canada, the provincial and federal government via the canadian taxpayer, cover the cost of large-scale floods, as private insurers will not cover the cost of home owners' overland flooding damage. canada is in a unique situation as the only g8 country where individuals cannot purchase this insurance. according to the ibc 2012 report, "commercial insurance policies may provide coverage for damage due to overland flooding either as part of the commercial property policy or as a separate policy endorsement. "private insurers cover sewage backup, but won't offer flood protection because the small population base of canada means it's difficult for the companies to cover the cost of their risk."