Question Period Note: Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nunavik

• We are paying specific attention to the preparedness and response needs of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities.

• The Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services is the lead in addressing the situation and investigating potential cases. Testing in Nunavik is the responsibility of the provincial government and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• On March 25th, Canada announced $45 million to assist Inuit communities with the COVID-19 pandemic, including $11.25 million for the Makivik Corporation.

• We remain committed to supporting partners and provincial and territorial governments in responding to the pandemic.

Background

The Government of Quebec provides health and social services in the Nunavik region since the signature of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement in 1975.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provides additional funding for some programs but does not provide direct services to the people of Nunavik.
ISC-FNIHB Quebec is in frequent contact with the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services in order to offer its support.
As of May 4, there are currently 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Inuit communities in Nunavik.

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