Tag: Aboriginal News

ACOA delivered COVID-19 relief, targeted support to keep the region moving forward on the road to economic recovery

January 12, 2022 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Throughout 2021, ACOA remained focused on the Government of Canada’s commitment to fight COVID-19 and its economic impacts, providing targeted sector support to help the region recover and rebuild a more resilient, inclusive economy for all Atlantic Canadians.  

Protecting jobs, strengthening key sectors

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, provided an overview of the impact of the Agency’s investments in 2021.

“Since January 2021, ACOA delivered over $314 million in support, assisting more than 1000 organizations and businesses, and creating over 1000 new jobs in Atlantic Canada,” said Minister Petitpas Taylor. “These investments also helped protect more than 5000 jobs across our region.”

These contributions included nearly $96 million in COVID-focused support through emergency relief initiatives like the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF) and the Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI).  

In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada commited to help position Atlantic Canada for a robust recovery and long-term growth. As of December 31, 2021, ACOA had committed a total of almost $44 million through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), the Jobs and Growth Fund, and the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) to eligible applicants. ACOA is also supporting Atlantic Canada’s hard-hit tourism sector through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), which includes an allotment specifically dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives and projects.

Throughout 2021, ACOA provided support to 365 tourism organizations and businesses, protecting over 3000 tourism-related jobs and creating 169 new tourism jobs across the region.

Through its regular suite of programs, ACOA also delivered over $174 million to Atlantic businesses and organizations, driving economic growth and building on the region’s competitive strengths in priority sectors like automation and digitalization, food and beverage, ocean, clean growth, and the start up economy.

Growing an inclusive economy

ACOA investments also reflected the Government of Canada’s commitment to grow a more inclusive economy and a stronger future for all Canadians. Across the Agency’s suite of programs and initiatives in 2021, ACOA provided almost $10 million in support for Indigenous projects, more than $19 million for women-led projects, $66 million for youth-focused projects, and over $5 million through the Black Entrepreneurship Program.

Across the provinces

Strategic investments delivered by the Agency are helping each of the Atlantic provinces address unique needs and challenges, while growing stronger, more sustainable and more inclusive local economies.

In New Brunswick, ACOA invested a total amount of more than $74 million in 281projects across all sectors, protecting  1227 jobs and creating 294 new jobs.

Across the province, ACOA helped companies adopt digital technologies and processes by supporting the CollabHub project, an online platform that helps SMEs engage with the province’s digital ecosystem. As well, ACOA continued to support the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick Inc (in French only), with projects to help grow and retain the Francophone workforce, to help Francophone businesses improve productivity, and to provide business services for women in Francophone minority communities.

In 2021, in New Brunswick, ACOA also supported:

• Wabanaki Maple, a 100 percent Indigenous and female-owned company, to mitigate the effects of COVID and expand their online presence as well as production facility;
• The Multicultural Council of New Brunswick, to help address barriers to full economic participation by newcomers; and
• McGraw Seafood, 100 percent owned by the Elsipogtog First Nation, in building a new plant, implementing COVID safety measures, and mitigating effects of the pandemic.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, ACOA invested a total of more than $98 million in 380 projects throughout the province, protecting 2269 jobs and creating 364 new jobs.

Across the province, ACOA invested in the innovation ecosystem, helping to grow Newfoundland and Labrador’s vibrant tech sector, which includes startups across health, finance, oceans and the green economy. Projects included support for Genesis, the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship, the Ocean Startup Project and Bounce Health Innovation.

In 2021, in Newfoundland and Labrador, ACOA also helped:          

• techNL, to support 395 companies to acquire new technology and digital capacity, which allowed them to pivot to generate online sales during and beyond the pandemic;
• Innu Nation, to continue the operation of the Innu Business Development Centre, which helps businesses capitalize on opportunities in resource development projects in Labrador; and
• Association for New Canadians, to provide awareness, assistance and mentoring to temporary residents in Newfoundland and Labrador on the path to achieving permanent residency.

In Nova Scotia, ACOA invested a total amount of more than $82 million in 427 projects throughout the province, protecting 1746 jobs and creating 477 new jobs.

This included support for the province’s dynamic Life Sciences sector, which included investments in a new bioprocessing hub at the Verschuren Centre in Sydney, as well as continued support for innovative medical technology companies around Halifax.

In 2021, in Nova Scotia, ACOA investments also supported:

In Prince Edward Island, ACOA invested a total of more than $48 million in 187 projects throughout the province, protecting over 222 jobs and creating 105 new jobs.

Throughout the province, ACOA investments helped businesses, post-secondary institutions, and non-governmental organizations adapt to rapid change in the face of COVID-19, and set them on a sustainable path for growth. These investments helped establish new and grow existing Centres of Excellence to connect industry with innovative research, advance the technical capabilities of SMEs, and create new tourism opportunities. ACOA program support continued to focus on priorities of labour, digitalization, clean technology and Indigenous economic development through various projects.

