Province Moving Quickly on Disaster Assistance Claims

EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATION--Province Moving Quickly on Disaster Assistance Claims

The province is moving quickly to ensure that those whose livelihoods were placed in jeopardy as a result of Hurricane Juan are receiving needed financial assistance.

Over the weekend, the first cheques were issued to fishers needing financial assistance. In all, 11 cheques totalling $108,825 have already been issued to fishers who suffered uninsurable damage to their wharves, bait and gear.

Since noon on Friday, Oct. 24, 15 more applications have been received from fishers for immediate assistance. These claims will be processed in the same expedient manner.

"Last Monday, when the expanded Disaster Financial Assistance program was announced, our government made a commitment to provide assistance swiftly," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. "With the delivery of these first cheques, we are honouring that commitment to those Nova Scotians who are in greatest need."

To date, 62 applications have been received under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangement. This includes applications from farmers, fishers, woodlot owners, small businesses and individuals.

Applications for assistance under this program are available at designated provincial and municipal locations. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Nov. 21.

Individuals with inquiries related to the disaster financial assistance program, or those wanting to know the designated sites for applications, can call the province's public information line at 1-800-670-4357 (902-424-5200 in the Halifax Regional Municipality).