Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: COVID-19 Second Wave. Indigenous Services Canada. October 27, 2020

Logistics

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Videoconference (Zoom)
Subject: COVID-19 Second Wave

Appearing:

• The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services
• The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
• The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs

Supporting Witnesses from Indigenous Services Canada

• Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister
• Valerie Gideon, Associate Deputy Minister
• Tom Wong, Chief Medical Officer of Public Health, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
• Philippe Thompson, Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer
• Mary-Luisa Kapelus, Assistant Deputy Minister of Education, Social Development Programs and Partnerships Sector
• Kelley Blanchette, Assistant Deputy Minister of Land and Economic Development

Supporting Witnesses from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

• Daniel Quan-Watson, Deputy Minister
• Martin Reiher, Assistant Deputy Minister, Resolution and Partnerships
• Annie Boudreau, Acting/Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Strategic Direction Sector
• Joe Wild, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Treaties and Aboriginal Government
• Serge Beaudoin, Assistant Deputy Minister, Northern Affairs Organization

Context

This will be the first of four meetings by INAN on their study Covid Second Wave, as per the following motion:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of the opportunities to: support Indigenous communities, businesses, and individuals through a second wave of COVID-19; facilitate Indigenous communities reopening in a safe and responsible manner; build resiliency with an equitable and sustainable economic recovery plan; that the scope of the study take into consideration First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities and individuals, including those living off reserve and in urban centres; health, including mental health supports, supports for Indigenous organizations, businesses, and communities, that the committee also study measures undertaken so far through partnership between Indigenous communities and the Government of Canada as well as further opportunities for partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the recovery phase; that evidence collected and received during the committee's study on the Government's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic from the 1st session of the 43rd Parliament be taken into consideration and used as evidence for this study and subsequent report to the House, that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House; and that, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee request that the Government table a comprehensive response to the report.

Ministers will appear for the first hour of the meeting and will be supported by Deputy Ministers. Remarks will be delivered in the following order: Minister Miller, Minister Bennett, and Minister Vandal. Officials from both departments will stay on for the second hour to respond to additional questions from committee members.

Background:

The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs conducted a study of the Government's Response to the COVID-19 pandemic over a period of several weeks during the first session of the 43rd Parliament. The study commenced on May 1, 2020 with appearances by Ministers Miller, Bennett and Vandal and supporting officials. Questions during this first appearance centered on funding and measures being taken to support Indigenous communities to prepare for the pandemic. On the last day of its study during that session on June 19, 2020, it heard from Minister Bennett in the first hour, and Minister Miller and the Minister of Public Services and Procurement in the second hour. Questions in the first hour focused on MMIWG and the timeline for the national action plan. Questions in the second hour of the meeting were raised about the provision of PPE to communities and lag times, jurisdictional issues, contracts awarded to Indigenous companies, and actions the Government is taking to support entrepreneurship among Indigenous women.

The Ministers also appeared on June 16, on the 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates (A). Committee members asked several questions on the Government's response to COVID-19, including funding for the mining industry, airlines in the north, funding for friendship centres during the pandemic, and police interventions in communities in Quebec.

During previous meetings, opposition members have questioned the witnesses on the tools they need from the federal government to address COVID-19 and the re-opening of the economy, and the impact of the pandemic on non-renewable resources in Indigenous communities, personal protective equipment, and data collection, connectivity, and mental health support.

Below is a list of some of the specific issues raised by Members of the Committee related to COVID-19:

• MP Vidal (CPC), Critic for Indigenous Services
  • Indigenous businesses
  • Outbreaks in Northern Saskatchewan
  • Restricted access to communities
  • Support for inland fishery
  • Child and Family Services
• MP Blaney (NDP), Critic of Veterans
  • MMIWG
  • Social assistance
  • Small business, and wage subsidies
• MP Powlowski (Lib)
  • Evacuations in communities in Northern Ontario
  • Updates on Mathias Colomb Nation
  • Second Wave
• MP Viersen (CPC)
  • Indigenous companies that have been awarded contracts
  • Contaminated masks
  • Sexual exploitation of Indigenous women
• MP Bérubé (BQ)
  • Jurisdictional issues
  • Nunavik
  • Urban Indigenous supports
  • COVID-19 Funding for housing
  • UNDRIP
• MP Battiste (Lib)
  • Mental health
  • Jordan's Principle
  • Treaty Commissions
• MP Zann (Lib)
  • PPE stockpile
  • Systematic racism
• MP Van Koeverden (Lib)
  • Connectivity in remote and northern communities
  • Mental health programs for youth
• MP McLeod (CPC), Critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations
  • MMIWG
  • Fiscal responsibility
  • Repatriation of Canadians from overseas
  • Production of PPE
• MP Melillo (CPC), Critic of Northern Affairs and Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
  • Connectivity in remote and northern communities
  • Food security in the north
  • Support for northern Ontario

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled to occur from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via the web platform Zoom. It should be noted that during the first hour of the meeting, the three Ministers and supporting officials will be appearing. Only supporting officials will appear during the second hour.

Witnesses will be asked to connect to the meeting at 6:15 p.m. The Zoom link will be sent directly from the House of Commons to the witnesses.

The first hour will see remarks delivered by Ministers (six minutes each) followed by rounds of questions from Committee members. The meeting can be watched via Parlvu, however there is a 70-second delay.

While simultaneous translation will be available, witnesses are asked to respond to questions in either language but to limit switching back and forth between languages as this often creates technology/interpretation challenges.

The Chair will open the meeting and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. He will then introduce all witnesses. Ministers will then deliver remarks as per standard practice. It is also recommended to speak slowly, and at an appropriate level, to ensure the interpreters can hear you, as well as to mute your phone when you are not speaking.

During this meeting, members will not be able to propose motions or challenge the Chair's rulings.

Committee members will pose their questions in the following order:

• First round (6 minutes for each Party)
  • Conservative Party of Canada
  • Liberal Party of Canada
  • Bloc Québécois
  • New Democratic Party of Canada
• Second round
  • Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Bloc Québécois (2.5 minutes)
  • New Democratic Party of Canada (2.5 minutes)
  • Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)

COVID-19 in Indigenous communities

Speaking notes for The Honourable Marc Miller Minister of Indigenous Services at the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs On the subject of Covid 2nd wave

Ottawa, ON
October 27, 2020
7 p.m.

Kwe, boohzoo, good morning/afternoon, bonjour.

I am speaking to you this evening from the traditional territory of the Algonquin People

Mr. Chair, members of the committee, I am pleased to join you today, alongside my colleagues Ministers Bennett and Vandal.

I also want to note the presence of Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister; Valerie Gideon, Associate Deputy Minister and, Dr. Tom Wong, Chief Medical Office of Public Health.

As of October 26, we are aware of 362 active cases of COVID-19 First Nations communities on reserve. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have recorded 1254 confirmed cases, with 877 recoveries and 15 deaths.

In addition, I can report 28 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 among Inuit in Nunavik, Québec, with all recovered.

In the recent days and weeks, there has been an alarming rise in the number of active COVID-19 cases across the country, including in Indigenous communities.

We took a number of measures to support Indigenous communities at the onset of this pandemic, and as we face the second wave of this pandemic we are taking stock of what we learned and applying those lessons.

We know that when local Indigenous leadership is given the necessary resources, they are best placed to successfully respond to a crisis with immediate, innovative and proactive measures to ensure the safety of their members. The low case numbers experienced by First Nations communities in the first wave was evidence of this.

That said, it now seems clear this wave will be more challenging than the first.

But we are determined. We are prepared. We will anticipate, respond to and confront COVID-19.

We will always put the health and safety of Indigenous People first.

Indigenous Services Canada recognizes that many Aboriginal communities face unique challenges in their response to COVID-19. That is why we have taken steps to protect all citizens, including Elders, by providing $685 million through the Indigenous Community Support Fund and $285.1 million to support public health measures in Indigenous communities.

As the pandemic continues and continues to evolve, we are making sure to prioritize sustainable access to mental health services and continue to support Indigenous communities. As such, we have invested new funding of $82.5 million, in addition to the $425 million in existing funding annually for community-based services that address the mental wellness needs of Indigenous Peoples.

These services comply with public health measures available, with many telehealth or virtual options, such as the Hope for Wellness Help Line.

We continue to work in partnership with Indigenous organizations and communities to support the adaptation of mental health resources and services managed by Indigenous communities, and will continue to do so throughout the pandemic and beyond it.

To support the unique challenges faced by Indigenous businesses and economies, on June 11, we announced $117 million, plus a $16 million stimulus development fund to support the Indigenous tourism industry. This funding builds on the $306.8 million previously announced to help Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses.

The Government of Canada is also helping elementary and high school students by providing $112 million to support a safe return to First Nations schools on reserve, in addition to the $2 billion being provided to the provinces and territories. And we are working to ensure the security and well-being of Indigenous women and children by supporting and expanding a network of family violence prevention shelters for First Nations communities across the country, and in the territories.

We continue to promote public health and safety measures and have, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, been actively evaluating and acquiring approved point-of-care tests to meet the needs of Indigenous communities, especially those in rural, remote and isolated areas.

As of October 19, 70 GeneXpert instruments had been deployed to enable access to rapid point-of-care testing by Indigenous communities across the country.

I'd like to thank the health professionals working in Indigenous communities for providing quality and culturally appropriate care, testing, contact tracing, prevention and treatment during this pandemic.

But I would be remiss if I were to not mention a concerning situation in Neskantaga that has been front and centre. for Indigenous peoples.

The recent shutdown of Neskantaga's water distribution system is deeply concerning.

My officials are working directly with the leadership of Neskantaga First Nation, alongside partners such as Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and Matawa First Nations Management, to mitigate the situation and ensure the community has the supports they need until water can be fully restored.

Yesterday, ISC's lead engineer accompanied the Matawa technical team to inspect the community's water infrastructure and continue water sampling.

Additional funding will be provided for immediate repairs as necessary and efforts have been redoubled to address the issues with the distribution system and to support the community's new water plant to completion.

This funding is in addition to part the recent $4 million  funding increase towards the project that aims to lift the long term boil water advisory in that community, bringing the total investment to over $16.4 million.

The construction of the community's new water treatment plant is in its final stages and we are optimism that it will be up and running soon. 

We remain aggressively working to find immediate & long-term solutions to this heath emergency and we will not stop until Nesktanaga has access to clean, safe and reliable drinking water.

With that, I look forward to taking your questions.

Meegwetch. Nakurmiik [Nah-KOO-mick]. Marci. Thank you. Merci.

Key Messages

• We are committed to ensuring remote and isolated communities have access to essential health care providers, medical supplies, and equipment they need during this challenging time.
• To ensure the continuity of services, since April 2020, Indigenous Services Canada has been transporting essential service personnel and supplies via carefully managed charter flights with strict health safety measures in place. To date, the charters have transported more than 2,300 passengers in to and out of remote and isolated First Nations communities.
• We will continue to work with partners to provide these flight services until they are no longer required. As the resumption of commercial flights increases, opportunities for the application of commercial air travel continues to be assessed with regions and First Nations communities in the context of the pandemic.

If pressed further on ISC National Air Transportation Services Initiative

• Ensuring the continuity of services within communities, while minimizing the risk of transmission, is critical in responding to COVID-19.
• This approach ensures that communities will be able to access medical supplies, equipment and health professionals.
• This initiative also supports needs such as food security or medivac services as required, and represents an opportunity to support the economic long-term viability of communities.

Background

The ongoing delivery of essential services and supplies to remote First Nations communities in provinces in an environment where travel is limited is particularly challenging but critical to Canada's overall response to COVID-19. To minimize the risk and exposure of community members and service providers to the virus, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has been transporting essential service personnel and supplies via carefully managed charter flights with strict health safety measures in place. The charter flights are often on airlines that already serve these communities.

The charter flights allow nursing and other personnel to board at terminals where strict health and safety procedures are in place per Transport Canada's interim orders and guidance material. Nursing and other professionals utilizing these charters are subject to risk-based pre-travel isolation and COVID-19 testing requirements. Longer (i.e., minimum four-week) rotations into communities have been in place to minimize staff changes and protect the health and safety of community members.

Full, national rotation flights to fly-in communities have occurred on April 22, May 6 and 20, June 3 and 17, July 15, August 12, September 9 and October 7, and will continue every four weeks until no longer necessary. Additionally, flights to support interim within-province rotations have occurred on April 27, June 30, August 26 and October 21 and will continue as required to support regional operational needs. If needed, other flights will be operated to bring cargo or other critical personnel to, for example, maintain or fix critical infrastructure to communities.

ISC will continue to work with partners to provide these flight services until they are no longer required. Additionally, as ISC is currently pursuing a mitigated return to commercial travel for interim nursing movement, as appropriate. The demand for flights will continue to be assessed in the context of commercial air service safety and volume, the nature of the pandemic and the requirements of communities.

COVID-19 – Support for School Reopening

• Our Government is providing $112 million to support a safe return to First Nations schools on reserve, in addition to the $2 billion that is being provided to the provinces and territories under the Safe Return to Class Fund.
• This investment will provide First Nations with the flexibility to make decisions on re-opening based on what they feel is the safest option for their students and address immediate educational school and student needs, such as additional instructional personnel and adaptations of education programs and services e.g. technology supports).
• We are currently working with First Nation communities and education authorities to amend funding agreements to ensure funding can flow to recipients as soon as possible.

COVID-19 – Support for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education Institutions

• Our Government recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact Indigenous post-secondary education institutions, who are facing unique challenges that are impeding their ability to support the needs of Indigenous learners.
• We are providing a one-time investment of $25.9 million to alleviate the immediate pressures of Indigenous post-secondary education institutions, which have arisen as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• We will continue engaging provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, institutions and educators on how to improve the post-secondary education experience for Indigenous students and will continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic to consider additional supports during the second wave of COVID-19.

Support for Indigenous Businesses

• We recognize that Indigenous businesses face unique challenges and may be disproportionately affected by this pandemic.
• On June 11th we announced $117 million to help Indigenous communities support their local businesses and economies, and a $16 million stimulus development fund to support the Indigenous tourism industry.
• This funding builds on the $306.8 million we announced previously to help Indigenous businesses and ensure business owners have access to the support they need to get through this crisis.
• We are committed to helping Indigenous businesses through the pandemic and into recovery.

If pressed whether the funding is flowing

• We recognize that Indigenous businesses face unique challenges in addressing COVID-19.
• The $306.8 million in funding for eligible Indigenous Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises started to flow on June 1st through the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, the network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions, and Métis Capital Corporations.
• In August, funding for First Nation and Inuit community-owned businesses started to flow under the Indigenous Community Business Fund, and we just recently concluded funding agreements with our Métis delivery partners. 
• Of the $117 million, $98.5 million has been allocated to First Nation and Inuit community-owned businesses, and $17.55 million has been allocated for Métis businesses. The remaining $950 thousand is being allocated to the National Indigenous Organizations to undertake research and engagement on the economic impacts of the pandemic, in order to inform economic recovery efforts.
• We will continue to work with Indigenous partners to implement community-led solutions.

If pressed on the wage subsidy

• We have confirmed that First Nation sole proprietors and incorporated businesses are able to access a wide range supports.
• However, we recognize that community-owned unincorporated businesses as well as microbusinesses with very low revenue are not able to access many of the announced measures such as the wage subsidy.
• The $117 million announced on June 11 addresses the gap. The Indigenous Community Business Support Fund supports Indigenous community-owned businesses which are not eligible for existing business support measures to mitigate the hardships created by the pandemic.

Background

The Indigenous Community Business Fund is an emergency fund to meet the needs of Indigenous community businesses located in the provinces which are unable to access other federal business supports in response to the economic impacts of the pandemic, due to their structures and inability to take on debt.  It does not duplicate other Departmental business support measures.

The fund is needs-based and modelled on other federal business support measures, such as the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.  Those measures were introduced in the spring of 2020 and some are close to exhausting their funding.  The volume of unmet needs by Indigenous community businesses is still being assessed, particularly for unincorporated band-owned businesses and collectively-owned businesses by the Metis.

Some of the funding is being transferred directly to communities and collectives to address their COVID-19 economic priorities including supporting micro-businesses that could not access other federal programs. The balance of the funding is proposal-based for community or collectively-owned businesses.

Key Messages

• Throughout this pandemic, Canada must not and will not prohibit these important cultural and spiritual practices.
• Any decision to cancel or postpone these cultural practices remains the decision of community leadership.
• Indigenous Services Canada will continue to work with First Nation leadership to provide advice and guidance on public health measures while respecting cultural practices and the needs of the community.
• We fully respect the measures Chief and Council and ceremonial organizers and elders put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within their communities.

Key Messages

• In light of the second wave, Indigenous Services Canada is actively working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to ensure necessary resources are in place to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19.
• In order to address the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 Indigenous Services Canada: 
  • Is working with provinces and territories to facilitate access for Indigenous communities and PHAC to seek an allocation of federally procured PPE for the ISC PPE stockpile. As of October 21, Indigenous Services Canada has processed 1,286 requests for Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Is expediting funding to support First Nations communities in their response to COVID-19.
  • Is redoubling efforts to increase flu and pneumococcal vaccine coverage and early use of antivirals for influenza.
  • Is working with Indigenous partners, PHAC and provinces and territories to ensure that Indigenous peoples are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccine, when approved and available in Canada
  • Is working closely with the National Microbiology Laboratory and provincial laboratories to provide rapid testing devices, tests, training, and a proficiency program.
• Additional funding supports throughout the pandemic have been significant in many areas including public health, education and safe return to school, mental wellness and post-secondary education.
• Through the Indigenous Community Support Fund, we continue to provide funding for emergency response and preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 
• Starting in the early days of the pandemic, guidance documents and tools (more than 40 to date) were developed and are being updated to support the continuation of health service delivery, ensuring the protection of health professionals and those to whom the services are delivered.

