Feds advance more than $84M to N.W.T. through DFAA program

The federal government announced an advance payment of $84,347,404 to the N.W.T. through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program to help cover response and recovery costs from this year’s wildfires.

Harjit S. Sajjan, Canada’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness, announced the funds yesterday, stating in a news release the payment will support the territory to recover and rebuild better in the aftermath of the “unprecedented” wildfire season.

“I have witnessed firsthand the damage and devastation that the 2023 wildfires have brought to communities and the residents of the N.W.T. We are committed to supporting those impacted by disasters, which are exacerbated by climate change, and keeping them safe,” Sajjan said.

Between May 4 and Oct. 15, 304 wildfires in the territory burned over 4.1 million hectares. More than two thirds of N.W.T. residents were displaced by the fires.

The federal DFAA program provides assistance when response and recovery costs exceed what a province or territory can cover. The payments are calculated on a per capita basis and are cost-shared with the province or territory.

Find the full news release here.