Update:
The federal government announced $650 million in aid for Indigenous peoples Friday, with more than $280 million earmarked for healthcare resources and surge capacity for First Nation and Inuit communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following is a breakdown of Friday’s funding announcement:
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$285.1 million for healthcare resources and surge capacity in First Nation and Inuit communities
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$270 million to supplement the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program
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$44.8 million over five years to build 12 shelters for Indigenous women and children, with $10.2 million in shelter support annually after five years
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$1 million towards Métis anti-violence projects
The new funding is on top of the $305-million Indigenous Community Support Fund, which the federal government created in March to help First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities prepare for and cope with the pandemic.
Of that $305 million, $15 million was allotted to organizations that serve urban and off-reserve Indigenous People, who make up more than half of Canada's Indigenous population. The government last week added another $75 million for off-reserve organizations.
- with files from The Canadian Press
Original story:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is slated to provide a COVID-19 update at 10:30 a.m. in Ottawa today.
The federal government is expected to announce significant new funding for First Nations, Innuit and Metis communities in order to help them bolster their public health response to the pandemic.
The new funding is on top of the $305-million Indigenous Community Support Fund, which the federal government created in March to help First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities prepare for and cope with the pandemic.
Of that $305 million, $15 million was allotted to organizations that serve urban and off-reserve Indigenous People, who make up more than half of Canada's Indigenous population. The government last week added another $75 million for off-reserve organizations.
Residents of remote Indigenous communities are considered among the most vulnerable during the pandemic.
Village Media will carry the livestream, so stay tuned.
