Press Release
From: Indigenous Services Canada
May 11, 2021 — Ottawa, Traditional unceded Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada / Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and is working closely with territorial governments, Indigenous partners and community organizations across the North to manage the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the health and safety of all Northerners.
In response to the evolving developments in Iqaluit, Kinngait and Rankin Inlet amid the increase in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, announced that the Government of Canada is providing more than $19 million in additional and immediate support to the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) through a combination of new and expanded federal transfers, or in-kind spending. These supports include
Up to $7,145,000 to the Government of Nunavut, including
$12.3 million to NTI, including
We are optimistic that active COVID-19 case counts will decrease as COVID-19 vaccines continue to roll out in all 25 communities in Nunavut and people continue adhering to public health measures. This support will help communities better manage the impacts of the latest outbreaks.
Inuit communities, organizations and partners, and the Government of Nunavut and the Government of Canada continue to work together to protect their communities. This work has fostered key partnerships that have provided significant and meaningful support in the fight against COVID-19 across the country.
With today’s announcement, since the beginning of the pandemic, Indigenous Services Canada has provided more than $137.8 million in combined COVID-19 support to communities in Nunavut.
Quotes
“The roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines, combined with continued adherence to public health measures, will help bring us closer to the end of the pandemic. The recent outbreaks in Iqaluit and Kinngait have shown that we can’t let our guards down. We must continue to take measures to protect our families and our communities against the threat of COVID-19. Our top priority is keeping people safe. Today’s announcement will help ease the burden for those who are impacted by this latest outbreak.”
The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
“Our government recognizes the unique challenges faced by Nunavummiut in the fight against COVID-19. That is why we are providing immediate support to the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to get through this outbreak, ensuring Nunavummiut and Northerners are healthy and safe. I encourage all Nunavummiut and Northerners to remain vigilant, continue to follow the public health guidelines and get vaccinated. Together, we will get through this and finish the fight against COVID-19.”
The Honourable Daniel Vandal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Northern Affairs
Quick facts
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Adrienne Vaupshas
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
adrienne.vaupshas@canada.ca
Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca
Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca
IHT5