Scott Brison, president of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, helped launch the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), a 10-year national program that will invest C$2 billion ($1.56 billion) in projects that help communities better withstand natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, seismic events and droughts.
“Now more than ever, communities across Canada need to take measures to reduce the potential impacts of natural disasters related to climate change,” said Brison. “Here in the Maritimes and across the country, we are experiencing unprecedented extreme weather, such as the recent flooding in New Brunswick. The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund will allow Canadian communities to be better prepared for the potential impact of natural disasters, and will ensure the durability of essential community services.”
DMAF will support large-scale infrastructure projects with a minimum cost of C$20 million ($16 million) like diversion channels, wetland restorations, wildfire barriers and setback levees.
These projects will safeguard public health and safety, protect people’s homes, make sure access to essential services is not interrupted, and help communities protect their residents’ quality of life.
Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than C$180 billion ($140 billion) over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund will support large-scale disaster mitigation projects with a minimum eligible cost of C$20 million that help ensure continuous essential services and reduce the potential impacts of severe weather and other natural hazards.
Applicants wishing to be considered for funding under the program will have until July 31, 2018, to submit an Expression of Interest to Infrastructure Canada. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, provinces and territories; municipal and regional governments; Canadian public or not-for-profit post-secondary institutions that partner with a Canadian municipality; and band councils and First Nation, Inuit or Métis governments.
