OTTAWA, January 19, 2011 - The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, today announced a payment to the Province of Alberta of $10,178,824.00 under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program for response and recovery costs incurred by the Province following a severe rainstorm in Greater Edmonton Area early July 2004.
Minister Toews also announced that the Government of Canada will share the eligible costs of the province's expenditures that resulted from the severe thunderstorm in July 2009. "The Government of Canada is pleased to further contribute to Alberta's recovery from the storm in 2004," said Minister Toews. "Today's payment not only reimburses the Province for its 2004 response and recovery expenses but also is an addition to the interim payment of $2.5 million that we made in 2006. This brings the total federal contribution for the 2004 event to over $12.6 million."
"Our contributions clearly demonstrate this Government's commitment to the safety and security of Canadians in their homes and communities," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, Minister for Status of Women, and Minister Responsible for Northern Alberta.
Between July 2 and 11, 2004, the Province of Alberta experienced heavy rainfall affecting communities in the Greater Edmonton area. The rain caused overland flooding which resulted in damage to roads, underpasses, drainage systems, small businesses, and residences.
Also, in July 2009, a severe thunderstorm resulted in extremely strong winds affecting Edmonton and the counties of Lamont and Strathcona, causing significant damage to municipal property. The federal government has agreed to cost share eligible provincial expenditures for this event under the
DFAA .
Since its inception in 1970, the DFAA program has provided more than $1.9 billion in disaster financial assistance to the provinces and territories. For more information on the federal DFAA program and its guidelines, please visit Public Safety Canada's website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
Information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
