Ottawa gives nearly $67M to Nova Scotia for 2023 wildfires, floods

The federal government is giving Nova Scotia nearly $67 million through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements to help with recovery costs related to the 2023 wildfires and flooding, along with storm Dorian in 2019.

“In the last few years, we’ve seen the effects of climate change increase the frequency of disasters like wildfires and severe flooding,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, minister of Emergency Preparedness, in a news release. “Our government is working very closely and collaboratively with the province to support Nova Scotians. This funding will help support Nova Scotia with their recovery and rebuilding efforts, as we work together to adapt to the impacts of climate change.”

The 2023 flood brought the equivalent of three months’ worth of rainfall to the province over several days. The federal government is spending $50,116,209 for recovery efforts.

Last year Nova Scotia saw roughly 220 wildfires that burned approximately 25,000 hectares of land. Ottawa will provide $15,990,330 for this event.

Post-tropical storm Dorian brought maximum winds of 145 km/h and heavy rain up to 130 mm to the province in September 2019. The federal government will spend $707,160 for recovery efforts.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.