For communities hit by severe flooding this summer, the work of recovery is continuing long after the waters have receded. Now, the federal government is adding its support by matching eligible donations to Canadian Red Cross flood appeals in Manitoba and Ottawa.
The Government of Canada announced it will match donations from individual Canadians and corporations to the Canadian Red Cross’ 2026 flood appeal for Manitoba, providing additional assistance as communities in the province’s Parkland Region rebuild from extensive flooding.
The summer floods prompted numerous local states of emergency and evacuations while damaging homes, farms, businesses, public buildings, healthcare facilities and infrastructure across the region.
“As flooding continues to become more frequent and severe, Canadians can rest assured that the federal government is here to assist when help is needed most. In July we worked to support the Manitoba-led response in the Parkland Region and this funding is another way the federal government can support the ongoing road to recovery here in Manitoba as communities and people across the province get back on their feet after the difficult days earlier this summer,” said the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.
The matching initiative builds on response and recovery measures already undertaken following the flooding. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor said cooperation between governments will continue as affected residents and communities recover.
“In the aftermath of the unprecedented flooding our government worked to ensure that Manitobans had the support they needed through the Disaster Financial Assistance and Manitoba Flood Relief Programs. We announced that we would be matching Red Cross donations and we are pleased to have our federal counterparts matching donations as well. We will continue to work closely with the federal government to provide the necessary support to all Manitobans affected.”
For the Canadian Red Cross, the matching funds will help extend assistance beyond the immediate emergency response and into the longer process of rebuilding.
“The time required for people to recover from a flooding event is long after when the water recedes. For the individuals and families impacted, that is when the hard work begins. The Canadian Red Cross thanks everyone who donated to the Manitoba and Ottawa floods appeals, as well as the Government of Canada for matching donations. These matching funds will help people on their journey to recovery,” said Conrad Sauvé, President and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross.
Federal matching support will also extend to eligible donations from individuals and corporations made to the Canadian Red Cross following flooding in Ottawa in July 2026.
“The Canada Day floods in Ottawa had a devastating impact on communities and homes. Many lost more than can be replaced. But our community came forward and helped by giving donations to the Canadian Red Cross to help their neighbours. Today the Government of Canada is also there to help with matching donations. We will always be there to support the people of Ottawa,” said Anita Vandenbeld, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West— Nepean.
Together, the matching initiatives are intended to amplify donations already made by Canadians and corporations while providing additional support for people facing the long road from emergency response to recovery.