Data Specific to Indigenous Communities

• First Nation, Inuit and Métis have a higher risk of being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
• We recognize the value of Indigenous-led access to and analysis of accurate disaggregated data.
• This will support First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in advancing culturally safe and science-based approaches.
• Along with better access to testing, governments need to do better, more robust and routine collection of disaggregated data.
• We are taking active measures to address this data gap.

If pressed on larger government support

• Our absolute priority is and will remain the health and safety of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities.
• In addition to an investment made by ISC on April 23, the Prime Minister announced $10M for a larger, overarching Canadian data monitoring initiative.
• This initiative will establish a coordinated approach to COVID-19 modeling and access to data sets, through a national network of experts.
• We are taking active measures to address this data gap.

If pressed on First Nation, Inuit and Métis COVID-19 tracking and modelling

• It is crucial that we take a whole-of-government approach to slow the spread of this pandemic and to protect all Canadians.
• ISC is working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders, Indigenous service partners, and the Public Health Agency of Canada to support ongoing identification and monitoring of and response to COVID-19
• This Indigenous-led data analysis will help to inform the response to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities. 
• We encourage provinces and territories to support Indigenous communities to obtain a comprehensive data picture for public health actions. 

COVID-19: Funding supports for Indigenous Peoples

• We recognize that Indigenous communities face unique challenges in addressing COVID-19.
• We acknowledge Indigenous leadership, governments and organizations are best placed to determine the needs of Indigenous Peoples and to develop community-based solutions that respond to these challenges.
• That's why we acted quickly to provide $685 million through the Indigenous Community Support Fund and $285 million to support the public health response in Indigenous communities.
• We continue to work in conjunction with provinces and territories to ensure essential supports and resources are in place.

General COVID-19 Response Funding

• More than $2 billion has been committed in specific support to Indigenous and northern communities and organizations, including $285 million for ongoing public health responses in Indigenous communities.
• Funding provided to date through the Indigenous Community Support Fund includes $323 million for on-reserve First Nations and self-governing communities, $67.5 million for Inuit regions; $45 million for Métis Nation Governing Members; and $90 million for regional, urban, and off-reserve Indigenous organizations.
• Additional needs-based funds will be available via application. Details on how to apply is forthcoming.

If Pressed on Indigenous Community Support Fund Funding

• Part of the funding as announced on August 12th has flown to all communities and the additional needs-based funds will be available via application in the coming days. Details on how to apply is forthcoming.
• This fund provides Indigenous leadership with the flexibility needed to design and implement community-based solutions:
  • Support for Elders and vulnerable community members;
  • Measures to address food insecurity;
  • Educational and other support for children;
  • Mental health assistance and emergency response services; and,
  • Preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Family Violence & Shelters

• $10 million has been allocated for emergency family violence prevention shelters on-reserve and in Yukon to support women and children escaping violence.
• We are providing $44.8 million over five years to build 12 new shelters. This includes 10 in First Nations communities on reserve and two in the territories.
• An additional $40.8 million will be provided to support operational costs for these new shelters over the first five years and $10.2 million annually ongoing.
• A further $1 million each year, starting this year, will support engagement with Métis leaders and service providers on shelter provision and community-led violence prevention projects for Métis women, girls and LGBTQ and two-spirit people.

Northern

• We are providing supports for communities and businesses in the North including providing an additional $25 million to Nutrition North Canada to increase subsidies so families can afford much-needed personal hygiene products and nutritious food.

Indigenous Businesses

• We recognize that Indigenous businesses and their communities face unique challenges and are disproportionately affected by the current situation.
• That is why we are investing $439.8 million to support and ensure local Indigenous businesses and owners have access to the support they need to get through this challenging time.

If Pressed on Indigenous Businesses

• Of the $439.8 million, $306.8 million has been allocated to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses.
• Financial support for Indigenous businesses will be provided through Aboriginal Financial Institutions and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Métis capital corporations in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada.
• On June 11th an additional $133 million in funding was committed to help Indigenous businesses, including $16 million for the Indigenous tourism industry, through the pandemic and into recovery. 

Post-Secondary Education

• An additional $75.2 million will be provided in 2020-21 to increase existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education.
• Our Government is also providing $112 million to support a safe return to First Nations schools on reserve, in addition to the $2 billion that is being provided to the provinces and territories.
• We are currently working with First Nation communities and education authorities to amend funding agreements to ensure funding can flow to recipients as soon as possible.

On-Reserve Income Assistance Program

• $270 million was provided to supplement the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program to address increased demands on the program, which will help individuals and families meet their essential living expenses.
• This will also help hire additional staff to better serve First Nations communities and connect individuals to other government programs.

If pressed on nursing shortages:

• In conjunction with provinces and territories, we are paying specific attention to the preparedness and response needs of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada.
• We acknowledge the concerns relating to the capacity of health professionals. We have expanded existing contracts and entered into new ones to add additional nursing resources in First Nations communities as needed. As of October 14, 2020, 130 nursing requests have been filled to support the COVID-19 response in First Nations communities.
• We are also assessing the need for other health professionals such as physicians, paramedics, and first line responders to help support emergency responses in community settings.

If pressed on Cuban Nurses:

• We are working with partners, such as Southern Chiefs Organization, the Province of Manitoba and First Nation communities, to plan for the continuation of health services as we manage the response to COVID-19. 
• We are actively assessing the need for health care professionals to help support emergency response in community settings.
• As a preparedness measure, we are expanding existing contracts for nursing agencies and exploring the need for other health care professionals such as paramedics and first line responders to complement the existing capacity should it be required.
• Indigenous Services Canada will continue to take a broad approach, including working with the Province of Manitoba, to solicit additional health professionals that can be available to communities that may see a number of probable or confirmed COVID-19 cases and may require surge capacity support. 

If pressed on community infrastructure:

• We are working with communities to identify and support temporarily re-tooling existing community spaces or to purchase, stockpile, deliver, and install temporary mobile structures for screening/triage, isolation, and accommodation.
• These initiatives are funded through contribution agreements or procured in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) using ISC's public health support funding ($285 million).
• ISC is also pre-positioning temporary mobile structures available for urgent deployment to communities. Partnerships with Indigenous partners are in place to support storage, deployment, and install of these structures.
• The Department is ensuring the health infrastructure has the necessary supplies and equipment, wrap-around services (e.g. sewage, electricity, potable water), and physical distancing measures.
• As of October 21st, 106 community spaces were identified for re-tooling and 173 temporary mobile structures were funded.
• We will continue to work closely with individual communities and partners to coordinate resources and keep communities safe.

Key Messages:

• COVID-19 has increased the demand in many First Nation communities for income assistance for individuals on reserve who find themselves without a job and may not be eligible for other federal benefits.
• $270 million has been directed to supplement the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program to address increased demands on the program due to COVID-19. This funding will help individuals and families meet their essential living expenses. It will also help hire additional staff to better serve First Nations communities and connect individuals to other government programs.
• This funding will also help to ensure First Nations individuals and families who rely on income assistance will be able to cover their essential living expenses during these uncertain times.

Background:

The Income Assistance program provides funding to assist eligible individuals and families living on reserve with: basic needs, special needs, employment and pre-employment measures designed to increase self-reliance, to improve life skills and to promote greater attachment to the work force.

Income assistance, in general, falls under provincial/territorial jurisdiction. Provincial/territorial governments set rates and eligibility criteria. The ISC Income Assistance program mirrors provincial/territorial rates and eligibility criteria.

Key Messages:

• Federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments all have a role in ensuring the health and safety of those living in Indigenous communities.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted opportunities for the health care system to more effectively deliver a coordinated public health response to and with Indigenous communities.
• For example in British Columbia, the BC First Nations Health Authority and the provincial government have worked seamlessly in coordinating the distribution of personal protective equipment, communications materials, and health resources among Indigenous communities. The strength of the established relationship between the health authority and the provincial government allowed for a rapid and coordinated response.
• The successes seen in British Columbia reinforce the Department's desire to explore how federal, provincial and Indigenous organizations can work more effectively together both during a health emergency, but also with the delivery of day-to-day health services.

If pressed on Provincial Re-opening of Services

• The Government of Canada recognizes that many First Nations communities carry a heavy burden of illness because of our shared history of colonization. This puts many communities at greater risk during the pandemic.
• Indigenous Services Canada will work closely with Indigenous leadership and communities to support the gradual re-opening of their communities as they decide the pace and timing that is right for their community.
• Provinces and territories may adopt different strategies, but ultimately communities will decide what is best for them, given the circumstances of their community.

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities and gaps in the ability of the health system to effectively deliver a coordinated public health response to and with Indigenous communities.

The degree to which Indigenous communities' needs and pressures have been taken up by P/T governments throughout the pandemic has been largely dependent on the pre-existing relationship between F/P/T governments and Indigenous leadership. For example:

• Net new resources required for BC First Nations in response to COVID-19 has been less compared to other regions due to the established relationships between the provincial government and BC's First Nations Health Authority.

These findings support the need for greater transformation of Indigenous health to foster relationships between Indigenous and Provincial governments, and that a clear framework of roles and responsibilities is in place to ensure coordination between all levels of government, both during a health emergency, but also with day-to-day health services.

The September 2020 Speech from the Throne reconfirmed the Government's intention to co-develop Indigenous Health Legislation during this mandate. Indigenous Health Legislation represents a unique opportunity to transform health care delivery with Indigenous people by putting in place a framework that clarifies the federal, provincial and Indigenous roles in the delivery of health care services.

Provincial Re-opening of Services

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has developed a guidance document to "navigate a new normal," meaning supports to help Canadians live safely with COVID-19 until an effective vaccine and/or therapeutics are found. While the document includes helpful, practical guidance, it is written with a view of supporting all Canadians; the realities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada are often different from those in the rest of Canada.

While the PHAC document will serve as the foundation for ISC's approach, in particular components of evidence-based public health guidance, the unique realities, cultures, and lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada must be considered. ISC will support:

• Community leadership will make the decision on the basis of the community's needs – Provinces and territories may adopt different strategies, but ultimately communities will decide what is best for them, given the circumstances of their community. Circumstances such as a community's geographic location, access to health care resources, demographics, living conditions or prevalence of underlying medical conditions that place community members at higher-risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes will play an important role when making these decisions.
• Decisions are guided by science, and are evidence-based – Decisions to ease and/or reinstate measures should be based on current public health situations as advised by public health officials.
• Coordination and Collaboration – Strong collaboration is key to ongoing success. Governments agree to support the continuation of supply chains across borders to maintain economic activity, access to protective equipment and food security for all Canadians. Governments will continue to share information about challenges and opportunities. Since different regions may need to move forward at different times and in potentially different ways, it will be important to maintain the coordination and collaboration that has taken place throughout the pandemic (e.g., consistent guidance on occupational health and safety requirements).
• Transparency –Data sharing, in a way that protects personal privacy and does not lend to stigma, is critical to understanding the situation across Canada and is essential to informing efforts to re-open segments of the economy.
• Flexibility and Proportionality – Public health measures are intended to be flexible and based on community needs; as well as consider the proportional risks to public health, noting that these risks will change over time. This includes information on risks around the disease and health of all Canadians, as well as social and economic benefits to them. It also includes local and sectoral contexts (e.g., different workplaces, educational institutions, and social activities). It is recognized that there will be differences within jurisdictions on approaches taken and that measures may need to be re-imposed if the understanding of the risks to public health changes.

If pressed on Little Grand Rapids

• We continue to have regular calls with Little Grand Rapids' leadership.
• Rapid testing, contact tracing and deployment of additional resources for isolation purposes, including two portable shelters, are ongoing.
• We will continue to work with partners including the First Nations-led Pandemic Response and Coordination Team, Provincial Public Health, the Canadian Red Cross and others, to prepare for cases of COVID-19 on reserve.

If pressed on specific measures in place to reduce the spread in Little Grand Rapids

• Rapid testing of contacts continues in the community using the GeneXpert point of care test. The large number of contacts completed their isolation on October 16.
• The temporary structures to support isolation capacity were delivered to the community. Efforts are ongoing to address a problem with one of the generators used in the BLUMED structure.   
• We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain ready to support the community as needed.

Background:

Testing of contacts in the community continues as they are identified. As of October 21, there were 43 confirmed cases. A large number of contacts completed their isolation on October 16. The SERDC team redeployed to community on October19. The replacement generator for one of the BluMed structures arrived in community on October 18. The electrician is scheduled to travel to the community of October 21 to hook up the new generator.

If pressed on Little Grand Rapids

COVID-19 Cases in Six Nations

• We are in close communication with Six Nations' leadership to support their efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
• Rapid testing and contact tracing are ongoing. Partners are also working to set up and staff an assessment centre in the community.
• We will continue to work with partners including the Six Nation Health Service and Paramedic Service, Provincial Public Health and the Gane Yohs Community Health Centre, to respond to and prepare for cases of COVID-19 on reserve. 

Background:

Six Nation Paramedic and Health Service are working to set up and staff an assessment centre. As of Sunday October 18, 286 people were isolating in community and 28 calls were received at assessment centre. FNIHB was informed that assistance with communication is required. FNIHB has made available two on call nurses and public health physician on Sunday. The provincial Ministry of Health has also made available two people for contact tracing and have indicated that more can be made available for the Iroquois Lodge if needed. All swabs from staff and residents of Iroquois Lodge are back and negative.

On Sunday, the Gane Yohs Community Health Centre reported 29 active cases.

Another gathering of 20 people has been discovered and is being worked on by an environment public health staff. There seems to be no links with existing cases.

If pressed on NITHA area (SK)

• Indigenous Services Canada is working closely with Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority and Saskatchewan Health Authority on COVID-19 response efforts in Saskatchewan.
• Indigenous Services Canada has provided $21.6M in additional funding through the Indigenous Community Supports Fund for COVID-19 response efforts to Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority and directly to the communities within the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority oversight.
• This will enhance access to medical supplies, food security, isolation space and equipment, security services, access to PPE and cleaning supplies, Elder supports, and mental health supports.
• The Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority continues to receive shipments of PPE from the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Indigenous Services of Canada. We will continue to work collaboratively with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to share stockpile information and address health-related PPE needs.
• Indigenous Services Canada has worked closely Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority to support translation of communication and public health materials in various Indigenous languages.

If pressed on surge capacity for contact tracing

• In collaboration with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Prince Albert Grand Council, and Meadow Lake Tribal Council, we continue to support nursing surge capacity efforts toward testing and contact tracing in communities with declared outbreaks.
• Additionally, Indigenous Services Canada is supporting Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority's request for Epidemiologist surge capacity for contract tracing and surveillance needs.
• Indigenous Services Canada has supported public health response to Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, and the Tribal Councils and Bands within their health oversight.
• We are committed to protecting the health of First Nations people in Saskatchewan and continue to be in frequent contact with leadership of the affected communities.

If pressed on Edmonton area (AB)

• The Department's Alberta regional office continues to track the rising COVID-19 cases in the Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone. As of end of day October 18, 2020, there were 1,603 active cases of COVID-19 in the Edmonton Zone.
• As the Edmonton Zone serves as a hub for many Alberta First Nations in the Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 areas, Indigenous Services Canada has worked closely with provincial colleague to ensure First Nation partners are well informed of the recent voluntary public health measures implemented on October 8, 2020.
• With cases of COVID-19 rising across the province, ISC remains committed to working collaboratively to ensure First Nations across Alberta have the resources required to support Nation-led COVID-19 response efforts.

If pressed on supports in Edmonton

• Indigenous Services Canada acknowledges that the increase in confirmed cases in the Edmonton Zone is concerning. At this time, there are limited cases on-reserve in the four First Nations located within the Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone.
• The Department's regional surge capacity resources continue to deploy, as requested, to impacted First Nations across the province to support contact tracing, case management, testing and overall response efforts on-reserve.
• Recognizing the importance of timely testing to support case management and limit on-reserve transmission of COVID-19, Indigenous Services Canada is supporting the deployment and mobilization of GeneXpert rapid testing units in 11 First Nations across Alberta.

Background:

In response to rising cases of COVID-19 within the Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone, Alberta Health introduced enhanced voluntary measures to protect Albertans on October 8, 2020. The Edmonton Zone was also upgraded to an enhanced level (purple) on the Alberta Health Status Map, a provincial tool used to show the level of risk in regions across Alberta.

As of end of day on October 19, 2020, active on-reserve cases in the Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone are as follows:

• Enoch Cree Nation: [redacted] active confirmed ( [redacted] confirmed, [redacted] recovered)
• Alexander First Nation: 0 active ( [redacted] confirmed/ [redacted] recovered)
• Alexis Nakoda Sioux Nation: 0 active (0 confirmed)
• Paul Band: 0 active (0 confirmed)

Indigenous Services Canada is working closely with provincial partners to ensure Alberta First Nations remain apprised of the recent changes in the Edmonton Zone. Engagement to date has included:

• October 8, 2020: Meeting between First Nations located in the Edmonton Zone, Alberta Health Chief Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Indigenous Relations Assistant Deputy Minister and Indigenous Services Canada Alberta Region Senior Leadership.
• October 8, 2020: Formal correspondence issued to all Alberta First Nation leadership from the Alberta Health Chief Medical Officer of Health and Indigenous Services Canada, Alberta Region Senior Medical Officer of Health outlining the new voluntary public health measures.
• October 14, 2020: Alberta First Nation Chiefs Special Meeting with Alberta Health Chief Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Indigenous Relations Assistant Deputy Minister and Indigenous Services Canada Alberta Region Senior Leadership.

