Government of Canada makes $98-million payment to Ontario for 2013 ice storm relief

OTTAWA, March 15, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada works closely with provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to assist Canadians when disasters strike.

The Government of Canada has provided $98,547,210 through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) to assist the province of Ontario with costs from the 2013 ice storm. This assistance will help with the costs associated with long-term recovery and rebuilding in affected communities.

In December 2013, the ice storm in southern Ontario caused extensive damage and left hundreds of thousands of residents without power. As many as 800,000 thousand people across the region, many from some of Canada's largest and most densely populated urban municipalities, were without power for several days. Downed trees and hydro wires posed serious public health and safety risks, as well as transportation network issues.

Quotes

"When large-scale disasters strike, the Government of Canada is committed to helping Canadians respond and recover. Hundreds of thousands of Ontarians were left without power for days through the holiday season as a result of the 2013 ice storm. In its wake, communities dealt with extensive cleanup and emergency response efforts, at significant cost. The Government of Canada is providing critical support to the Government of Ontario to help recover some of the costs associated with this devastating storm."

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Many communities experienced hardship as a result of the 2013 ice storm. Helping people recover from the devastating impacts of storms like these is a priority for all levels of government. Ontario has worked closely with its federal and municipal partners to ensure affected communities receive the support they need to recover and rebuild."

The Honourable Bill Mauro, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Government of Ontario

Quick Facts

• Public Safety Canada provides cost-shared financial assistance through the DFAA to provinces and territories for costs incurred as a result of major natural disasters above what they could reasonably be expected to bear on their own. 
• Under the DFAA, a province has up to five years after a disaster to request final payment. The processing of these requests for reimbursement begins immediately following receipt of the required documentation of provincial/territorial expenditures and a review by federal auditors. 
• In response to the 2013 ice storm in Ontario, due to widespread power outages and freezing temperatures, municipalities activated emergency plans to open warming centres and canvassed homes of vulnerable residents to ensure their safety. Power was restored to most residences and businesses by January 1, 2014.

Associated Links

• Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA)

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada