Nova Scotians affected by last weekend's historic flooding can now apply for financial assistance.
The provincial government has introduced a program that will cover up to $200,000 in uninsurable losses per household, business, and non-profit entity.
“This has been a very difficult situation for so many Nova Scotians, and this program is designed to help,” said John Lohr, minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office.
“These floods have caused severe damage, and I want people to know we are working as quickly as possible to get them the support they need to begin their cleanup and repairs.”
A note announcing the program explained that the fund is intended for damages that are not covered by existing policies, including flood damage and damage to uninsurable items like household appliances, such as washers, dryers and furnaces.
The government also stressed that the program is not meant to act as a replacement for private insurance, and urged residents to contact their insurance broker or company if they aren’t sure of what’s covered by their policy.
Applications are available at Access Nova Scotia centres and MLA offices. Residents may also apply online.
Applicants will need submit a form confirming that their insurance company does not offer coverage for the incurred losses, according to CBC News.
The government has urged residents to work closely with their insurer, continue documenting damage by taking photographs and videos, and keep receipts related to cleanup and repairs.
Graham Little, interim vice president for the Atlantic region at the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), echoed the importance of open communication as residents start the insurance process.
“Talk to your insurer,” Little said in an interview with CTV News. “Make sure you understand what’s available and how that policy will react in a situation like this, because you don’t want to find out after the fact.”
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