Disaster Financial Assistance Available for Labour Day Weekend Rainfall

Nova Scotians in Colchester, Pictou, Antigonish, Inverness, Victoria, Cumberland and Halifax counties who suffered uninsurable losses from heavy rainfall Aug. 29 to 31, can apply for assistance under the province's disaster financial assistance program.

"Fortunately there was minimal damage from Tropical Storm Kyle. However, the heavy rainfall we received over the Labour Day weekend caused considerable damage in some parts of the province," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister of Emergency Management. "This program will provide financial assistance for municipalities, homeowners and small businesses who meet the eligibility requirements."

Damages in other counties are still being assessed.

Post-tropical storm Hanna hit the province the following weekend, however, damage levels were not significant enough to initiate disaster financial assistance.

Provinces and territories can request government of Canada disaster financial assistance when eligible expenditures exceed $1 per capita, based on provincial or territorial population.

Eligible expenses include restoring public works and infrastructure to pre-disaster condition, as well as replacing or repairing basic, essential personal property of individuals, small businesses and farmsteads.

Individuals must cover the first $1,000 of eligible costs. There is a maximum payment of $80,000 for individuals and owner-operated small businesses. Damage to cottages, secondary homes or hobby farms does not qualify for assistance.

Application forms are available at Access Nova Scotia and Registry of Motor Vehicle Offices in affected areas, and online at www.gov.ns.ca/emo .

The deadline for applications is Friday, Nov. 28.

Advertisements will appear in community newspapers beginning the week of Oct. 6.