Question Period Note: Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund

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About

Reference number:
INFC-072023-INFC-0003
Date received:
Sep 26, 2022
Organization:
Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Name of Minister:
LeBlanc, Dominic (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

Issue/Question:

Whether the Government will renew funding for the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) in Budget 2023

Suggested Response:

  • Since 2018, the Government of Canada has committed almost $3.4 billion through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to help communities remain resilient in the face of natural disasters triggered by climate change.

  • In July 2021, we launched a new intake for small-and-large-scale projects, including a guaranteed $138 million for Indigenous-led initiatives.

  • Applications received as part of this process are currently being assessed against eligibility and merit criteria.

If Pressed:
Government Investments Post-Budget 2021

  • The Government of Canada is committed to protecting communities across the country from the threats of climate change.

Background:

  • The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) is a direct-delivery, competitive program intended to support public infrastructure projects designed to mitigate current and future climate-related risks and disasters triggered by natural hazards, such as floods, wildland fires, drought, erosion, severe storms and permafrost thaw.

  • Investments in public infrastructure projects through DMAF are also expected to reduce the pressure on Public Safety Canada’s Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA).

  • DMAF was first launched in 2018, with a funding commitment of $2 billion over 10 years. In Budget 2021, an additional $1.375 billion over 12 years was announced, including a minimum of $138 million allocated to Indigenous recipients.

  • Originally, DMAF supported large-scale projects only (i.e. minimum of $20 million in total eligible costs). The 2021 program renewal allowed for the introduction of a small-scale stream (i.e. between $1 million and $20 million in total eligible costs).

  • A new intake process was launched on July 20, 2021, with closing dates of October 15, 2021, for large-scale project applications; and November 15, 2021, for small-scale project applications.

  • Assessments against the program’s eligibility and merit criteria are ongoing for all projects submitted, including those originating from last fall’s flooding locations on a priority-basis.

  • Additional details on eligible recipients and expenses as well as merit criteria can be found here: Infrastructure Canada - Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund: Program details.

Additional Information:

This note is identical to the note with the same title published after December 2022