In terms of psychosocial needs, more money from the federal government would certainly be welcome. A lot of money has been spent throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. I find that the proportion spent on first nations peoples is far lower per capita compared to the Canadian public.
Psychosocial problems, health problems and access to health care for indigenous peoples, in communities and off reserve, are largely underestimated. However, we are among the most vulnerable populations as a result of concomitant diseases, such as diabetes, pervasive obesity, hypertension, the fact that people live in multi-generational houses, not to mention the social problem. I think it's unfortunate that the percentage of the budget allocated to first nations peoples to help them combat COVID-19 is woefully insufficient.
I urge the federal government to do much better to save first nations peoples and to prevent a health and a psychosocial catastrophe in our communities.