Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, due to the extensive flooding, many residents have been displaced from their homes with some staying with friends, some in hotels and motels, some in RVs, some in shelters, and some in tents. We are also hearing of residents moving out of the community for good.
It is now time to rebuild those homes and businesses impacted by flooding in the South Slave before we start to lose our residents and businesses due to lack of accommodation and supports. To do this, we need to provide financial supports immediately so rebuilding can commence.
Mr. Speaker, most importantly, those residents affected by flooding need to mitigate damage, or further damage. They require timely assistance to abate damage to the point their homes are ready for repairs. Those residents who had access to friends, or the finances to hire contractors, were able to remove water damaged items and material allowing repair work to commence on their homes or businesses. However, there are others that do not have that same level of support and their homes remain with water, waterlogged items, and damaged structures, which all work to foster mould growth and worsening structural damage.
Mr. Speaker, in the absence of flood insurance, those impacted by flooding or sewer backups are relying on this government to provide the financial resources required to address any damage. Residents are hearing that some of their neighbours have received compensation through private insurance and are now proceeding with repairs. Those residents and businesses who are relying on the Disaster Assistance Policy are asking why is it that this government cannot provide the same level of service.
Mr. Speaker, the Disaster Assistance Policy includes a number of key points, including eligible expenses, levels of assistance (including maximums), procedures to request assistance, timeframes within which assistance will be provided, and appeals.
To date, most impacted residents and businesses received and completed DAP applications with some having properties assessed. To move forward, those impacted residents are now looking for timelines, list of eligible expenses, list of standardized values, and immediate financial assistance.
Mr. Speaker, while residents wait for this government to complete the assessment process, residents are attempting to line up qualified and reputable contractors to complete the work on their homes. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With approximately 350 applications submitted to date, finding a contractor will be difficult and made more difficult without the finances to provide a deposit in order for work to commence.
Mr. Speaker, you can see why this government must work swiftly to get money into the hands of those that need it. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.
