Feds announce $60M for Lac-Megantic disaster recovery

The federal government has announced a $60 million fund to help Lac-Megantic, Que., recover from its train disaster.

The announcement from local MP Christian Paradis, a cabinet minister, came after the Harper government faced some criticism for failing to offer specifics about its plans for Lac-Megantic.

The provincial government had moved immediately — with its own $60 million fund — and provided emergency aid that saw stranded people swiftly receive $1,000 cheques.

As he announced the federal initiative today, Paradis applauded the work from the province to provide immediate assistance.

From the new federal fund, $25 million will go to the provincial government and $35 million will go to long-term economic recovery projects for the region.

Paradis said the federal government is committed to helping with recovery.

“The people of Megantic can count on the support of the federal government,” Paradis said.

“All Canadians feel shock and sadness over this tragedy.”

Paradis holds a close connection to the July 6 disaster.

The local MP happened to be having lunch at a pub just hours before it became the epicentre of the blast.

Many of the suspected 47 victims of the derailment were at the Musi-Cafe bar, whose patrons have described seeing a wall of fire engulf the area near the tracks.

Fourty-two bodies have been found, although no new bodies have been recovered since the weekend.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today