If pressed on PPE procurement processes:   

• Indigenous Service Canada's PPE stockpile is replenished via a national procurement process led by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
• To access PPE, communities work with Indigenous Services Canada in each region to complete a PPE request form, which is then submitted for review and approval. PPE quantities are assessed against public health guidelines and level of services provided for essential health service delivery, or family members taking care of those who are sick.
• PPE is shipped to communities from a storage facility housing the Indigenous Services Canada stockpile, using Canada Post or Purolator, depending on their delivery locations.
• Indigenous Services Canada has supported communities during COVID-19, who have purchased PPE direct from suppliers to support broader needs (i.e. First Nation police, non-health care workers).

Key Messages

• The health and safety of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals and communities is a top priority for this Government.
• We recognize the elevated risk faced by Indigenous elders in the face of COVID-19.
• That's why we acted quickly to provide $685 million through the Indigenous Community Support Fund and $285.1 million to support the public health response in Indigenous communities.
• We know that communities are working diligently to protect all citizens, including elders, and we remain committed to providing them the supports they need.

If pressed on Long Term Care Homes On-Reserve

• My Department is working with Indigenous communities to support the implementation of stringent public health measures in long term care facilities on-reserve.
• While there has only been one confirmed COVID-19 case in a personal care home and no outbreaks reported to date in long-term care homes or Elders lodges on-reserve, strong rigour is needed in ensuring public health measures are in place on an ongoing basis.
• To protect the health of Indigenous seniors, it will be critical that we remain vigilant this fall in maintaining public health measures in these facilities and heading off the spread of the seasonal influenza virus.

Background

As of October 20, there is one case of COVID-19 in a worker of a Personal Care Home in Manitoba.

The Indigenous Community Support Fund - $685 million – may be used to fund a wide variety of measures such as supporting Elders and vulnerable community members, addressing food insecurity, educational and other supports for children, mental health assistance and emergency response services, preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and more. It will be distributed through a combination of allocations directly to First Nations, Inuit and Métis leadership, and needs-based funding, which will be application driven.

The Public Health Support Fund – $285 million – provides the resources to Indigenous communities in the provinces to support community-led responses to the pandemic, and provides targeted increases in primary health care resources for First Nations communities. In British Columbia, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) coordinates health specific community requests; and Territorial governments are responsible for primary care and public health for all residents of the territories. In Nunavik the Government of Quebec is responsible for delivery of primary health care and public health. The Government of Nunatsiavut delivers public health while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is responsible for primary health care.

Key Messages:

• Canada has dedicated resources to respond to urgent needs of Métis communities related to COVID-19.
• While provincial and territorial governments provide primary healthcare guidance and preparedness support in Métis communities, Canada allocated $45 million to Métis Nation governments under the Indigenous Community Support Fund.
• In April 2020, $75.2 million was announced in a distinctions-based model to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education. The Métis Nation received an allocation of $7.24 million from this amount.
• In addition, other Métis organizations in urban centers and off-reserve have received funding through the $15 million proposal-based investment, and are further eligible for additional funding under the $75 million urban and off-reserve fund. This included $1.9 million for the Metis Settlements General Council in Alberta and $1.3 million for four Metis organizations in the Northwest Territories.
• This provides support for Elders and vulnerable community members, addressing food insecurity, mental health assistance, emergency response services, and other preparedness measures.
• Canada also recognizes the importance of culturally appropriate and timely mental health supports in promoting the well-being of anyone struggling to cope with the added stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. On August 25, 2020, Canada announced $82.5 million in mental health and wellness supports to help Indigenous communities adapt and expand mental wellness services, including $7.5 million for the Métis Nation.
• Canada continues to engage with the Métis Nation on a nation-to-nation, government-to-government basis.

Background

• The Indigenous Community Support Fund was first announced on March 18, and to date has allocated $380 million in funding to Indigenous communities and organizations. New funding was announced in August 2020 that was in addition to what had already been committed.  This brings the total investments to date in the Indigenous Community Support Fund to $685 million. First Nations, Inuit and Métis also have access to all other measures provided through the Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, and are encouraged to review all financial support options whichmay be available to them.
• As part of the Government of Canada's COVID-19 response, a total of $45 million was provided to Métis Nation organizations and governments from both waves of the Indigenous Community Support fund. Funds have been disbursed as follows:
  • $7,500,000 for the Métis Nation of British Columbia;
  • $15,000,000 for the Métis Nation of Alberta;
  • $15,000,000 for the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan;
  • $15,000,000 for the Manitoba Métis Federation; and
  • $7,500,000 for the Métis Nation of Ontario.
• In April 2020, $75.2 million was announced in a distinctions-based model to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education. The Métis Nation received an allocation of $7.24 million from this amount.
• This funding flowed to each of the Métis governments by September 30, 2020.
• Other Métis organizations have received funds as part of the $15 million proposal-based fund, including the Métis Settlements General Council in Alberta ($1,898,054) and four Métis organizations in the Northwest Territories ($1,266,176).
• In addition, $2.3M was also announced in support of the ongoing effort to combat COVID-19 in La Loche in northwestern Saskatchewan. This funding supports the North West Saskatchewan Pandemic Response Plan, a collective effort between First Nation, Métis, municipal, provincial, and federal partners to coordinate the response to the growing numbers of COVID-19 cases in northwestern Saskatchewan.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, communication has increased to allow Métis partners to receive the most up-to-date information about emergency funding support and timelines.
• The Government is committed to continuing to work with Métis to further identify and address COVID-19 preparedness and response in Métis communities.

Other funding available to Métis:

• On April 18th, the Prime Minister announced $306.8 million to support small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses through interest free loans and non-repayable contributions.
• The Government continues to work with Métis governments in order to address the gaps in COVID-19 response funding.

Funding use:

• Métis governments are receiving funding directly from Indigenous Services Canada. Funds for Métis governments are being used for measures that include:
  • Support for elders and youth and vulnerable community members;
  • Addressing food insecurity;
  • Support for land-based activities;
  • Educational and other support for children;
  • Mental health assistance and emergency response services;
  • Preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and
  • Medical supplies.

Métis Nation Housing:

• Improving Indigenous housing outcomes is a priority for our Government. Our government is co-developing and implementing distinctions based Indigenous housing strategies with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation partners.
• Budget 2018 invested $500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation Housing Strategy. This funding and approach, premised on Métis-led housing delivery, is a significant step towards addressing the housing needs of Métis citizens.
• The National Housing Strategy includes the Co-Investment Fund for projects across the housing continuum – from shelters for victims fleeing violence to transitional and supportive housing, affordable and community rental housing, as well as affordable homeownership. This continues to be available to all Canadians, including Métis.

Key Messages:

• We recognize the concerns about capacity and resources in Indigenous communities related to the COVID-19 response. This is why we are actively working to:
  • Expand existing nursing contracts and add paramedic contracts to address needs in First Nation communities;
  • Assess the need for surge from other health professionals such as physicians, and other first line responders to help emergency responses;
  • Help coordinate with provinces and territories or supplement supplies such as personal protective equipment, bottled water, and hand sanitizer where needed; and,
  • Work with communities to identify and support temporarily re-tooling existing community spaces or to purchase, stockpile, deliver, and install temporary structures for screening/triage, isolation, and accommodation.
• We are committed to ensuring remote and isolated communities have access to essential health care providers, medical supplies, and equipment they need during this challenging time.
• To ensure the continuity of services, since April 2020, Indigenous Services Canada has been transporting essential service personnel and supplies via carefully managed charter flights with strict health safety measures in place. To date, the charters have transported more than 2,300 passengers into and out of 46 remote and isolated First Nations communities.
• We will continue to work with partners to provide these flight services until they are no longer required. As the resumption of commercial flights increases, opportunities for the application of commercial air travel continues to be assessed with regions and First Nations communities in the context of the pandemic.

If pressed on Insufficient Community Infrastructure

• We recognize the infrastructure challenges faced by many First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities.
• We are working with communities to identify and support temporarily re-tooling existing community spaces or to purchase, stockpile, deliver, and install temporary mobile structures for screening/triage, isolation, and accommodation.
• As of October 21st, 106 community spaces were identified for re-tooling and 173 temporary mobile structures were funded.
• We have been clear that supports for Indigenous communities are not limited by financial capacity.
• We will continue to work closely with individual communities and partners to coordinate resources and keep communities safe.

If pressed on COVID-19 and Drinking Water Advisories

• During a Boil Water Advisory or Do Not Consume Advisory, tap water can still be used to wash hands with soap and water and for personal hygiene. 
• If a Do Not Use Advisory is in place, bottled water with soap or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be used to wash hands.
• Letters have been sent to First Nation communities currently on a Drinking Water Advisory. For these communities, ISC provides supplies such as bottled water and hand sanitizer where needed.

Background:

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) assessed COVID-19 as a pandemic, FNIHB has been working with communities to identify surge health infrastructure needs to support the capacity to screen, triage, and isolate in the event of possible COVID-19 outbreaks, and to accommodate additional health professional staff deployed to communities to respond to COVID-19.

Community engagement is integral to understanding local needs pertaining to responding to COVID-19, which are being assessed on a case-by-case basis given unique contexts and variations from one to another. The primary approach is to identify if sufficient existing community infrastructure is available for re-tooling to support the communities needs for surge operations . If a community requires surge health infrastructure but cannot identify existing community spaces, then purchasing, delivering and installing additional infrastructure such as mobile assessment centers is an option. A list of specifications has been developed that can be shared with vendors to identify scope of work and can be modified to meet the region's/community's needs.

Once a community has determined the type and quantity of space required (i.e. screening/triage, accommodation, and isolation) they can either directly work with vendors and procure these structures (through a Vote 10 transfer to their contribution agreement from ISC) or a community could choose to go through a competitive method. Public Services and Procurement Canada would be engaged and advise on procurement options such as a Request for Proposals (RFP) which may provide an opportunity for vendors to submit a bid.  

FNIHB has added the vendor information for Bâtiment Manitou International to our roster of vendor options that is used to support community requests. 

Key Messages

• In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, we have been actively evaluating and acquiring approved point-of-care tests and are prioritizing the needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, especially those in rural, remote and isolated areas.
  
• As of October 26th, 77 GeneXpert instruments had been deployed to First Nations communities across the country.
• We will continue to work with partners to ensure that nursing stations and health centres in First Nations communities have the proper equipment and training procedures to  administer these tests.

If pressed on Point of Care (GeneXpert) devices

• My Department continues to collaboratively work with partners to ensure that Indigenous peoples have access to rapid testing devices.
• Of the 77 GeneXpert instruments deployed, 41 devices are located directly in First Nations. The remaining devices are either in high impact locations where community members usually access health services or to be deployed from central locations.
• Depending on device availability, ISC and NML anticipates to have approximately 115 GeneXpert systems deployed by next spring. Their locations will be collaboratively determined by need and discussions with partners.

If pressed on safety of operations

• ISC continues to work with partners to ensure that health facilities in Indigenous communities have the proper equipment to support these tests, as well as the training procedures required to administer them.
• To date, 33 training sessions have been provided by the MNL to both First Nations and ISC staff in locations implementing the GeneXpert system.
• ISC supports communities with GeneXpert systems, in providing PPE necessary for the implementation of the GeneXpert systems.

If pressed on urban supports

• The initial $15 million allocated to off-reserve First Nations and urban Indigenous organizations was available through a proposal-based process.
  
• We allocated an additional $75 million to organizations and groups serving Indigenous peoples living in urban areas and off-reserve.
  
• We have streamlined the process to flow funds quickly and directly to Indigenous communities and groups across the country.
  
• Allocations to communities and organizations from the additional $305 million announced on August 12 will soon be confirmed, as will details on how to apply for needs-based funds.

If pressed on Community Support Fund Allocation

• Funding under the Indigenous Community Support Fund, including the initial $90 million allocated to urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations, is designed to allow for maximum flexibility to fund local priorities and needs.
• Close to 260 Indigenous organizations were supported to date by the Indigenous Community Support Fund to help address the critical needs of Indigenous Peoples living in urban centres and First Nations living off-reserve across the country impacted by the pandemic.
• This fund is intended to give communities the ability to fund according to their priorities and needs. 
• It can, for example, provide support for:
  • Increased transportation costs within and outside of communities for community members who can no longer use public transportation;
  • Goods to community members who are in preventative isolation or quarantine;
  • Support for Elders; and,
  • Food bank/nutritional assistance: community care packages of food, water, cleaning products, nutritional supplements.
    
• Recognizing the increased needs, we announced an additional $305 million for the Indigenous Community Support Fund in August 2020.

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 $90 million of Urban funding.

Background

Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples
More than half of the Indigenous population in Canada lives in an urban centre. Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples is designed to assist First Nations, Inuit, and Métis living in or transitioning to urban centres, and aims to address challenges faced by some of the most at-risk community members, including Indigenous women. Funding is provided through four streams: Organizational Capacity, Programs and Services, Coalitions, and Research and Innovation. One of the key priority areas under Programs and Services is Women and this supports projects such as women-only day program, self empowerment and self care programs, healing program for women that escaped family violence, etc. Distinctions-based funding includes allocations for friendship centres, the Métis Nation, and the Inuit.

To address the immediate needs in First Nation, Inuit and Métis Nation communities due to COVID-19, the Indigenous Community Support Fund was created. In March 2020, $305 million was initially announced, but was increased to $380 million in May 2020 and includes $90 million to address needs of First Nations living off reserve and Indigenous peoples in urban centres. An additional $305 million was announced August 12th with a portion of this funding going to support proposals from Indigenous organizations and communities providing services to First Nations living off reserve and urban Indigenous Peoples. This funding brings the total investments  in the Indigenous Community Support Fund to $685 million. First Nations, Inuit and Métis also have access to other support measures available through the Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

Key Messages

• Our top priority is the health and safety of all Canadians, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
• We are working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, provinces and territories, and Indigenous partners to support planning for a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Indigenous Services Canada is focused on specific needs of Indigenous communities including the elevated risk factors they may experience.
• We are advocating for the prioritization of the COVID-19 vaccine for Indigenous populations.

If pressed on COVID-19 Vaccine Planning

• Indigenous peoples are at increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 due to a range of factors including geography, social determinants of health and underlying health conditions.
• Various efforts are underway to ensure an integrated and coordinated approach to support the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine for First Nations and Inuit communities.
• Indigenous Services Canada will work with provinces and territories to ensure that health facilities in Indigenous communities have the necessary immunization supplies and additional personal protective equipment to deliver the vaccine when available.

If pressed on the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's Preliminary Guidance on Key Populations for Early COVID-19 Vaccination 

• ISC continues to ensure that Indigenous peoples' needs are taken into consideration in all measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including for vaccine development.
• ISC currently works with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to develop guidance on vaccine prioritization for First Nation, Inuit and Métis people.
• The National Advisory Committee on Immunization's guidelines are expected to be released on November 3, 2020.

Background

The Government of Canada supports First Nations and Inuit communities in preparing for, monitoring and responding to COVID-19. Indigenous Services Canada works closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada, other Government of Canada departments, and provincial and territorial governments as well as Indigenous partners to protect the health and safety of Indigenous peoples.

Work is underway internationally to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. The Government of Canada is working with manufacturers to secure vaccine supply; however, there are anticipated supply challenges with this vaccine due to the significant international demand.

Indigenous Services Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch is developing strategic advice and direction on emerging issues related to COVID-19 vaccine considerations for Indigenous communities, including implementation, quality assurance, and prioritization. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization will define key populations for vaccine prioritization. Indigenous partners and Indigenous Services Canada have provided input into this guidance.

Key Messages:

• The Government of Canada recognizes the right of individuals to engage in peaceful protests. We believe the best way to resolve outstanding issues is through a respectful and collaborative dialogue.
• Canada has invited Six Nations' leaders and the Province of Ontario to participate in discussions regarding the McKenzie Meadows housing development to work together to find a positive way forward.
• Such dialogue is vital to building stronger relationships and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous partners for the benefit of their communities and all Canadians.

If pressed on accommodation arrangement with the developer

• Six Nations Elected Council reached an accommodation agreement with the developer.
• Questions on these matters are best addressed to Six Nations.

If pressed on Six Nations governance matters

• Canada is committed to renewing a nation-to-nation relationship with Six Nations.
• Any movement towards greater self-government and self-determination will be done with Six Nations' leadership and community members.

If pressed on the status of the Six Nations' litigation

• Canada believes that the best way to address outstanding issues and achieve reconciliation with Indigenous people is through negotiation and dialogue.
• The Government of Canada respects the decision of the Six Nations to pursue their claims through the courts.
• We are committed to maintaining a productive working relationship with the Six Nations and finding a new way forward through a renewed nation-to-nation relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.

If pressed on the current protest at the McKenzie Meadows development site 

• Canada recognizes the right of individuals to engage in peaceful protests.
• We believe the best way to resolve the situation at McKenzie Meadows is through a respectful and collaborative dialogue. Additional blockades and the destruction of property are not helpful.
• We will continue to work with Six Nations leadership to develop a process to find a constructive and positive way forward.

