Question Period Note: Nunavut COVID-19 Support Announcement

• The health and safety of Nunavummiut is our utmost priority.

• This is why the Government of Canada is announcing an additional $19.36 million for the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and other partners in Nunavut in responding to the pandemic.

• These funds will enhance food and social supports, municipal services such as water and security, cleaning supplies, non-medical personal protective equipment for communities, enhanced bandwidth, early childhood learning and care, and distance learning.

• We will continue to support our partners in Nunavut in their fight against COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, action has been taken at all levels to protect the most vulnerable and support those who need it most. A number of Nunavut communities are experiencing outbreaks, including Arviat, Whale Cove, Rankin Inlet and Sanikiluaq. Community leaders requested urgent assistance for food and social supports, municipal services such as water and security, and non-medical personal protective equipment.

The funding announcement will complement funding already announced and will flow to the Government of Nunavut ($11.1 million) and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated ($8 million). This investment will support the immediate needs in Nunavut, enable enhanced protection measures to help limit further spread in the region, and ensure that emergency response and prepared plans are in place to meet changing needs as the situation unfolds.

In total $ 11.36 million will be provided to the Government of Nunavut for the following response measures:
• $1.8 million for food security
• $1 million to help ensure a reliable supply of non-medical PPE and cleaning supplies for affected communities (e.g. masks, soap, hand sanitizers, household cleaning supplies) to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19
• $6.5 million to support essential municipal services for hard-hit communities, such as security, water and sewage services (which are mostly trucked in), transportation of critical supplies including food, cleaning supplies, testing and other medical supplies and personnel
• $1.3 million to expand internet bandwidth in support of education, remote health care and community response
• $513,000 to support early learning and child care (ELCC) programs with the impacts of COVID-19 including training for ELCC workers, mental health supports for children and families, home based learning kits, and food hampers to replace breakfast or lunch programs
• Nunavut Arctic College can allocate up to $250,000, out of a new agreement under the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency’s (CanNor) Northern Adult Basic Education Program towards the purchase of equipment and supports for distance learning in the Kivalliq region.
In total, $8 million in funding will flow through NTI for the following measures:
• $6 million to support food security, including provision of food hampers in communities with active COVID-19 outbreaks, communities where schools have closed, and other vulnerable households, and
• $2 million to support On the Land initiatives, including food harvesting, while facilitating physical distancing.
The Government of Canada will continue to support efforts on the ground to ensure that Indigenous individuals, communities and organizations have the tools necessary to weather the impacts of COVID-19 on their health and lives. We will not hesitate to deploy additional resources if needed.
Indigenous Services Canada has also taken steps to ensure food security among the Indigenous population during the pandemic by providing $33.8 million to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and $1.2 million to urban and off reserve communities and organizations in Nunavut via the Indigenous Community Support Fund. Organizations have the flexibility to support measures they feel would best address their COVID response, including measures to support food security among the populations they serve. Examples of supported activities include, empowering distribution of traditional foods, grocery gift cards, food hampers, and the purchase of materials for food production.

On October 9, 2020, an additional $100 million was announced for the Emergency Food Security Fund to improve access to food and increase food supply. Food banks, local food organizations, Indigenous communities and organizations will be able to use this funding to ensure vulnerable communities continue to have access to safe and healthy food.

If pressed further on announcement

• The Government of Canada remains committed to working with partners to address the immediate needs in Nunavut and help limit further spread in the region.

• The newly announced funds are for other key activities such as On the Land initiatives and supports for post-secondary students to help them maintain their studies remotely.

• We will continue to support efforts on the ground and will not hesitate to deploy additional resources if needed.
If pressed on Food Security

• The COVID-19 Pandemic has put additional pressure on many people, especially those who already face food insecurity.

• We know that Indigenous peoples are especially vulnerable to the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Our Government has provided $35 million through the Indigenous Community Support Fund to Indigenous organizations and communities in Nunavut. This funding can be used to support food security measures.

• On October 9, 2020, we announced an additional $100 million to support food security through the Emergency Food Security Fund.

• We will continue to support our partners to improve access to food and increase food supply.