The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have been devastated by the impacts of Hurricane Fiona will receive immediate financial support from the Provincial Government.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has an initial allocation of up to $30 million to support the Hurricane Fiona Financial Assistance Program which will be offered to impacted residents and communities of the southwest coast of the island. For impacted individuals that are in need of supports, it is critical that they register with the Canadian Red Cross by calling toll-free at 1-800-863-6582 or visiting the emergency shelter at St. James Regional High School located at 200 Hardys Arterial Road, Channel-Port aux Basques.
Assessments of the extent of the damage is ongoing in consultation with communities. Coordination with the Government of Canada continues to determine the scope of response and further assistance required.
The following immediate one-time financial assistance will be offered to eligible Newfoundlanders and Labradorians:
- $1,000 per household who temporarily evacuated from their principal residence during the storm and have returned by September 30, 2022; or
- $10,000 per household who have been displaced from their principal residence and have been unable to return by September 30, 2022.
Funding of $500,000 will be provided to the Canadian Red Cross to administer on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, nominally allocated as follows:
- $250,000 to support claims for immediate assistance, for example removal of debris, personal items;
- $250,000 to provide temporary accommodation assistance.
There will be an additional $500,000 to be distributed among impacted communities on the southwest coast of the island, based on needs assessment.
Financial assistance associated with principal place of residence repairs and/or rebuilds will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with support from impacted residents and insurance companies/adjusters as applicable.
Residents will be required to apply for funding under the Hurricane Fiona Financial Assistance Program via the Canadian Red Cross. Details on the application process and forms will be released in the coming days.
The Superintendent of Insurance has issued a bulletin to the insurance industry explaining the process for obtaining additional licences for the hiring of temporary adjusters, in an effort to respond to insurance claims resulting from the hurricane in a timely manner.
Quotes
“The devastation experienced by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is unimaginable. The impacts are far-reaching, with families, communities, businesses and non-profit organizations having to pick up the pieces. Our government recognizes the severity of the losses and is assuring affected residents that immediate supports are available to those who need them as quickly as possible. The $30 million being provided today is meant to help people in starting the recovery process from this devastating event.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“This region of the province has seen a lot of significant weather events, but nothing like what we have seen from Fiona. We are focusing not only on the immediate response to help residents in impacted communities, but also working on how we can support in the months and years to come. I want to assure the people of my district that our government will be there for them throughout.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and MHA for Burgeo – La Poile
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Media contact
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca