Tag: Aboriginal News

February 28, 2022              Gatineau, Quebec              Employment and Social Development Canada

Indigenous people continue to face multiple and persistent barriers to labour market entry and success. At the same time, Canada’s economic recovery from COVID-19 is challenged by labour shortages in key sectors. For these reasons, the Government of Canada is working with Indigenous people and organizations to help prioritize their access to targeted skills development opportunities that they need to succeed. 

Today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, launched an open call for proposals for the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF), a long-standing Indigenous labour market program that funds partnerships between Indigenous organizations and employers.

Through targeted projects, the SPF program equips Indigenous people with the skills needed for in-demand jobs.  The goal is to reduce the skills and employment gaps that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and increase Indigenous participation in the labour market.  

Priority will be given to projects that target the following sectors:

• Green Economy – Industries that support the more efficient use and alternative sources of renewable energy;
• Information and Communications Technology – Industries that support and contribute to the manufacturing of goods and/or the delivery of services related to broadband, connectivity, computers, software and other communications technology;
• Infrastructure – Industries that support the construction, function and maintenance of physical infrastructure advancing Canada’s goals. They may also support the development of a community; 
• Blue Economy – Industries that support long-term growth in ocean-based sectors such as ocean-based energy, marine infrastructure, aquaculture, commercial fisheries, coastal and marine tourism and ocean technology; and
• Indigenous Public Sector – Indigenous governments and public services owned and operated by Indigenous governments, such as law enforcement, emergency services, infrastructure, land administration, public transit, public education, child care and health care.

To help improve the SPF program, Employment and Social Development Canada engaged with nearly 200 participants through 50 sessions, including Indigenous organizations, industry, provinces and territories, academic institutions and other federal departments. Following this engagement process, a “What We Learned Report” was produced, shared with participants, and posted online. The report provides an overview of the rich discussions that took place and valuable feedback that was provided during the engagement sessions. Highlights include the importance of renewing relationships with partners, and of ensuring Indigenous voices shape the priorities of the program.

Indigenous organizations can apply by May 9 through Grants and Contributions Online Services, by e-mail or by mail. Visit the Skills and Partnership Fund for more information on how to apply as well as details on upcoming information sessions.

Today’s announcement supports Canada’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal #10 of reducing inequalities by promoting the participation of Indigenous people in economic opportunities. The Government of Canada continues to lead implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations to help build stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities that leave no one behind.

February 25, 2022 — British Columbia — Indigenous Services Canada 

This week in her first visit to British Columbia as Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Patty Hajdu was able to meet with a number of First Nations leaders and communities impacted by the events of 2021 to discuss shared priorities, challenges faced by recent events and emergencies, and the ongoing supports required in the months ahead.

Minister Hajdu and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) would like to recognize the resilience and strength of First Nations leadership and emergency services teams in the region for their work over the past months. She also offered her ongoing support for communities and survivors of residential schools as the identifying of unmarked graves furthers the intergenerational trauma of these institutions. 

On February 23, Minister Hajdu travelled to Kamloops and met with Chief Willie Sellars of Williams Lake First Nation and conveyed the Government of Canada’s condolences on the identification of potential burial sites at the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. 

Minister Hajdu delivered a virtual address to Chiefs attending the Union of BC Indian Chiefs’ Meeting. In her remarks, she recognized the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, climate change and the opioid crisis on First Nations and confirmed Canada’s commitment to continue to work with them in addressing these emergencies. 

She met with the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) and First Nations Leadership Council to discussed shared concerns and priorities, and confirmed an additional $5.7 million in supports from ISC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program for the 2022–23 fiscal year. This funding is in addition to the $6.2 million provided to the Society since last summer to help support First Nations in their response and recovery efforts.

Minister Hajdu was also welcomed by Kúkpi7 Roseanne Casimir and the council of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc to their community. They discussed a number of priorities, including housing, economic development, mental health supports, food sovereignty and the importance of protecting the sacred sites of unmarked graves of children who never returned home.

On February 24, Minister Hajdu met with Chief Marcel Shackelly of the Nooaitch Indian Band to discuss the impact of flooding on his community, as well as recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Later that day, she met with Chief Christine Minnabarriet of Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, Chief Arnold Lampreau of Shackan Indian Band and Chief Lee Spahan of Coldwater Indian Band. She was given an aerial tour of their communities, which were significantly impacted by the devastating floods last November. She was able to see first hand the widespread damage done to infrastructure and the environment. 

First Nations in British Columbia have endured unprecedented compounding emergencies in the past year: flooding and forest fires, the opioid crisis, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, communities continue to endure the traumatic effects of residential schools as they identify the location of unmarked graves. 

ISC and the Government of Canada will continue to work in partnership with First Nations leadership and emergency services as they support their communities and residents through these challenging events, and in their priorities for the months ahead.

