Financial relief on the way for Nova Scotians affected by Fiona
Nova Scotians in need of financial aid following post-tropical storm Fiona can now apply for assistance from the provincial government.
The financial assistance includes $100 for the cost of spoiled food, provided an applicant's household lost power for a minimum of 48 hours during the storm. That's in addition to up to $250 for every person who has to pay to remove fallen trees from their property, and $1,000 per household for those who were either ordered out of their homes or who cannot return to their homes.
As well, an additional $250 has been added to the Seniors Care Grant to assist with the cost of storm repairs. According to the provincial government, those who have already received their Seniors Care Grant will also get the additional $250 automatically.
Participants of the Disability Support Program will also see a $150 top-up in support, in addition to being eligible for other types of financial aid.
"We're making it as easy as possible for Nova Scotians to find supports and get the help they need during this challenging time," said Premier Tim Houston in a release Friday. "Their government is here for them, and we will continue doing everything we can to help."
The Disaster Financial Assistance Program covers up to $200,000 in uninsurable losses for each eligible household, small business, or non-profit. The application period began on Monday and is now available online.
Prospective applicants who remain without power can visit their MLA's office, an Access Nova Scotia centre, or their local library for assistance in applying. According to the provincial government, paper applications will soon become available at MLA offices.
People with questions about the Disaster Financial Assistance Program are encouraged to call 1-888-428-2256.
The provincial government says since recovery efforts began, they have announced more than $40 million in assistance to help Nova Scotians and organizations in the wake of the storm.
Residents, business owners and non-profits can apply for financial support online.
Additionally, Houston announced Friday the launch of a Small Business Hurricane Relief Program that will provide a one-time $2,500 grant to small business owners who faced unanticipated business closures during Fiona.
"As small businesses work to recover in the aftermath of hurricane Fiona, we know this help can't come soon enough," said Houston. "We will continue to work with the business community to understand the ongoing impacts on their operations, and we will be there to support them."
To be eligible for the program, businesses are required to have ceased operations due to the storm for at least five days between Sept. 23 and Oct. 7. The province anticipates the program will cost up to $10 million.
"Hurricane Fiona has had an astounding impact on the lives of Nova Scotians and our small businesses," said Minister of Economic Development Susan Corkum-Green in the release. "Our team is working hard to help affected businesses recover as they face yet another challenge."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday
Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Storm-battered U.S. South is again under threat. A boy swept into a drain fights for his life
Dangerous storms crashed over parts of the U.S. South on Thursday even as the region cleaned up from earlier severe weather that spawned tornadoes, killed at least three people, and gravely injured a boy who was swept into a storm drain as he played in a flooded street.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.