Question Period Note: Government Response to Flooding

Climate change is disproportionally impacting
Indigenous communities due to their often remote
locations, close ties to the land and reliance on natural
resources.
• Indigenous Services Canada continues to work closely
with First Nations, provincial partners and community
organizations to plan, address and mitigate flooding.
First Nations are supported in leading efforts to address
their current flooding situation.

ISC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) helps communities on
reserve access emergency assistance services. EMAP provides funding to First
Nation communities so they can build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and
respond to emergencies using the four pillars of emergency management
(mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery).
• ISC works with provincial and territorial governments to ensure First Nation
communities have access to comparable emergency assistance services available
to other residents in their respective jurisdictions.
• Provinces and territories are responsible for emergency management within their
areas of jurisdiction and therefore, have the expertise and capacity to deliver
services on behalf of ISC. To ensure that First Nation communities have the
assistance they need within the broader provincial or territorial emergency
management system, ISC is in regular contact with provincial and territorial
emergency management officials.
• ISC is working with First Nation leaders across the country, and the provinces and
territories to advance trilateral emergency management agreements. These
agreements will see First Nations becomes full and equal partners in emergency
management moving forward.
• ISC works with Public Safety Canada to ensure the safety and wellbeing of First
Nations.
• After the 2021 election the Prime Minster created a new cabinet portfolio, the
Minister of Emergency Preparedness, appointing Minister Bill Blair to this role. This
position is located under the Public Safety Canada portfolio. ISC will continue to
work with Minister Blair to proactively prepare for future emergencies, and focus on
the recovery efforts from recent events.

If pressed on emergency management assistance for flooding
• Our Government continues to engage with Indigenous
leaders to support emergency preparedness, mitigation,
response and recovery from floods, in collaboration
with provinces and non-governmental organizations.
• We will continue to work closely with partners to ensure
that information is shared and proper preventative and
mitigation measures are in place so communities are
well prepared for floods.
• The Emergency Management Assistance Program will
continue to work with First Nation leadership in
recovering from flood seasons, expediting support for
projects to mitigate future impacts. Our Government’s
commitment to build back better will help ensure
Indigenous communities are prepared for future events.

If pressed on flood prevention - climate change and disaster
mitigation efforts
• Climate change is disproportionally impacting
Indigenous communities due to their remote locations,
close ties to the land and reliance on natural resources.
• Engaging Indigenous leaders and implementing
adaptation measures are keys to reducing impacts and
increasing resiliency in communities. We will continue
to work with communities to leverage their local
knowledge to prepare for and mitigate the effects of
future flooding.
• The Emergency Management Assistance Program is
engaging First Nation leadership to ensure the health
and safety of Indigenous Canadians.

If pressed on the Tr'ondck Hwech'in First Nation
• The Government of Canada is working with the Province
of BC, and the Tr'ondck Hwech'in First Nation to ensure
that the community has the resources needed to ensure
community safety during the flood.
• As we move forward, we will assess the damages to the
community, and help the First Nations community build
back in a manner that best prepares them for future
emergencies.
• We will continue to liaise with Tr'ondck Hwech'in First
Nation leadership to support the community during the
floods, to ensure community safety and protection of
community infrastructure.

If pressed on Kátł’odeeche First Nation evacuation order –
flooding
• We continue to work with the Kátł’odeeche First Nation
and Government of Northwest Territories to provide the
supports they need in responding to emergency events.
• The Government of Canada has been working with the
Kátł’odeeche First Nation and the Government of
Northwest Territories in assisting them in recovering
from previous flooding in their areas.
• As we move forward, we will focus on ensuring that the
community is best prepared for all emergency events,
building the community with resiliency at the top of
mind.
If pressed on Government Response to Fort McPherson Flooding
(NWT)
• Indigenous Services Canada is aware of the floodings
taking place in Fort McPherson, and the devastation it is
causing the community.
• The Government of the Northwest Territories is taking
the lead in response and recovery efforts for the Fort
McPherson community.
• ISC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program
assists on-reserve communities access to emergency
assistance services.
• We will however, continue to monitor the situation and
are ready to coordinate, with the Government of the
Northwest Territories and Public Safety Canada, who is
responsible for off-reserve communities, such as Fort
McPherson, on next steps.

If pressed on Government response to BC flooding
• ISC works with Emergency Management and Climate
Readiness BC, First Nations Health Authority and the
First Nations Emergency Services Society to support
First Nations to prepare for, respond to and recover
from flooding events.
• We will continue to work closely with partners to share
information and collaborate on preventative measures.
Each year ISC engages in seasonal readiness
workshops along with Emergency Management and
Climate Readiness BC, specifically for First Nations
leadership and Emergency Management staff.
• ISC’s First Nation Infrastructure Fund has invested in
projects to modify hazards and make structures more
resilient to future emergency events.

If pressed on Government response to Ontario flooding
• ISC is in regular contact with First Nation leadership,
provincial emergency services and other Government
departments to respond to emergency situations and
manage risk to ensure the health and safety of
community members and reduce flood damage.
• Planning for the spring flood season 2023 is underway
with First Nations and other partners, including the
province.
• ISC continues to work with multiple First Nations to
ensure critical infrastructure is safeguarded and homes
in communities affected by flooding are protected
and/or restored.

If pressed on government response to Manitoba Flooding
• ISC continues to work with First Nations and partners to
support communities before and during the flood
season. We will continue to work directly with First
Nation communities, and their leadership, to ensure
they have the resources needed.
• First Nations emergency response plans are activated to
address flooding and other emergency events when
required.
• The health and safety of First Nations communities is a
top priority for our government. This means ensuring
timely, effective and efficient support in times of
emergencies.

If pressed on support to Peguis First Nation
• ISC continues to work with Peguis First Nation, the
Province of Manitoba, and the Canadian Red Cross to
provide support to evacuated community members and
for response and recovery.
• As part of an agreement with ISC, The Canadian Red
Cross continue to work, in coordination with Peguis
First Nation, on supports for evacuees who are unable
to return home at this time.
• Ongoing regular meetings continue between Peguis
First Nation and ISC officials on flood response,
preparation, mitigation initiatives and to implement
solutions for rebuilding and repatriation.