Federal government to cover up to 90% of costs related to flood relief
March 20, 2014 – Calgary – Public Safety Canada
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced an advance payment of $500 million in federal funding under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) for costs incurred by the Province of Alberta for the severe flooding events that took place in June 2013.
Under the DFAA, the federal government pays for up to 90% of the eligible costs of major natural disasters. Last November, Minister Kenney announced the federal government has thus far budgeted $2.8 billion for costs associated with the Southern Alberta floods.
From June 19 to 25, 2013, severe floods affected the Province of Alberta in areas south of Red Deer, and caused extensive damage to provincial and municipal infrastructure, as well as homes, small businesses and farms.
Quick Facts
- Since its inception in 1970, the DFAA has provided more than $3.2 billion in disaster financial assistance to the provinces and territories, including $765 million to the Province of Alberta.
- Through the DFAA, the Government of Canada supports the provinces and territories by cost sharing their eligible disaster and recovery expenses which exceed what they might reasonably be expected to bear on their own.
- Following a large natural disaster, repair and reconstruction can take a significant time to complete and document. After the approval of federal financial assistance under the DFAA, provinces and territories may request an advance, interim, or final payment which requires the submission of the expenditure documentation for federal audit. Once a review of the federal audit is completed, payment is issued.
- Because natural disasters can affect Canadians at any time, Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes to provide $200 million in funding over five years to better protect Canadians and their homes through a National Disaster Mitigation Program. Together with the provinces, territories, and municipalities, our government will build safer and more resilient communities.
Quotes
Associated Links
Contacts
Alexandra Fortier
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism
819-994-2482
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
