals whose property was damaged in the flood, but who find themselves neither qualifying for assistance through the Disaster Recovery Program or through home insurance. There are a number of residents who have been denied insurance coverage because it was determined by their adjustors that the damage resulted from overland flooding, rather than sewage backup. Unfortunately, these homes are also not located in the area eligible for Disaster Recovery Program assistance, meaning there are numerous homes that have had no restoration work completed whatsoever. Some homeowners are being covered for partial insurance coverage and will also require some DRP funding to make their homes whole, but there has not yet been any type of smooth interaction between insurance and DRP coverage to allow this to happen. I strongly believe that something must be done to help 2013 flood victims receive compensation in a timely manner. I am asking that the Alberta government strongly consider providing immediate assistance through the Disaster Recovery Program, with the ability to collect this assistance back after a final determination has been completed on whether or not the damage will be covered by the insurance companies. Approving this type of assistance would help remove the risk of individuals falling through the cracks, while still demonstrating fairness and fiscal responsibility. Although this group of individuals might be in a unique situation, they are not alone in facing difficulties in proceeding with the recovery and restoration of their property. Recent reports claim

LEGISLATURE OFFICE | 501 Legislature Annex | 9718 107 Street | Edmonton, Alberta | T5K 1E4 CONSTITUENCY OFFICE | 537 4 Street SE | Medicine Hat, Alberta | T1A 0K7

that there are still approximately 130 homes that remain red flagged, with owners being unable to restore their property. While the City of Medicine Hat has been assisting residents with their questions and concerns, council members have recently stated they have reached the limits of their ability to provide assistance and would like to see more provincial front line staff present in the community. I share these concerns, and would like to see a dedicated resource present in the community to help answer these questions and resolve concerns. I understand the widespread flooding has created added workload and pressure on staff that could fill this role, but seeing that kind of resource available will be essential for a full and timely recovery in Medicine Hat. Based upon the less than satisfactory handling of the flood of 2010 in the Cypress-Medicine Hat constituency, the people of Medicine Hat affected by the flood are looking for clear communication, firm answers, and timely action. The provincial government has done little to help the City of Medicine Hat mitigate flooding since the 1995 flood, despite a government caucus member and minister representing the city. An opportunity to take action based upon the recommendation of the 2006 Groeneveld Provincial Flood Mitigation Report was lost due to it not being released until 2012. The yet to be released flood report of 2010 lingers somewhere in the backrooms of the government bureaucracy. Due to these shortcomings in the governments flood response, the Wildrose Official Opposition has called for a judge led inquiry. To date, you and your fellow members of government have dismissed this call, yet maybe this is what it will take to have the government act when it counts. I urge you to reconsider. Thank you for listening to the concerns of my constituents, and once again I would like to offer myself and my office to help in any way that is needed. Feel free to contact me at any time with and I will do everything I can to assist you. Best Regards,

Blake Pedersen, MLA

LEGISLATURE OFFICE | 501 Legislature Annex | 9718 107 Street | Edmonton, Alberta | T5K 1E4 CONSTITUENCY OFFICE | 537 4 Street SE | Medicine Hat, Alberta | T1A 0K7