Nearly 70% of P.E.I. oyster growers' Fiona damage claims still unpaid after 1.5 years

The majority of compensation claims from P.E.I. oyster growers related to damage from post-tropical storm Fiona have not yet been processed, 1.5 years after the massive storm struck the Island.

A provincial government spokesperson confirmed to CBC News that of the 89 damage claims oyster growers filed since the disaster, only 28 have been approved by the Canadian Red Cross — which administered the post-Fiona Disaster Financial Assistance Program on the province's behalf. 

Robert Henderson, Liberal MLA for O'Leary-Inverness, raised the issue of the delayed assistance during Question Period. 

"I'm certainly getting calls from constituents in my riding who are awaiting a response on their claim," Henderson told the House on Tuesday.

The damage to oyster growers during Fiona in September 2022 was extensive, said Peter Warris, executive director of the P.E.I. Aquaculture Alliance.

Damages were estimated at about $70 million for the aquaculture industry, he said, but 18 months later he's still not certain how accurate that number is. 

"I'd be interested to know when all the figures have come through, what that amount is," said Warris. 

Though some oyster growers have had their damage claims paid out, "some of them certainly are very frustrated by the length of time that it has taken for their compensation to come through," Warris said. 

Some growers have replaced their gear already, he said, while some are waiting for their compensation claims before buying new gear. 

'A lot longer than we would like'

The Canadian Red Cross website states that aquaculture applicants are eligible for up to $550,000 in compensation for uninsurable losses from the storm.

The charity also says its review team are "working as fast as possible to review applications as they are received" but "as each application is unique and potentially complex, review times may vary."

A spokesperson directed questions about the claims processing times to the provincial government.

"We are working continuously with the government of Prince Edward Island to complete the reviews of remaining claims according to the eligibility guidelines as established by the Province," said a statement sent to CBC News.

In the legislature, Fisheries Minister Cory Deagle said he would like to see the claims process move faster. 

"I'll admit that it's taking a lot longer than we would like it to," he said. 

Henderson asked Deagle what his department is doing to encourage the Red Cross to finalize those claims.

Deagle pointed out that there was an extension to the end of June 2023 for oyster growers to file claims, which he said slowed down the process. 

"I would love to see all of this wrapped up within the next ... six weeks," he said.    

Warris said he was happy to see the issue brought up in the legislature. 

"I think it's good that we are getting some attention on the issue," he said, "so that the resources that are available can be brought to bear."