Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday that the federal government is setting up a $300-million "Hurricane Fiona recovery fund" to help Atlantic Canadians rebuild from the deadly and destructive post-tropical storm.
As a result of storm surge and high winds from what’s been cited as one of the strongest storms ever to make landfall in Canada, a number of homes were swept out to sea. Businesses, bridges, airports and other infrastructure were also severely damaged.
"This funding will support projects to repair and rebuild storm-damaged critical infrastructures such as wharves, support the cleanup of fishing gear so that boats and marine life can once again safely navigate these waters, and of course help local businesses and communities rebuild and recover," Trudeau said Tuesday.
“We know that there are already programs in place—agricultural programs, disaster mitigation, and financial assistance programs. This fund will be there for anyone who is not covered by any of the other programs. We are there to help people rebuild from Fiona, whether it be federal infrastructure, whether it be community infrastructure, whether it be you know, people who are facing challenges from uninsured to structural damage in their homes.”
This announcement comes as tens of thousands of Maritimers are still without power, 11 days after Fiona hit the region. In some areas, utility officials say it could be Saturday or Sunday before power is restored, citing severe damage to essential infrastructure.
Hundreds of members of the Canadian Armed Forces are in Atlantic Canada helping with the clean-up and power restoration efforts, with Minister for Rural Economic Development Gudie Hutchings telling reporters on Monday that it's going to be "weeks" still that the military will be deployed.
"As long as there’s work to be done, they will be there," the Newfoundland and Labrador MP said.
Requests for assistance have been extended to Oct. 7 in all three affected provinces, according to Labour Minister and fellow Newfoundland and Labrador MP Seamus O'Regan.
With files from CTV News Atlantic's Natalie Lombard
More to come…