February 24, 2022                      Ottawa, Ontario          Natural Resources Canada                   

Today, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, released the following statement on the evolving situation in Ukraine:

“We remain steadfast in our support of Ukraine as Russia’s actions violate international law and threaten international peace and security. Canada condemns recent efforts by Russia to use energy as a tool of influence and coercion and we are working closely with our international partners to maintain stability of global energy markets.

“The economic sanctions imposed on Russia by Canada and its allies are intended to respond to the gravity of Russia’s actions – and are not intended to affect world energy markets.

“Canada is in a secure position in terms of energy supply. As Europe works to address the present geopolitical and socio-economic challenges, we are communicating with allies to ensure energy supply chains are preserved in Canada while monitoring their status worldwide.

“We will continue to work with our G7 partners in supporting Ukraine, its national energy security, and sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

                                                                                 – 30 –

February 24, 2022 — Ottawa, Traditional unceded Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) commends the tireless work of community leadership and frontline healthcare workers for their immense and ongoing contributions to their communities’ pandemic response. Their efforts and quick action continue to save lives. 

Below are some of the latest updates from ISC for the week of February 24, 2022.

Vaccinations

As of February 22, 2022, over 87% of individuals aged 12 and older in First Nations, Inuit and territorial communities have received a second dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, and over 25% have received a third/booster dose. Over 49% of individuals aged 5 to 11 have received at least one dose. 

Vaccine information is updated and published on Thursdays and can be found at canada.ca/covid-vaccines-indigenous. 

COVID-19 cases

As of February 23, 2022, the following case counts have been reported from First Nations communities:

• 84,386 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, of which 11,212 are the Omicron variant 
• 3,402 active cases
• 2,961 hospitalizations
• 80,332 recovered cases
• 652 deaths.

For the week of February 17 to 23, 2022, the average daily reported active case counts dropped by 13.6% compared with the daily average the week before.

This is compared with a

• 9.5% decrease in average daily cases reported the week of February 10 to 16, 2022, from the week prior
• 13.2% decrease in average daily cases reported the week of February 3 to 9, 2022, from the week prior.

Case count information is updated and published daily, Monday through Friday, and can be found at Canada.ca/indigenous-covid-cases.

Request for Federal Assistance (RFA) approvals and extensions

• Attawapiskat First Nation’s (ON) RFA was approved on February 16, 2022. Canadian Rangers are providing COVID-19 mitigation support in the community until at least March 2, 2022.
• Kashechewan First Nation’s (ON) RFA was approved on February 1, 2022. Canadian Rangers are providing COVID-19 mitigation support in the community. A two-week extension was approved for continued support until March 2, 2022.
• Weenusk (Peawanuck) First Nation’s (ON) RFA was approved on January 30, 2022. Canadian Rangers are providing COVID-19 mitigation support in the community. A two-week extension was approved for continued support until February 27, 2022.
• Mishkeegogamang First Nation’s (ON) RFA was approved on February 9, 2022. Canadian Rangers are providing COVID-19 mitigation support in the community. A two-week extension was approved for continued support until March 11, 2022.
• Eabametoong First Nation’s (ON) RFA was approved on February 10, 2022. Canadian Rangers are providing COVID-19 mitigation support in the community. A two-week extension was approved for continued support until March 10, 2022.

RFA recent conclusions

• The Operation REMOTE IMMUNITY 3.0 RFA was approved on November 10, 2021. Canadian Rangers recently concluded its supports to provincial vaccination programs in remote Indigenous communities in Ontario. Operation Remote Immunity 3.0 has ended after coordinating nearly 200 vaccine clinics in 29 remote and isolated Indigenous communities served by the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority and the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. Since November 2021, approximately 9,700 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in remote communities under Operation Remote Immunity. The RFA will remain active until March 31, 2022, to address any unforeseen support requirements.

Supports currently available to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities 

Across the country, ISC regional offices and regional medical officers of health remain available to assist First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations requiring immediate assistance with an outbreak or supports, such as temporary infrastructure, rapid testing or personal protective equipment.

Indigenous communities and organizations can also continue to request needs-based funding from the Indigenous Community Support Fund. This fund provides Indigenous leadership and organizations with the flexibility needed to design and implement community-based solutions to prevent, prepare for and respond to the spread of COVID-19 within their communities.

These funds can be used for measures including, but not limited to

• support for Elders and vulnerable community members
• measures to address food insecurity, such as support for the purchase, transportation and distribution of food; and traditional foods such as hunting and fishing
• educational and other support for children
• mental health assistance and emergency response services
• preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

ISC continues to work with Indigenous communities to collaborate, share information and co-develop Indigenous-led, distinctions-based communications and health response approaches with Indigenous partners, listening to their advice and guidance. 

Whitehorse, Yukon, February 23, 2022 — Please be advised that the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, will make a virtual announcement regarding investments to support jobs and economic growth in the Yukon. 

Following his remarks, Minister Vandal will be available to answer questions from the media.

Date: February 24, 2022
Time: 10:00 am MST/ 12:00 pm EDT

Location: 
Virtual Zoom Event 
To register