Disaster Financial Assistance Update

EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATION--Disaster Financial Assistance Update

The province is working quickly to process applications for disaster financial assistance. To date, nearly half a million dollars has been issued under the program.

"Since the province expanded the criteria to better assist people in the resource sector, we have seen an increase in the number of applications for disaster financial assistance," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. "For those people who have picked up applications but have not yet passed them in, we want to remind them that the deadline to apply for assistance is approaching."

Nova Scotians who suffered uninsurable losses as a result of Hurricane Juan have until Friday, Nov. 21 at 4:30 p.m. to apply for disaster financial assistance from the province.

As of today, Nov. 12, 157 applications have been received from farmers, fishers, small commercial woodlot owners, small businesses and individuals. Fifty-three cheques totalling $491,515 have been given to fishers through the province's expanded program which offers immediate financial assistance to fishers who need to replace gear and bait in time for the fishing season.

Applications for disaster financial assistance are available at designated provincial and municipal locations.

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).