'We are optimistic': Power restored to 51 per cent of Islanders, P.E.I. announces additional financial relief
Over 50 per cent, about 42,000, of Prince Edward Island residents and businesses have had power restored as of Thursday.
The per cent of Islanders with power by region is as follows:
- 70 per cent of the west
- 55 per cent in Charlottetown
- 35 per cent in the central area
- 30 per cent on the east side of the island
Maritime Electric says, although exceptional progress is being highlighted across the province, the utility wants to remind islanders that just because one house has power, does not mean others in the area will.
"They have power, but that does not mean every customer in your community has power," said Kim Griffin, sustainability and corporate communication manager with Maritime Electric.
As of Thursday, some assessments are still being done, which is why officials say they are still unable to provide concise estimated restoration times for all islanders.
"I don’t feel comfortable giving a blanket estimation time," said Griffin.
The Canadian Armed Forces and the province’s forestry department have been assisting 137 power crews on the ground Thursday. Additional crews will be on the road Friday.
Over 197 crews will be on the island in the coming days while recovery efforts continue.
"We are optimistic about restoration efforts going forward," said Griffin. "I'm hearing very positive sentiment from our crews."
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Premier Dennis King announced Thursday further financial assistance will be available to Islanders over the coming days.
While social assistance programs are open for applications, additional relief for residents without insurance and seasonal employees will be released Friday, according to the premier.
"It's an overwhelming task at the best of times to be everything to everybody, but that's even more difficult in the time of crisis, but I do want to tell islanders that we are doing everything we can for as many as we can and as fast as possible and we do it knowing it is a very imperfect process," said King.
The province says further information will be released Friday in regards to programs for residents who are without insurance.
As for seasonal employees who may be out of work earlier than anticipated, funding is being established to aid in the hiring process.
"It's a program that will help island businesses, that will help hire more people quickly, government will be there in a significant way to make sure that can happen," King added.
All loan payments will also be deferred by one month for clients of Finance PEI, Island Investments Inc., and PEI Century Fund due to the impacts of Fiona.
"We know many businesses remain closed or are operating at a reduced capacity due to damages or a loss of power. We hope this deferral helps reduce some financial stress during these challenging times," said Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Bloyce Thompson, in a news release Thursday.
During Thursday’s press conference, King said more than 800 additional insurance adjusters are on Prince Edward Island to process as many claims for residents as quickly as possible.
The province has also expanded its funding criteria for those who lost ships to also include self-employed islanders, and those in the 'gig economy.'
"In the days ahead we will continue to try to figure out who needs help the most and try to get our programs tailored to get out to islanders as quickly as possible," said King.
Those who are in immediate need are asked to call 211 or contact the Canadian Red Cross. The province is now in a cell partnership with the Red Cross therefore, all communities are able to call 1-800-863-6528 to register and be directed to have needs met based on assessments.
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.