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Municipal Affairs
September 30, 2010

Information Sessions on Disaster Assistance Program Set to Start

Regional information sessions coordinated by Fire and Emergency Services — Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) will begin on Saturday, October 2, to provide information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Disaster Assistance Program, which is based upon the Government of Canada's Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements Program. Today the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works, Acting Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, provided details of the scheduled meetings.

"The Disaster Assistance Program will be an important part of the rebuilding process for many as we recover from the impacts of Hurricane Igor," said Minister Hedderson. "While applications are available online and thousands have been distributed to communities throughout impacted areas, these meetings will provide residents and small business owners the opportunity to ask questions about the program and avail of expert advice from the various individuals who will conduct the sessions."

Eleven meetings have been scheduled in areas of the Burin and Bonavista Peninsulas. Representatives from Eastern Health, the Departments of Human Resources, Labour and Employment; Environment and Conservation; Government Services; Transportation and Works; and, Municipal Affairs, and the Salvation Army will take part in the sessions, in addition to representatives of FES-NL. Topics to be covered include an overview of the disaster assistance program, the application process, eligibility requirements, the provision of emergency social services, and information about a variety of public health and safety issues such as mould abatement, well/water concerns, and fuel spills. Once these eleven sessions are complete, FES-NL will assess and respond to information requests as needed.

"Many of our residents have been profoundly affected by Hurricane Igor," said Minister Hedderson. "It is important they have access to correct information from experienced experts in the field. I encourage everyone who can attend a meeting in their area to do so, and if they cannot, call our toll free number or go to our website."

Should individuals be unable to attend a session, information and forms are available at //www.gov.nl.ca/hurricaneigor/forms.htm As well, information is available by calling 1-888-395-5611.

In addition, in areas where communities are still isolated due to road breakages and residents cannot attend one of the regional meetings, FES-NL will make staff available for consultation and advice on the disaster assistance program.

The following table outlines the sessions scheduled for October 2-4.

Date Location Time
October 2 Port Rexton - Port Rexton Lions Club 10:00 a.m.
October 2 Bonavista - Bonavista Lions Club 2:00 p.m.
October 2 St Lawrence - St Lawrence Rec Centre 10:00 a.m.
October 2 Grand Bank- Grand Bank Fire Hall 2:00 p.m.
October 3 Summerville Princeton Southern Bay - Fire Hall in Princeton 10:00 a.m.
October 3 Clarenville - Clarenville Middle School 2:00 p.m.
October 3 Marystown - Marystown Hotel & Convention Centre, Salon A 10:00 a.m.
October 3 Terrenceville - Terrenceville Community Centre 2:00 p,m.
October 4 Britannia - Vernon Clarke Community Centre 2:00 p.m.
October 4 Whitbourne - Whitbourne Lions Club 7:00 p.m.
October 4 Glovertown - Glovertown Fire Department 7:00 p.m.

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Media contact:

Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services- NL
709-729-0857, 631-9962
cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca

2010 09 30                                                       3:50 p.m.
 


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