Question Period Note: Insufficient Community Infrastructure:

• We recognize the infrastructure challenges faced by many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.

• We are exploring all options to address COVID-19 community infrastructure needs, including supporting temporary isolation and testing facilities, and additional staff.

• We have been clear that supports for Indigenous communities are not limited by financial capacity.

• We will continue to work closely with individual communities and partners to coordinate resources and keep communities safe.

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If pressed on temporary isolation structures:
• We are working directly with First Nations communities to assess health infrastructure needs and identify tailored solutions to best respond to COVID-19.
• When possible, communities are re-tooling existing community spaces such as schools, daycares, and band offices for isolation purposes. We have also funded additional mobile and deployable structures such as BLUMED structures and modular homes where isolation space is limited.
• We will continue to work closely with individual communities and partners to coordinate resources and keep communities safe.

If pressed on COVID-19 and Drinking Water Advisories:
• During a Boil Water Advisory or Do Not Consume Advisory, tap water can still be used to wash hands with soap and water and for personal hygiene.
• If a Do Not Use Advisory is in place, bottled water with soap or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be used to wash hands.
• Letters have been sent to First Nations communities currently on a Drinking Water Advisory. For these communities, ISC provides supplies such as bottled water, and hand sanitizer where needed.