Government of Canada announces further reinforcement of COVID-19 supports for Indigenous communities
Canada NewsWire
OTTAWA, TRADITIONAL UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, ON, Jan. 13, 2021
OTTAWA, TRADITIONAL UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, ON, Jan. 13, 2021 /CNW/ - As the COVID-19 pandemic increases in intensity, the Government of Canada continues supporting First Nations, Inuit, Métis to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to keep their communities safe, and respond to outbreaks of COVID-19.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services is highlighting $1.2 billion in investments made through the Fall Economic Statement (FES) in additional support for the ongoing public health response to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities.
Providing communities with the flexibility needed to respond to COVID-19 is essential. Since the beginning of the pandemic, action has been taken at all levels to protect the most vulnerable and support those who need it most. Collective measures have been undertaken by community-based organizations across this country. This work is making a fundamental difference.
To continue to support this work, the Government of Canada is allocating an additional $380 million for the Indigenous Community Support Fund. This will ensure continued critical support for on-the-ground, community-led solutions to prevent, prepare and respond to COVID-19.
With this further investment, the Government of Canada has now invested over $1 billion in the Indigenous Community Support Fund. This fund continues to serve an important role in supporting priorities identified by Indigenous leadership. Funding can be used for a variety of measures, such as promoting food security, improving mental health support services and ensuring the distribution of emergency equipment.
In addition, this announcement includes $631.6 million over two years to support a number of measures in communities, including procuring PPE, adapting existing facilities, hiring more staff, and providing surge capacity when needed. This brings the total funding allocated specifically for public health emergency response in communities to $926.7 million.
Given the vulnerability of elders and those in long-term care facilities, $186.8 million over two years is also being is also being announced to support needs and gaps in those facilities and to provide additional home care in Indigenous communities, in order to protect these populations from COVID-19.
To date, and with these additional investments, the Government of Canada has announced approximately $4 billion in COVID-19 funding for Indigenous communities and organizations supporting families and individuals since the beginning of the pandemic. We will continue to respond to emerging needs and remain committed to supporting Indigenous communities and families through this pandemic and beyond.
Quotes
"First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have worked diligently to prevent, respond and control the spread of the virus in their communities. We acknowledge their strength and resilience, and the hard work they continue to put into leading their communities to safety. Through these investments, we will continue to support community-led solutions, and to ensure a strong and multi-faceted pandemic response."
The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
Quick facts
As of December 18, over $4.2 billion has been announced in specific COVID-19 support to Indigenous and northern communities and organizations:
Associated links
Fall Economic Statement 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Indigenous communities
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and risks
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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada