Disaster assistance changes mean faster compensation, says Day
N.B. gets $1.6 million in funding for 1999, 2000 flood damage
Last Updated: Thursday, July 10, 2008 | 3:47 PM AT
CBC News
New disaster assistance guidelines will ensure New Brunswickers receive compensation more quickly for the flood damage this spring, says federal Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day.
Day was in Moncton on Thursday to announce the federal government will be paying the New Brunswick government $1.6 million in compensation for flooding in 1999 and 2000.
The money will be used to offset payments the province made for flood damage caused by heavy rains in the fall of 1999 and the effects of a storm surge in January 2000.
"We have to wonder why in some cases it takes so long, and honestly, the federal government waits for receipts to come," Day said.
Collecting the receipts can take a long time when dealing with provincial and municipal governments that are also working through their own insurance and auditors, he said.
But changes to disaster assistance arrangements that came into effect in January should speed up the process, Day said.
"People who have been through the more recent floods that qualify for the federal program, I can tell you, they can expect their cheques in a more rapid fashion than in the years past," Day said.
The minister was unable to provide a date when those who suffered damage from the St. John River flooding in 2008 can expect their compensation.
The new guidelines, however, allow part-time farmers, small business owners and non-profit volunteer groups to apply for compensation, as well as homeowners. Funding is also available to the province to help with improvements to damaged roads and bridges.
