- Mar 19, 2020
- 2 min read

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)’s Role and Contributions

Updated: Apr 3, 2020

See below for useful links and documents

The Government of Canada is actively working with partners to support Indigenous communities in managing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), in an integrated, coordinated, evidence based and effective manner. We are supporting the preparedness and response needs of Indigenous communities across Canada by ensuring the delivery of federal services and supporting provincial and territorial governments in fulfilling their responsibilities.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is actively working with Public Health Agency of Canada’s Special Advisory Committee and Indigenous leadership in identifying, exploring and preparing for how best to support Indigenous communities in dealing with COVID-19.

We recognize the unique challenges faced by many Indigenous communities and will adapt plans and offer surge capacity in terms of supplies and health human resources, to address these challenges as needed.

How ISC supports communities

Pandemic Planning in First Nations Communities

The Government of Canada, including ISC, has multiple systems in place to prepare for, detect and limit the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, in Canada. ISC is working with First Nations communities to ensure pandemic plans are in place and updated.

Supplies

We are providing surge capacity supplies such as: alcohol-based hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment to First Nations communities, as needed. ISC’s Personal Protective Equipment stockpile is accessible to First Nations communities who may need it to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and others supporting the delivery of health services. So far, this equipment has been deployed to 68 First Nations communities who have requested assistance. We continue working with others to ensure their needs are met.

Surge Capacity

During an outbreak, staff members may become sick, and normal supply chains may break down or no longer exist. In these situations, surge capacity, in providing additional supplies and supports to maintain the health status on reserve.

Emergency Preparedness

Budget 2019 provided $79.86 million over five years and $16.98 million ongoing for health emergency preparedness, including support for Health Emergency Management Coordinators in First Nations communities.

This funding is helping to develop a network of regional Health Emergency Coordinators, strengthen First Nations community training and capacity building, and support health emergency/pandemic planning.