Key Messages

• The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations continues to support my colleague, the Honourable Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on advancing the Mi'kmaq's right to fish for a "moderate livelihood" and addressing the unrest in Nova Scotia.
• Concrete steps are being taken. On October 23, 2020, Allister Surette was appointment as Federal Special Representative to foster dialogue and find common ground between Indigenous and non-Indigenous harvesters to help reduce tensions. We look forward to how Mr. Surette's work may also inform longer-term approaches for implementing the moderate livelihood right. 
• Negotiations with our Indigenous partners on implementing their historic treaty right are still being pursued. My department continues to support upcoming meetings between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs.
• We are also working to ensure that all the Indigenous communities in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and the Gaspe region of Quebec, who also possess the treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood, remain engaged.

If Pressed on RCMP

• The acts of violence in Nova Scotia cannot be tolerated.
• The Nova Scotia RCMP have increased their police presence in the affected area each day. Furthermore, the Minister of Public Safety has approved a request to enhance the presence of contracted RCMP resources in order to keep the peace.
• The Minister is aware that charges have been laid in regards to earlier acts of violence and property damage—including the assault of Chief Sack—and other investigations are ongoing.
• The RCMP in Nova Scotia continues to monitor the situation and take the actions necessary should there be criminal activities that pose a threat to the safety of individuals or property. Violence is criminal and will not be tolerated.
• The RCMP in Nova Scotia have and will take steps to ensure that those who unlawfully interfere with or threaten the safety of any person or property may be held accountable in accordance with the laws of Canada.

Background

The 1999 Supreme Court of Canada Marshall decision confirmed that theMi'kmaq, Wolastoqey (Maliseet), and Peskotomuhkati in Atlantic Canada have a treaty right to hunt, fish, gather and trade in pursuit of a "moderate livelihood" based on the 1760-61 Peace and Friendship Treaties.The Marshall decision impacts approximately 43,000 individuals, and 35 communities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the Gaspé region of Quebec. The courts encouraged parties to negotiate these rights.

In September 2020, tensions in southwest Nova Scotia between non-Indigenous and Mi'kmaq fishers escalated over Sipekne'katik's unilateral exercise of moderate livelihood lobster fisheries outside of the regulated season. Vandalism, threats, and intimidation towards Sipekne'katik fishers and their supporters ensued. In response and support, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Chiefs declared a State of Emergency.

The Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia are organized as the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs. The four Mi'kmaq communities not in section 35 negotiations are Sipekne'katik, Millbrook, Bear River, and Membertou. Most recently, Membertou publically announced their withdrawal from section 35 negotiations and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs on October 28, 2020.

Canada, led by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, is currently involved in discussions with Sipekne'katik First Nation and other various Nova Scotia communities on how to address the historic treaty right to fish for a "moderate livelihood". The parties are deliberating on how to proceed. Discussions with the other communities not involved in fisheries negotiations are also being pursued.

In an attempt to de-escalate rising tensions, on October 23, 2020 the Government of Canada appointed Allister Surette as the Federal Special Representative to help facilitate dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous fish harvesters and help inform longer-term solutions around implementing the right to fish for a moderate livelihood.

COVID Funding

• To support First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in responding to their unique needs during this time, the Government of Canada has directly invested $685 million through the Indigenous Community Support Fund.
• This funding has given communities the ability to respond to the specific needs of women and girls, including arranging temporary shelters, bolstering overall community security, providing mental health supports and increasing access to education for children.
• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada participates in Indigenous Services Canada's bi-weekly meetings of the Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women's Wellbeing, which is a forum to share information with National Indigenous Women's Organizations and other partners, to solicit ideas on how to best support Indigenous women at this time and hear about organizations' work.

Background

The Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women's Well-Being provides a forum for National Indigenous Women's Organization's and other partners to provide advice, guidance, and recommendations on addressing issues impacting Indigenous women's health and wellness ISC and CIRNA are participants in meetings. Members:

• Assembly of First Nations
• Assembly of First Nations Women's Council
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
• Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak - Women of the Métis Nation
• Native Women's Association of Canada
• Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
• National Aboriginal Circle against Family Violence
• National Aboriginal Council of Midwives
• Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

If pressed on COVID-19 and timelines for DWAs

• Much work remains, but the results are encouraging with 96 long‑term drinking water advisories lifted to date.
• We are also providing sustainable investments to prevent short-term advisories, expand delivery systems, build capacity of and retain local water operators, and support regular monitoring and testing.
• To date, 167 short‑term advisories have been prevented from becoming long‑term through these investments.
• We remain committed and will continue to work in partnership with communities to end all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve.

If pressed on water issues other than LTDWAs

• We are providing sustainable investments to prevent short-term advisories, expand delivery systems, build capacity of and retain local water operators, and support regular monitoring and testing.
• To date, 167 short‑term advisories have been prevented from becoming long‑term through these investments.
• We know our plan is working and we will continue working with partners to improve access to clean water on reserve.

If pressed on single‑use plastic commitment (including plastic water bottles)

• Our government is taking bold action to ban harmful single‑use plastics.
• This ban comes into effect in 2021 – the same time at which we have committed to lifting all long‑term drinking water advisories on reserve so that communities have access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water.
• We are well on our way to doing so, with 96 long‑term drinking water advisories lifted since 2015, and 167 short‑term advisories prevented from becoming long‑term.

If pressed on Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act

• We are committed towards the goal of ensuring that all First Nations communities have access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water.
• Our Government is working with First Nation leaders, communities and organizations to co-develop long‑term solutions to ensure clean drinking water for all communities.
• We will continue to work with the Assembly of First Nations, who is leading engagements to find solutions to the concerns First Nations raised with the current Act.

If pressed on training and certification of water operators

• We know that regular and proper maintenance is essential to ensuring access to well-functioning water systems.
• Budgets 2016 and 2018 dedicated funds to First Nation communities to train operators of water and wastewater systems, with the goal of skill retention in their communities.
• Annually, we spend approximately $15 million on First Nations water and wastewater operator training.
• We are working closely with First Nation communities to ensure they have the resources they need to operate water systems to ensure everyone has access to safe drinking water on reserve.

If pressed on Water Operator Salary Gap:

• Water operators are key to ensuring communities have access to clean drinking water and reliable infrastructure.
• Budget 2019 dedicated an additional $739 million over five years, to support ongoing efforts to eliminate and prevent long-term drinking water advisories.
• We are working closely with First Nations to ensure they have the resources they need to operate and maintain their water systems, including by reforming how we fund operations and maintenance of infrastructure, as well as operator salaries.
• We are also supporting efforts to recruit, train and retain water operators across the country.

If pressed on short-term drinking water advisories:

• We know that water needs are dynamic, and short‑term advisories can arise for a number of reasons such as water line breaks, equipment failure, and maintenance or weather issues.
• Budget 2019 dedicated an additional $739 million over five years, to support ongoing efforts to eliminate and prevent long-term drinking water advisories.
• While most of these situations are resolved quickly by the community operators, we continue to work closely with those communities that require support.

If pressed on Trihalomethanes (THMs) in Drinking Water

• Our Department tests community water supplies quarterly for trihalomethanes (THMs), as per national guidelines. The results are provided to First Nations.
• If an exceedance is identified, we work in collaboration with communities to reduce the level of THMs and other disinfection by-products (DBPs) in community drinking water supplies.
• Since 2017, the total number of First Nation community drinking water systems with an exceedance above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) has decreased.

If pressed on what action the government has taken to date on trihalomethanes 

• Disinfection by-products called trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) are formed naturally in any water system when chlorine in water combines with organic matter like leaves or other vegetation.
• The benefits of disinfecting drinking water with chlorine are much greater than the potential health risks of being exposed to higher levels of disinfection by-products.
• Systems with exceedances are identified and tracked by ISC. This allows us to work with the First Nation to plan for how we will address these systems.

If pressed on Safe Drinking Water Litigations (Tataskweyak)

• We respect the right of Indigenous groups, including Tataskweyak Cree Nation, to seek the Court's assistance on this important step in the litigation.
• Much work remains, but the progress is encouraging with 96 long-term drinking water advisories lifted to date and 167 short-term advisories prevented from becoming long-term.
• We continue to work closely with First Nations leaders, communities and organizations to co-develop long-term solutions to ensure clean drinking water for all communities.

If pressed on Lead in Drinking Water

• Since 2003, we have been supporting the monitoring of drinking water for lead in First Nation community water systems south of 60 degrees parallel.
• In March 2019, Health Canada published a revised guideline for lead in drinking water. All regions have started to implement this enhanced monitoring.
• This enhancement includes testing every drinking water fountain or cold-water tap where water is used for drinking or food preparation in children's facilities.

COVID-19 and drinking water

• We are working with communities to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the continued provision of safe, clean drinking water.
• We remain in contact with all communities and back-up plans are in place to support continuity of water and wastewater service provision throughout the pandemic.
• Emergency support for system operation remains available to First Nations communities, including through the Circuit Rider Training Program. As well, Operations and Maintenance funding continues to flow to First Nations communities to support effective water operations.

If Pressed on COVID-19 and drinking water

• Environmental Public Health Officers continue to work directly with First Nations to assist them in monitoring drinking water quality, which includes providing advice and guidance from a public health perspective.
• This includes supporting the role of Community-based Water Monitors to ensure the health of their communities through the consistent monitoring of the drinking water supply and prompt notification of any unsatisfactory samples.
• We continue to work closely with individual communities and partners to coordinate resources and keep communities safe.

If pressed on COVID-19 and DWAs

• During a Boil Water Advisory or Do Not Consume Advisory, tap water can still be used to wash hands with soap and water and for personal hygiene.
• If a Do Not Use Advisory is in place, bottled water with soap or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be used to wash hands.
• Letters have been sent to First Nations communities currently on a Drinking Water Advisory. For these communities, ISC provides supplies such as bottled water, and hand sanitizer where needed.

Insufficient COVID-19 Related Infrastructure

• We recognize the infrastructure challenges faced by many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.
• We are working with communities to identify and temporarily support local surge health infrastructure needs to screen, triage, and isolate in case of an outbreak.
• We have been clear that supports for Indigenous communities are not limited by financial capacity.
• We will continue to work closely with individual communities and partners to coordinate resources and keep communities safe.

Background

ISC is working in full partnership with First Nation communities, including with First Nations technical advisors and leaders, to support sustainable First Nations-led approaches to ensure that on-reserve water systems are safe. This includes Technical Services Advisory Group in Alberta (TSAG), the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC), the Atlantic Policy Congress, and technical service delivery Hubs pilot projects in Ontario. ISC also works directly with First Nations to assist communities in monitoring drinking water quality in all water systems, which includes providing advice and guidance about drinking water safety and wastewater disposal, and reviewing infrastructure project proposals from a public health perspective.

As part of Budget 2016, the Government of Canada committed to end by March 2021 all long-term drinking water advisories affecting public systems on reserve. Phase 1 of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan supports this goal by providing an unprecedented $1.8 billion over five years for First Nation communities to significantly improve on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure, ensure proper facility operation and maintenance, and strengthen capacity by enhancing the training of water system operators. Budget 2016 also included $141.7 million over five years in new funding to the Department to improve drinking water monitoring and testing on reserve. In addition, Budget 2017 provided $49 million over 3 years to address advisories as part of the expanded scope which added 24 long-term drinking water advisories to the Government's commitment. Budget 2018 committed an additional $172.6 million over three years to support initiatives to accelerate, where possible, the pace of construction and renovation of affected water systems, support repairs to high-risk water systems and assist efforts to recruit, train and retain water operators. These funds will also support efforts to establish innovative First Nations-led service delivery models. Lastly, Budget 2019 commits an additional $739 million over five years, beginning in 2019-20, with $184.9 million per year ongoing. This investment will support ongoing efforts to eliminate and prevent long-term drinking water advisories by funding urgent repairs to vulnerable water systems and the operation and maintenance of water systems so that First Nations communities can effectively operate and maintain their public drinking water systems.

As of June 30, 2020, more than $1.65 billion of targeted funding has been invested to support 626 water and wastewater projects, including 348 that are now completed. These projects will serve 462,000 people in 581 First Nation communities.

It should be noted that Drinking water advisories (DWAs) are issued to protect the public from drinking water that is potentially unsafe, or confirmed to be unsafe, based on water quality testing. DWAs are issued by First Nations in their communities and off-reserve by provincial, territorial or municipal governments.

Communities may also choose to issue a DWA as a precautionary measure, such as when there are emergency repairs in the water distribution system or if a community does not have a trained Water System Operator or Community-Based Drinking Water Quality Monitor in place. Some DWAs are short-term to advise residents of a temporary water quality issue on a specific water system (e.g.: equipment failure).

The government is working closely with First Nations by providing sustainable investments, expanding delivery systems, building capacity of and retaining local water operators, as well as supporting regular monitoring and testing on all drinking water systems to prevent short-term and re-occurring advisories.

In 2014, the Tsuu T'ina Nation, the Sucker Creek First Nation, the Ermineskin Cree Nation and the Blood Tribe, with reserves located in Treaties 6, 7 and 8 territories, sued Canada alleging Canada created and sustained unsafe drinking water conditions on their reserves and throughout Canada. The First Nations claim declarations and damages for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of the Honour of the Crown, and breaches of sections 7 and 15(1) of the Charter. The Assembly of First Nations has passed resolutions supporting this litigation. This action has been stayed by the Federal Court on consent of the parties for one-year periods since the fall of 2015. During this timeframe, the parties entered into "without prejudice" meetings and discussions to resolve their concerns about safe drinking water in these First Nations' reserves, and to resolve the proceedings by agreement or by narrowing the issues out of court. The stay expired on September 19, 2019. As of June 26, 2020, all four First Nation plaintiffs agreed to seek a six-month stay of the litigation to pursue exploratory discussions, and the Court has granted approval of the six-month abeyance as of July 3, 2020.

The Okanagan Indian Band is also seeking declarations that Canada has breached its fiduciary duty, breached the Honour of the Crown, violated the Charter and breached its obligations under the Constitution by failing to create and sustain safe water conditions on First Nations' reserves. The Band seeks a declaration that Canada is obliged to remedy the unsafe drinking water conditions on reserve, with supervision of the Court, an order for damages and that Canada disgorge any savings made from failing to provide adequate water supplies to the Band. Canada's Statement of Defence was filed on September 8, 2020.

The Curve Lake First Nation and Chief Emily Whetung, on her own behalf and on behalf of all members of the First Nation, claim that Canada has failed to address the inadequacies of their access to potable water and the resulting human consequences. On May 29, 2020, the Curve Lake First Nation amended their Statement of Claim on the class proceeding to include the Neskantaga First Nation and Chief Christopher Moonias as plaintiffs. The Plaintiffs seek declarations that Canada has breached its fiduciary duty, breached the Honour of the Crown, violated the Charter and, breached its obligations under the Constitution by failing to address the inadequacies of their access to potable water. The Plaintiffs further seek the immediate construction of appropriate water systems; $1 billion for breaches of Charter rights; $1 billion for breaches of fiduciary duty, negligence and nuisance; and, $100 million in punitive damages. The Tataskweyak First Nation has filed a national class proceeding involving any First Nation band that has had a drinking water advisory lasting a year or more since 1995. The Band claims Canada breached its fiduciary duties, breached the Honour of the Crown, breached the Charter, section 36(1)(c) of the Constitution Act, and is liable for individual causes of action like nuisance and negligence. Both the Curve Lake/Neskantaga class action and the Tataskweyak Cree Nation class action have been certified with the consent of Canada. Discussions continue with Plaintiffs on the next steps.

Michael Daryl Isnardy (Toosey First Nation in BC), filed a proposed class action proceeding as an individual plaintiff in the Federal Court, representing aboriginal and First Nation persons unable to consume or use water from their community water systems on First Nation reserves. He claims the Crown created, sustained and allowed unsafe drinking water conditions, and is seeking declarations that Canada breached its fiduciary duty and duty of care to the community, violated sections 7 (life, liberty and security of the person) and 15(1) (equality right) of the Charter and, breached its obligations under paragraph 35(1) of the Constitution Act. The proposed class action proceeding was amended in early August 2020, to extend representation to all First Nations people (status and non-status), Inuit and Métis people living on and off reserve. The Court has been advised of the death of the plaintiff in this proposed class action.

Accomplishments: Indigenous Services Canada

• We are delivering on a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, working together to improve quality of life and advance self-determination.
• We have made significant new investments resulting in:
  • 130 school infrastructure projects completed; 
  • 348 water and wastewater infrastructure projects completed;
  • Approximately $8 billion is being used to support Indigenous community infrastructure until 2026–2027; and
  • More than 691,000 requests for products, services, and supports approved under Jordan's Principle.
    
• We will continue working together with Indigenous peoples towards closing the unacceptable socio-economic gaps.

If pressed on socio-economic gaps:

• Immense progress has been made to close socio-economic gaps in areas such as:
  • The lifting of long-term drinking water advisories;
  • The co-development of distinctions-based housing strategies;
  • The advancement of Indigenous-led healthcare delivery;
  • The recognition of jurisdiction in child and family services;
  • Providing additional income assistance supports; and,
  • A new fiscal relationship with communities.
    
• We know there is more to do, and we will continue this work in true partnership with Indigenous peoples.

Youth:

• Every Indigenous child deserves the best start in life.
  • A new funding formula for K-12 education has resulted in regional funding increases of up to 39%;
  • The number of First Nation schools offering elementary full-day kindergarten programs has increased by up to 50%;
  • Funding for First Nations child and family services almost doubled to approximately $1.2 billion in 2018 19 with a focus on prevention;
  • An additional $75.2 million in 2020-21 was committed to increase existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education.
    
• We will not leave another generation of Indigenous children behind.

