Feds to Unveil More Pandemic Support for Indigenous Communities

Feds to Unveil More Pandemic Support for Indigenous Communities
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives to a press conference during the COVID pandemic in Ottawa, on Oct. 13, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)
The Canadian Press
10/30/2020
Updated:
10/30/2020

OTTAWA—More federal financial support is on its way to help Indigenous people and communities cope with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce today additional funding, targeted specifically at child care, education, and infrastructure.

The new money is on top of more than $2.2 billion the federal government has already allocated to help Indigenous and northern communities get through the health crisis.

Among other things, the government has committed $685 million for the Indigenous Communities Support Fund, which includes funding to address food insecurity, education, and other support for children.

It is spending another $650 million to help Indigenous communities respond to the pandemic and for income support.

And it has devoted $122 million to help ensure a safe return to schools on reserves.