Minister of Finance Makes Statement Regarding Fort McMurray Wildfire Insurance Claims
“There has been some confusion regarding the extension of insurance claims for residents affected by the Wood Buffalo wildfire. Let me be clear that there will be a blanket extension within which to file claims for an additional year.”
On Wednesday May 23rd, 2018, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Joe Ceci made an official statement regarding insurance claims following the 2016 Horse River Wildfire.
In March, Mayor Don Scott requested a one-year insurance extension on claims for all Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo residents impacted by the wildfire. This request was seemingly denied by the province in April. Minister Ceci recognized that there has been much confusion on this issue recently and clearly stated “there will be a blanket extension within which to file claims for an additional year.”
The Minister thanked Albertan insurance companies stating that “the vast majority have already agreed to grant these extensions voluntarily.” Not all insurance companies have given extensions voluntarily, and Minister Ceci encouraged that the government is “ready and prepared to amend legislation to ensure all residents are being treated fairly.”
Any residents who are experiencing issues with their insurance claims, including challenges regarding deadline extensions, should contact the Superintendent of Insurance at tbf.insurance@gov.ab.ca or dial 310-0000 toll free in Alberta and then dial 780-643-2237.
