Details of emergency financial assistance for Labrador City residents affected by the wildfires

The Newfoundland and Labrador government will distribute $1,000 in one-time emergency financial assistance to families ordered to evacuate their primary residence in Labrador City as a result of the wildfires.

The Honorable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, will be available to the media today (July 15, 2024) at 4:00 PM in the East Block Lobby of the Confederation Building to discuss the details of program.

To access this help, people must register with the Red Cross. The Red Cross will verify eligibility for assistance based on information submitted during registration and eligibility criteria provided by the provincial government. Anyone who has already registered does not need to register again.

Those who have not yet registered with the Red Cross can do so:

• by phone at 1-800-863-6582;
• online at red cross.ca/labradorwildfires; OR
• in person at the EJ Broomfield Arena, located at 2 Broomfield Street in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Registration for this one-time emergency financial assistance will close July 31, 2024. Help will be provided as soon as possible.

For more information about payment and eligibility for emergency financial assistance, please see the background.

While this emergency financial assistance will support evacuated Labrador City residents, a special assistance program is being developed to assist individuals whose employment has been affected by the evacuation order. Details on this particular assistance program will be shared when available.

The provincial government continues to work with its federal, municipal and community partners to ensure the health and safety of Labrador West residents and all those affected by the fires.

Updates on conditions, resources and assistance will be made available continuously throughout this evolving situation. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador atFacebookand on X, formerly Twitter.

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Backgrounder

One-time emergency financial assistance: Payment and eligibility details

Who is eligible for the $1,000 in financial assistance that the Red Cross is distributing on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador?

On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Canadian Red Cross is offering $1,000 in one-time financial assistance to families whose primary residence is under an evacuation order in Labrador City. This includes homeowners and renters. Residents must have complied with the evacuation order and evacuate out of the order area.

Eligibility requirements are set by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure that assistance is complementary to existing resources and reaches those most in need.

How will people get the money?

The Canadian Red Cross will distribute financial assistance to eligible families in one of the following ways.

• An electronic funds transfer is the fastest and safest way to receive funds.
• A payment card.

How long will it take after I register to receive my financial aid?

After you register with the Canadian Red Cross, we need to verify your identity and your eligibility for assistance, which may take some time. Typically, once financial aid is approved, you will receive your funds as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience throughout this process.

Will the Canadian Red Cross ever send me a text message to deposit my funds?

No. Financial aid for eligible families via an e-transfer will always be sent to your email on file.

Will I need to share confidential information with the Red Cross during my registration or to receive financial assistance?

No. The Red Cross will not ask for your SIN number or banking information.

Do I need to register again if I have already registered?

No. If a person whose primary residence is under an evacuation order in Labrador City has already registered with the Red Cross online, by phone or in person, they do not need to register again. Once a family has received a Red Cross registration number for the 2024 Labrador Fires, that family is considered registered and does not need to do so again. Any duplicate records may delay the process as additional authentication will be required.

For those who are not eligible for emergency financial assistance, what other support is available through the Red Cross?

Canadian Red Cross assistance is not always financial. The support provided may include reception and information services, emergency accommodation, personal services, emotional support and referrals to other resources available in the community.

Persons not eligible for financial assistance who have urgent unmet needs are encouraged to call the Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582, 24 hours a day to discuss referrals to other support that may be available in their area.

Information on how to access Red Cross services can be found at www.redcross.ca/labradorwildfires.

People under evacuation orders can also find the latest information and guidance from authorities here: www.gov.nl.ca.

2024 07 15
2:27 pm