Nova Scotia Announces Financial Aid

USPA NEWS - " The Nova Scotia government is offering money to residents dealing with the effects of Hurricane Fiona. I fundamentally believe that the role of government is to be there for Nova Scotians when they need it the most. I can’t not think of a more appropriate time for government intervention and to be there for Nova Scotians.”~Premier Tim Houston

Now that many Nova Scotians have had time to survey the damage caused by the hurricane, Fiona is now being referred to as a "generational" storm. The devastating damage in many areas of the province is like nothing that has ever been seen from a weather event on Canada's east coast. At least four days after Fiona made landfall in the eastern part of the province there are still thousands with out power, landline telephone , internet and cellular service. Many residents within the hardest hit areas are staying in shelters not knowing when or if they will be able to return home. Over that last number of days Premier Tim Houstin has visited many of these areas and talking with those impacted and reassuring them that the provincial government along with the federal government will provide financial assistance to those who need it.

At the Monday, September 26th media briefing, Premier Houston announced a number of finincial aid packages to assist Nova Scotians in the recovery from the losses and hardships that resulted from Hurricane Fiona.

The available financial assistance for Nova Scotia residents will be as follows: $100 for every household that lost power for at least 48 hours to cover the cost of spoiled food, $1,000 per household in emergency funding for people ordered out of their homes or who cannot return to their homes; (people can register with the Canadian Red Cross online), $250 for every household 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, and $150 to all current income assistance recipients, including Disability Support Program participants receiving income support.

In addition to any of the one time payment aid programs mentioned above, Nova Scotians can also apply for disaster financial assistance related to damage from hurricane Fiona starting September, 26th. Residents are asked to continue to assess damage, keep all receipts, and take pictures and video, as well as work with their insurance.

Applying for Disaster Financial Assistance can be done online by visiting the following link: https://beta.novascotia.ca/disaster-financial-assistance-hurricane-fiona Residents who do not have access to the internet may visit any Access Nova Scotia location, local MLA or Municipal office. Applications will be available later this week.