Modernizing the DFAA

Why update the DFAA program

Disasters in Canada are becoming more frequent and severe. Since the 1970s, the number of weather-related disasters has more than doubled, and their costs have increased tenfold. As disasters continue to have significant impacts on Canada and the world, it is essential to take action to increase our collective resilience.

Since the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program is the main way the federal government supports disaster recovery in Canada, it needed to be reviewed and updated to more effectively meet the challenges of modern disasters.

Taking action: A collaborative review of the DFAA program

In 2022, an independent expert Advisory Panel was appointed to review and recommend updates to the DFAA program. Their report, Building Forward Together: Toward a more resilient Canada, released in April 2023, outlines how to modernize the program to support disaster recovery and build resilient communities.

From 2022 to 2024, the Government of Canada worked with provincial and territorial governments to review the DFAA program and bring forward improvements. The focus was on better supporting risk reduction, building resilience, supporting disaster-affected people, and ensuring quick and efficient funding.

During the review, the federal government also worked closely with different experts in emergency management and disaster recovery from Canada and other countries to learn the best ways to improve disaster recovery programs.

What's new in the modernized DFAA program

The updated DFAA, launching on April 1, 2025, incorporates feedback from provinces, territories, the Advisory Panel and other key partners. Major improvements include:

The DFAA program now has five Funding Streams for greater clarity and flexibility, allowing provinces and territories to adapt to the unique circumstances of disasters in their regions. This objectives-based approach aims to improve recovery outcomes, invest in risk reduction, and promote risk-informed land use and development.

The updated DFAA Guidelines for eligible disasters occurring on or after April 1, 2025, are now available along with guidelines for disasters before this date.

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