NLIS 3
November 5, 2001
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

 

Compensation for losses due to flood proceeding

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and minister responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization, announced today that some property owners who have submitted a claim to the province under the Federal Disaster Assistance Program will begin to hear this week about their eligibility for compensation.

Minister Langdon stated that while he has yet to receive written approval from the federal government he is now satisfied that approval is forthcoming. "I discussed the matter with Industry Minister Brian Tobin on Friday and he immediately called the Minister of National Defence to emphasize the urgency of our request."

Under the Federal Disaster Assistance Program the provincial government must cover the full cost of the first $500,000 in claims and then cost-share with the federal government once the total cost has exceeded this amount.

Minister Langdon has also requested the federal government to reconsider its position on water and sewer back-up insurance. Federal officials have indicated that some claims might not be paid because claimants could have purchased insurance coverage. The minister said: "As far as the provincial government is concerned all claims are flood-related and must, therefore, be treated equally. You cannot purchase flood insurance in this province. Whether the flood water came in through a window, door, toilet or drain is really irrelevant. A flood is a flood." 

Minister Langdon said the provincial government is prepared to pay its share of the cost of all claims under the program and is expecting the federal government to do the same. 

"This unique situation has been a difficult one to deal with, and I would like to recognize the efforts of my cabinet colleagues, who represent the St. John's area, for their cooperation and assistance in providing their constituents with accurate information as it has become available," said Minster Langdon. 

Claimants contacted will be those whose applications have been reviewed by an adjustor and have been through the committee process.

Citizens are advised that the deadline to submit a claim under this program is November 30, however they are encouraged to submit their claim as soon as possible.

Media contact: Lynn Hammond, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

2001 11 05                            2:50 p.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement