Feds announce more than $200M in coronavirus supports for Indigenous communities

The federal government unveiled more than $200 million in funding to help Indigenous communities contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the funding on Friday, which is targeted specifically at child care, education and infrastructure.

The new money is on top of more than $2.2 billion the federal government has already allocated to help Indigenous and northern communities get through the health crisis.

More regions have been hit by outbreaks of more than 100 cases over the past two weeks, according to a federal analysis that was released on Friday, including 26 Indigenous communities that have reported two or more active cases.

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Among other things, the government has committed $685 million for the Indigenous Communities Support Fund, which includes funding to address food insecurity, education and other support for children.

It is spending another $650 million to help Indigenous communities respond to the pandemic and for income support.

And it has devoted $122 million to help ensure a safe return to schools on reserves.

— With files from Global News