(Ottawa, ON) – National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) said he welcomes the newly announced funding to help First Nations’ economic development initiatives and tourism industry get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller announced that an additional $133 million is earmarked to help First Nations businesses and tourism enterprises that have been greatly impacted by the federal, provincial and territorial governments’ calls for the public to stay at home.
“This is much needed funding that will go to our businesses, economic development projects, and our tourism industry which has been devastated, across the country. I want to thank Minister Miller for responding to the AFN’s and First Nations’ calls for resources to help our entrepreneurs and employers get through these difficult times,” said the National Chief. “First Nations are some of the most vulnerable in the country, not only when it comes to the pandemic and our health, but also when it comes to restarting the economy once the pandemic has passed. First Nations must not be forgotten! We must build back better and build back in a good way. Today’s funding confirms that when Canada listens to First Nations for guidance in responding to crisis the results are better for all. I look forward to seeing these investments deployed immediately to support our entrepreneurs and employers in this difficult time.”
Responding to the economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government announced it will deliver $133 million in new funding for First Nations economic development initiatives ($117 million), including First Nations tourism enterprises ($16 million). The AFN will be watching for details on how the funding will be rolled out by the federal government.
The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.
For more information please contact:
Michael Hutchinson
Senior Communications Advisor
Assembly of First Nations
613-241-6789 ext. 244
613-859-6831 (cell)
[email protected]
Monica Poirier
Bilingual Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
613-241-6789 ext. 382
613-292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]