In 2021 in Prince Edward Island, ACOA also helped:

The Government of Canada is committed to building on ACOA’s impactful work in 2021 to accelerate the recovery and growth of Atlantic Canada’s economy, strengthen local communities, businesses and sectors, and grow a more sustainable and inclusive future for all Canadians.

Ottawa, Ontario (January 8, 2022) — The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Patty Hadju, Minister of Indigenous Services, issued the following statement today on the passing of Earl Muldon, Chief Delgamuukw:

“It is with great sadness that we learned that Mr. Earl Muldon has passed away. On behalf of the Government of Canada, we would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family, clan, friends and colleagues of Mr. Muldon.

Mr. Muldon was known as Chief Delgamuukw, a long-time Gitxsan hereditary chief and the named plaintiff in the landmark court case, Delgamuukw v. British Columbia, that confirmed Aboriginal rights and title in British Columbia. In addition to being an icon of Indigenous rights, Chief Delgamuukw was a renowned carver and artist who sought to preserve Northwest Coast design and Gitxsan culture. He won the B.C. Lifetime Achievement Award for Aboriginal Art in 2009, and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2010 for his lifetime of advocacy for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and for his contributions to traditional Gitxsan art and culture. His accomplishments will be long remembered.

It is clear that his memory and work will live on in his community and all Canadians should be grateful for the efforts he made to improve the lives of those in his community and Indigenous communities across Canada.” 

Taking care: We recognize that this news release may contain information that is difficult for many and that our efforts to honour Survivors and families may act as an unwelcome reminder for those who have suffered hardships through generations of government policies that were harmful to Indigenous Peoples.

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former residential school students, who can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.

There is also the Hope for Wellness Help Line for Indigenous Peoples at 1-855-242-3310 or through the online chat via the help line website at www.hopeforwellness.ca.

January 7, 2022 — Williams Lake First Nation, British Columbia — Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

The locating of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across Canada is a tragic reminder of the abuse Indigenous children suffered in those institutions. As part of efforts to address historical wrongs and the lasting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harms related to the legacy of residential schools, our government is working with Survivors, Indigenous leaders, and affected families and communities, including Williams Lake First Nation. Together, we will undertake the difficult work of finding and commemorating missing children who were taken from their families to attend residential schools, such as the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School.

Williams Lake First Nation will undertake work related to burial sites associated with the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. The community is currently completing a preliminary investigation that includes interviews with former students and their families, an initial geophysical survey, and the compilation of archival and photographic records related to the disappearances and deaths of First Nations students at this institution. Today, Chief Willie Sellars of Williams Lake First Nation in British Columbia; the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; and Murray Rankin, British Columbia Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, announced funding totalling $1,912,460 for fiscal year 2021–22 to contribute to this important work.

Additionally, work will begin to support bringing Elders and Survivors together to conduct interviews and share knowledge on unmarked graves, and to gather, plan and host cultural ceremonies within their community. This community-led process will ensure that Williams Lake First Nation can undertake this work in their own way and at their own pace.

Addressing the harms suffered by Survivors, their families and communities is at the heart of reconciliation and is essential to renew and rebuild relationships with Indigenous Peoples, governments and all Canadians.

Ottawa, Ontario (January 6, 2022) — The Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu, issued the following statement today:

“January 2022 marks the two-year anniversary of the coming into force of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (the Act). This historic, co-developed legislation affirms the jurisdiction of First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups, communities and peoples in relation to child and family services and sets out national principles for the best interests of the child, cultural continuity and substantive equality to help guide the delivery of services to Indigenous children. Canada is committed to ending the ongoing issue of vast overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care by investing in a path led by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples so that Indigenous children have the opportunity to grow up in their communities, surrounded by loved ones and immersed in their culture.

Since coming into force two years ago, 59 Indigenous governing bodies have submitted notices and requests concerning the exercise of jurisdiction in relation to child and family services, representing more than 120 Indigenous groups, communities and people. Of this, 18 coordination agreement discussion tables have been established.

Coordination agreement discussions tables provide an opportunity for an Indigenous group, community or people to work with the relevant provincial, territorial and federal governments to determine responsibilities, processes and coordination of services to help ensure a smooth and effective exercise of jurisdiction in relation to child and family services

In July 2020, Cowessess First Nation signed the first coordination agreement under the Act with the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan. Cowessess’s Miyo Pimatisowin Act focuses on prevention, ensuring families have the resources they need to heal from intergenerational trauma. We look forward to more milestones like this as other groups enact their child and family services laws and sign coordination agreements with Canada and the provinces and territories over the coming years.

To support the implementation of the Act, capacity-building funding is available to support Indigenous groups, communities and peoples as they work within and across their communities to build strong foundations to exercise jurisdiction in relation to child and family services. To date, the Government of Canada has provided over $56 million to 115 Indigenous groups preparing to undertake coordination agreement discussions.

Also, as announced on January 4, 2022, the Government of Canada and the Parties reached Agreements-in-Principle on a global resolution related to compensation for those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of First Nations child and family services and to achieve long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan’s Principle, to ensure that no child faces discrimination again. Among many things, this announcement continues to lay the foundation for First Nations seeking to exercise jurisdiction in relation to child and family services through the Act.

