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
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
U.S. paused bomb shipment to Israel to signal concerns over Rafah invasion, official says
The U.S. paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over concerns that Israel was approaching a decision on launching a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah against the wishes of the U.S.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.