Question Period Note: Government response to flooding

• Climate change is disproportionally impacting Indigenous communities due to their often remote locations, close ties to the land and reliance on natural resources.

• Indigenous Services Canada continues to work closely with First Nations, provincial partners and community organizations to plan, address and mitigate flooding. First Nations are supported in leading efforts to address their current flooding situation.

• ISC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) helps communities on reserve access emergency assistance services. EMAP provides funding to First Nation communities so they can build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and respond to emergencies using the four pillars of emergency management (mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery).
• ISC works with provincial and territorial governments to ensure First Nation communities have access to comparable emergency assistance services available to other residents in their respective jurisdictions.
• Provinces and territories are responsible for emergency management within their areas of jurisdiction and therefore, have the expertise and capacity to deliver services on behalf of ISC. To ensure that First Nation communities have the assistance they need within the broader provincial or territorial emergency management system, ISC is in regular contact with provincial and territorial emergency management officials.
• ISC is working with First Nation leaders across the country, and the provinces and territories to advance trilateral emergency management agreements. These agreements will see First Nations becomes full and equal partners in emergency management moving forward.
• ISC works with Public Safety Canada to ensure the safety and wellbeing of First Nations.
• After the 2021 election the Prime Minster created a new cabinet portfolio, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness, appointing Minister Bill Blair to this role. This position is located under the Public Safety Canada portfolio. ISC will continue to work with Minister Blair to proactively prepare for future emergencies, and focus on the recovery efforts from recent events.

If pressed on emergency management assistance for flooding
• Our Government continues to engage with Indigenous leaders to support emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery from floods, in collaboration with provinces and non-governmental organizations.

• We will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that information is shared and proper preventative and mitigation measures are in place so communities are well prepared for floods.
• The Emergency Management Assistance Program will continue to work with First Nation leadership in recovering from flood seasons, expediting support for projects to mitigate future impacts. Our Government’s commitment to build back better will help ensure Indigenous communities are prepared for future events.

If pressed on flood prevention - climate change and disaster mitigation efforts
• Climate change is disproportionally impacting Indigenous communities due to their remote locations, close ties to the land and reliance on natural resources.
• Engaging Indigenous leaders and implementing adaptation measures are keys to reducing impacts and increasing resiliency in communities. We will continue to work with communities to leverage their local knowledge to prepare for and mitigate the effects of future flooding.
• The Emergency Management Assistance Program is engaging First Nation leadership to ensure the health and safety of Indigenous Canadians.

Government response to BC flooding
• ISC works with Emergency Management BC, First Nations Health Authority and the First Nations Emergency Services Society to support First Nations recovery from flooding events.

• We will continue to work closely with partners to share information and collaborate on preventative measures. Each year ISC engages in seasonal readiness workshops along with Emergency Management BC, specifically for First Nations leadership and Emergency Management staff.

• ISC’s First Nation Infrastructure Fund has invested in projects to modify hazards and make structures more resilient to future emergency events.

Government response to Ontario flooding
• ISC is in regular contact with First Nation leadership, provincial emergency services and other Government departments to respond to emergency situations and manage risk to ensure the health and safety of community members and reduce flood damage.

• ISC has approved funding to support the evacuations of Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Grassy Narrows, and Attawapiskat First Nations this past spring flood season. ISC continues to work with multiple First Nations to ensure critical infrastructure is safeguarded and homes in communities affected by flooding are protected and/or restored.

Government response to Manitoba flooding
• Spring weather systems brought significant rain to southwestern Manitoba, causing overland flooding, loss of road access and evacuations.

• Flood waters across the Interlake have receded.

• ISC is working with First Nations, Province of Manitoba, and Canadian Red Cross to provide support to evacuated community members.

• Response plans are activated to address overland flooding and repatriation and recovery planning is ongoing.

If pressed on support to Peguis First Nation
• As of August 26, 2022, 1822 Peguis First Nation evacuees from 609 households are now accommodated in Winnipeg, Selkirk, and Fisher Branch.

• With flood waters receding, comprehensive repatriation and recovery planning as well as damage assessments are under way.

• As of August 26, 2022, 184 evacuees from 136 households have repatriated.

If pressed on the evacuation at Peguis First Nation
• ISC has provided advance payments in the amount of $4.5M. The Nation has provided one submission that is currently under review by regional officials.

• Beyond efforts to resolve the current crisis situation, ISC and Peguis First Nation will establish a working group to actively and comprehensively plan for long-term solutions.