OTTAWA, June 13 , 2008- The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, announced today that the Government of Canada is providing a final payment of $12.4 million, through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), to the Province of Ontario for the 1998 ice storm.
"Ten years ago, hundreds of thousands of people in Eastern Canada were caught in the storm's devastating grip, without electricity and heat. I am pleased to make this final payment to Ontario for over $12 million," said Minister Day. "While we hope never to see such an event again, we know how important it is to be prepared for emergencies of any kind. We will continue to work with the provinces and territories to respond when natural disasters strike."
The Government of Canada worked closely with the province of Ontario during the ice storm and was able to provide a $25 million DFAA payment to the province in January 1998, and additional payments totalling $124 million by 2002. Today's payment brings the total federal contribution to $136.4 million to Ontario.
Through the DFAA, the Government of Canada provides support for eligible provincial and territorial expenses to help them with disaster and response and recovery expenses which exceed what they might reasonably be expected to bear on their own. Since the inception of the DFAA in 1970, the Government of Canada has provided more than $1.8 billion in disaster financial assistance to the provinces and territories.
On January 9, 2008, Minister Day announced enhancements to the DFAA guidelines which expand the eligibility for federal disaster assistance and improve the payment process. The revised guidelines came into effect on January 1, 2008, and apply to natural disasters on or after that date. The previous guidelines still apply to events which occurred prior to that date, and on which Public Safety Canada is working with provinces and territories on final payments.
Information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2863
