Question Period Note: Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund

What is the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund and how is it going to help the region recover from Hurricane Fiona?

• ACOA has been there for Atlantic Canadians in times of need and will remain committed to working closely with those dealing with the devastating impacts of Hurricane Fiona.
• Our government announced a $300 million fund to assist those in Atlantic Canada and Quebec who have been worst hit by this storm.
• $100 million of the fund is specifically targetted to rebuild small craft harbours and recover ghost fishing gear lost during the storm. This critical work is essential to support the fish harvesting and processing industries that are so vital in our region.
• ACOA is working actively with other departments to deliver the much needed relief to the communities and businesses.

• Hurricane Fiona had a devastating impact on many communities across all provinces of Atlantic Canada, resulting in widespread property damages and power outages. While the magnitude of the impacts is still being assessed, it is anticipated that this event will have significant economic repercussions in the region.
• The federal government is assisting provinces with immediate needs and has deployed roughly 600 Canadian Armed Forces members to Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island at the request of those provinces with a focus on removing debris to repair transportation links, performing wellness checks, and restoring the power grid.
• Connectivity issues persist in some regions (e.g., Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island), making it very difficult to establish communications in those areas.
• The federal government announced the establishment of a donation-matching program with the Canadian Red Cross to support those impacted by the storm and will match donations Canadians and corporations make for the next 30 days with the possibility of extension. It is also working with provincial governments to provide financial assistance through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements, a cost-shared agreement to help cover response and recovery expenses following a disaster.
• Provincial governments are starting to announce their own targeted supports for those affected by Hurricane Fiona, for example:
o Nova Scotia announced an initiative estimated at $40 million to compensate individuals for expenses incurred as a result of Fiona and to provide financial support for community organisations.
o Prince Edward Island is providing $5 million in financial support for non-profit and charity organisations assisting those in need and has announced a wage-rebate program for businesses who were closed due to power outage or significant physical damage.
o Newfoundland and Labrador earmarked an allocation of $30 million to support impacted residents and communities of the southwest coast of the island. One-time financial assistance will be offered to eligible Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who were evacuated from their principal residence.
• Of the more than 180 small craft harbours managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec that were in the path of the storm, approximately 133 harbours are confirmed to have been impacted:
o 78 have minimal disruptions and are fully operational
o 35 have facilities that are more than 50 percent usable
o 14 have facilities that are less than 50 percent usable
o 6 are currently non-operational, including one where pre-planned repairs had been undertaken prior to Fiona, and another that will be fully operational once dredging is carried out at the site.
• Examples of damage include breakwaters completely demolished and no longer protecting the harbour, floating wharves ripped from their mooring systems and washed away, and electrical systems destroyed by storm surges. Sediment and extreme coastal erosion in many areas have also created unexpected dredging requirements, which are impacting ongoing fishing activities.

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