The Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund is helping communities and businesses recover and build resilience for future climate-related weather events
Sydney – When Hurricane Fiona wreaked havoc on cities and towns along the Atlantic coast, the Government of Canada responded quickly with programs designed to help the region with long-term recovery efforts and adaptations to help businesses and communities recover, restore and rebuild for the future.
Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minsiter of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria, announced non-repayable contributions totalling $6,437,005 through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund to four Cape Breton organizations. The announcement was made on behalf of Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
These investments will help establish comfort centres and upgrade facilities to improve emergency preparedness, and assist companies with storm-related repairs to regain productivity and restore and upgrade community infrastructure. For more information about the funding recipients and projects, please see backgrounder. This announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting communities and businesses impacted by Hurricane Fiona, and helping them build resilience against future climate-related disasters.
“Atlantic Canadians know that to weather the storm, we must pull together. Existing climate comfort centres play an essential role in our safety and security during times of crisis. It is vital that these facilities have the capacity, resources and tools to support and shelter our citizens when they need it most. And we also know that after the crisis, these centres help communities and businesses return to economic health and activity. Through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, the Government of Canada is able to help communities strengthen their climate comfort centres in Fiona-affected areas, build resilience, and improve planning for future climate-related disasters.“ – Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA