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Province invests $37 million to assist First Nations during COVID-19 pandemic

The money will be used to provide emergency funds for goods and services and assist children and businesses impacted by the pandemic.
Sandy Lake First Nation
The province is investing $37 million to support First Nation communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly remote northern communities. (File).

THUNDER BAY - With First Nations communities particularly vulnerable to an outbreak of COVID-19, the Ontario government is investing millions to support remote communities across the province.

The provincial government announced on Tuesday it is investing $37 million to support outbreak planning, prevention, and mitigation efforts for remote and far north First Nations communities.

"Indigenous communities face unique challenges in planning for and tackling the COVID-19 outbreak," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs. "We are working closely with Indigenous leaders and making critical investments to ensure Indigenous people and communities have the necessary tools and supports in place to stop the spread of COVID-19."

Of the $37 million, $16.4 million from the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs will provide emergency funds for food, household goods, critical supplies, transportation, responsive services and supports for urban Indigenous people, self-isolation facilities in remote northern communities, and prevention and awareness efforts.

An additional $10 million from the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services will support Indigenous communities and agencies responding to the needs of children during the pandemic.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will is providing $7.4 million for social service providers, charities, and non-profits to deliver housing services to Indigenous people living off reserve.

And the Ministry of Transportation is providing $4 million to ensure vital goods and services continue to reach remote First Nation communities.

“We know the continuation of social services is critical to the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous communities. We're committed to responding to those needs now and as they continue to develop," said Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

The government said it will also continue to work with Indigenous businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Ministry of Transportation also operates 26 airports in remote First Nations communities and it said it will work cooperatively with individual communities that may wish enact their own measures related to the outbreak, including the partial or full closure of airports.

In Northwestern Ontario, a confirmed case of COVID-19 was announced in Eabametoong First Nation on Monday.  




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