Tim Houston has announced an “unprecedented” relief package of $40 million for residents impacted by post-tropical storm Fiona past weekend.Fiona hit Atlantic Canada on Friday night into Saturday, causing widespread power outages, washing out roads and downing trees.
As of 4 p.m. on Monday, there were still more than 170,000 customers without power.Some of the hardest hit areas in the province were on Cape Breton Island.
Local states of emergencies were declared in Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) and Victoria County on the island.“This is an unimaginable time for our province,” said Houston in a Monday afternoon briefing.“The main priorities are power restoration, wellness checks and getting people back into their homes.” Atlantic Canada’s economy likely to take big hit from post-tropical storm Fiona Houston said he encourages Nova Scotians to check on their friends and neighbours, and alert local authorities if they are worried about someone they haven’t heard from.Houston visited Cape Breton Island on Sunday where some of the most severe damage was sustained.“To see the damage firsthand showed me that we need to act.
We need to act immediately.”Houston announced in the 3 p.m. briefing the province is offering “unprecedented” immediate and long-term supports.The Disaster Relief Assistant Funding will cover certain uninsured losses up to $200,000, with no deductible for residents and small business owners.