This is a very complex question. Thank you.
First of all, I should really note here that the provinces are important partners in emergency management and in emergency preparedness. Indeed, we encourage the provinces to work closely with first nations, as well as the federal government. We have a five-year service agreement, for example, that was signed with the Government of Quebec to provide support to first nations communities when their capacity to respond is exceeded. The Government of Quebec then invoices Indigenous Services Canada for expenses incurred by Quebec departments and agencies when a request for assistance to first nations is referred to them by Indigenous Services Canada.
This is a really important piece to realize, and it reminds me a bit of my time as Minister of Health and COVID, in that the federal government is an enabling partner. Indeed, we rely on the provinces and territories, who have expertise in emergency management, to help respond to these emergencies. By the way, the first nations in Quebec are indeed Quebec residents, and are entitled to that kind of support and care.
I will turn to the department official to speak a bit more about that particular situation, and perhaps she can answer how she thinks the ongoing maintenance of the funding requests will be managed.