The Quebec government has pledged $60 million in funding for Lac-Megantic after the deadly train derailment, but some say that won鈥檛 be nearly enough to help rebuild the town and support displaced residents.
Premier Pauline Marois has said that each affected family will receive $1,000 for food and other essentials. She said $25 million of the relief fund will be made available immediately, with $8 million going toward emergency aid.
But residents like Alex Catherine Gagnon say they need long-term financial help, after their places of work were destroyed in the massive train explosion.
Not much is left of the downtown bar where Gagnon worked and her employer has told her that he doesn鈥檛 plan to rebuild.
Rachelle Isabelle鈥檚 office was also burned to the ground when the train carrying crude oil barrelled into Lac-Megantic.
鈥淚 now don鈥檛 have a salary,鈥� she said, adding that the $1,000 in government aid will only cover a week鈥檚 worth of bills.
Anne Pedecheli of Intact Insurance said the process of filing insurance claims is 鈥渧ery emotional鈥� and difficult for many residents.
Insurance companies are relying on aerial pictures of Lac-Megantic to figure out which of their clients have lost property in the disaster.
鈥淭o know if it is a total loss or not, we are looking at maps because we don鈥檛 have access to the site,鈥� Pedecheli said.
Marois has acknowledged that $60 million will not cover all costs associated with the tragedy, but said more money will be added over time.
"It's not much consolation, I know," Marois said. "(But) we will help Lac-Megantic rebuild a modern, pretty and attractive downtown.鈥�
With a report from CTV鈥檚 Peter Akman
