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CALGARY – Alberta is handing out pre-loaded debit cards to displaced people and pledging $1-billion in reconstruction cash to affected communities after the worst flooding in the province’s history.

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The president of the Calgary Stampede says the world-famous event will go ahead next week — quote — “come hell or high water.”

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Bob Thompson says crews have been pumping millions of litres of water from the rodeo grounds, which were swamped last week by extensive flooding that hit much of southern Alberta.

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Premier Alison Redford said Monday the commitments mean the province won’t balance its budget as originally planned. The province will offer pre-loaded debit cards — $1,250 per adult and $500 per child — to help flood-affected households manage immediate costs. Eligibility criteria for the scheme and distribution plans are still being finalized, the province said, though it hopes to have the cards in place by mid-week.