The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be distributing $1,000 in one-time emergency financial assistance to households ordered to evacuate their primary residence in Labrador City as a result of the wildfires.
The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, will be available to media today (July 15, 2024) at 4:00 p.m. in the east block lobby of Confederation Building to discuss program details.
To access this assistance, people must be registered 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 already registered should not re-register.
Those who have not yet registered with the Red Cross can do so:
- via telephone at 1-800-863-6582;
- online at redcross.ca/labradorwildfires; or
- in-person at E.J. Broomfield Arena, located at 2 Broomfield Street in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Registration for this one-time emergency financial assistance will close on July 31, 2024. Assistance will be provided as soon as possible.
For more information about payment and eligibility for emergency financial assistance, please see the backgrounder.
While this emergency financial assistance will support evacuated Labrador City residents, a separate assistance program is being developed to assist individuals whose employment has been impacted by the evacuation order. Details on this separate 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 the residents of Labrador West, and all of those affected by the wildfires.
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 on Facebook and 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 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 providing $1,000 in one-time financial assistance to households whose primary residence is under evacuation order in Labrador City. This includes homeowners and renters. Residents must have complied with the evacuation order and evacuated outside the order area.
Eligibility requirements are determined by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure assistance is complementary to existing resources and reaching those who need it most.
How will people receive the money?
Canadian Red Cross will distribute financial assistance to eligible households through one the following ways.
- An electronic funds transfer – the quickest, most secure way to receive funds.
- A payment card.
How long will it take once I register to get my financial assistance?
Once you register with the Canadian Red Cross, we must verify your identity and your eligibility for assistance, which can take some time. Typically, once financial assistance is approved, you will receive your funds as quickly 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 assistance to eligible households through an e-transfer will always be sent to your email on file.
Will I have 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 evacuation order in Labrador City has already registered with the Red Cross online, over the phone, or in-person, they should not register again. Once a Red Cross registration number has been received by a household for the Labrador Wildfires 2024, that household is considered registered and does not need to do so again. Any duplicate registrations may delay the process as additional validation will be needed.
For those who aren’t eligible for emergency financial assistance, what other supports are available through the Red Cross?
Canadian Red Cross assistance is not always financial. Support provided may include reception and information services, emergency accommodation, personal services, emotional support and referrals to other resources available in the community.
People who are not eligible for financial assistance who have outstanding urgent needs are encouraged to call the Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582, 24 hours a day to discuss referrals to other supports 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 order can also find the latest information and guidance from authorities here: www.gov.nl.ca.