News

The government of New Brunswick is moving quickly to help people who have suffered damage from the massive Saint John River flood, drawing cautious praise from residents who recall past aid as too slow and tightfisted.

“It looks like they're moving quicker on the situation this time, compared to what was done in 2005,” said Larry Saulnier of Sheffield, whose home has once again been inundated by the flood waters.

Mr. Saulnier was reacting to an announcement Sunday that the Liberal government of Premier Shawn Graham set a maximum figure of $80,000 per homeowner, with a $1,000 deductible.

The assistance plan is for damage that's not covered by regular insurance, which many people living in flood zones cannot get.

It will pay for the repair of structural damage and the cost of essential items such as appliances, cleanup, and lost food.

Under the new program, people on social assistance will not have to pay a deductible and those suffering severe financial hardship can apply to have it waived.

In addition, farms, fishermen and small businesses can be compensated for 100 per cent of their first $100,000 in damages, and 75 per cent beyond that.

Mr. Saulnier cautioned that he remains concerned assessors will try to keep pay outs to a minimum, and that it remains unclear precisely what will be covered.

“We don't know all the ins and outs of this program that they're going to offer us this time,” he said.

Mr. Saulnier lost his printing business to the 2005 flood and has bitter memories of the assistance program offered at the time.

“I felt like I was walked all over,” he said. “There was a lot of paperwork, and then it wasn't near what they publicized.”

“There was $200,000 in damages to the house and business, and roughly 17 per cent is what they would have covered, and then there was a $10,000 deductible on that,” Mr. Saulnier said. “It wasn't even enough to buy one piece of equipment to get my business up and going again.”

During a news conference, Mr. Graham said his government's assistance was an improvement over the 2005 program, which was criticized for slow response, cumbersome paperwork and deductibles that were set at $5,000 for homeowners and $10,000 for businesses.

He said his government has learned from that experience.

“Our government's top priority is making sure that people know that recovery programs are in place to help them bring their lives back to normal and return home,” he said.

He said residents would be able to start registering for government financial help on Monday.

The total cost, which is yet to be determined, will be shared between the provincial and federal governments, although the exact formula is yet to be worked out.

The waters had receded enough by Sunday afternoon for Stuart Justason of Fredericton and his family to begin clearing debris that had floated into their yard, including garbage and a large “street closed” sign.

“I'm happy that the government is going to step up and do something,” he said.

Mr. Justason's basement was still flooded, and while he had rescued the contents, the rising water cracked and heaved the concrete floor.

“If it costs me $1,000 to get that basement fixed then so be it … I'd be happy,” he said. “We'll have to see what they offer and what they'll say they'll do.”

On Tuesday, advance parties of Red Cross volunteers will begin visiting flood-affected areas and provide advice and information on what disaster relief is available.

Health and safety inspection teams will start work on Tuesday as well in areas they are able to safely visit.

They will check electrical and gas systems, which must be done before work can begin on the cleanup.

Once homeowners have registered with the provincial government, they will be given the paperwork to begin their claims.

The government said it will not charge any fees to reconnect hydro, test wells or do electrical inspections.

The Premier said stress levels for those who have been flooded will rise as they start to return home.

“I spent the weekend visiting many families that have been affected by the flood and these are very difficult and stressful times,” he told a news conference.

Mr. Graham noted he expects the recovery program to put pressure on the provincial budget.

“Right now we want to focus on the people who have been affected,” he said, speaking in French.

Flood levels are dropping along much of the Saint John River, but the crest is moving toward the Saint John area and people there are advised to be on alert.

“We are continuing to monitor, and are prepared for whatever comes down the river,” said Nancy Moar, a spokeswoman for the City of Saint John.

The flood waters have temporarily obliterated the famed Reversing Falls at Saint John, and several communities in the river valley are under boil-water advisories.

With rain in the forecast, Andy Morton of the Emergency Measures Office says water levels could rise again.