Hurricane Dorian: Crane Removal Cost - Question Period

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth South.

FIN. & TREASURY BD. - HURRICANE DORIAN: CRANE REMOVAL - COST

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. Today marks 31 days since Hurricane Dorian hit and since the infamous crane from the building under development by Wadih Fares crumpled onto South Park Street. Last week the government renewed the localized state of emergency to continue assuming responsibility for the crane's removal. The crane undoubtedly needs to come down as quickly and as safely as possible, but eventually we will need to account for the cost of the government taking over that removal.

Can the minister please share the estimated cost, which I'm assuming she has, for assuming responsibility for that removal? Can she assure Nova Scotians unequivocally that the government will recover that cost?

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, to the member's question, we made it very clear that declaring a localized state of emergency in that particular area was designed solely and initially for protection of people and property. We stand by that. That area had to be secured.

The next step was the removal of that crane had to take place. We wanted to make sure that there was a proper assessment that the crane could be removed safely. Responsibility for that was given to TIR because we did not want to have any more of a delay. We want those people who have been displaced from their businesses or from their homes to be able to get back as quickly as possible. In order for that to happen, it has to be a safe environment.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I note that I got no cost estimate and no guarantee of recovering that cost.

My second question is for the Minister of Business. Many people impacted by this situation are in a terrible spot. While the government is not able to confirm that it will recoup any expenses covering the developer's accident, when asked what's available for small businesses suffering this accident, the Premier has said they should check their insurance policies.

Not all of the small business owners affected have business-interruption insurance - the only type that would cover this - and if they do, it is limited. Revenue has ceased for those businesses for 31 days, but they still have rent, wages, utilities, and inventory to pay. Can the minister tell us what support is available for these small businesses who may be on the hook for thousands of dollars in costs related to the crane collapse?

GEOFF MACLELLAN » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. Obviously this is of great concern for many departments of our government with respect to business. First of all, public safety is number one, but any time there's an impact on business, it's certainly something that we have to address and make sure that we're doing everything we can.

The reality is that this an unfortunate event. Insurance is at play in terms of what can be recouped. The conversations are ongoing around business with my department and what potential role we have. But again, first and foremost, right now it's about the safety of the individuals, the safety of the people, and getting this crane removed as quickly as we can. That's the number one priority, and that's exactly what we're going to do.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Kings North.