Kwey kakina.
Hello. Ullukkut. Tansi.
Thank you for having me. Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that we are on the land of my ancestors, my relatives, and we gather in the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.
Meegwetch. Thank you for inviting me to appear, and the team here with me, before the House Standing Committee on Public Accounts. I am grateful to the committee for taking an in-depth look at the report of the Auditor General of Canada on managing emergencies in first nations communities. I'd like to thank the Auditor General and the staff for this detailed report.
We agree with the seven recommendations in the report, and Indigenous Services Canada is committed to acting on each recommendation with a detailed plan.
The work we are doing with first nations partners to address the critical gaps that exist in emergency management in fact closely aligns with the recommendations outlined in the Auditor General's report.
Our work is guided by two key principles: first nations must have input into their own emergency management planning and response. And they must be full and equal partners in decisions that affect their own communities.
Our shared focus is prevention. We are developing emergency management plans and multilateral service agreements with first nations that clearly establish the protocols, roles, responsibilities, and funding for the various partners within emergency management governance structures.
An example is the tripartite memorandum of understanding on emergency management that we signed in 2019 with British Columbia, the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs and the First Nations Summit. This memorandum of understanding has proven to be effective. In February 2022, Indigenous Services Canada approved an additional $5.7 million for the 2022-23 fiscal year to the First Nations' Emergency Services Society through the emergency management assistance program.
We've also been making significant investments in infrastructure to mitigate the impact of emergencies in first nation communities. Since 2016, and as of June 30, 2022, ISC has invested $121.1 million, excluding operating expenses, to support 103 structural mitigation projects, 50 of which are now completed. These projects will benefit 107 communities serving approximately 116,000 people. ISC has also invested in additional first nation emergency management coordinators across Canada who help communities prepare for and respond to emergency events in a culturally relevant manner.
Regarding our support role in emergency preparations and response, I would like to highlight our work with first nations and partners regarding potential flooding along the James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts, including Kashechewan First Nation. Since 2016, ISC has supported an annual precautionary evacuation of Kashechewan First Nation. Since 2020, we've supported Kashechewan and Fort Albany first nations on the land initiative, where residents can temporarily move to higher ground on their traditional lands.
Another recent example is hurricane Fiona in September. First nation chiefs and leaders in the Atlantic region played a key role in assessing the immediate needs of citizens and determining the assistance needed, and were already preparing in advance of the storm. Their dedication ensured the health and safety of affected communities.
In addition, Indigenous Services Canada mobilized an emergency management team and stayed in active communication with all parties involved, resulting in a coordinated and appropriate response and assistance.
We have continued to work closely with the communities to develop and provide recovery support and assistance.
Overall, our continued priority is to ensure the health, safety and well-being of first nations and address the gaps that exist in emergency management.
I’d like to thank all of our partners for working with us.
I thank the committee for inviting us here today.
Meegwetch. Thank you.
