N.B. announces more details on Disaster Financial Assistance program following Fiona
The New Brunswick government announced more details on its Disaster Financial Assistance program for residents in need of help following post-tropical storm Fiona.
The program, which was announced on Sunday, was designed to provide assistance for eligible damages and losses that "threaten the health and safety of individuals and communities."
“There is a lot of work to be done in the coming weeks and months to recover. We expect hurricane Fiona’s damage total will exceed the $35 million paid out for hurricane Dorian in 2019,” said Public Safety Minister Bill Hogan in a news release Thursday. “We are committed to making sure disaster financial assistance helps our friends and neighbours get back on their feet as fast as possible.”
RECOVERY PROCESS
The province says the first step New Brunswickers must take is reporting any damage to the government as soon as possible. Residents affected by property damage related to Fiona on Sept. 23 or Sept. 24 can report it by calling 1-888-298-8555 or by registering online.
The Service New Brunswick TeleServices line is available to receive calls between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
"The Damage Report Line program allows residents, tenants, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to receive information and register their hurricane-related damage with a single phone call," read the news release.
"Damage assessments will be reviewed, and health and safety inspection teams will be dispatched if required."
As of Wednesday, the province says it has received 164 damage reports in areas from the Nova Scotia border, along the Northumberland Strait to the Acadian Peninsula, including inland areas.
Health and safety teams are already in the field inspecting homes and businesses. The province says these inspections are free but a damage report must be filed first.
There are 112 requests for inspectors, 13 of which were completed on the first day of operations.
New Brunswickers are reminded to:
- Contact their insurance companies immediately to report damage.
- Take photos of damage to their homes or properties.
- Keep receipts of any repairs and replacement purchases.
- Log the number of hours of work undertaken for residents who are cleaning their own properties, or family members or those who have assisted in the cleanup of their property.
Satellite offices will be set up in affected areas in the coming days for people who want help in person with the application process.
The deadline for homeowners, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to submit an application is Jan. 31, 2023. Anyone with questions can call 1-888-553-8558.
In case of issues with the insurer, the province says residents may call the Office of the Consumer Advocate for Insurance at 1-888-283-5111.
DISASTER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
New Brunswick says residents, small business owners – including those in agriculture and aquaculture – and not-for-profit organizations are eligible for the Disaster Financial Assistance program.
Eligible claim limits include:
- maximum claim limits by individuals for structural damages will be $200,000
- maximum claim limits for small businesses and eligible not-for-profit organizations will be $500,000
- maximum monthly housing rental costs will be $1,500
- advance payments for eligible claimants will be up to $20,000
The province says advance limits are issued when individuals could get back in to their homes more quickly with early financial support after initial damage assessments.
The province reminds residents that the Disaster Financial Assistance program does not pay for any damage or loss that is covered by an insurance policy.
"Claimants must contact their insurance provider first to determine if coverage will be provided. If affordable coverage was available and not purchased, the Disaster Financial Assistance claim cannot be approved," wrote the province in the news release.
The program will assist with covering the costs of basic-needs items, like basic repairs to structural damage to a family home or small business.
It will also cover costs for essential items such as:
- appliances that could not be removed from flood danger (for instance, a refrigerator, stove, washer or dryer)
- clean up (labour to remove damaged materials and contents from basement)
- removing trees and objects that pose a safety threat
- driveway repairs
- retaining wall repairs
The news release says the program does not cover items such as:
- seasonal residences – like cottages or camps – or recreational equipment such as boats, all-terrain vehicles or travel trailers
- outbuildings, such as sheds, barns and detached garages
- decks
- erosion or landscaping
- luxury items, such as jewellery
Eligible not-for-profits and small businesses – including farms and others in agriculture and aquaculture – can also receive disaster financial assistance for damage to buildings, inventory and furnishings.
Salaries, lost profits and insurable loss are not covered.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.