Ottawa gives $40M to Atlantic shellfish farmers hit by post-tropical storm Fiona

Ginette Petitpas Taylor says the storm had a ‘particularly devastating effect’ on shellfish farmers

CITYnews halifax \ Canadian Press

Listen to this article

SPRINGBROOK, P.E.I. — The federal government is providing up to $40 million over two years to shellfish farmers in Atlantic Canada to help them recover from damage caused by post-tropical storm Fiona.

Ginette Petitpas Taylor, minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, says the money will assist with storm damage repairs, equipment replacement, product loss, and will also fund longer-term projects to help the industry adapt to future episodes of extreme weather.

She says the storm had a “particularly devastating effect” on shellfish farmers, noting they are major employers that generate revenue in rural communities throughout the region.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has called post-tropical storm Fiona the most expensive extreme weather event ever recorded in the Atlantic region, causing $800 million in insured damage.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last October that the federal government has set aside a $300-million recovery fund to help Atlantic Canadians rebuild from the storm.

During the Sept. 24 hurricane, homes were swept out to sea, while bridges, businesses, airports and other infrastructure were severely damaged.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2023.

The Canadian Press