Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Welcome to all of the witnesses here today.
First of all, I'd like to register a number of key concerns that my colleagues and I share with respect to what indigenous communities are going through. We are very concerned to hear about, including at today's meeting, the absolute lack of funding available to off-reserve indigenous peoples and the fact that there was a deadline connected to this funding. This is an area that needs to be dealt with urgently, recognizing how vulnerable indigenous urban communities are.
I do want to spend the next few moments asking questions of Grand Chief Daniels, as well as President Obed, but certainly would also like to bring the focus to urban indigenous communities at some point as well. Obviously, we're very limited in our time here and I, like many, hope that we can have a virtual Parliament so that we can raise these issues at all levels with the urgency they require.
First, to Grand Chief Daniels, thank you for your powerful presentation. You've talked about huge inequalities that first nations in your region struggle with on a daily basis. I'm wondering if you could talk a bit about announcements or calls that you've already made around the need for Cuban doctors. Why is it that SCO first nations are making that call?
I'm also wondering if you could talk a bit about the need for federal infrastructure funding in communities, whether that's for repurposing spaces right now to create temporary housing; whether it's building a ventilation centre like Berens River has proposed for its area and the surrounding communities; or whether it's some communities, including further north, that have talked about the need for military hospitals. Should there be direct federal funding for infrastructure at this time?
Finally, can you speak to the need for personal protective equipment not just for health care staff, but also for front-line staff who work for first nations?
Could you reflect on some of those key messages? Thank you, Grand Chief.