Key Messages

• We have been clear – our goal is comprehensive, fair, and equitable compensation that will further healing for those impacted by the historic inequities in First Nations child welfare.
• We maintain there are substantive unresolved questions on the CHRT's jurisdiction.
• We remain committed to finding a fair way forward on compensation for First Nation children which may be outside of the CHRT process.

If pressed further

• The over-representation of Indigenous children in care is a sad and dark part of our shared history that we must address.
• We have been clear – we intend to compensate First Nations children harmed by the discriminatory child and family service policies. 
• Throughout this process, our focus remains advancing a plan that prioritizes the best interests of the individual child and puts the safety, well-being and security of that child at the forefront.
• We have worked closely with the Parties and found consensus on most of the key areas for a safe compensation process, as part of the joint Framework for the Payment of Compensation.

If pressed on Compliance:

• We continue to work with the Parties to the complaint on issues arising from the CHRT rulings.
• Resources, including additional staffing and process review as part of Continuous Quality improvements to address CHRT orders, are ongoing.
• We are improving supports to regional focal points, providing ongoing education, regular review of the operational guide, as well as efficient review of over 691,000 service requests since 2016. This allows products and services to be accessed by those requesting them as soon as possible.

If pressed on continuing with Judicial Review:

• Our government is committed to seeking an equitable, fair and comprehensive settlement to all proceedings that will ensure long-term benefits for individuals and families and enable community healing.
• We have brought the Judicial Review to obtain clarity on certain issues so that we can focus on what's really important – compensating those who have been wronged.

If pressed on the Moushoom/AFN consolidated class action:

• Our government has been clear that we intend to compensate First Nations children harmed by discriminatory government policies related to First Nations child and family services.
• We will continue to work with all parties as this important matter moves forward.

First Nations Child and Family Services Program – Reform Efforts To Date

• We've more than doubled funding for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program based on agencies' actual needs and with an emphasis on prevention – increasing from $681 million in 2015-2016 to $1.7 billion in 2019-2020.
• We passed co-developed legislation last year that enables Indigenous communities to assert jurisdiction over child and family services, and establishes minimum standards to ensure the best interests of Indigenous children.
• We are ensuring that there is an appropriate framework for Indigenous children to be cared for in the right way, with connections to their communities, cultures, and languages.

Jordan's Principle – Specific Case (M.J.)

• We are working with partners to advance the well-being of Indigenous children.
• While we cannot comment on a specific case, we are committed to ensuring that no ‎First Nations child faces barriers in receiving the support or service they need due to discrimination.
• Over 691,000 requests for supports and services have been approved for children since 2016.
• We will be continuing conversations with the Parties to the Tribunal to address any outstanding concerns.

Jordan's Principle-First Nations Identity

• On July 17, 2020, the CHRT issued a new ruling regarding the definition of "all First Nations children" in relation to Jordan's Principle to include First Nations children without Indian Act status who are recognized as citizens and/or members of their respective First Nation regardless of where they live, whether on or off-reserve.
• The Tribunal has asked the Parties to work collaboratively and report back to the Tribunal by October 19, 2020.
• The Government of Canada will continue to meet all its obligations and is committed to ensuring that First Nations children receive the care and services they need.

If pressed further on Jordan's Principle-First Nations Identity

• The Government of Canada is reviewing the CHRT ruling as it applies to eligibility criteria for First Nations children under Jordan's Principle
• The Government is already ensuring that First Nations children who are entitled to be registered under Bill S-3 amendments can receive Jordan's Principle services while their registration is pending.
• We are committed to working with partners and are close to reaching a consensus on how the order should be implemented.

If pressed on the Department's costs related to CFS legal challenges:

• Our commitment to compensate First Nations children harmed by discriminatory child and family services policies is firm. 
• Our goal remains a comprehensive, fair and equitable resolution to compensate Indigenous children harmed by discriminatory government policies.
• We continue to work with all Parties to move this important matter forward.
• We've more than doubled funding to child and family services agencies, based on actual needs and with an emphasis on prevention – increasing from $681 million in 2015-2016 to $1.7 billion in 2019-2020.

NAN Participation in Compensation Process 

• The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ordered us to enter into discussions with the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Caring Society to establish an independent process for compensation. 
• We have had productive discussions involving all of the parties to the CHRT litigation.
• We have consulted with NAN and the other interested Parties on various iterations of the framework, including the recent implementation of the expanded definition of First Nation child.

Compensation for parents of children who died in care

• The Tribunal has provided guidance on this important issue.
• We have worked with the Parties to seek consensus on a number of key areas for the process for compensation, which are included in our joint submission.
• Negotiation, rather than litigation, remains this Government's preferred method of resolution.

Background

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)'s First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program provides funding to support the safety and well-being of First Nation children on reserve. Funding is provided to FNCFS agencies, provinces and the Yukon Territory to support the delivery of prevention and protection services on-reserve.  ISC does not deliver the services. These services are provided in accordance with the legislation and standards of the province or territory of residence and in a manner that is reasonably comparable to those available to other provincial residents in similar circumstances, within ISC's Program authorities. Funding under the FNCFS Program is provided according to a prevention-based funding model.

Jordan's Principle is a legal requirement that Canada has committed to uphold. Jordan's Principle ensures that First Nations children get the health, social and education services and supports that they require, when and where they need them.

In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) found Canada's FNCFS Program to be discriminatory and ordered Canada to immediately remedy the discrimination. The Tribunal also ordered Canada to cease applying a narrow definition of Jordan's Principle and to take immediate measures to implement the full meaning of the Principle.

Since this initial ruling, the Tribunal has issued a number of subsequent orders, including remedial or compliance orders, for both FNCFS and Jordan's Principle.

Jordan's Principle:

In 2016 and 2017, the Tribunal issued three remedial orders aimed at ensuing Canada fully implemented the full meaning and scope of Jordan's Principle. Most significantly, the 2017 order expanded the eligibility for Jordan's Principle to all First Nations children, regardless of residence, applied a lens of substantive equality when assessing requests, imposed stringent timelines for the approval of requests, and required the government to publicize Jordan's Principle.

On February 21, 2019, the CHRT addressed a new complaint regarding the definition of a First Nations child for the purposes of implementing Jordan's Principle, and issued an interim relief order stating that Canada "shall provide First Nations children living off reserve who have urgent and/or life threatening needs, but do not have (and are not eligible for) Indian Act status, with the services required to meet those urgent and/or life-threatening service needs, pursuant to Jordan's Principle". This interim definition was further expanded in the final order, issued July 17, 2020, by removing the requirement for urgent or life threatening needs.

FNCFS:

On February 1, 2018, the Tribunal added items to its previous order, including paying the actual costs of FNCFS agencies in prevention and other areas.  The Department is working closely with the parties to the complaint – the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski-Nation, the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International – to fully implement the various orders of the Tribunal.

In January 2018, the Government of Canada hosted an Emergency Meeting on Indigenous Child and Family Services, with national and regional Indigenous leadership, as well as federal, provincial and territorial governments, to discuss the causes that lead to the high rate of Indigenous children in care and how to work together towards systemic reform.  At that meeting, the Government announced its commitment to six points of action that included the potential for federal legislation, as called for in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #4; continuing to fully implement previous CHRT orders (from 2016 and prior to September 2019); reform First Nations child and family services including moving to a flexible funding model; and work with partners to shift the focus of programming to culturally-appropriate prevention, early intervention, and family reunification.

The Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (Act) was co-developed with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners and received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. The Act came into force on January 1, 2020.

On August 7, 2020, the Caring Society filed a motion of non-compliance against Canada, alleging that it has failed to provide sufficient funding for the provision of services to First Nations children and families where these services are delivered by provincial or Yukon agencies, and not by delegated FNCFS agencies. The Innu Nation has applied for, and been granted, interested party status in this motion. They will be permitted to file evidence and cross examine affiants, and make oral and written arguments. 

On August 11, 2020 the CHRT ruled that substantive equality required that Canada continue to accept submissions and make reimbursements for Band Representative Services and Children and Youth's mental health services on an ongoing basis, without imposing an inflexible deadline.

Major capital and small agencies are issues that remain before the CHRT around which we await decisions.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ISC has expanded eligible expenses to support First Nations agencies and communities in addressing emergency concerns.  Additionally, ISC recently introduced a national temporary measure to ensure that services already funded through the First Nations Child and Family Services Program are maintained for all First Nations youth who reach the age of majority or who are past the age of majority but are in special care arrangements, between at least March 9, 2020 and March 31, 2021.  Partners were informed in March 2020.

Compensation:

On September 6, 2019, the CHRT released an Order on compensation. The Tribunal ordered Canada to pay the maximum amount of $40,000 ($20,000 for pain and suffering and $20,000 for willful and reckless conduct) per removed child and caregiving parent or grandparent, as well as for this children impacted by gaps, delays or denials under Jordan's Principle, and their caregiving parents or grandparents. In the ruling, Canada was instructed to work with CHRT parties to develop a framework to implement the compensation order. The date for submitting the framework was December 10, 2019, however that date was later extended to allow for clarification from the Tribunal on areas of divergence (e.g., payment to deceased individuals, children in care prior to Jan 1/06 and who remained in care as of that date). A failure to reach an agreement will result in the panel ordering one of its own creation.

On October 4, 2019 the Attorney General of Canada filed a Notice of Application for Judicial Review and a Motion to stay with the Federal Court. The motion to stay was heard in Federal Court in November 2019. On November 29, 2019, the judge ruled against Canada's motion to stay and ordered Canada to begin work with CHRT parties on the development of the compensation framework. A decision on the application for judicial review has not yet been rendered.

Key Messages

• The coming into force of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families on January 1, 2020 marked a historic turning point for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families.
• The Act finally puts in place what Indigenous peoples across this country have been asking of governments for decades: that their jurisdiction over child and family services be affirmed so that they can decide what is best for their children, their families, and their communities.
• It marks the first time we will work directly with Métis and Inuit on child and family services.
• We will continue to engage with partners on the implementation of the Act.

What does this Act mean:

• The Act's national guiding principles must be applied by all who provide child and family services to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families including provinces, territories, and service providers.
• This will ensure that the best interests of the child, cultural continuity, and substantive equality are the guiding principles and priorities in any situation.
• The Actalso opens the door for First Nations, Inuit and Métis to choose their own solutions by exercising their jurisdiction.
• We must all continue to work together to end this ongoing crisis impacting Indigenous children and families.

If pressed on Jurisdiction

• Our focus must be on the best interests of the child.
• With the coming in to force of the Act, basic principles such as cultural continuity, must be followed by every person providing services to Indigenous children in Canada.
• Indigenous governing bodies wishing to develop and enact their own laws, and have them be paramount over provincial and federal laws, now have the space to do so.
• With these changes, we are ensuring Indigenous children are supported and cared for with connection to community and culture.

If pressed on funding

• The coming into force of the Act marked a historic turning point for Indigenous children and families.
• With this Act, we are laying out flexible pathways for Indigenous governing bodies to move forward with their own models and laws.
• We know that funding has been an issue of concern and we are committed to supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities as they develop Indigenous-led and controlled child and family services systems – which is why as part of the July 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update, the Government committed almost $543 million over five years, starting in 2020-21, to support the implementation of the Act.
• As we move forward, discussions on how to implement the Act, including implementation costs, will be done through distinction-based governance mechanisms, as well as at the coordination agreement tables. The funding requirements for each Indigenous governing body will vary depending on the model being proposed and their distinct needs.
• We will continue to engage with partners to assess and address long-term funding needs.

If pressed on provinces and territories

• We engaged with provinces and territories in the co‑development of the Act, and continue to engage with them on its implementation.
• They are important partners in this work, and many have taken steps to reform the system and reduce the number of Indigenous children in care.
• We will continue to work with them, and Indigenous governing bodies, to address the over-representation of Indigenous children in care in this country.

If pressed on Québec's constitutional challenge of the Act

• On December 18, 2019 the Government of Québec challenged the constitutionality of the Act and has filed its evidence with the Court in August 2020.
• The Act affirms the inherent right of self-government, which is recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, including jurisdiction in relation to child and family services.
• On October 16, 2020, Indigenous Services Canada filed its response to the challenge and will continue to work with the Department of Justice to defend the constitutionality of the Act.
• We remain committed to working in partnership with all partners, including provinces and territories, to implement the Act in a manner that respects and upholds the rights of Indigenous peoples over child and family services.

If pressed on the Protocol with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN)

• The recent signing of a protocol with the AFN will help ensure that discussions surrounding its implementation happen in a way that works for First Nations, and the children of their community.
• This protocol is an expression of mutual cooperation between Canada and the AFN and will allow for the development and creation of tools and mechanisms that support the implementation of the Act.
• The protocol will not interfere with the unique rights of section 35 rights-holders, including groups not wishing to be represented by the AFN and will not impose a structure on any First Nations, Inuit or Métis groups.
• By formalizing discussions, we are working together to reduce the number of Indigenous children in care.

If pressed on Metis and Inuit protocols or MOUs

• The well-being of children and our work with Indigenous partners to reform Indigenous child and family services remains among ISC's most important priorities.
• ISC is engaging with the Métis National Council through a Memorandum of Understanding which is leading the work on Métis child and family services transformation and support the implementation of the Act. 
• We are also advancing important work with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and other organizations through continued dialogue

If pressed on Coordination Agreements:

• As of October 20, 2020, 27 Indigenous groups had submitted requests or notices of their intent to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services.
• Also as of October 20, 2020, coordination agreement discussion tables are underway with nine Indigenous groups wishing to exercise jurisdiction under the Act.
• It is anticipated that up to 60 tables will be established within the next five years.

Background

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)'s First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program provides funding to support the safety and well-being of First Nation children on reserve. Funding is provided to FNCFS agencies, provinces and the Yukon Territory to support the delivery of prevention and protection services on-reserve. ISC does not deliver the services. These services are provided in accordance with the legislation and standards of the province or territory of residence and in a manner that is reasonably comparable to those available to other provincial residents in similar circumstances, within ISC's Program authorities. Funding under the FNCFS Program is provided according to a prevention-based funding model.

In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) found Canada's FNCFS Program to be discriminatory and ordered Canada to immediately remedy the discrimination. On February 1, 2018, the Tribunal added items to its previous order, including paying the actual costs of FNCFS agencies in prevention and other areas.  The Department is working closely with the parties to the complaint – the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski-Nation, the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International – to fully implement the various orders of the Tribunal.

In January 2018, the Government of Canada hosted an Emergency Meeting on Indigenous Child and Family Services, with national and regional Indigenous leadership, as well as federal, provincial and territorial governments, to discuss the causes that lead to the high rate of Indigenous children in care and how to work together towards systemic reform.  At that meeting, the Government announced its commitment to six points of action that included the potential for federal legislation, as called for in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #4; continuing to fully implement previous CHRT orders (from 2016 and prior to September 2019); reform First Nations child and family services including moving to a flexible funding model; and work with partners to shift the focus of programming to culturally-appropriate prevention, early intervention, and family reunification.

On December 18, 2019, the Government of Québec filed an order asking the Québec Court of Appeal to rule on the constitutionality of the Act. The Government of Québec believes that the Act constitutes an appropriation of the exclusive jurisdiction of the provinces in matters of social services and youth protection. On October 16, 2020, Indigenous Services Canada filed its evidence with the Court of Appeal.

The Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (Act) was co-developed with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners and received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. The Act came into force on January 1, 2020. As of January 1, 2020, every service provider delivering child and family services in relation to Indigenous children must follow the minimum standards of the Act.

As part of the July 2020 Economic and Fiscal Snapshot, the Government of Canada has committed almost $543 million over five years, starting in 2020-21, to support the implementation of an Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families which came into force on January 1, 2020. This historic legislation enables First Nations, Inuit and Métis to choose their own solutions for their children and families.

Key Messages

• Every First Nation child deserves the best start in life and support that enables them to reach their full potential.
• This is why we:
  • co-developed a new policy and funding framework with partners to transform the way education on reserve is funded;
  • are providing stable and predictable core funding to First Nations more comparable to provincial systems;
  • are ensuring that special education funding is more predictable in order to meet the needs of students;
  • are supporting full-day kindergarten programs in First Nation schools for children aged four and five; and
  • are investing in language and cultural programming.
• We continue to work with First Nation communities and education authorities to amend funding agreements to ensure funding can flow to all recipients.

If pressed on elementary and secondary education:

• The new co-developed approach supports First Nations control of First Nation education.
• Through this approach:
  • the number of full-day kindergarten programs offered at First Nation schools has increased by more than 50%
  • the implementation of transformation in 2019-2020 saw regional funding increases of up to 39%
• The funding formulas are based on up to date information, including  2019-2020 provincial rates and student enrolment. 
• As of June 30, 2020, targeted funds have been invested to support 202 school-related infrastructure projects, benefiting 249 First Nations communities.

If pressed on annual increases to funding:

• The new co-developed funding approach for elementary and secondary education provides provincially comparable funding for on-reserve students.
• It also provides full-day kindergarten on reserve for children aged 4 and 5 years old and additional funding for language and culture programming.
• The elementary and secondary funding formulas are updated annually to account for a variety of factors, including student population growth and provincial funding rate changes.

