Indigenous peoples and communities to receive additional funding for health, economic, and social support!

In British Columbia

First Nations will receive $41,129,000

Métis will receive $3,750,000

The funding across Canada includes:

• $285.1 million to support the ongoing public health response to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities.
  
  
• $270 million to supplement the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program to address increased demand on the program, which 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.
  
  
• $44.8 million over five years to build 12 new shelters, which will help protect and support Indigenous women and girls experiencing and fleeing violence. […] The government will also provide $40.8 million to support operational costs for these new shelters over the first five years, and $10.2 million annually ongoing.
  
  

There will be additional support for Indigenous Peoples living in Urban Centres and off Reserve

It is designed to support more community-based projects that address the critical needs of Indigenous populations during this crisis, including food security, mental health support services, and sanitation and protective equipment. It can also address other needs, such as support for Elders, transportation, and educational materials for Indigenous children and youth.

We will be watching to see when the government will
start rolling out in the coming weeks. (Stay Tuned!)

1. Support for students and NEW GRADS affected by COVID-19

These are distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary. There will be an additional $75.2 million in 2020-21.

2. Coronavirus Indigenous Awareness Resources

3. Support for Indigenous Businesses:

Details of the $305 million for the new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund, to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities related to COVID-19.

The Indigenous Community Support Fund is expected to be included in their first payment of the new fiscal year distributed early April as follows:

• $215 million for First Nations: allocated to each First Nation based on population, remoteness and community well-being;
  
  
• $45 million for Inuit, which will flow to each of the four land claims organizations through an allocation determined by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and regional Inuit land claims organizations 

• $30 million for Métis Nation communities, which will flow through each of the Governing Members;
  
  
• $15 million for regional and urban Indigenous organizations supporting their members living away from their communities, and to regional organizations such as Friendship Centres and the Métis Settlements General Council of Alberta.

These funds could be used for measures including, but not limited to:

• 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,
• preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As your MP throughout Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge, I and my staff are dedicated to finding answers and resources that we believe can help during this crisis. Check it out and let us know if it was helpful!

I am committed to ensure we help you in this way as Canadians’ needs are at the heart of the work we do.

Serving our community,

Marc Dalton MP
Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge
[email protected]
604-466-2761