More Help with Hurricane Cleanup - Government of Nova Scotia

Provincial staff are preparing to do more work to remove downed trees and clean up debris caused by hurricane Fiona.

“Most of us have insurance, but we understand there are people who don’t have the resources to address the damage caused by trees that fell in the storm,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health and MLA for Cape Breton East, on behalf of Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. “Provincial staff already did tremendous work clearing the way to restore power, including some help clearing trees on private land, and we’re deploying them again to help those most in need. I deeply appreciate colleagues, including my fellow Cape Breton MLA John White, for helping pull together plans for more support.”

Residential property owners and tenants with storm damage must first contact their insurance company about their coverage. Those without insurance or insufficient insurance to cover the costs can apply for help through the Disaster Financial Assistance Program. There are also programs for small businesses and non-profits.

The Department will work with municipalities where a state of emergency applied after the storm. Municipalities will help determine which residents do not have sufficient support through insurance or programs to address their situation in a reasonable time frame. People who need this help need to call their municipality in order to be considered.

More than 50 staff, depending on need, will be deployed starting next week. They will work on the ground to clear fallen trees and debris but do not have the equipment or expertise to address certain situations, such as trees that have fallen on homes and buildings or are in contact with meter masts or other parts of the electricity distribution system. The government continues to explore options to provide this kind of support.

Quick Facts:

• the Department co-ordinated more than 200 staff from across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Quebec who spent three weeks clearing trees and debris so that power could be restored, with a heavy focus on Cape Breton and eastern Nova Scotia; when possible, they removed trees that were impeding people’s access to and from their homes
• people who are not sure if their insurance covers damage from the hurricane should contact their insurance broker or company, or the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422

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More Help with Hurricane Cleanup - Government of Nova Scotia
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