(Toronto, ON, December 2, 2020) On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, delivered the Fall Economic Statement 2020 (FES) in the House of Commons, titled Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19. The statement provided detailed fiscal projections for the years ahead, along with new measures to protect the health, jobs and the economy of Canada amidst COVID-19.

“Monday’s release of Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19: Fall Economic Statement 2020 included clear steps towards addressing many significant issues facing First Nations communities in Ontario,” said Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald. “During this pandemic, the health and wellbeing of First Nations have remained our top priority, and I am pleased to see a strong action plan with new investments benefitting First Nations communities across our region, where it was much needed.”

As highlighted in the FES, the Government of Canada will invest $1.5 billion beginning in 2020-21 to accelerate the lifting of all long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities and stabilize funding for water and wastewater infrastructure — including operation and maintenance costs.

“For First Nations communities, clean drinking water remains key to sustaining one’s life, but during a global pandemic, it is the key element to protecting yourself and loved ones by washing your hands. I was hopeful to see this investment just as it was hopeful to see this announcement in the past with the previous commitment of lifting all long-term advisories by March 2021. However, there are currently 61 long-term advisories in First Nations across Canada and 75% of these advisories are located in Ontario. The federal government needs to commit to long-term sustainable funding to address long-term drinking water advisories across all First Nations.”

Along with investments to support closing the infrastructure gap within First Nations communities, the government will also provide Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows) and Wabaseemoong with a five-year funding commitment of $200 million for the construction and operation of mercury treatment facilities and invest $781.5 million over five years with an ongoing $106 million per year to fight systemic discrimination and violence targeting MMIWG and LGBTQ2S people.

“This annual investment is a promising step towards beginning this process properly but I would like to see the development of a strong joint action plan with First Nations to ensure the safety and security of our sisters, aunties, and mothers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an increase in violence against women and girls. Public health advises that we isolate, stay home, however, homes are not always a safe space for women. The federal government needs to further invest and prioritize ending violence against women and girls as a COVID-19 response. We need to ensure a deep, abiding love and care for women and girls with a ‘families first’ approach to ensure that our Indigenous women are safe, protected and respected.

I am encouraged by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, announcements on Monday. Over the coming months, we need to continue to have these discussions and ensure our leaders’ voices and communities are heard and known concerning some of these critical issues. Lastly, while we continue to see and hear of commitments to engage, we expect to see action and further investments in the 2020-21 federal budget. I look forward to continuing our essential work alongside the federal and provincial governments to create effective approaches in tackling First Nations priorities.”

Ontario Regional Chief, RoseAnne Archibald

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The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and a secretariat for collective decision making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario, Canada. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook or Twitter @ChiefsOfOntario.

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