article imageN.B. Receives Federal Funds for 2000 Flood Damages – No Word on 2008 Flood

By Sykos Masters.
Subscribe to author
Jul 12, 2008 by  Sykos Masters - 11 votes, 3 comments
Share
Listen - Email - Print
Recipient email:
You can enter up to 10 comma-separated email addresses.
Your email:
optional
Message:
optional

Eight years after initial claims for damages, the province of New Brunswick will finally receive federal compensation for the floods of 1999 and 2000. The extreme delay has resulted in future streamlining, although the recent flood was not addressed.
In an astounding example of bureaucratic (in)action, the Canadian Federal Government has finally released funds to compensate New Brunswick for damage assistance that was incurred as a result of floods in autumn of 1999 and early winter of 2000. It appears that eight years were required to collect and verify receipts for that assistance.
According to federal Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day, "We have to wonder why in some cases it takes so long, and honestly, the federal government waits for receipts to come." One can safely assume that both provincial and federal authorities had to verify the validity of these receipts, but as the final tally was only $ 1.6 million, it begs the question, "What took so long?"
It's common in cases of public emergency for local agencies and authorities to be the immediate responders. When required, they apply to regional governments for the necessary funding, who in turn forward requests to the federal level. Allowing for proper record-keeping along the route, bureaucratic wrangling, and discounting any possible "padding" of said receipts, it is safe to assume that all costs associated with these damages were properly itemized and forwarded to the federal government by the end of 2001. No answer was forthcoming from Day regarding the missing seven years.
"People who have been through the more recent floods that qualify for the federal program, I can tell you, they can expect their cheques in a more rapid fashion than in the years past," said Day in this report by the CBC. He also assured those in attendance at his announcement that "changes to disaster assistance arrangements", coming into effect in 2009, will hopefully speed up that process.
This is good news for New Brunswickans, as we have recently survived the worst flood in over two decades. With repairs estimated in the $ Millions for residents, businesses and municipalities, it is certain that the federal government will be receiving more "receipts" from the provincial government. This is especially concerning for residents without private home or renter's content insurance. The capital city of Fredericton has responded with an emergency relief fund, with low deductibles, for local citizens; in order to qualify for this assistance, applicants are required to officially register their claims. As of May, there was no indication as to the predicted term of this program.
Similar programs, undoubtedly, have been set up in regions throughout the province. Perhaps the final bill for flood victims will be settled prior to 2016.
article:257318:11::0
More news from: Canada»

Live like a rodent at the French 'hamster hotel'

If you've ever had the urge to spend a night or two as a hamster, you need to visit Nantes, France. For around $150 a night, you can do everything a hamster does, from spinning on a wheel to eating the animal's food to sleeping on a pile of hay.
Nov 21, 2009 by  David Silverberg in Travel - 2 comments

Easyjet apologizes for Holocaust Memorial photo shoot

Easyjet is a European regional carrier that has quickly carved out market share with discount prices and targeted marketing. However, a recent public relations faux pas is causing controversy.
Nov 21, 2009 by  Bob Gordon in Travel - 6 comments

Chicago Mayor Says Media 'Kicked' Oprah Out of Town

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley weighed in on the story that every Chicagoan has an opinion about, Oprah's departure happening eighteen months from now. Yesterday, Mayor Daley placed the burden of shame on the fifth estate.
Nov 21, 2009 by  Bob Gordon in Entertainment - 4 comments

TopFinds: Child Poverty in U.S., Creating Toothpick Cities

Investigating U.S. child poverty rates. A British TV station hires facially disfigured anchors to read the news. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 becomes the hottest video game of the year. These are the top stories making headlines around the world.
Nov 20, 2009 by  David Silverberg in Internet - 2 comments

Canada: No more H1N1 deaths than from seasonal flu

While headlines decry the rising H1N1 death toll, news is emerging that there have been no more deaths from this pandemic than from seasonal flu.
Nov 20, 2009 by  Lynne Melcombe in Health - 8 comments
apis-129892 apis-129889 apis-129886 apis-129867 apis-129865
Email:
Password:
Remember meForgot password?