If pressed on post-secondary education:

• Our Government is working in partnership to improve access to post‑secondary education for Indigenous students.
• We are expanding financial assistance for First Nations students while supporting First Nations development of regional post-secondary education models.
• We are also supporting new Inuit and Métis Nation-led post-secondary education strategies, including direct funding for students.
• An additional $75.2 million will be provided in 2020-2021 to increase existing support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation post-secondary students.
• Our Government is providing access to post‑secondary education for more than 23,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation students.
• Our Government recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact Indigenous post-secondary education institutions, who are facing unique challenges that are impeding their ability to support the needs of Indigenous learners.
• We are providing a one-time investment of $25.9 million to alleviate the immediate pressures of Indigenous post-secondary education institutions, which have arisen as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

Elementary and Secondary Education

The co‑developed policy proposal to strengthen First Nations elementary and secondary education was endorsed by Chiefs-in Assembly in December 2017 and was used to establish a new policy framework for how the Government of Canada supports First Nation elementary and secondary education.

This new framework is aimed at fundamentally improving the way Indigenous Services Canada funds First Nations elementary and secondary education while supporting regional and local diversity and implementing the principle of First Nations control of First Nations education.  On April 1, 2019, the Department began implementing a series of new formula-based regional funding models for elementary and secondary education to ensure that students attending First Nations schools are supported by predictable base funding that is more directly comparable to what students enrolled in provincial education systems receive.  On top of this base funding, the Department provides additional funding for expanded language and cultural programming, full-time kindergarten, and other initiatives that respond to the unique needs of First Nation students and improve outcomes.

Under the new framework, the Department is also working with First Nations to develop regional education agreements that respond to the education goals and priorities set by First Nations. These agreements identify collaborative education service delivery strategies, and outline how the Government of Canada can best support First Nations schools, students, communities, and education organizations in ensuring that First Nations students receive a high quality, linguistically and culturally appropriate education that improves outcomes.

Post-Secondary Education

Budget 2017 announced a comprehensive and collaborative review with Indigenous partners of all current federal programs that support Indigenous students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. Between 2017 and 2018, Indigenous Services Canada held a series of discussions with Indigenous students, academic leaders and institutions to obtain a wide range of reflections on the Government of Canada's current post-secondary education programming for Indigenous students, and to discuss possible improvements. The department also engaged with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council on potential post-secondary education reforms. As part of this process, the three Indigenous Representative Organizations each developed distinctions-based policy proposals for transforming Indigenous post-secondary education.

Stakeholder feedback from the review and the National Indigenous Organization's policy proposals informed Budget 2019's total investment of $814.9 million over 10 years and $61.8 million ongoing to support distinctions-based Indigenous post-secondary education strategies. For First Nations, this includes $320 million over 5 years to renew and expand funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, and $7.5 million over 3 years to support engagement on the development of integrated First Nations regional post-secondary education models. In addition, Budget 2019 allocated $125.5 million over 10 years and $21.8 million ongoing for a new Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy, and $362 million over 10 years and $40 million ongoing for a new Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy. These strategies include direct funding assistance for students (including tuition, supplies and accommodation), complementary programs and services, and institutional and governance capacity to support service delivery.

Indigenous post-secondary students are facing unique challenges (e.g. financial instability and unplanned additional expenses) as a result of COVID-19. Colleges and universities have closed campuses for all non-essential services and students have had to transition to online learning. Financial instability is a primary concern as the measures meant to control the spread of the pandemic have further jeopardized students' financial situation (i.e. limited opportunities for summer employment).

On April 22, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a comprehensive support strategy for post-secondary students and recent graduates, which includes a one-time increase of $75.2 million in 2020-21. In addition to the existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation post-secondary students, this investment will help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous PSE students to ensure they can continue to pursue and maintain their studies.

Key Messages

• Our Government agrees with First Nations who have told us that the First Nations Financial Transparency Act needs to be replaced with a respectful approach that strengthens accountability.
• Everyone – including First Nation governments – supports transparency and accountability.
• This was a recommendation of the New Fiscal Relationship Report developed with the Assembly of First Nations.
• Instead of penalizing First Nations communities and imposing top-down solutions, our Government is working to build community capacity and governance, while investing to close the unacceptable socioeconomic gaps that exist.

Accountability issues with specific First Nations

• The majority of First Nations have effective governance.
• When challenges arise, instead of forcing solutions on communities, we want to work in partnership with First Nations to ensure that the accountability relationship between First Nations leaders and community members is strengthened by building financial management capacity.
• We are taking steps to replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy with a new, proactive approach that supports capacity development.

Accountability for 10-Year Grants

• To support the new fiscal relationship with First Nations, we have moved forward with the establishment of ten-year grants for qualified First Nations.
• Eligibility criteria and accountability provisions for the ten-year grants are based on proven practices co-developed with the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Financial Management Board.
• These measures will strengthen governance capacity, enhance accountability of First Nations to their citizens, and support a fiscal relationship that is truly nation-to-nation.

Reporting Requirements for First Nations

• Our Government is working with First Nations to ensure that the accountability relationship between First Nations leaders and community members is strengthened by focusing on outcomes.
• A new fiscal relationship, grounded in the recognition of rights and respect, will support First Nations on the path to self-determination and promote mutual accountability.

Background

On December 18, 2015, the Minister released a statement directing the Department to cease all discretionary measures related to the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. Following this commitment, the Department moved forward with an engagement approach designed to reach out primarily to First Nation leaders, communities and organizations, and gauge the general public's views towards First Nation transparency and accountability. First Nations financial management institutions have recommended that the Act be repealed entirely and replaced with a community sanctioned accountability policy where reporting is accountable to members and citizens.

First Nations report extensively to Canada on spending, not only under the Act but through reports required by specific programs. The Act does not cover actions by First Nations-owned enterprises.

Under the New Fiscal Relationship, Indigenous Services Canada is working with First Nations to introduce measures to strengthen accountability of First Nations governments to their citizens, and to enhance predictability and flexibility of funding. Under this initiative, First Nations that have demonstrated sound governance could qualify for 10-Year Grants, and First Nations are being encouraged to enact and implement their own Financial Administration Laws based on the standards of the First Nations Financial Management Board.  Such Financial Administration Laws include provisions for managing conflicts of interest and misuse of funds.

Distinction-based First Nations Housing Strategy 

• First Nations have led the co-development of a National First Nations Housing Strategy to ensure housing reform is reflective of their needs, endorsed by the Special Chiefs Assembly on December 5, 2018.
• The Assembly of First Nations, Indigenous Services Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation meet regularly to advance the national strategy and plan for its implementation.
• This collaboration ensures that housing and infrastructure reforms target a long-term approach to support the transition to First Nations care, control and management of housing, in a way that respects regional differences and First Nations' readiness.

Distinction-based Inuit Housing Strategy

• Improving Inuit housing is a priority for our Government.
• The Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, which was released in April 2019, was designed by Inuit and will be delivered by Inuit.
• The Strategy provides long-term vision and direction for Inuit housing premised on self-determination.
• Work is already well underway to deliver on the Inuit-led delivery of Budget 2018 housing investments.
• We will continue our joint work to implement Inuit-led strategies to further address Inuit housing needs.

Distinction-based Métis Housing Strategy 

• Improving Métis housing outcomes is a priority for the Government.
• During the summer of 2018, the leaders from the Métis Nation and Government of Canada signed the Canada-Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord, which will improve Métis access to – and control of – affordable and social housing.
• This Sub-Accord reflects a shared commitment to narrow the core housing need gap and further Indigenous self-determination in this important area of social policy.
• We will continue working to close the unacceptable housing gap for Indigenous peoples.

Background

As of June 30, 2020, ISC and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) together reported a total of 20,096 housing units built, renovated  and retrofitted. Of that amount, ISC is responsible for 8,944 housing units divided as follows:

• 2,909 new unit constructions, 1,831 of which are completed
• 6,035 unit renovations and upgrades, 3,811 of which are completed

CMHC is responsible for 11,152 homes (new unit constructions, renovations and retrofits), of which 8,517 are completed.

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) assessed COVID-19 as a pandemic, FNIHB has been working with communities to identify surge health infrastructure needs to support the capacity to screen, triage, and isolate in the event of possible COVID-19 outbreaks, and to accommodate additional health professional staff deployed to communities to respond to COVID-19.

Community engagement is integral to understanding local needs pertaining to responding to COVID-19, which are being assessed on a case-by-case basis given unique contexts and variations from one to another. We are working with communities to identify and temporarily support re-tooling existing community spaces or to purchase, stockpile, deliver, and install temporary structures for screening/triage, isolation, and accommodation.

Key Messages

• The safety and security of all Canadians during these unprecedented times is our Government's top priority.
• The Department is supporting communities to implement or revise their emergency management plans where necessary.
• Indigenous Services Canada will continue to stay in close communication with communities to ensure the health and safety of First Nations on reserve in the event of a natural emergency.

If pressed on COVID-19 Response to Flooding and Emergency Events 

• COVID-19 makes evacuations related to emergency events such as a flood or wildfire more complex.
• ISC is working with other federal and provincial/territorial governments and First Nation partners to develop effective emergency planning and responses to ensure the health and safety of all community members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• First Nation communities work closely with provincial partners and ISC representatives to provide solutions to protect their communities while keeping their members safe.

If pressed on Climate Change – Disaster Mitigation Efforts

• We know that many Indigenous communities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change-related risks because of a variety of factors, which can include: remoteness, community size, socio-economic conditions or limited access to emergency management resources.
• This is why, through the Emergency Management Assistance Program, we are working with our partners to ensure the health and safety of First Nation residents from natural or accidental emergency events.
• Further, we continue to work towards formalizing emergency management agreements to support First Nations as full and equal partners.

If pressed on Emergency Management Assistance Program Enhancements

• We are focused on supporting First Nation efforts to enhance their community capacity and preparedness activities for emergency events, especially in the context of COVID-19.
• Beyond COVID-19 relevant considerations, we are ensuring that culturally competent responses are provided during evacuations and we are placing an emphasis on improved community planning during the recovery phase.
• This approach has resulted in communities that are more resilient to emergency events, evacuees returning home faster and the reduction of livelihood disruption.

Background

There are various funding arrangements or agreements between the Department, the provinces, territories and third party organizations for the delivery of emergency management services for on-reserve communities. These agreements provide First Nation communities' access to emergency assistance services. They also provide an assurance to the provinces and territories that the Department will provide funding to cover costs related to emergency assistance in First Nations so that responses can be implemented rapidly and without unnecessary delay.

The Emergency Management Assistance Program has an annual budget of $64.9M :

• $19.1M: preparedness and non-structural mitigation projects and service agreements
• $16.5M: wildfire management services agreements with provinces
• $29.3M: response and recovery activities.

Response and recovery costs have consistently exceeded existing funding of $29.3M requiring the Program to return to Treasury Board for additional funding.

Budget 2019 announced $211M over five years of new spending for Emergency Management on-reserve; this will focus on:

• Enhancing EMAP's existing First Nation-led emergency preparedness and non-structural mitigation;
• First Nation-led engagement on emergency management service agreements; and
• First Nation emergency management capacity building.

COVID Support On Reserve

First Nation communities on reserve may need emergency assistance services that can be provided through the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP). The Indigenous Community Support Fund (ICSF) has provided $360.2 million for First Nations to design and implement community-based solutions to prepare for and react to the spread of COVD-19 within their communities and support the immediate COVID-19 health and safety response of First Nations.  EMAP will also be one of five program authorities that will administer $159.8 million in needs-based funding that is open to all distinctions-based groups.

The ICSF was delivered using modified EMAP terms and conditions and has been playing a supporting role to the First Nations Inuit and Health Branch (FNIHB)-led pandemic response on reserve, dedicating financial resources to cover eligible expenses that FNIHB does not assume.

In response to the emergence of COVID-19, ISC is working with First Nation communities to ensure pandemic / emergency plans are in place and updated. We are supporting communities to put these in place and revising where needed.

If pressed on supports & services for Indigenous women in urban centres

• Indigenous women and their families living in urban centres, have unique needs and challenges.
• In response to COVID-19, we initially provided $90 million to support Indigenous peoples living in urban areas and First Nations off reserve. A portion of the additional funding announced in August could be used to provide services to this population.
• Budget 2019 invested $60 million to provide safe and accessible spaces for urban Indigenous peoples to receive services.
• More than 300 violence prevention projects are funded on and off reserve annually.

Background

The Family Violence Prevention Program
The goal of the Family Violence Prevention Program is to improve the safety and security of Indigenous women, children and families. It provides funding for the following components: day-to-day operations of emergency shelters that provide services for women and children ordinarily resident on reserve, and in the territories; community-driven prevention projects; reimbursement of Alberta and the Yukon for Indigenous women and families accessing shelters off reserve; support for shelter capacity; and, engagement and community prevention projects to raise awareness and target Métis women, girls, and LGBTQ2 people.

On May 29, 2020, funding of $44.8 million over five years was announced to build 12 new shelters: 10 shelters for First Nations communities across the country, and two in the territories. The government will also provide $40.8 million to support operational costs for these new shelters over the first five years, and then $10.2 million annually ongoing.

This funding is in addition to the $10 million previously announced in COVID-19 supports for First Nations shelters and to the $1 million per year ongoing to engage Métis leaders and service providers on assessing shelter needs and community-led violence prevention projects for Métis women, girls, LGBTQ, and Two-Spirit People.

Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples
More than half of the Indigenous population in Canada lives in an urban centre. Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples is designed to assist First Nations, Inuit, and Métis living in or transitioning to urban centres, and aims to address challenges faced by some of the most at-risk community members, including Indigenous women. Funding is provided through four streams: Organizational Capacity, Programs and Services, Coalitions, and Research and Innovation. One of the key priority areas under Programs and Services is Women and this supports projects such as women-only day program, self empowerment and self care programs, healing program for women that escaped family violence, etc. Distinctions-based funding includes allocations for friendship centres, the Métis Nation, and the Inuit.

To address the immediate needs in First Nation, Inuit and Métis Nation communities due to COVID-19, the Indigenous Community Support Fund was created. In March 2020, $305 million was initially announced, but was increased to $380 million in May 2020 and includes $90 million to address needs of First Nations off reserve and Indigenous peoples in urban centres. An additional $305 million was announced August 12th with a portion of this funding going to support proposals from Indigenous organizations and communities providing services to First Nations living off reserve and urban Indigenous Peoples. This funding brings the total investments in the Indigenous Community Support Fund to $685 million.

If pressed – 12 New Shelters

• In May 2020, we announced $44.8 million over five years to build 10 new shelters in First Nations communities and two in the territories to help protect Indigenous women and children fleeing domestic violence.
• $40.8 million over five years and $10.2 million ongoing is also being provided to support operational costs for these new shelters.
• Applications for these new shelters can be submitted until January 15, 2021.
• This funding is in addition to previously announced COVID-19 supports for Indigenous women and girls.

If pressed on shelters for Inuit women

• We understand that Inuit women face heightened challenges when seeking refuge from domestic violence.
• Our Government's announcement to build 2 new shelters in the Territories for Indigenous women and children escaping violence is a step in the right direction.
• Our Government recognizes that more support is needed for Inuit women experiencing and escaping violence.
• We will continue to work with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada and other Inuit partners on the construction of shelters and future supports for Inuit women.

Key Messages

• Forced and coerced sterilization is a deeply troubling violation of human rights.
• Individuals impacted by this issue requiring mental health or crisis support can contact the 24/7 Hope for Wellness Line.
• The  Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women's Wellbeing is guiding our response. The Committee is comprised of National Indigenous Organizations, including women's organizations.
• Collaboration is required between all orders of government, and health and social system professionals, to ensure culturally safe health services for all Indigenous women.

If pressed on forced and coerced sterilization:

• To improve cultural safety and quality of service, we are:
  
  • ensuring an expecting First Nation or Inuit mother knows she is entitled to a travel escort through the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program;
  • investing in services to support healthy pregnancies and births;
  • investing for the first time in midwifery in First Nation and Inuit communities; and
  • receiving guidance from the  Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women's  Wellbeing which will now advise a number of departments to extend the voices of Indigenous women across the federal system. 

If pressed further on actions being taken :

• Forced and coerced sterilization is evidence of racism and the need to improve cultural safety in health and social systems.
• Our government is working with Indigenous organizations to develop information products on culturally safe informed consent and hosted  a national forum on informed consent and choice  on January 28-29, 2020.
• Budget 2017 announced an additional $83.2M over five years to expand maternal and child health services for First Nations and Inuit families including $6M over five years to support culturally-safe midwifery in communities.

Background

Forced and coerced sterilization is a symptom of a broader systemic issue: the absence of cultural safety in health and social systems. Promoting cultural safety in health and social systems cannot be done in isolation. Health Canada has a lead role to play, in partnership with provinces and territories, regional health authorities and regulatory bodies.

The scale and scope of this issue is currently unknown. Health systems (with the exception of Saskatchewan) do not track patient ethnicity. However, since October 2017 a number of legal actions that name Canada as a defendant have been initiated by impacted women. Lawyers indicate they have been contacted by over 100 Indigenous women (including a case that occurred as recently as December 2018).International bodies and parliamentary committees have studied and drawn attention to the issue:

• The U.N. Committee against Torture called on Canada to criminalize, investigate, prevent and provide redress;
• The Third Universal Periodic Review by the U.N. Human Rights Council recommended that Canada investigate complaints, punish those responsible and assist impacted women;
• The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights requested specific information on how Canada is responding;
• The Standing Committee on Health focused on understanding the scope; making reparations to victims; prevention; and engaging with Indigenous women's organizations; and,

The final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls raised the issue. Calls to Justice include increasing the number of Indigenous health care professionals and providing cultural competency training to all health care professionals (Calls to Justice 7.6, 7.7, and 7.8).

