Question Period Note: Manitoba First Nations and COVID 19

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

• We are actively working with the communities where COVID-19 test positive cases have been confirmed to ensure necessary resources are in place.

• The health and safety of the individuals and the communities is a top priority and to respect the privacy of the individuals sick with COVID-19, we will not be commenting on the specifics of the cases.

• We will continue to support the communities and address surge capacity as needed.

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If pressed on new federal funding announcement for MB First Nations
• We remain concerned about the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in Manitoba.

• The Government of Canada, in partnership with Manitoba First Nations, is providing an additional $61.4 million in immediate funding to support their response to the pandemic.

• This funding supports access to PPE, surge human resources and temporary infrastructures resources, food security and perimeters security supports, and greater infection prevention and control measures.

• We will continue to support our partners’ efforts to ensure that they have the tools necessary to weather the impacts of COVID-19.
If pressed on the situation in Keeyask, Manitoba
• We remain concerned by the outbreak of COVID-19 cases at the Keeyask generating station and we are monitoring the situation closely.

• We trust that the provincial government is taking this situation very seriously and we expect work on the Manitoba hydro project to follow public health advice to keep workers and Indigenous communities safe.

• We will support First Nations leadership in working with their provincial partners on appropriate measures to protect their communities.
If pressed on surge supports in Manitoba
• We know that Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, reflected in higher numbers requiring serious medical attention.

• ISC is working with First Nations across Manitoba to address surge capacity needs including access to testing, infrastructure support for isolation measures and additional frontline health care resources.

• ISC is actively working in partnership with the First Nations Pandemic Response and Coordination Team, and community leadership, to support communities where COVID-19 cases have been confirmed and to limit community spread.
If pressed on collaboration with the Province of Manitoba
• Indigenous Services Canada is currently working closely with provincial and First Nation partners through formal Collaborative Tables designed to support planning and issue resolution.

• The Province of Manitoba has also re-initiated its Incident Command Structure, and has invited Indigenous Services Canada to participate to reinforce our partnership and collaboration in maximizing our resources and mitigating further spread.