Question Period Note: Funding Supports

• On March 11th the Prime Minister announced available funding for federal public health measures which includes ongoing support for preparedness in on-reserve First Nations communities.

• With this funding, my department has been working to address immediate pressures of First Nations communities in activating, updating and testing their pandemic plans.

• Additionally, the investment of $305 Million in this legislation for the distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund will help address the immediate needs in First Nation, Inuit and Metis Nation communities.

N/A

If pressed further on funding:
• This fund will provide Indigenous leadership with the ability to make choices that work for their communities.
• It is anticipated that funding will be used to address immediate needs related to COVID-19 in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities. Communities will be able to proactively respond to emerging needs as they arise.
• Funding is in the process of being distributed.

If pressed on coordination with other federal benefits:
• ISC officials have been working with their counterparts at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to ensure Indigenous Peoples are considered in the development of outreach materials on the new federal benefits, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and the Canada Emergency Student Benefit.
• ISC, CRA and ESDC websites and communications materials are being updated to address questions or to clarify information from Indigenous Peoples.
• CRA, ESDC and ISC are also sharing materials on the new Federal Benefits with various Indigenous networks to promote access to the new funding.