First Nations in B.C. that have been affected by the recent flooding in the province will be receiving federal funding.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu announced that Indigenous Services Canada has received and approved a funding request through the Emergency Management Assistance Program. The funding request was for $4.4 million in additional funding to the British Columbia First Nations’ Emergency Services Society. Funds will be used to support the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society as they assist First Nations in their response to the widespread flooding caused by the recent atmospheric river event.
“Our thoughts are with the communities affected by the recent flooding events in British Columbia,” said Hajdu. “The loss of life, homes, infrastructure, property, and livelihoods, as well as the ongoing disruption to people’s lives, is devastating. The Government of Canada is working with partners like the First Nations Leadership Council and the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of British Columbia, to support their work in helping First Nations people stay safe and be there for communities as they recover from this difficult situation.”
Additionally, the Government of Canada will provide $330,000 to the First Nations Leadership Council. The funds will be divided equally among its member organizations (i.e., the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit, and the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs) to address immediate response needs in the wake of this ongoing emergency.
“We are thinking of all those affected by the flooding in British Columbia, and we grieve with those have lost loved ones in this devastation,” said Bill Blair, president of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and minister of emergency preparedness. “The Government of Canada is providing assistance to the province of British Columbia and First Nations currently facing the threat of significant and widespread flooding. Canadians can be assured that all levels of government are working together to deliver the required help. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank all first responders and CAF members working tirelessly to support Canadians in need.”
Indigenous Services Canada will continue to work in close partnership with impacted First Nations in British Columbia, provincial partners, and federal departments, including the Department of National Defence and the Department of Emergency Preparedness. According to the Government of Canada, the safety and security of First Nations is the top priority for Indigenous Services Canada and it stands ready to provide further resources as needed.
