Angry Windsor flood victims caught in the gap: MPP Hatfield

During question period today, Windsor-Tecumseh NDP MPP Percy Hatfield demanded that the Wynne government present a plan for Windsor area flood victims who are caught in the gap between private insurance and Ontario’s disaster recovery assistance.

“People in Windsor are angry and disappointed with the government’s response to the recent flooding disaster,” said Hatfield.  “The minister of Municipal Affairs said private insurance was readily available. The insurance Bureau of Canada told him he was wrong.”

This is the second time in less than 12 months Windsor area residents were hammered with rainfall that overwhelmed the municipal drainage infrastructure. In 2016, over 200 flood victims were denied assistance through the Provincial Disaster Recovery Assistance Program while many are still waiting for their claims to be processed. Insurance companies won’t continue to cover re-occurring flooding while the provincial program won’t cover sewer back-ups.

“Extreme weather events are hitting all parts of Ontario,” said Hatfield. “Natural disasters caused by heavy rains are occurring too frequently. This government is downloading the effects of climate change onto ordinary citizens.”

“How will the premier close the gap in coverage between private insurance and the government’s disaster assistance recovery program?” asked Hatfield.