Disaster assistance inventory

The Government of Canada's primary instruments for responding to the financial needs of provinces and territories in the wake of major disasters are the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA). However, several other forms of assistance may be available, from both the federal and provincial/territorial governments, to address certain needs or aid specific economic and social sectors affected by a disaster.

This national inventory of programs, services and benefits will be updated from time to time as new information becomes available. It is intended for the use of Canadians generally as well as government officials at all levels seeking information on assistance after disasters.

Federal programs

Agriculture

Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program

The Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program integrates stabilization and disaster protection into a single program and helps producers protect their farming operations from both large and small drops in income. The CAIS program is a whole-farm program available to eligible farmers regardless of the commodities they produce.

• More information from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Production insurance

Production insurance (formerly known as crop insurance) provides risk protection to producers by minimizing the economic effects of production losses caused by natural hazards like drought, flood, hail, frost, excessive moisture, insects and wildlife damage.

• More information from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Health

Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response

Health Canada's Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response is the nation's central coordinating point for public health security. Its responsibilities include monitoring disease outbreaks, assessing public health risks during emergencies and managing the provision of emergency social services.

The Office of Emergency Services is responsible for the provision of essential non-medical services for the immediate physical and social well-being of people affected by disasters. The types of services supported consist of emergency clothing, lodging and food, registration and inquiry, reception centre services and personal services. Personal services include psychosocial interventions as well as care for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, the elderly and unattached children. The actual delivery of these services is provided at the provincial and territorial level.

• More information from Health Canada

Physical damage

Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements

Public Safety Canada manages the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), which provide funds to provincial/territorial governments to help them meet the costs arising from physical damage caused by major disasters that would otherwise impose an excessive burden on their economies and citizens.

• More information from Public Safety Canada

Taxes

Tax legislation contains fairness provisions that allow the Canada Revenue Agency to forgive penalties and interest when they result from circumstances beyond a taxpayer's control, including:

• disasters, such as a flood or fire
• civil disturbances or disruptions in services, such as a postal strike
• a serious illness, accident or emotional distress (e.g., a death in the immediate family)
   
• More information from the Canada Revenue Agency

Provincial and territorial programs

Ontario

At the January 24, 2005 meeting of Federal/ Provincial/ Territorial Ministers Responsible for Emergency Management, it was agreed that provinces and territories would continue work with the federal government to expand the inventory of disaster financial assistance programs. Provinces and territories have been invited to link their programs to the existing federal inventory. Ontario is the first province to do so.

• More information from Ontario

Date modified:

2017-06-09