Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) – RM Application for Eligibility
Res #: 13-22M
Number: 13
Year: 2022
Midterm: Yes
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations
WHEREAS the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) accepts claims from individuals seeking financial assistance in cases including snowstorm events during which they experience loss of livestock.
WHEREAS prior to PDAP processing a claim, they require the Council of the Rural Municipality (RM), in which the loss of livestock occurred, to apply to the Ministry of Government Relations to be designated as an eligible assistance area under PDAP.
WHEREAS RMs are of such a geographical size, that weather conditions vary throughout the RM; elected officials should not be expected to confirm that a weather event occurred at a specific place and time.
BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Provincial Government to make PDAP be responsible to determine weather conditions at specific locations on specific dates in order to eliminate the RM’s participation in claims related to weather events.
Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety
February 8, 2023
Through PDAP for your residents (13-22M), the process for applying for disaster assistance is governed by the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program Regulations, 2011 which were created under the authority of The Emergency Planning Act, 1990. This act identifies that the local authority is responsible for the direction and control of that local authority’s emergency response planning and activities. In keeping with this it is incumbent on the local authority to make the initial determination of whether a disaster exists, and if it is of sufficient scale to request provincial assistance.
Where events are of sufficient size and scope that it is possible for PDAP to make a proactive determination that an event exists and the parameters around that event, no further weather information will be requested of a local authority to support a designation for assistance. However, the vast geography of Saskatchewan and limited availability of weather stations make it essential for PDAP to rely on the local authority’s first-hand observations, as well as local knowledge and research to support a request for designation where a disaster’s existence or boundaries are unclear.
We hope this clarifies the responsibilities of local authorities in seeking disaster relief on behalf of their residents. If uncertainty remains about the designation process, you are encouraged to reach out to PDAP at 1-866-632-4033.
The Honourable Christine Tell – Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Saskatchewan Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety