PROVINCIAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AID GOES TO OVER 84 MUNICIPALITIES

"The storm damage experienced in Saskatchewan this year is unprecedented," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Peter Prebble said today.

Severe storms with high winds, heavy rain and flooding have affected many Saskatchewan people in 84 municipalities this year. Damage is estimated at $23 to $28 million, some of which is covered by private insurance.

"The Saskatchewan government will be there to provide help for citizens and local communities who have suffered major uninsurable property losses on essential items," Prebble said. "Whenever communities and homeowners are eligible for the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program, we will make sure the financial help is there for them."

Prebble noted the Government of Saskatchewan has increased the resources allocated to the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) by more than $14 million dollars in fiscal year 2005-2006, based on reports received to date. The program provides compensation to municipalities and their residents for substantial damages or losses to essential uninsurable property caused by natural disasters under a cost-sharing formula. The three-year average payout under PDAP in 2002 to 2004 was $550,000.

Saskatchewan experienced a difficult year with weather-related damage from Cumberland House to Saskatoon, right across the province to the Lloydminster area. The eastern part of the province was hard hit by heavy rains from Humboldt to Porcupine Plain and Melville. Some communities like Arborfield were hit by two severe major flooding events in a single summer.

More than 1,500 claims from communities and individuals are being processed as quickly as possible by provincial staff, contractors and adjusters. Eligible individuals will be compensated as soon as their claims are assessed, validated and recovery work is completed.

Minister Prebble emphasized the importance of community planning and preparing for natural disasters or other emergencies. "Having a good emergency plan in place lowers the financial and other risks to a community tremendously. Staff in my department are available to help municipalities with emergency planning. In addition, we are distributing a new interactive video called Nine Steps to Making an Emergency Plan to communities throughout the province.

"I want to pay special tribute to the mayors, reeves, municipal councillors and countless volunteers who worked to assist their neighbours in the face of these severe weather events. The Government of Saskatchewan is grateful for their leadership and contribution," Prebble said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bill Derby Corrections and Public Safety Regina Phone: (306) 787-5883