Nova Scotia announces financial support for Fiona recovery
The Nova Scotia government is offering money to residents dealing with the effects of Hurricane Fiona.
During a news conference Monday, Premier Tim Houston announced several financial relief packages aimed at helping both residents and businesses.
“I fundamentally believe that the role of government is to be there for Nova Scotians when they need it the most,” said Houston during the news conference.
“I can’t not think of a more appropriate time for government intervention and to be there for Nova Scotians.”
These supports include:
- Disaster relief assistance funding. The premier says this program will cover certain uninsured losses up to $200,000. He says there will be no deductible for residents and small business owners. The program is now open and individuals can apply at NovaScotia.ca or at local MLA offices. Houston notes the amount an individual will receive depends on their insurance coverage and the extent of damages.
The province says the following one-time financial assistance will also be offered to eligible Nova Scotians:
- $100 for every household that lost power for at least 48 hours to cover the cost of spoiled food.
- $250 for every person that has to pay for tree or debris removal from their property.
- an additional $250 on top of the existing $750 seniors care grant to help with storm repairs. Houston says people who receive the senior care grant will automatically receive the additional money. Those who do not get the grant must apply.
- $150 to all current income assistance recipients, including Disability Support Program participants receiving income support
- $1,000 per household in emergency funding for people ordered out of their homes or who cannot return to their homes. Houston says this money will be distributed by the Red Cross and only those who register with the organization will be eligible.
Houston says funding will also be given to support community organizations that help people, including:
- A $2-million fund to assist community centres with the purchase and installation of generators
- $500,000 to Feed Nova Scotia and $150,000 in total for non-member food banks in Cape Breton and eastern Nova Scotia
- $100,000 to Salvation Army and Red Cross organizations in Cape Breton
- $100,000 in total to shelters in Cape Breton and eastern Nova Scotia to help with the extra demand
- $100,000 to establish a hotel fund, administered by Cape Breton Community Housing, to provide temporary accommodations for people in shelters who cannot go back into their homes
- $150,000 to distribute support to families in need through the SchoolsPlus program. According to the province, the support will come in the form of grocery store cards and access to food, where possible.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.