Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, launched the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) yesterday, a 10-year national program that will invest $2 billion in projects that help communities better withstand natural hazards such as floods, seismic events and droughts.
DMAF will support large-scale infrastructure projects with a minimum cost of $20 million like diversion channels, wetland restorations, wildfire barriers and setback levees.
“Now more than ever, communities across Canada need to take measures to reduce the potential impacts of natural disasters related to climate change. Here in Alberta and across the country, we are experiencing unprecedented extreme weather and feeling its great personal, social and economic effects ,” said Minister Sohi.
“ Investing today to reduce these impacts will save future recovery costs and prevent critical infrastructure failures while helping Canada transition to a more resilient sustainable economy. This program is about coming together to protect our most precious assets: our people, homes, businesses and the communities we are proud to call home.”
According to the official announcement, these projects will safeguard public health and safety, protect people’s homes, make sure access to essential services is not interrupted, and help communities protect their residents’ quality of life.