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 Honda to get up to $5B in govt help for EV battery, assembly plants
Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant, which it is retooling to produce fully electric vehicles, all part of a $15-billion project that is expected to include up to $5 billion in public money.
BREAKING New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial
New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
Residents of northern Alberta First Nation told to shelter in place
Residents of John D'Or Prairie, a community on the Little Red River Cree Nation in northern Alberta, were told to take shelter Thursday morning during a police operation.
Secret $70M Lotto Max winners break their silence
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Metro Vancouver mayors call for serial killer Robert Pickton to be denied parole
A dozen mayors from around Metro Vancouver say federal Attorney General and Justice Minister Arif Virani should deny parole for notorious B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, and reassess the parole and sentencing system for 'prolific offenders and mass murderers.'