Q & A: FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE

Q How much now?

A The federal government announced an initial payment of $300 million along with $90 million to match donations collected between May 3-30. The province is matching donations to the tune of $30 million.

Q How much to come?

A Exact numbers aren’t yet available, but early estimates put the number for non-insured costs close to $615 million.

Q How is it being dished out?

A All the funds are being given out through the Canadian Red Cross.

Q Who’s eligible?

A Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements give a breakdown of who can get the $300 million announced Friday. They include costs incurred for: evacuation, transportation, emergency food, shelter and clothing, essential community services, security measures, repairs to public buildings and equipment, infrastructure including roads and bridges, removal of damaged structures, restoring or replacing homes and businesses and their contents, and damage assessments and cleanup.

Q Who isn’t?

A Not eligible for reimbursement are costs related to: repairs to non-primary dwellings like cottages, repairs that can get reimbursed through insurance, costs paid fully or in part by another government program, normal operating expenses of government departments or agencies, assistance to large businesses and Crown corporations, loss of income and economic recovery and forest firefighting.

Q Exceptions?

A All costs for damage on First Nations Reserves paid by the province are compensated by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.

More details, including the equation used to determine provincial and financial obligations, are available through the federal ministry of public safety.