Question Period Note: Support for Nunavut

• We recognize the unique challenges faced by many communities in Nunavut.

• Inuit regional organizations and governments are receiving funding from Indigenous Services Canada for measures including:
o Support for elders, youth and vulnerable community members;
o Addressing food insecurity;
o Support for land-based activities;
o Educational and other support for children;
o Mental health assistance and emergency response services;
o Preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and
o Medical supplies.

• In full partnership, we have engaged Inuit on funding gaps and are working towards addressing them.

Background

Inuit are very concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on their communities given added vulnerability caused by limited or only distant access to acute medical services, overcrowded and inadequate housing, high rates of respiratory illnesses such as tuberculosis, and the dependence on air support for travel and delivery of goods to their remote communities. During the quickly evolving circumstances associated with the COVID-19 response, government is working with Inuit partners to ensure that funding is delivered as quickly as possible. Gaps and concerns have been identified in the delivery of some funding that may not have applicability throughout Inuit Nunangat. CIRNAC is working with Inuit and federal partners to identify and make efforts to address those gaps and concerns, where possible.

The Government of Canada is taking decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship because of COVID-19. This includes working closely and proactively with provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments to meet the unique needs of Indigenous and Northern communities, which are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19. On April 14th, the Prime Minister announced $130 million in targeted Northern funding to address immediate health, economic, and transportation needs identified by territorial Premiers in correspondence in mid-March.

Part of this funding includes the transfer $72.6 million directly to the governments of Yukon ($18.4 million), Northwest Territories ($23.4 million), and Nunavut ($30.8 million) to support COVID-19 preparations and responses related to health and social services. This funding builds on the $500 million already announced for provincial and territorial governments through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) and will enable territorial governments to address their respective critical priorities as they see fit to minimize the spread of the virus.
In recognition of the hardships currently faced by the territorial business community, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) will be immediately making available $15 million in funding towards direct support for ongoing operating costs incurred by territorial small- and medium-sized businesses, in order to help them continue to play their vital role in Northern communities. This relief funding for territorial businesses complements the suite of relief measures implemented by the Government of Canada to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Canadian economy. CanNor is working to provide this relief funding as quickly as possible to the businesses that need it the most. Further details will become available in the coming days once the program fully rolls out.

To support important air services to northern communities, the Government of Canada is providing up to $17.3 million to the governments of Yukon ($3.6 million), Northwest Territories ($8.7 million), and Nunavut ($5 million) to support northern air carriers. This funding, in partnership with investments by the territorial governments, will ensure the continued supply of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods and services to remote and fly-in communities.

The Government announced a one-time financial injection of $25 million in order to increase Nutrition North Canada’s subsidy rates on nutritious food and essential items. The targeted/highest subsidy level has been increased by 50cents/kg, and the higher subsidy level has been increased by $1/kg. By providing an additional subsidy on a broad range of items, residents of isolated communities will be better able to afford to feed and protect themselves and their families. These changes are temporary measures to assist residents of isolated northern communities during this challenging period. This decision will extend until March 31, 2021.

The Government of Canada will continue to work with territorial and provincial governments and other partners to explore short-to medium term options to address other needs directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.

COVID-19 Funding to Territorial Governments
• We recognize that territorial governments have unique needs related to remoteness, transportation and health care limitations, and higher costs of living and doing business.
• Canada is addressing these unique territorial needs with $130 million in COVID-related funding for four priorities:
o $72.6 million for health and social services;
o $17.3 million to maintain essential airline services;
o $15 million in supports for businesses; and
o $25 million to Nutrition North Canada for essential goods.
• Canada remains committed to supporting provincial and territorial governments in responding to COVID-19.

Territorial Transfers for health and social services
• Canada has dedicated resources to respond to the urgent public health response including for Inuit communities.
• Canada will transfer $72.6 million to the territorial governments to support their COVID-19 health and social services preparations and response:
o $18.4 million for Yukon;
o $23.4 million for the Northwest Territories; and
o $30.8 million for Nunavut.
• This funding builds on the $500 million already announced for provincial and territorial governments through the Canada Health Transfer and will help the territories address the critical priorities they identified to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Other funding available to Inuit
• Canada, working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), developed an approach to allocate $45 million of the Indigenous Community Support Fund among Inuit Nunangat Regions.
• Regional allocations were determined by ITK and Inuit land claims organizations and are being administered by the four Inuit land claims organizations:
o Makivik (Nunavik Inuit) received $11,250,000;
o Inuvialuit Regional Cooperation received $5,850,000,
o Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated received $22,545,000, and;
o Nunatsiavut received $5,355,000.
• The Government is committed to continue working with Inuit to further identify and address COVID-19 preparedness and response in Inuit communities.

Territorial Business Support
• Indigenous businesses provide jobs, goods, and services to communities, and are an important part of the Canadian economy.
• To assist businesses with operating costs not already covered by other Government of Canada measures, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency will make available $15 million in non-repayable support for businesses in the territories.
• The Government continues to work with Inuit in order to address the gaps in COVID-19 response funding.

False positive case in Nunavut
• The health and safety of the communities is a top priority for our Government.
• The Government of Nunavut is the lead in addressing and investigating potential COVID-19 cases. The territorial government and Public Health Agency of Canada are responsible for testing.
• Government of Canada officials participate on the COVID-19 Inter-agency Group, which is led by the Government of Nunavut to collaborate and provide support for the COVID-19 responses.
• The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting provincial and territorial governments in responding to the pandemic.