First Nation leaders say $305M not enough as MPs greenlight COVID-19 relief measures – APTN News
March 25, 2020
The House of Commons has passed a bill that greenlights the government’s $82-billion COVID-19 economic relief package but according to a letter sent to the government by Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI), the money set aside for Indigenous communities won’t be enough.
“I think that money is going to run out pretty quick,” Grand Chief Joel Abram said about the $305-million Indigenous community support fund, which the package includes.
Abram, whose organization represents seven Ontario First Nations, said he sent the letter to Finance Minister Bill Morneau to make sure there is “enough flexibility” in the support fund given “this unprecedented and rapidly changing situation.”
“It is likely that the virus has already spread extensively in First Nations communities and we can expect a much greater number of cases in the coming weeks,” Abram wrote.
