$75 million in aid is coming to help Indigenous people living off-reserve weather the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says off-reserve services are in high demand currently due to Covid-19.
The funding announced today will address the critical needs of indigenous people living in urban centres.
“This is critical work,” he said. “If you live off-reserve or in a city, we’re working to make sure you don’t fall through the cracks. You need and deserve services that are culturally appropriate. And that’s what we’re doing with today’s investment.”
In mid-March the government created a $305 million Indigenous Community Support Fund, which mainly helps organizations representing on-reserve First Nations, Inuit and Metis Communities respond to Covid-19.
Like that money, today’s announcement will help fund emergency shelters, help students and grads find jobs, aid food supports and supplies, support mental health services and work to supply needed ppe and cleaning supplies for supportive housing.
I’m giving an update on our government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in now for more on how we’re helping Indigenous peoples and organizations across the country: https://t.co/anrpxFK3yP
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 21, 2020
To watch Justin Trudeau’s full May 21st address, see below.
https://www.cpac.ca/en/direct/cpac2/459324/pm-justin-trudeau-provides-update-on-federal-response-to-covid-19-38/