In January 2020, Indigenous Services Canada supported a national forum on informed choice and consent in Indigenous women's health services. A forum report will be published shortly on the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health website and identifies the following actions for the federal government:

• ensure Indigenous women's voices and leadership are included in gender-based policy development and action (i.e. bring birth back to communities, provision of escorts, and funding for more midwifery care);
• ensure culturally safe health and social services provision in Indigenous communities;
• formulate policies to support Indigenous self-determination;
• provide guidance and support a coordinated approach to sexual and reproductive options across disciplines;
• address the broader determinants of health, including addressing the policies and funding levels that maintain inequitable access to education, employment, health and social services;
• address data and knowledge gaps relevant to informed choice and consent, including gender violence, forced sterilization, girls and women's health and violence (through CIHR); and,
• work with provincial and territorial ministries to support a coordinated approach to informed choice and consent.

Key Messages

• Our Government is committed to ending the ongoing national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
• We have responded to the Commission's Interim Report recommendation for additional health supports.
• Over three years, we provided $21.3 million in new funding to enable greater access to mental health, cultural and emotional supports for survivors and families. Funding for these services was recently extended until March 31, 2021.
• We remain committed to supporting survivors and families as they seek answers about the systemic and institutional failures that have led to this tragedy.

How services will be delivered:

• We are working with Indigenous partners who can deliver community-based cultural and emotional health supports.
• Emotional support workers will inform survivors and family members of available programs and services, and assist clients in accessing them.
• Cultural support providers and mental health professionals will also provide services, from traditional healing to individual and family counselling.
• We remain committed to supporting survivors and families as they seek answers about the systemic and institutional failures that have led to this tragedy.

Background

The November 2017 Interim Report from the Commission requested that the Government of Canada expand the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program and fund Indigenous community-based organizations to ensure that all those affected by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) have access to health and cultural support services for the remaining duration of the National Inquiry. In June 2018, the Government of Canada announced funding to support access to health supports for those impacted by the issue of MMIWG. Additional funding was announced in July 2020 to extend access to these health supports until March 31, 2021.

To access mental health, emotional and cultural support services, people affected by MMIWG are able to call Indigenous Services Canada's regional offices and the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia. Indigenous Services Canada is working with partners to ensure that information about how to access services is widely available. Individuals affected by MMIWG who are in distress and require immediate emotional assistance can call the National 24/7 MMIWG crisis line.

Key Messages

• We are working to close the gap in access to quality healthcare between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, by:
  • supporting 63 community-led mental wellness teams serving 344 communities;
  • approving more than 717,000 requests for products and services have been approved under Jordan's Principle since 2016; and
  • providing coverage of health benefits to over 887,500 First Nations and Inuit in 2019-20.
•    We are also working to ensure that Indigenous peoples are in the driver's seat when it comes to designing and delivering their healthcare programs and services.

If pressed on health services

• We remain focused on supporting long-term investments that will improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities.
  • By listening to Indigenous communities, we have advanced shared priorities such as:
  • Ensuring that 91% of mothers travelling for childbirth in 2019-20 were accompanied by at least one escort,
  • Completing 197 of the 208 health-related infrastructure projects underway since 2016,
• We will continue working with partners towards improved health services and programs for Indigenous peoples.

Remote First Nation Communities – Access to Health Services

• We know that the best success comes from Indigenous-led and delivered health systems.
• It is why our Government is working with provincial and First Nations partners to achieve system-wide health transformation in northern First Nation communities.
• We are advancing work with partners in Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan on health system transformation, with $71 million dedicated over three years to support this work.
  

Distinctions-based Indigenous Health Legislation

• In a country as prosperous as Canada, no one should go without the care they need, when and where they need it. 
• Indigenous Peoples have the right to high-quality health care and services that are adapted to their needs.
• We are committed to co-developing Indigenous Health legislation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis that responds to the realities of Indigenous communities and increases their control over the development and delivery of services.
  

If pressed on how distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation relates to COVID-19

• The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for strong mechanisms and adequate funding to ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have access to high-quality health and mental health services.
• Canada is committed to working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to co-develop distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation through an agreed upon, collaborative engagement process.
• Co-development provides an opportunity to advance shared health priorities post COVID-19.
• Improving the health and wellness of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis remains a priority for the Government of Canada.

Background

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high‑quality services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Our vision is to support and empower Indigenous peoples to independently deliver services and address the socio-economic conditions in their communities.

The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch within ISC supports First Nations and Inuit in their aim to influence, manage, and control health programs and services that affect them.

The most advanced model of First Nations health transfer is in British Columbia where a tripartite Framework Agreement was signed in 2011 and led to the full devolution of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch's regional operations in 2013 to a newly established First Nations Health Authority.

Island Lake First Nation communities request for hospital Manitoba

• In a country as prosperous as Canada, no one should go without the care they need, when they need it. 
• We are taking major steps to improve health outcomes and access to health services for First Nations by investing more than $71 million across Canada for First Nation-led health transformation over three years. Of this, $42 million is targeted towards Manitoba.
• We are committed to bringing much needed services closer to communities that need them, and to improving health outcomes in Manitoba Indigenous communities.

If pressed on the lack of hospital services in Island Lake communities

• While hospitals and hospital services fall under provincial jurisdiction, we have invested in four modern health facilities in the four Island Lake communities. 
• Most recently in June 2019, a new $13.9 million nursing station officially opened in Red Sucker Lake.
• Through the $42 million dollar investment in Clinical Care transformation in Manitoba, we are looking to support First Nations in their objective to influence, manage, and control health programs and services that affect them.

If pressed on measures to address the communities health needs in the meantime

• All eligible First Nations and Inuit clients who travel to a larger community to access medical services not available on-reserve are eligible for assistance with transportation benefits through the Non-Insured Health Benefits Medical Transportation Policy Framework.
• Through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program, we spend approximately $153 million (2018-2019) per fiscal year in Manitoba on medical transportation benefits to access medical services, including community-based van services, buses, airfare, air and ground ambulances, meals and accommodations.

Background

The four communities in the Island Lake region are in close proximity to each other and originally comprised a larger nation with its own distinct language group — the  Anishininew, or Oji-Cree, nation. Their combined population is estimated close to 14,000 people.  In March 2018, the four communities withdrew from the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak organization. The Island Lake communities have voiced their desire to establish their own autonomy and govern their own affairs. They are currently working to create a Grand Council.

In the 1990s, the Province of Manitoba considered construction of a hospital in the Island Lake communities. No hospital was ever constructed. As per the Canada Health Act, the construction or operation of new Manitoba hospitals and hospital services fall under provincial jurisdiction.

The Norway House Hospital pre-dates the Canada Health Act, and has been operated as a hospital with provincially funded doctor-managed care for decades.

Indigenous Services Canada works with a number of partners to provide health services in the Island Lake Region including:

• The Four Arrows Regional Health Authority (Indigenous organization)
• Manitoba Health, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living;
• Ongomiizwin (the University of Manitoba's J Northern Medical Unit); and
• Manitoba Indigenous and Northern Relations.

Each of the four Island Lake communities has a health center that offers primary care services. Physicians are available on-site on a regular basis and by telephone on a 24/7 basis to consult with nurses. Anyone requiring medical care beyond what can be provided in the local nursing stations are medevaced out of the communities to receive care.

Physician services are provincially insured and are provided in the Island Lake Region by Ongomiizwin (Northern Medical Unit) of the University of Manitoba. Physician services are funded by the provincial government, with the Non-Insured Health Benefits program supporting access by funding physician travel expenses.

Key Messages

• We are committed to the full implementation of Jordan's Principle, and to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need.
• From July 2016 to August 2020, more than 717,000 requested products, services, and supports have been approved.
• Budget 2019 invested $1.2 billion over three years to support the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle.
• We have also invested $220 million over five years to address the immediate needs of Inuit children and to continue working with Inuit partners to improve local capacity to deliver services.

If pressed on Jordan's Principle:

• The Government continues to work with First Nations to ensure that Jordan's Principle is upheld.
• We are also working with First Nations, provinces and territories to better understand what service gaps exist and how to best address them.
• Our ultimate goal is to develop a long-term approach that will increase First Nations self-determination in addressing the needs and providing access to health, social, and education services for all First Nations children.

Inuit-Child First Initiative 

• The Inuit Child First Initiative helps Inuit children access the essential government funded health, social and educational products, services and supports they need, when they need them.
• Inuit CFI was jointly announced by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Indigenous Services Canada on September 10, 2018.
• From April 2019 to August 2020 more than 19,000 requested products, services, and supports have been approved.
• We have co-developed public awareness materials with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to help raise awareness about the Inuit Child First Initiative.
• We will continue working with Inuit partners, provinces and territories to develop and finalize a framework for a long-term Inuit-specific approach to help better meet the needs of Inuit children.

Spirit Bear Plan:

• Closing the gaps in health, social services and education for First Nations children and families are of top priorities of the Government.
• We are committed to fully implementing the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal in this regard.
• We will continue to work with First Nations partners to advance reforms to child and family services, and to develop First Nations‑led solutions that place the well‑being of children first.

Background

Jordan's Principle is a legal requirement, not a policy or program, resulting from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) decision of January 2016, which ordered Canada to cease applying a narrow definition of Jordan's Principle and to take immediate measures to implement the full meaning of the principle. Since the initial 2016 CHRT decision, the CHRT has issued several subsequent remedial orders regarding how Jordan's Principle should be defined and implemented.

Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed more than $600 million to meet the needs of First Nation children through an interim approach to Jordan's Principle. Budget 2019 invested a further $1.2 billion over three years to support the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle. In addition, Budget 2019 invested $220 million over five years to address the immediate needs of Inuit children as this Government continues to work with Inuit and other government partners to improve local capacity to deliver services.

In implementing Jordan's Principle, Service Coordinators were made available in communities across Canada who are funded by the Government of Canada and staffed by local Tribal Councils, Regional Health Authorities, Indigenous Non-Governmental Organizations, etc. These service coordinators are the primary local contact for First Nations children and families. They work closely with the regional Jordan's Principle Focal Point contacts. In February 2018, a 24/7 Jordan's Principle National Call Centre was launched to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need.

The Spirit Bear Plan was developed by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and is recognized and supported by the CHRT. In December 2017, the Chiefs-in-Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations provided their support for the Spirit Bear Plan, which is designed to address all inequities in federally funded public services.

Key Messages

• We recognize that the current mental health needs of Indigenous communities are a result of social inequities and colonialist injustices that have spanned centuries.
• Our Government is taking concrete steps through investing $425 million annually for community-based services to address the mental wellness needs of First Nations and Inuit.
• We are continuing to work in partnership to advance Indigenous-led approaches to address the social determinants of health.

If pressed

• While there is more to do, we have seen success in supporting Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness, such as:
  • The increase of 52 new community-led mental wellness teams since 2015, for a total of 63 teams serving 344 communities;
  • The Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Choose Life Initiative that is benefiting more than 22,000 high-risk youth and children;
  • The implementation of the 24/7 Hope for Wellness Helpline;
  • The First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework; and
  • The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy.
• We continue to work in partnership to advance Indigenous-led approaches to address the social determinants of health.

If pressed COVID-19 & Mental Health Supports

• In August 2020, $82.5M was committed to support Indigenous communities during the next six months of the COVID-19 pandemic for surge capacity and adaptation of critical mental wellness services.
• We are working with partners to implement distance approaches to service delivery such as tele- and video-counselling for substance use services and other existing programs. The Hope for Wellness Help Line continues to offer crisis intervention services by telephone or chat, with surge capacity investments provided for additional counsellors.

Jordan's Principle & Hope for Wellness Line

• Last year, ISC also funded $172.1 million dollars for requests for mental health services for First Nations children through Jordan's Principle.
• We also fund the Hope for Wellness Help Line which offers crisis intervention services by telephone or chat. Since its creation until the end of  September 2020, there have been 42,563 calls and 6,540 chats reported.

If pressed on restricted access to First Nations communities during COVID-19:

• Supporting mental wellness during and after the COVID-19 pandemic is essential.
• Substance use treatment, prevention, and aftercare services are continuing where possible while respecting COVID-19 public health physical distancing measures.
• Counselling, cultural supports, and other forms of treatment are available through telehealth and on-line platforms.
• Treatment centres and community-based programs are also ensuring medication availability for opioid agonist therapy (OAT).
• We will continue to work with partners to ensure mental wellness supports are available for communities.

If pressed on funding announcement on MMIWG & Indian Day Schools:

• The Government of Canada recognizes the lasting impact of colonial policies and persistent discrimination on the lives of many First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, their families and communities.
• On July 7, 2020, the Government of Canada announced $17.1 million for the continuation of health supports for individuals impacted by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and new health supports for Federal Indian Day Schools Survivors and their family members.
• Access to community-based, culturally-safe mental health services is essential in supporting and providing a path towards healing.

HIV outbreak in Saskatchewan

• We are working closely with Saskatchewan Health Authority and First Nations partners to address high rates of Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections, including HIV.
• We have provided $4.1 million for 2020/2021 in funding to strengthen First Nation communities' response by providing resources for awareness, prevention, case identification, and follow-up.
• In collaboration with First Nation partners, the Department also supports the implementation of initiatives such as Know Your Status (KYS), providing access to culturally grounded programming.

Background

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provides and supports culturally appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention, education, awareness, and capacity building in communities and facilitates access to quality diagnosis, care, treatment, and support to First Nations living on-reserve. First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) also provides non-insured health benefits, such as antiretroviral medications for HIV-positive clients, to eligible First Nations and recognized Inuit, regardless of residence.

The Department's Sexually Transmitted Blood-borne Infection program has adopted an integrated approach that targets common risk factors for these infections, such as addictions, and mental health issues and works with mental programming to support enhanced access, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. ISC has invested $4.1 million in 2020-21 for Sexually Transmitted Blood-borne Infection programming in First Nations on reserve in Saskatchewan. Nationally, ISC has invested $37.5 million over 5 years, $11 million ongoing through budget 2017, and $4.5 million annually under the Pan-Canadian Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Framework for Action (formerly Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada) for Sexually Transmitted Blood-borne Infection programming in First Nations communities. As part of this investment, ISC provides direct and indirect support to HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns through regional and National Aboriginal Organizations.

The First Nation population in Saskatchewan is disproportionately affected by HIV and hepatitis C and injection drug use continues to be a major risk factor for transmission. Data indicates that approximately 80 percent of newly diagnosed HIV cases are Indigenous and close to 60 percent of newly diagnosed cases report intravenous drug use. Additionally, in 2018, the First Nations on-reserve HIV rate was over two times the provincial rate and over four times the national rate.  However, Saskatchewan First Nations on-reserve reported new HIV diagnosis rate dropped from a peak of 70.4 cases per 100,000 people in 2011 to 32.1 cases per 100,000 people in 2018. Preliminary data shows the new HIV diagnosis rate was 31.7 cases per 100,000 people in 2019.

Key Messages

• Our Government recognizes that substance use can have devastating effects on individuals, families and communities and their general health and well-being.
• We are currently investing $425 million annually for community-based services to address the mental wellness needs of First Nations and Inuit.
• This includes a recent investment of $200 million over five years to support prevention and treatment services for substance use.
• We remain focused on supporting long-term investments that improve the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

If pressed on COVID-19 and substance use

• We recognize that many Indigenous communities face unique challenges in addressing COVID-19, some of which can lead to increased stress and substance use.
• The funding announced for Indigenous communities as part of Canada's COVID-19 response can be used to support access to mental wellness services.
• We are working with partners to implement distance approaches to service delivery such as tele- and video-counselling for substance use services and other existing programs.
• The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers crisis intervention services by telephone or chat, with surge capacity investments provided for additional counsellors.
• We are also working with Indigenous partners to promote additional resources for Indigenous youth and to develop an online platform to support community-based mental wellness teams.

If pressed further on restricted access to First Nations communities during COVID-19

• Our Government recognizes that COVID-19 can result in increased stress and substance use and that more supports are needed.
• This is why the Government of Canada's Indigenous Community Support Fund investments can be directed towards these needs to keep existing services available while access in and out of some communities has been restricted to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• The Assembly of First Nations passed a motion to support communities to use the approaches they need.
• AFN will not call on provinces to close liquor stores. Ongoing discussions on this issue will continue.

Tracking Opioid Use

• Our Government recognizes that the opioid crisis continues to have devastating impacts on Indigenous communities nationally, and that quality data is an important part of a comprehensive approach to drug control.
• We know there are significant data limitations on how Indigenous peoples are affected by this crisis and we are working with partners to overcome these limitations. 
• We will continue to work with First Nations and Inuit, provincial and territorial partners to explore ways to collectively address opioid-related issues.

Background

Indigenous communities across Canada are disproportionately impacted by the opioid public health crisis and in particular, First Nations in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. The Assembly of First Nations has reported that some First Nations communities are experiencing an epidemic, with as many as 43% to 85% of the communities' population addicted to opiates (Assembly of First Nations Resolution no. 82/2016 and no. 68/2017).  In spring 2017, the Department of Indigenous Services Canada started to track suspected opioid overdoses in 153 participating First Nations communities. The Department continues to work with partners from across the country to improve data collection and reporting, and to better understand how this crisis is affecting different populations.

The Government of Canada has announced significant financial investments to help address the crisis. Budget 2018 is providing $200 million over five years (2018/19 to 2022-23) and $40 million per year ongoing to support new investments in substance use prevention and treatment services for First Nations and Inuit including funding to address the ongoing opioid crisis. The investment will support up to: an additional 25 opioid agonist therapy sites offering wraparound services; an additional 75 on the land activities; enhanced services across a network of 45 federally funded treatment centres; and major renovations at over 20 of these centres. Indigenous Services Canada allocated this fiscal year over $425 million towards culturally relevant and community-based mental wellness supports for First Nations and Inuit that aim to: provide treatment, reduce risk factors, promote protective factors and improve health outcomes associated with mental wellness.

