Atlantic Canadians and Quebecers are resilient. In the wake of Hurricane Fiona and the devastation it caused, thousands of citizens are rebuilding their homes and communities, and businesses of all sizes are getting back on their feet. The Government of Canada will continue to respond to the immediate needs of people affected by the storm and support the long-term recovery of affected regions and local economies.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today announced the creation of the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund. The fund will provide up to an additional $300 million over two years starting this year to help those affected by the storm and support long-term recovery efforts.

The Fund is part of the Government of Canada’s response to the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec and will specifically support the following recovery efforts:

• Helping local communities and businesses rebuild and recover faster from the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.
• Restart the economic activity that local communities rely on by beginning to repair and rebuild critical infrastructure damaged or destroyed by the storm, including fishing piers and small artisanal ports. Infrastructure will be repaired to better withstand future damage.
• Ensuring maritime safety and protection of marine fauna.

The new fund will help cover costs that may not be covered by existing federal programs, including the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA). Through the DFAA, the federal government covers up to 90% of the province’s eligible expenses following a disaster, including emergency transportation, meals and shelter, and replacement of homes and non-catastrophic items. insurable.

Recovering from the widespread impacts of Hurricane Fiona requires a collective effort. The new Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund builds on assistance previously announced by the federal government, including the deployment of Canadian Armed Forces personnel and matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross. We will continue to work with provincial governments, our municipal partners and First Nations communities in the region to continue to provide additional financial support to rebuild communities and the economy.

Quotes

“Our thoughts are with all Canadians struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. There will be a lot of cleanup and rebuilding in the coming days and months, but I know that the people of Atlantic Canada and Quebec will help each other, and the Canadian government will help them too. The new fund announced today will help the region’s people and communities move forward on the road to recovery. »

“The people of Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec have already done much to recover from the damage caused by Fiona. They need our support now to revive their economy. The new Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, along with existing disaster relief arrangements, will provide much-needed support. Together we will help rebuild lives and livelihoods that have been upended. »

“In difficult times, the people of Atlantic Canada stick together. Neighbors are helping each other and workers are working long hours to clear debris from our streets and restore power to our homes. Our government is doing everything it can to help. This fund is good news for our region as it will provide the financial support needed to help our port areas, small businesses and communities recover from Hurricane Fiona and return to normal life. »

“My condolences go out to all residents of Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec who are struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. The Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund will support areas affected by the storm with long-term recovery efforts, such as rebuilding critical infrastructure and fishing piers, to help revitalize local economies. As our communities begin to rebuild, the Government of Canada will be there to support Newfoundlanders and ensure they can return home. Having been there and witnessed the devastation firsthand, I know how important it is for our communities to get back on their feet. »

“In the wake of Hurricane Fiona, communities across Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec pulled together and our government will be there to help them return to a sense of normality as quickly as possible. We are committed to rebuilding critical infrastructure to make it more resilient and better prepared for future natural disasters. We will continue to work closely with our provincial partners to help Atlantic Canadians and Quebecers get through this difficult time. »

“I have seen firsthand the heartbreaking damage caused by Hurricane Fiona, as well as the commitment and resilience of the people of the Magdalen Islands and our neighbors in Atlantic Canada. We are helping people by extending GST/HST return filing deadlines and providing assistance to affected businesses and taxpayers where possible. The Canada Revenue Agency is committed to putting people first and that remains its priority. »

“The islanders feel Fiona’s impact in everything they do and wherever they go. I have seen the destruction Fiona has caused to our homes, our businesses and our communities. This $300 million fund will go a long way toward helping us rebuild much of what we lost, including port facilities and other infrastructure, and strengthening them to withstand future storms. »

“The impact of Hurricane Fiona has caused me great concern. Fishermen in Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec have lost so much, including equipment and damage to small artisanal ports. Today’s announcement represents an important step towards cleaning up the ocean and initiating repair work at affected ports. We must ensure that this important municipal infrastructure is safe and accessible for the people who rely on it, and that it is resilient to future extremes more resilient to weather events. »

“Hurricane Fiona hit us hard. People were displaced, homes and businesses were destroyed, memories were lost. The people of Newfoundland know that the coming days will not be easy. But we will get through this and rebuild. »

“The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has always been there when the people of Atlantic Canada needed it. Today we are announcing the launch of the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, an important step that will help the people of Atlantic Canada rebuild. We remain committed to working closely with businesses of all sizes, organizations and communities struggling with the devastating impacts of Hurricane Fiona. »

“We know that rebuilding after a disaster can be an insurmountable task for families, businesses and communities, but we are here to help ease some of the pressure on communities devastated by Hurricane Fiona. We do not decide when disaster strikes, but I know the courage and resilience of the people of eastern Quebec and the Maritimes, and I know they will not give up. I am proud that the agency I oversee is contributing to this recovery fund. »

Highlights

• The Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund will be coordinated by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, which will work with other federal departments and agencies such as Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada to identify the needs of people in the region and distribute the funds accordingly.
• Immediately after Hurricane Fiona, the federal government approved a request for assistance from the government of Nova Scotia. Subsequently, requests for assistance from Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador were also approved shortly after they were received.
• In response to these requests, the government continues to support provinces to meet their immediate needs. Since the storm, up to 850 members of the Canadian Armed Forces have been deployed to clear debris, repair transportation routes and the power grid, and check the health of people in affected communities.
• The Government of Canada will also provide financial support to provincial governments through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA). Under the DFAA, the government covers up to 90% of eligible provincial expenses following a disaster, including:
  • evacuation, transportation, emergency food, shelter and clothing;
  • repair of public buildings and related equipment, roads and bridges;
  • Restoration or replacement of uninsurable dwellings (primary residences only), furniture, appliances, and personal clothing;
  • Small business and farm rehabilitation, including uninsurable buildings and equipment.
• On September 25, 2022, the government announced a donation matching program with the Canadian Red Cross to support those affected by the storm. The government will continue to match donations from Canadians and businesses in the 30 days following September 25, with the possibility of extending this date.
• Residents affected by Hurricane Fiona are asked to call the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582 or email www.croixrouge.ca/hurricanefiona.
• Canadians who would like to make a financial donation to help those affected by Hurricane Fiona can do so online at www.croixrouge.caby calling 1-800-418-1111 or texting FIONA to 45678 to make a $10 donation.

Related links