Work continues in an effort to expedite the process for those who have applied for the province's Disaster Assistance Program following the impacts of Hurricane Igor. The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, today provided an update on the progress of the claims process.

"Over 900 claims have been received by officials at Fire and Emergency Services and are being assigned to independent adjusters as quickly as possible," said Minister O'Brien. "We anticipate claims will start to be settled in early November for those who submitted forms early in the process and for which we have all the required documentation. Applications continue to be received daily and are moving out to adjusters within 24 hours of receipt."

Minister O'Brien indicated, given the magnitude of the event and the variety of different experts that needed to be engaged, the pace of service is moving as quickly as can be expected. The minister stressed that while Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador continues to move the process forward swiftly, there is a need to make certain all program guidelines are followed and the appropriate experts are engaged to ensure each application receives the required attention.

"I understand the frustration individuals must feel as we move through this process," noted Minister O'Brien. "I encourage them to have patience as we continue to make sure that those residents who are eligible for the program are able to get the help they need. This process will go a long way to ensure our homes and communities return to a true sense of normalcy as quickly as possible."