Question Period Note: Supplementary Estimates (A) 2018-2019 ISC

These Supplementary Estimates include adjustments totaling $33 million.
This funding ensures that the Department will be able to continue to make concrete steps to address the needs of Indigenous peoples.

ISC works in partnership with Kashechewan First Nation and provincial officials to evacuate Kashechewan each spring. Community members are received in host communities in northern Ontario such as Kapuskasing, Cochrane and Timmins. The precautionary evacuations cost about $9 million annually.
Kaschechewan First Nation has advocated for many years to relocate the community to higher ground to mitigate the threat of flooding each spring. The community’s preferred location, known as ‘Site 5’, is situated 35 kilometres upstream on the Albany River. A report by Neegan Burnside Ltd. (2018) confirmed that Site 5 has sufficient suitable land above the flood risk level to support community development.
The 2019 Framework Agreement was signed by former Minister Seamus O’Regan, Kashechewan Chief Leo Friday, and Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs on May 5, 2019. It confirmed the parties’ shared commitment to plan for the relocation of Kashchewan to higher ground at Site 5. Discussions are underway on an Addition to Reserve to add Site 5 and a road corridor to the existing Fort Albany #67 Indian Reserve.
The relocation of Kashechewan is a complex project that requires detailed planning. ISC estimates that 8 to 10 years will be required to complete the relocation. The community is working with professional project managers to develop detailed plans and cost estimates.

Funding for internal support services

Two departments will better serve the distinct needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. We are improving the delivery of services while accelerating a move to self-government and self-determination of Indigenous peoples.
The departments were provided with additional funding of $117 million over a period of three years with an ongoing component of $19 million. From the additional funding, $59.7 million was attributed to set-up and transition costs to create separate departments, and the integration of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch from Health Canada to ISC.
The money reflected in Supps A that we are discussing today simply reflects a carry forward of some of these funds.

Greyhound reduction in services and impact on first nations

The Government of Canada is committed to working with all partners to support the safety, security, and well-being of Indigenous peoples.
The request for $3,000,000 of new funding under supplementary estimates A is in direct response to intercity bus service disruptions in Western Canada, where Budget 2019 proposed $5 million over 2 years, ($3,000,000 in 2019-2020 and $2,000,000 in 2020-2021).
This money will respond to acute transportation needs - such as the safety of women, girls and youth - where a business solution is not viable for the 135 First Nation communities affected by the cancellation of Greyhound bus service.

Funding for emergency management on reserve

Last May, my colleague the Hon. Seamus O’Regan signed a Framework Agreement with the Kashechewan First Nation and the Government of Ontario, confirming the relocation of Kashechewan First Nation to higher ground.
This request for $8.2 million in the Supplementary Estimates is for the first year of the funding of three initiatives. Specifically, to develop plans and estimate costs to relocate the community ($2.6 million), to strengthen capacity to support this complex project ($600,000) and to improve the integrity of Kashechewan’s drainage and dyke systems until the community can be relocated ($5 million).
Together with the community, we are committed to a safe, healthy and sustainable future for Kashechewan First Nation.