Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Nerysoo.
The previous Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs had reviewed the extent of damage in the MacKenzie Delta after this spring's flooding, to determine whether it was appropriate to recommend invoking the Disaster Assistance Policy. After an undertaking of this review, the Minster advised the Premier that, although the MacKenzie Delta did experience flooding, the extent of significant damage was not wide spread to extend necessary to make damage assistance payments.
This decision was based upon the fact that disaster assistance is not meant to provide insurance coverage. It is extraordinary assistance meant to help residents after major damage occurs. It was thought reasonable to assume that individuals should be able to restore their property to its pre-disaster condition without disaster assistance.
Mr. Speaker, I reviewed this matter, I assumed the responsibility for this program, and found that the existing policy does not provide for assistance in this particular situation. Thank you.