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Saskatchewan boosts disaster aid in response to storm-packed spring and summer
🇨🇦 Canada /Disasters & Emergencies

Saskatchewan boosts disaster aid in response to storm-packed spring and summer

From Global News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Saskatchewan is increasing disaster aid for residents and small businesses affected by a storm-filled spring and summer.
  • The Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) has doubled the maximum assistance for individuals and small businesses.
  • Changes include retroactive application to April 1 and a focus on recovery and reducing future risks.

Saskatchewan is bolstering its disaster relief efforts in response to a tumultuous spring and summer marked by severe storms and flooding. The provincial government announced Thursday an increase in financial assistance available through the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) for individuals and small businesses impacted by extreme weather events.

Key changes to the PDAP include a significant doubling of the maximum assistance available. Individuals are now eligible for up to $500,000, a substantial increase from the previous limit of $240,000. This revised framework aims to provide more robust support and reflects current realities and rising recovery costs.

Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), Michael Weger, stated that the updated program adopts a more modern approach and is being applied retroactively to April 1. This ensures that residents affected by earlier events, such as the spring thaw floods in May, will benefit from the enhanced support.

These changes respond directly to rising recovery costs, evolving national standards and the growing need to support a wider range of people affected by disasters.

— Michael WegerMinister Responsible for the SPSA, explaining the rationale behind the increased disaster aid.

"These changes respond directly to rising recovery costs, evolving national standards and the growing need to support a wider range of people affected by disasters," Weger explained during a news conference. He emphasized that the program's goal is to help families and businesses recover and rebuild stronger.

Beyond immediate recovery, the province is also promoting emergency mitigation work. "Recovery is not just about rebuilding what was lost. It’s also about reducing future risk," Weger noted. The PDAP has already received requests for assistance from over 100 communities this year, prompting new incentives, such as lower deductibles for communities that meet specific emergency preparedness criteria.

Recovery is not just about rebuilding what was lost. It’s also about reducing future risk.

— Michael WegerMinister Responsible for the SPSA, highlighting the program's focus on future preparedness.
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Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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