OTTAWA — The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) will be strategically deploying its portion of the critical funds allocated through the $305 million Indigenous Community Support Fund from the Government of Canada and the $17 billion Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 fund from the Government of Ontario to meet the needs of Métis communities and to help stop the spread of COVID-19. “The safety and security of our citizens, families, and communities through this difficult time remains our single most important priority” said the President of the Métis Nation of Ontario.
The MNO will receive $3.625 million from the Government of Canada and $100,000 from the Government of Ontario respectively. This first round of funds provided by the two levels of government will be used to support citizens and communities in a wide range of areas from accessing food, medicine, medical transportation, and other household supplies to other forms of economic relief for citizens who require it due to job or economic loss.
“The spread of COVID-19 requires the focus and collaboration of all governments. The Métis Nation of Ontario is working bi-laterally with the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario to collaborate on our collective response. We are appreciative of both governments’ commitment to work with the Métis Nation of Ontario during this challenging time, and the acknowledgement that more funds will be needed as we continue to deliver support,” added the MNO President.
The MNO website continues to provide updates to citizens and information on the measures that can be taken by Métis citizens to protect themselves and their communities. The MNO has postponed a series of planned gatherings and events as well as its election. In addition, the MNO has moved in person consultations with citizens to telephone consultations and online town halls.
The MNO will continue to work with its partners to address the needs of Métis communities and encourages all Métis citizens to visit www.metisnation.org to get the most up to date information on the MNO’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. MNO citizens and Métis families in Ontario facing any difficulties as a result of COVID-19 are encouraged to contact the MNO at 1-800-263-4889 or covidhelp@metisnation.org
About the Indigenous Community Support Fund
The Government of Canada has committed $305 million to a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund to help Indigenous communities’ responses to the spread of COVID-19. The fund has been put in place to help address the immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities – to which $30 million is earmarked for Métis governments across the country.
About the Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19
The Government of Ontario has committed to a $17 billion response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 fund earmarks $26 million to Indigenous peoples and communities which includes emergency assistance to address financial need of Indigenous people in urban areas and to help cover extra health care costs and critical supplies for remote First Nation communities.
CONTACT:
| Joanne Meyer Chief Operating Officer Suite 311, 75 Sherbourne Street Toronto, ON M5A 2P9 w: 416-977-9881 x.101 c: 416-528-6152 joannem@metisnation.org |
Jennifer St. Germain Chief Strategy Officer 1100-66 Slater Street Ottawa, ON K1P 5H1 w: 613-798-1488 x.101 c: 613-858-2284 jennifers@metisnation.org |
Posted on March 31, 2020