Last Friday, on April 12, in Timiskaming–Cochrane, and I believe many parts of Ontario as well, we had a massive rainstorm, but it was particularly intensive in our area.

Interestingly, before this rain event, we were worried about the lack of water in our area because we hardly had any snow. As a result of this rain event, we had the town of Kirkland Lake declare a state of emergency; Charlton and Dack, a state of emergency; Chamberlain township, a state of emergency; and Evanturel township. I’d like to recognize the first responders who did everything they could, and to the municipalities and their employees who did everything they could.

In Kirkland Lake, there were some people who had to be evacuated because the water came so fast and their basements flooded so fast that they didn’t have time to turn off the electricity. That’s an example of how our climate is changing. We’re not used to these big kinds of hurricane rain events where we come from. I’ve reached out to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, and we’re working together to see what can be done for these people, but it’s a warning that we have to be prepared.

Also, much of the infrastructure that was destroyed or damaged, quite frankly, should have been replaced years ago. That’s also a problem: that our infrastructure is aging and needs to be replaced at a quicker pace.

I said no.