The federal government announced more funding for northern Canada on Tuesday.
Minister of Northern Affairs, Dan Vandal, said the territorial governments have identified their critical priorities to prepare for and to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid the spread of the virus.
“The Government of Canada is transferring $89.9 million to territorial governments to assist with health preparation and response and support continuity of air transportation services to northern communities,” he said.
Vandal said there are exceptional challenges to meeting the needs of northerners during this pandemic.
“We are announcing significant next steps to address concerns facing the North, including support for healthcare, for nutrition and for air transport,” he said.
Vandal said the majority of the funding is for territorial healthcare systems in regards to preparation and mitigation efforts.
“And as we know, airlines are a critical link to maintaining the supply chain for the movement of essential goods and services,” he said.
$17.3 million in immediate relief has been provided for critical air transportation links on key central routes in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon to help with food supply, medical supplies and other essential goods.
Vandal said there is also an increased cost to essential goods and services in the North during this time period so the subsidy rate has been increased.
“We recognize that many Canadians are facing financial hardship, and they are concerned for their health, their jobs, their loved ones, and their neighbourhoods. This is especially true in Canada’s north.”