The Act is historic legislation and will have lasting impacts into the future, ensuring that Indigenous children and families can stay together, in their communities and surrounded by their culture. Most importantly, it ensures that Indigenous jurisdiction is recognized and affirmed, and that the path forward is First Nations-led, Inuit-led and Métis-led.”

To learn more, please visit Indigenous Service Canada’s website: Reducing the number of Indigenous children in care.

Taking care: We recognize this news release may contain information that is difficult for many and that our efforts to honour Survivors and families may act as an unwelcome reminder for those who have suffered hardships through generations of government policies that were harmful to Indigenous Peoples.

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former residential school students who can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.

There is also the Hope for Wellness Help Line for Indigenous Peoples at 1-855-242-3310 or by the online chat through the help line website at www.hopeforwellness.ca.

January 4, 2022 — Ottawa, Ontario — Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Today marks the implementation of the Gottfriedson Indian Residential School Day Scholars Settlement Agreement for the Survivor and Descendant Classes.

Together with Survivors, Descendants and their counsel, Canada has worked towards a lasting and meaningful resolution for tens of thousands of Day Scholars who attended a residential school.

Under the terms of the agreement, all eligible Day Scholars will receive $10,000 in individual compensation for attending an Indian Residential School as a Day Scholar.

The settlement also provides $50 million towards the creation of the Day Scholars Revitalization Society, an Indigenous-led not-for-profit corporation to support healing, wellness, education, language, culture, heritage and commemoration activities for the Survivor and Descendant classes.

More information on the settlement or the claims process can be found on the court-appointed claims administrator’s (Deloitte’s) website or on the notice provider’s website.

The implementation of the settlement for Day Scholars and their Descendants is an important step forward and provides a measure of healing for Indigenous Peoples who attended these institutions and their descendants.

January 4, 2022 — Ottawa, Traditional Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada is pleased to announce that Agreements-in-Principle have been reached on a global resolution related to compensation for those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of First Nations child and family services and to achieve long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan’s Principle, to ensure that no child faces discrimination again.

This is a result of discussions between Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the Chiefs of Ontario, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and counsel for the Moushoom and Trout class actions.

We begin by acknowledging the generations of First Nations who have advocated so strongly for their children including Residential School Survivors, Sixties Scoop Survivors and children, young people and families whose lives are touched by this case. Their strength and the advocacy of First Nations leaders and service providers have made this step toward change possible. No amount of money can reconnect First Nations children and youth with their cultures nor reverse the suffering experienced by First Nations children, youth, their families and communities. We recognize the harms experienced by the children, youth and families who continue to suffer because of Canada’s discrimination related to the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan’s Principle found by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT).

We would also like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the Honourable Murray Sinclair and his team, who assisted all Parties in reaching this significant milestone by chairing the discussions. We thank him for his time, energy, and dedication over these past weeks.

This has been a challenging time. The unmarked graves of children who attended Residential Schools, climate change emergencies and the pandemic have deepened the disadvantages that many First Nations families and communities face.

Reforming the First Nations Child and Family Services program to provide culturally-based and substantially equal family supports is especially urgent given these additional pressures on families. It is imperative that First Nations leadership, Elders, and service providers have the supports they need for their critical work.

These Agreements-in-Principle provide a basis for final settlement agreements to be negotiated over the coming months. Once the final settlement agreements are reached and the necessary CHRT and Federal Court orders are made, children and families harmed by discriminatory underfunding will be compensated and measures will be implemented to better meet the needs of children, youth and families and to prevent this type of discrimination from recurring. This will chart a path for long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan’s Principle, reducing the number of First Nations children in care, keeping children connected to their families, communities and cultures and ensuring that First Nations children have access to the services they need, when they need them.

The Agreements-in-Principle include:

• $20 billion in compensation for First Nations children on-reserve and in the Yukon, who were removed from their homes between April 1, 1991 and March 31, 2022, and for their parents and caregivers. This also includes compensation for those impacted by the government’s narrow definition of Jordan’s Principle between December 12, 2007 and November 2, 2017, as well as for children who did not receive or were delayed receiving an essential public service or product between April 1, 1991 and December 11, 2007. Our shared goal is to achieve a settlement that can be delivered to families as soon as possible.
• Approximately $20 billion, over five years, for long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program to ensure that the discrimination found by the CHRT never repeats itself. This includes funding to support young First Nations adults aging out of the child welfare system and prevention services to build on the multi-generational cultural strengths to help children and families in staying together that will be implemented as early as April 2022. There is also new funding for on-reserve housing to support these prevention initiatives.

This important work respects the diversity of First Nations and takes into consideration regional realities, such as remoteness. It is also important to note the integral role that provinces and territories fulfill in improving First Nations child and family services through tripartite tables, technical working groups and regional advisory committees.

The Parties will continue to work together to reach final settlement agreements on both compensation and long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program. These agreements would support future work on reforms of Jordan’s Principle and other initiatives by Indigenous Services Canada. This process will unfold over the course of 2022, and more information will be forthcoming.