Indigenous Services Canada provides several services along the drug misuse continuum.

1. Through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program, coverage is provided to registered First Nations and recognized Inuit for:
   • Methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone (i.e. Suboxone and generics), slow release morphine and injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) for the treatment of opioid use disorder. To promote client safety, clients receiving these treatments are enrolled in the Client Safety Program;
   • Naloxone, used to treat overdoses, both Injection and nasal spray (Narcan);
   • Medical transportation benefits for clients to access supervised treatment for opioid use disorder (e.g. methadone, Suboxone).  The client's ongoing need for travel is reviewed every six months; and
   • Up to 22 hours of professional mental health counseling every 12 months, with additional hours as required.
2. In addition to coverage provided under the NIHB Program, in facilities where ISC provides primary care services in First Nations communities, naloxone injection is available for administration by health care professionals to reverse the effects of the overdose. There is also a limited supply of naloxone nasal spray (Narcan) in Nursing Stations that is available to community members at no charge. Injectable naloxone is listed in the Branch's Nursing Station Formulary as a "must stock" medication.

Key Messages

• The loss of life from suicide is a tragedy beyond measure. We must work with Indigenous communities, partners and experts to advance Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness.
• At the last Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly, I committed to working with groups like Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), and the federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) to support the strategies they bring forward.
• In December 2019, the Government committed $2.5 million for community-driven mental wellness services and prevention programming in Saskatchewan.
• We will continue to work in partnership to advance Indigenous-led approaches to address the social determinants of health.

If pressed on actions taken :

• We have seen success in supporting Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness:
  • 52 new community-led mental wellness teams since 2015, for a total of 63 teams.
  • Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Choose Life Initiative, benefiting more than 22,000 high-risk youth and children, the 24/7 Hope for Wellness Help Line and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy.
• However, we know that the roots of suicide in Indigenous communities also derive from a range of social inequities, and we continue to work to include wellness in all policies.

If pressed on COVID-19 and mental wellness

• We recognize that many Indigenous communities face unique challenges in addressing COVID-19, some of which can lead to increased stress.
• The funding announced for Indigenous communities as part of Canada's COVID-19 response can be used to access mental wellness services while respecting physical distancing.
• We are working with partners to implement distance approaches to service delivery such as tele- and video-counselling for substance use services and other existing programs. The Hope for Wellness Help Line continues to offer crisis intervention services by telephone or chat.

AFN National Youth Suicide Strategy 

• We are deeply concerned about the tragic loss of life from suicide in many Indigenous communities, especially among youth.
• As Minister Miller said at the last AFN's Special Chief's Assembly, he shares their goal of addressing mental wellness as an urgent priority.
• We will work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to advance Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness, as we did with NAN when they developed the successful Choose Life Initiative.
• We will be a willing partner for all those who are looking to develop solutions to this pressing issue.

If pressed on Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, MB

• The tragedy of suicide reflects untold heartbreaking losses at an individual, family and community level. 
• Our deepest condolences go out to the family and the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation community for those recently lost during this current crisis.
• We are working closely with the leadership of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and Indigenous partners such as the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak to access and augment mental health resources to respond to the current suicide crisis in community.
• We know that the current pandemic situation further compounds mental health issues, and we are adding new financial resources to allow communities to access services most relevant to their needs.
• ISC continues to offer mental health therapists as part of their program, and has increased the number of therapists available to the community.
• We are working closely with Indigenous partners, including the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Crisis Team that can deploy teams directly into community to assist with mental health crises, and ensure cultural safety for their clients.

God's Lake Narrows

• The State of Emergency declared for God's Lake First Nations regarding their suicide crisis remains in effect.
• ISC continues to support community leadership and provide professional mental health therapy services to community members. The community's response has resulted in a reduction in suicide.
• The new Chief and Council are looking forward to the completion of their new school following the interruption of construction due to COVID-19.
• We remain in contact with God's Lake First Nation and are committed to supporting the leadership's direction throughout the crisis.

Nishnawbe-aski Nation:

• Our government takes the situation in the Nishnawbe-aski Nation (NAN) territory very seriously.
• Since the spring of 2017, close to $202M has been invested in NAN territory through Choose Life, which has supported more than 22,000 First Nations children and youth.
• Choose Life funds enhanced mental health and crisis counselling support, peer support programs, art and recreational therapy, school-based support programs, mental health promotion and prevention training and education. 
• We will continue to work in partnership to address the needs of First Nations in NAN territory.

Background

Indigenous people in Canada are at a greater risk of experiencing complex mental health and substance use issues due to a variety of factors, including the intergenerational effects of residential schools and other consequences of colonization. Suicide is a significant concern in some communities, particularly in the North and in remote areas. States of emergency have been declared in several communities due to mental health and social crises.

Addressing the root causes of high rates of Indigenous youth suicide requires a holistic, whole‑of‑government approach that supports individual, family and community healing; addresses the legacy of residential schools, the sixties' scoop and other devastating impacts of colonization; and supports access to the social determinants of health such as self‑determination, employment, and housing.

The responsibility for delivering mental health services is shared by the federal and provincial/territorial and Indigenous governments. The federal government supports First Nations and Inuit community mental wellness through a number of programs and services. Specifically, through the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, ISC supports and funds mental wellness programs and services in five key areas: community based mental wellness services; the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program; the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program Mental Health Counselling Benefit; the Hope for Wellness Helpline; and Jordan's Principle – A Child First Initiative.

This fiscal, $425 million has been allocated to address the mental wellness needs of First Nations and Inuit. Since April 1, 2018, Jordan's Principle has spent $175.8M on Suicide Prevention, and $358.3M on all Mental Wellness initiatives. Since its creation until the end of September 2020, there have been 42,563 calls and 6,540 chats reported.

Key Messages

• We are committed to addressing tuberculosis among Indigenous populations.
• This is why we are working with Indigenous partners and provincial and territorial governments to support innovative approaches and specific actions.
• We will continue to work with Indigenous partners to address rates of tuberculosis in a distinctions-based, and culturally safe way.

Inuit Nunangat

• Our Government is working with partners to eliminate tuberculosis across Inuit Nunangat by 2030, and reduce active tuberculosis by at least 50% by 2025.
• Budget 2018 announced $27.5 million over five years to support Inuit-specific approaches to tuberculosis elimination; in addition to $640 million over 10 years announced in Budgets 2017 and 2018 addressing Inuit Nunangat housing needs.
• We will continue to work with partners to support innovative and community led approaches to address the factors that contribute to tuberculosis.

Nunavut Screening

• In 2018-2019, our Government supported the Nunavut government's deployment of mobile tuberculosis screening clinics in three communities.
• All three clinics had community participation rates of more than 80%.
• Our Government will continue to work closely with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated through the Nunavut Partnership Table on Health regarding the support needed to conduct additional clinics and other efforts to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis in First Nation Populations

• Our Government is deeply concerned by the incidences of tuberculosis among First Nations.
• We are promoting access to equitable, culturally appropriate and timely diagnosis, treatment, and care for First Nations communities.
• We are also working to address specific social determinants of health, which are essential to the reduction of the incidence of tuberculosis, including housing, nutrition, and access to culturally safe health care.
• We will continue to work with Indigenous partners to address rates of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis diagnosis, treatment, and care for First Nations communities 

• Indigenous Services Canada works closely with Indigenous partners and provincial counterparts to address the high rates of tuberculosis in First Nations communities.
• We are implementing targeted screening initiatives to:
  • Increase access to technologies for tuberculosis elimination efforts in northern communities such as the use of portable digital x-rays and GeneXpert;
  • Fund community-based tuberculosis champions in Saskatchewan and Manitoba Regions; and,
  • Make rifapentine available for use in high tuberculosis incidence First Nations communities.

Background

The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that in 2017, the active tuberculosis rate among Inuit in Canada was the highest across all origin groups at 205.8 per 100,000 population; a 2.6% increase since 2016, and a rate that is over 400 times higher than the rate in the Canadian born non-Indigenous population and is over 40 times higher than for the general Canadian population. Indigenous Services Canada has taken multiple actions towards addressing high tuberculosis rates among Inuit.  For example, the former Minister of Indigenous Services led Canada's delegation, which included Inuit partners, to the United Nations General Assembly first-ever high-level meeting on tuberculosis, on September 26, 2018, where she supported Inuit partners in highlighting the results of their important work towards a tuberculosis elimination framework.

In the North, primary health care, including tuberculosis control, is the responsibility of the territorial governments.  Indigenous Services Canada supplements and supports territorial health programs for First Nations and Inuit, as it does in the provinces, in order to ensure access to health services, and to achieve a standard of health for First Nations and Inuit, which is comparable to that of other Canadians.

Finally, the Government of Canada recognizes that significant investments in programs that address specific social determinants of health are essential to further reduce the incidence and burden of diseases that are influenced by social and economic factors, including housing, nutrition, tobacco use, education, and access to culturally safe health care.

Budget 2019 announced $27.5 million over five years to support the Inuit-specific approach to tuberculosis elimination. This is in addition to the $640 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 and 2018 to address Inuit Nunangat housing needs.

Through the Nunavut Partnership Table on Health, Indigenous Services Canada continues to work closely with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to discuss the support required to conduct additional clinics and to support ongoing efforts towards the elimination of tuberculosis. These discussions will continue at the next Nunavut Partnership Table on Health meeting to be held February 11, 2020.

Urgent Meeting on Racism Experienced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada's Health Care Systems

• Canadians are rightfully outraged by the tragic death of Joyce Echaquan. But Joyce is not alone; she recorded something that many Indigenous people experience all across the country.
• We must address racism against Indigenous peoples within Canada's healthcare systems. This is a responsibility that must be recognized among all levels of government, healthcare organizations and providers.
• Last week, we convened the first of many meetings, to bring together those within health systems that must be part of the change. 

If pressed on next steps: 

• We are committed to working with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous governments and partners, and health care partners to develop an action plan to address anti-Indigenous racism in Canada's healthcare systems.
• We heard loud and clear at the Urgent Meeting that regulatory colleges, medical training institutions, and those responsible for the oversight of healthcare providers must be front and centre in these discussions.
• This meeting was the first step, but the lived experiences of Indigenous people must lead us in this work. These voices are central to change.

If pressed on work to date  

• We have committed to addressing this issue. Over the past three years, new investments have been made to improve Indigenous patients' access to culturally responsive health care, including funding for navigators in NIHB, supports through Jordan's Principle, and funding to support culturally specific healing practices.
• ISC has also provided funding to develop a Cultural Safety and Humility standard, and supported a Forum in January 2020 on informed choice and consent in Indigenous women's sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Situation in Joliette Hospital - Manawan

• We are deeply concerned about the incident reported at the Joliette hospital, as well as the tragic loss of life of a community member from Manawan.
• The Government condemns any form of racism and discrimination and will do everything in our power to support those affected by the event and address it.
• ISC is working in collaboration with the community leadership as well as the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and social services Commission (FNQLHSSC) to provide any help and supports they need during these difficult times.

Background

The meeting was organized in direct response to the experience and death of Joyce Echaquan. On September 28, 2020, Joyce Echaquan, a 37 year old mother of seven children from the Atikamekw Nation of Manawan, a community 250 kms north of Montreal, died at the Joliette Hospital after suffering degrading insults from two hospital staff. Before her death, Ms. Echaquan captured this terrible interaction on her cell phone and posted a video on Facebook.

The Quebec Coroner's office confirmed on September 29 that they would be investigating the circumstances of Echaquan's death. The hearings are expected to begin in 2021. The local health authority, Centre Intégré de Santé et de Servivces Sociaux (CISS) de Lanaudière, also has launched its own investigation.

ISC has begun work to address anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare. Over the past 3 years, new investments in culturally responsive health supports include:

The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program hired navigators that directly assist clients in accessing benefits and services;

Through Jordan's Principle, Canada has invested $40 million to hire service coordinators to assist clients who are facing challenges in accessing services; and,

Budget 2017 invested $205 million to support culturally specific healing practices, including traditional Indigenous healers.

In February 2019, ISC created the Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women's Health and Wellbeing, providing an avenue for gender-based discussions on cultural safety and the specific experiences of Indigenous women.

In January 2020, the Department worked with the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health to facilitate a Forum on Informed Choice and Consent in Indigenous Women's Health.

Funding was provided to the First Nations Health Authority to develop a Cultural Safety and Humility standard to support health care organizations to identify gaps and challenges in their current system, which will go out for Public Review in Fall 2020. This assessment could be integrated into accreditation programs.

The Department has also recently contributed to the Canadian Quality and Patient Safety Framework for Health and Social Services with the Canadian Patient Safety Institute and Health Standards Organization to ensure cultural safety.

Key Messages:

• For 2020-21, Indigenous Services' Main Estimates is $12.8 billion, representing a net increase of about $538.7 million, or 4%, compared to last year's Main Estimates.
• Most of the decreases between the 2018-19 expenditures to the 2019-20 Main Estimates, shown in the Transfer Payment table, are due to a re-allocation of funding from annual contribution agreements with First Nation communities to the 10-year grant model.
• $1.5 billion in funding is set aside in 2020-21 for First Nations with these grant agreements, including 85 First Nation communities that moved to the grant model last fiscal year, and additional First Nation communities that will move to the grant in 2020-21.
• The 10-year grant is a key initiative of Indigenous Services Canada's ongoing commitment to establish a new fiscal relationship that moves towards flexible, predictable and sustained funding for First Nation communities.
• We are committed to continuing to work to ensure the continuity of programming and the delivery of services.

Indigenous Services Canada -2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B)

• We are committed to supporting Indigenous communities to deliver services and programs, and address the unacceptable socio-economic conditions that persist today.
• The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B) totals $1.8 billion of which $1.1 billion is dedicated to helping First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities manage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• We will continue to focus on keeping children and families together, supporting quality education, building reliable infrastructure, and bolstering economic prosperity.
• We will also continue improving health outcomes which is particularly important in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding to support Indigenous businesses (COVID-19)

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $298.3 million to address the specific needs of Indigenous businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and to mitigate the impact on their short-term operational requirements.
• $75 million was also included in statutory funding to support First Nation, Inuit and Métis community and collective businesses and microbusinesses located in the provinces that are not able to access business supports from other federal departments, so that they may withstand the economic impacts of COVID-19.
• The ultimate outcome is that the number of Indigenous-owned and controlled businesses continue to increase in Canada.

Funding for the Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $255.8 million to continue to provide supplementary health benefits to eligible First Nations and Inuit.
• Funding will contribute to improve health outcomes through the provision of health benefits, such as medications, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling and medical transportation to access health services that are not available locally.

Funding for Child and Family Services

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $240.9 million to support the implementation of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) rulings received prior to September 2019.
• The re-profiled funds requested in Supplementary Estimates (B) will allow the program to continue supporting the payment of actual costs for First Nation delegated agencies.
• The funding will ensure that First Nation children and families are receiving the services they need.

Funding for the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $74.7 million to support the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle to ensure Canada's compliance with legal obligations under the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT).
• The number of approved individual and group requests under Jordan's Principle has been increasing each year since its implementation, with a corresponding increase in expenditures.
• In 2019-20, an estimated 350,078 products and services were approved, compared to 140,332 for all of 2018-19.
• The re-profiled funds requested in Supplementary Estimates (B) will be used to support the continued growth under Jordan's Principle.

Funding to co-develop a new and more holistic long-term care strategy with First Nations and Inuit partners while supporting existing long-term care services

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $46.7 million to co-develop a new and holistic long-term care strategy with First Nations and Inuit partners and to address program pressures with the Assisted Living Program.
• The funding supports the engagement with First Nations and Inuit communities on co-development of a new and holistic long-term care strategy. 
• The funding also addresses significant funding pressures to ensure that the Assisted Living Program is able to maintain existing essential social supports to First Nations clients who are among the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding for the Income Assistance Program (Budget 2019)

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $39.2 million as announced in Budget 2019 to continue case management and pre-employment supports to help clients and dependents transition to employment and education.
• This allows communities to maintain dedicated caseworkers or staff until March 31, 2021 in order to continue their work with Income Assistance clients.
• This investment would support 58 funding recipients, which includes 157 First Nation communities, across Canada.

Payments for measures in response to COVID-19 pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $782.6 million in statutory funding to helping First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities manage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• $305 million is dedicated to help Indigenous communities and organizations to respond rapidly to the pandemic situation by protecting and supporting their community members, in accordance with public health recommendations and community pandemic plans.
• The health, safety and well-being of all people in Canada, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis, is and will remain a top priority for all.

If pressed on COVID-19 funding for schools

• Canada recognizes that First Nation, Inuit and Métis are among the most vulnerable.
• This is why $237.3 million will be used to support a safe restart in Indigenous communities for various areas such as: community infrastructure on reserve, education on reserve, Indigenous post-secondary education institutions and health and safety needs for Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare.
• Another $90 million will be used for post-secondary education and First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy.

If pressed on COVID-19 Mental Wellness funding

• We are ensuring Indigenous communities have the flexibility they need to address the specific needs identified by their members as they prepare for and react to the spread of COVID-19.
• This is why $82.5 million will be used to help Indigenous communities adapt and expand mental wellness services, improving access and addressing growing demand, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B) for all departments were tabled in the House of Commons by the President of Treasury Board on October 22, 2020.

It presents approved items totaling $1,784 million. The total appropriations for the Department will then be at $16.3 billion.