Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Media Release announcing COVID-19 Supports

Press Release

Métis Nation – Saskatchewan announces interim funding of 2.88 million dollars for immediate emergency COVID-19 relief measures for citizens and communities as part of an ongoing Pandemic Planning and Response.

March 30, 2020 – Saskatoon, SK – Today, the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN–S) announced that up to $2.88 million dollars in funding will be allocated for emergency COVID-19 relief to to address childcare supports, personal protective equipment, regional capacity and the needs of Métis households in financial distress because of COVID-19.

This funding is the first part of a broader relief effort, including plans for the remainder of the $7.25 million in funding to be received from the Government of Canada. This plan also includes ongoing negotiations with the Province to ensure adequate and timely access to critically needed health services, and further relief efforts to come.

Today’s interim funding announcement is intended to provide some relief for the immediate needs for citizens, while MN–S continues to advocate with Provincial and Federal Governments, and assess community and citizen needs. The MN–S continues to refine a Pandemic Plan to address the short term, medium term, and long-term impacts of COVID-19.

MN-S President Glen McCallum said, “The health of our citizens is paramount to the MN-S. Since COVID-19 became a growing concern in Saskatchewan, the MN-S leadership has reacted proactively and has been working very hard to determine the needs of our citizens in all corners of the province.”

Detailed information will be released over the coming days. In the meantime, please note that:

• Funding will be targeted to address the immediate cost of living hardships created by the pandemic.
• In response to the mass closure of daycares and childhood programs, the MN-S is establishing measures to assist parents and guardians in obtaining safe, regulated, and culturally distinct childcare for their children.
• A focus will be in-demand protective equipment, to be acquired and distributed, with special priority given to front line workers and high-risk citizens.

The MN-S is committed to initiatives that offer relief to its citizens and will be providing more details in the days to come on our website at https://metisnationsk.com/

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For more information:

Julia Burns – MN–S Director of Communications 306-850-1670

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