National Chief Perry Bellegarde Bulletin – March 18, 2020 – Covid-19 and Canada’s Economic Response Plan

The Prime Minister announced on March 18 the “Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan” which includes a number of areas that directly or indirectly impact First Nations.

The announcement includes $305 million for an Indigenous Communities Support Fund. AFN is working to get more information on how the fund can be accessed and used by First Nations.

On March 18, 2020, the Prime Minister announced the “Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan,” a new set of economic measures aimed at stabilizing the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These measures will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses and $55 billion in tax credits. Overall, this package seems geared to immediately remedy families unable to pay rent or purchase commodities and to lessen the broader economic impact on small to medium employers. I am providing a link at the end of this Bulletin to the Government of Canada’s information for the full details and I am attaching a short summary of the main investments and initiatives that are relevant to First Nations.

A major aspect of this announcement is $305 million for an Indigenous Communities Support Fund. The fund is to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. The Prime Minister stated this Fund will be � ...