$1K deductible for disaster assistance is 'excluding most Islanders,' says Green MLA

Green Party MLA Hannah Bell says the province's disaster assistance programis not what it should be. She said she couldn't believe it when she heard a $1,000 deductible would be applied to claims.

"It's excluding most Islanders, who do not have a spare $1,000 available for emergencies," Bell said.

According to the government website,the program can help individuals, non-profits, municipalities and businesses dealing with the aftermath of post-tropical storm Dorian.

"Individual homeowners and not-for-profit organizations are responsible for the first $1,000 worth of damages," the website says.It also says, "If damages are less than the deductible, no claim will be processed."

Bell saidshe has heard from constituents and non-profits concerned about the deductible.

"My first response when I got the first email was well that can't be right, because it just didn't make sense," Bell said.

"People are really upset."

Asking provinceto change program

Bellsaid she reached out to Minister of Justice and Public Safety Bloyce Thompson, asking him to reconsider the deductible.

"The word is already out there that there's no point registering because the program isn't going to help you," Bell said.

Bell believes many people will be trying to recover costs for tree removal, roof damage, loss of groceries, or running generators, and she said thatwould be in that $1,000 range.

"This is a bureaucratic, complex, insurance-based model," Bell said.

Bell also questions eligibility criteria that will require people to have a denial letter from an insurance company.

"The damage incurred must not have been reasonably insurable. A denial letter frominsurance company will be required to support the application," the P.E.I. Disaster Financial Assistance Programguide says.

"It's very disappointing, " Bellsaid. "We need and expect more."

Province sayswaiver available

The assistance program started receiving applications onSept. 18. According to the program guide, "the maximum payable payment or repair costs will be limited to $200,000 or the value of the property based on the provincial tax assessment."

In an emailed statement a spokesperson with theDepartment of Justice and Public Safety said"government recognizes the $1,000 deductible may be beyond certain individuals' means."

"For that reason, there is a mechanism in place, a waiver to help with those individuals," the email said.

The province said applications will bereviewedon a case-by-case basis.

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