Ottawa unveils more pandemic support for Indigenous communities
The money will target child care, education and infrastructure
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is adding $200 million to its funding to fight COVID-19 in Indigenous communities.
More than half of that is going to pre-schools and daycare centres, to improve training and staffing and enhance cleaning.
About $60 million is going to First Nations to make community buildings safer with renovations, better cleaning and upgraded ventilation.
Another $26 million is for Indigenous post-secondary institutions — for physical improvements and to make it easier to offer services and courses online, Trudeau said.
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 Community 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.
