Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and thanks to both of our witnesses in this hour for providing your very valuable insight and perspective on this.
Chief Rempel and Vice-President Blake, we really appreciate your being here today. Thank you.
My question is focusing on the path forward and the next three to five years. Budget 2021 proposes to provide almost a billion dollars over the next five years, and in particular over half a billion dollars to support indigenous communities currently served under the first nations policing program and to expand that program to new communities.
In addition to that, there are over $100 million to repair, renovate and replace a lot of the policing facilities that have no doubt worn the test of time in first nations and Inuit communities in Canada. In addition to that, there are over $100 million over the next five years for a new pathways to safe indigenous communities initiative, and to develop a more holistic and community-based safety and wellness model.
Given that you would like and indeed deserve deep consultations on these expenditures and investments in indigenous communities, I would love to hear your reflections on how these investments would and potentially could positively impact your communities with better outcomes for your constituencies, as well as any recommendations you have.
Vice-President Blake, I see that your mute is off, so I'd ask you to go first and provide enough time so that Chief Rempel is also able to reflect. Thank you.