July 20, 2021 (OTTAWA) – Today the federal government launched a new intake for the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). Following the announcement, Craig Stewart, Vice-President, Federal Affairs, Insurance Bureau of Canada, issued the following statement:
“Insurance Bureau of Canada congratulates the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, for her leadership in today’s federal government announcement on DMAF. Increased funding will help protect and strengthen our communities in the face of escalating extreme weather events attributable to climate change.
The federal government deserves credit for today’s announcement, as well as for making important commitments and progress toward reducing emissions. But Canada also needs to expand its work on climate defence and better protect our families and property. We need to create a culture of preparedness and build a more disaster-resilient country. To achieve this, the federal government will need to close governance gaps, develop a comprehensive game plan and work with the private sector to deliver it.
Climate change remains a threat to our shared future. But it’s also having a serious and growing impact on our safety and our communities today. More and bigger floods, wildfires, hailstorms and windstorms – influenced by our changing climate – are costing billions and putting people and property at risk. These perils are having an outsized impact on Indigenous peoples and other vulnerable communities. Climate change presents a serious challenge. To triumph, we need to stay aggressive on offence and get tougher on defence. Today’s announcement is an important component of that strategy.”