N.L. announces $30M relief package for people impacted by Fiona
CBC
Newfoundland and Labrador's government has announced $30 million in relief funds to help residents of the island's southwest coast who lost everything to post-tropical storm Fiona.
Premier Andrew Furey announced the funding in Port aux Basques on Wednesday, saying there's "an acute need" to help people in the short term while they deal with insurance claims over the long term.
Residents must be registered with the Canadian Red Cross to receive the funding, the premier said.
The funding breaks down as follows:
Furey said the money for residents is a one-time payment that doesn't have to be returned if insurance money is received, and is available to residents regardless of their level of insurance.
"They will all be covered in this plan. Even if you have insurance, some of this will help you in the immediate term.… These people need clothing and supports today," Furey said.
"So if you're displaced from your home, regardless of if insurance covers it or not, we will give you $10,000 immediately to help with the essentials that you're going to require in the next few days."
Furey said the money could be in the pockets of residents as early as Monday but it could take longer in places where more people were affected. He said the latest damage assessment shows around 95 homes were destroyed.
"We'll try to recover as much as possible through the federal funding program, of course, but we're getting the ball rolling right away to the families immediately," he said.
"It's emotional, it's heartbreaking and we hope that today's announcement causes some alleviation of their stress and strain during this terrible, terrible time."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be in Port aux Basques on Wednesday to visit with local leaders and see the extent of Fiona's damage, including houses washed out to sea, destroyed infrastructure and altered coastlines.
Trudeau will meet with Furey, provincial Liberal MPs Gudie Hutchings and Seamus O'Regan, and residents affected by Fiona, according to the prime minister's online itinerary.
A timeline of events was confirmed as of early Wednesday morning.
Furey said Wednesday he has been reassured the federal government is ready to help in relief and rebuilding efforts wherever possible, including dispatching the Canadian Armed Forces to help with the cleanup.
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