Question Period Note: Urban Support

• Indigenous peoples living in urban centres face unique needs and challenges in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• In 2020-21, approximately $1.1 billion was provided through the Indigenous Community Support Fund, including approximately $235 million to help urban and off-reserve Indigenous communities and organizations prevent, prepare and respond to the pandemic.

• Budget 2021 announced an additional $760.8 million for the Indigenous Community Support Fund, including $150 million that is currently being flowed to support urban and off reserve Indigenous organizations and communities.

If pressed on urban supports
• The initial phase of the Indigenous Community Support Fund allocated $90 million to off-reserve and urban Indigenous organizations through a proposal-based process.

• In the second phase, a further $44 million in needs-based funding was provided through an application process to urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations and communities.

• The 2020 Fall Economic Statement announced an additional $75 million to support Indigenous peoples living in urban centres and First Nations living off reserve.

• Budget 2021 announced an additional $760.8 million for the Indigenous Community Support Fund, including $150 million to specifically support urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations.

If pressed on Community Support Fund Allocation
• Funding under the Indigenous Community Support Fund, is designed to allow for maximum flexibility to fund local priorities and needs.

• In 2020-21, we invested over $1.1 billion into the Fund.

• Recognizing ongoing needs, we announced an additional $760.8 million through Budget 2021 for the Indigenous Community Support Fund.

• We are continuing to allocate funds announced through Budget 2021 directly to Indigenous communities and groups across the country on an ongoing basis and responding to COVID-19 outbreaks.

If pressed on who was consulted on urban supports
• Given the urgency due to the global pandemic, no formal consultations were undertaken with respect to the initial phase of the Indigenous Community Support Fund urban funding.

• Indigenous communities and organizations were invited to submit proposals for the needs-based portion of the Fund.

• We continue to have ongoing discussions with key Indigenous partners as we aim to support them in these challenging times.

If pressed on Food Security
• In response to the pandemic, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada announced an additional $100 million in October 2020 for the Emergency Food Security Fund to improve access to food and increase food supply.

• Of this amount, $30 million was transferred to ISC to address COVID-19 related food security needs for Indigenous Peoples. It was delivered through the Indigenous Community Support Fund.

• This Fund continues to provide support for additional food security related initiatives in addition to this specific $30 million and the $760.8 million announced in Budget 2021.

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