Question Period Note: Insufficient Community Infrastructure

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

• We are working with communities to identify and support them to temporarily re-tool existing community spaces or to purchase, stockpile, deliver, and install temporary mobile structures for screening/triage, isolation, and accommodation.

• 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.

Funding Announcements of Aug 26 and 30:
Community infrastructure includes daycare centres, band offices and community buildings, fire halls, women’s shelters, Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve sites, health facilities, long-term care facilities, and National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program treatment centres.
The $71.5M will be used for minor capital investment based on the number of assets held in a given community, as well as additional needs-based minor capital investment (taking into consideration additional factors related to program and service requirements for communities re-opening and supporting on-going human health concerns). Funding will flow directly to communities and organizations through established funding agreements and through existing program authorities currently held by the Department.
It should be noted that this funding is not intended to cover the construction of new buildings or other major capital expenditures (e.g. expanding existing space) and will be limited to minor capital investments only. Further, this funding does not preclude any additional public health measures or standards that may emerge moving forward.

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.

• As of October 28, 106 community spaces were identified for re-tooling and 184 temporary mobile structures were funded.

• The Department is also ensuring that the temporary mobile infrastructures have the necessary supplies and equipment, wrap-around services, and physical distancing measures.

• 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.
If pressed on Funding Announcement Aug 26 and Oct 30:
• First Nation communities need to be able to access necessary services even during the pandemic.

• This is why we are providing $71.5 million to First Nations to adapt their on reserve community infrastructure.

• This includes $12 million for schools on-reserve, which will allow them to invest in minor capital investments that support physical distancing and enhanced health and safety practices to keep students and education workers safe.

• It also includes $59.5 million for other First Nation community infrastructure to support the safe delivery of services, including daycare and long-term care, on reserve.