N.B. government announces Disaster Financial Assistance program after Fiona
Residents and businesses in New Brunswick impacted by post-tropical storm Fiona over the weekend can apply for aid through a provincial Disaster Financial Assistance program.
The program, announced by the provincial government on Sunday, seeks to help individuals, small businesses, not-for-profit organizations and municipalities that suffered property damage as a result of the storm.
Parts of New Brunswick reported significant damage from the storm, caused by wind gusts in excess of 100 kilometres per hour, as well as storm surge along the eastern coast that caused damage to homes, roads and bridges.
The Disaster Financial Assistance program was developed to help pay for eligible damage and losses that, according to the provincial government, “threaten the health and safety of individuals, municipalities and small businesses.”
The release stipulates that the program is “not a replacement for insurance,” and will only help with the basic costs of essential items. Camps, cottages, boats, automobiles and trailers are not eligible for disaster financial relief. Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance provider for details about their coverage.
“We are prepared to help impacted New Brunswickers get back on their feet,” said Public Safety Minister Bill Hogan in the release. “I thank emergency responders, NB Power crews, New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization staff, and all those who have worked tirelessly over the past several days to restore services to New Brunswickers.”
As of 9:30 p.m. Sunday, nearly 10,000 NB Power customers remained in the dark.
According to the release, at the peak of the storm, there were about 17 bridges and roads closed. By 5 p.m. Sunday, that number dropped to just three roads remaining closed.
“Recovering from a storm like this will not be quick, but patience and thoughtfulness will go a long way to making it easier,” said Lisa Munn, acting director of the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, in the release. “The situation will improve if we all do our part to make it happen: stay out of the way of emergency responders and recovery workers, check on your neighbours and lend a hand where you can.”
Eligible recipients of the Disaster Financial Assistance program are asked to report damage by calling 1-888-298-8555 between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, or by registering online.
Residents are reminded to contact their insurance companies immediately to report data, as well as photograph any damage to their homes or properties. They’re also asked to keep receipts of any repairs and replacement purchases and log the number of hours of work undertaken for residents cleaning their properties or those who have assisted in the cleanup.
Once registered, recipients will have a Disaster Financial Assistance package mailed to them. Application packages are available online but require residents to register.
The deadline to apply is Jan. 31, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.