GNWT Launches Emergency Disaster Assistance Advance Program

Today, Honourable Shane Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Honourable Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance, announced the creation of the Emergency Disaster Assistance Advance Program (EDAAP).

The Emergency Disaster Assistance Advance Program allows for immediate payments to provide funding to residents, small businesses and community governments impacted by this year’s flooding in the Northwest Territories.

Residents, small businesses and community government who will be submitting a claim for assistance through the regular Disaster Assistance Policy (DAP) process are able to access an advance of up to 50% now. Once they do submit their claim, any funding provided under this new policy would be deducted from their final eligible claim under the DAP.

Maximum funding available under this program is as follows:

• Residential Property – 50% of the preliminary assessment up to $10,000;
• Small business owners - 50% of the preliminary assessment up to $10,000;
• Community Governments – 50% of the preliminary assessment up to $100,000.

Eligible expenses include:

• Emergency provision of essential community services;
• Security measures including the removal of valuable assets and hazardous materials from a threatened area;
• Repairs to public buildings and related equipment;
• Repairs to public infrastructure such as roads and bridges;
• Removal of damaged structures constituting a threat to public safety;
• Restoration, replacement or repairs to an individual's dwelling (principal residence only);
• Restoration, replacement or repairs to essential personal furnishings, appliances and clothing;
• Restoration of small businesses including buildings and equipment; and
• Costs of damage inspection, appraisal and clean up.

Ineligible expenses include:

• Repairs that are eligible for reimbursement through insurance;
• Costs already reimbursed by another government program; and
• Normal operating expenses of a government department or agency.

Affected residents, small businesses and community governments should contact their MACA Regional Offices with any questions related to their eligibility to apply and to submit their applications for the EDAAP.

Additional information can be found on the MACA Flood website: https://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/en/services/flooding

Quotes

“We are pleased to announce this funding program to help those who have been impacted by flooding along the Mackenzie River. This program will quickly provide funds to affected residents, small businesses and community governments so that repairs can begin, and so that residents in affected communities can begin the work to return life to normal.”

- Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance

“Flood recovery requires collaboration between community residents and all levels of government. The GNWT recognizes that flood recovery can be a lengthy process. We understand that for those affected, there are immediate needs to be addressed. By launching this program, we intend to assist in addressing those needs.”

- Shane Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick facts

• The Emergency Disaster Assistance Advance Program is new, and different from the existing Disaster Assistance Policy.
• Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2021. Funding must be spent on eligible expenses by October 31, 2021.
• Current status of damage assessments:
  • Assessment in Jean Marie River has been complete. Reports are now starting to come in from the consultant.
  • Assessment is complete in Fort Good Hope. Reports will begin to come in shortly.
  • Assessment in Fort Simpson continues and is expected to be complete by the end of this week. Reports to follow.
  • We are in the process of scheduling assessments for Hay River and Little Buffalo River.
• The GNWT has begun work to undertake urgent repairs to prevent further damage and do mould abatement has begun in flood affected communities.

MACA Regional Offices

• Dehcho Region (867) 695-7220
• Inuvik Region (867) 777-7121
• North Slave Region (867) 767-9167
• Sahtu Region (867) 587-7100
• South Slave Region (867) 872-6525

Related links

• Emergency Disaster Assistance Advance Program
• MACA Flooding
• Disaster Financial Assistance

For media requests, please contact:

Todd Sasaki

Spokesperson

Department of Finance

Government of the Northwest Territories

Todd_Sasaki@gov.nt.ca