Question Period Note: Funding Supports - COVID-19

• The Indigenous Community Support Fund provides direct funding to Indigenous leadership and organizations for their community-based solutions to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the spread of COVID-19.
• Since March 2020, more than $1.8 billion has been allocated to Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada.
• Funding has been disbursed via a combination of direct allocations, which provide flexibility to partners to identify and support their own priorities, and a needs-based process, to ensure continued access to funding for urgent needs.

The Indigenous Community Support Fund
The Indigenous Community Support Fund (ICSF) was introduced in March 2020 to provide funding to Indigenous communities and organizations to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been playing a supporting role to the First Nations Inuit and Health Branch (FNIHB)-led pandemic response, dedicating financial resources to cover eligible expenses that FNIHB does not assume.

The ICSF is delivered via the program authorities of three existing programs: the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) and the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program (CFMP) for First Nations on-reserve, while funding to support off-reserve Indigenous organizations and communities, Inuit and Métis, Self-Governing and Modern Treaty Nations are allocated via the Urban Programming for Indigenous People (UPIP).

The ICSF has utilized a combination of three delivery models to allocate funds to eligible recipients: direct allocations to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation utilizing a funding formula methodology; a proposal, needs-based approach for all distinctions-based groups; and, contingency funding allocations to respond rapidly to acute pressures, such as outbreaks. Commonly funded activities include: perimeter security, the purchase of medical supplies and personal protective equipment, measures to address food insecurity, incremental staff costs, mental wellness, cultural, and seniors supports, and preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Carry Forward of Funding
In order to enable carry forwards into next fiscal year, the Department of Indigenous Services Canada confirmed that an extension of the time-limited COVID-19 amendments within the UPIP and EMAP Terms and Conditions, which are currently set to expire on March 31, 2022, would be required. The process has been initiated with Treasury Board Secretariat.

COVID-19 in Peawanuck (Weenusk) First Nation
• The health and safety of individuals and the community is a top priority for our Government.
• As of January 31, 2022, there are seven active cases of COVID-19.
• There are currently four Indigenous Services Canada nurses in community.
• Ontario Health North is working with the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority on the delivery of 30,000 testing kits and PPE for staging to communities in the James Bay coast.
• Indigenous Services Canada will continue to work with the community and leadership to ensure necessary resources are in place to support the Weensuk First Nation and address surge capacity as needed.

If pressed on funding allocations
• Funding has been disbursed via direct allocations and needs-based processes.
• The ICSF has provided $980.4 million in direct allocations to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
• To date, the ICSF has provided approximately $728.7 million in needs-based funding, including to support:
o perimeter security in the amount of approximately $139.4 million
o food security in the amount of approximately $65.4 million
o infrastructure needs in the amount of approximately $25.2 million
• As of December 31, 2021, more than $371.6 million in needs-based funding has been provided to urban and off-reserve Indigenous communities and organizations.

If pressed on Mental Health Supports for ICSF
• We are aware of ongoing ICSF funded mental health supports in all regions, but specific activities related to mental health are not tracked separately. They are often included as part of a broader ICSF request as one of a number of initiatives.
• A review of the financial reporting documents is expected to begin shortly which may provide a further breakdown of expenditures which would include mental health supports.
• To provide flexibility and manage the burden on communities during the challenges surrounding COVID-19, the 2020-2021 financial reporting requirements were extended to 2021-2022.

If pressed on COVID-19 in Kasabonika Lake First Nation
• As of February 24, a declaration of a state of emergency was made as Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority reported 138 active cases of COVID-19. Approximately 42 households are isolating and 66 high risk contacts.
• Rapid antigen tests are being distributed to homes by the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority team and efforts are in place to identify individuals eligible for anti-virals.
• Indigenous Services Canada will continue to work with partners to support and provide resources to help keep communities safe.