The CEO of Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon says Tuesday was a historical day as they welcomed the Prime Minister of Canada.
Justin Trudeau, speaking against the backdrop of the ancient prairie gathering place, rolled out details of the federal budget that was delivered last week. He said when Conservative politicians say they are voting against the budget they are voting against building affordable homes, childcare and school food programs as well as job creation. “Not only will they vote against the budget, but they want to cut programs and supports people rely on.”
Among the details of recent budget announcements was $21 million for SIIT, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, to support its Virtual Health Hub which will be deployed from Whitecap Dakota First Nation. That was announced alongside $390.4 million to build or renovate health facilities.
Post-secondary education funding is also in the budget, with nearly $234 million for First Nations university, college and post-secondary students, building on previous funding invested in Inuit and Metis post-secondary education strategies over ten years, announced in 2019. Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear says promoting post-secondary education for First Nations people is so important. He says, “I am so glad the Prime Minister and his government realizes that – that we have to invest in our people and give them opportunity too make change and make a difference, not just for themselves but for all of our people right across Canada.”
There will also be $89 million in federal funding for the Hatchet Lake All-seasons Road Project in Saskatchewan.
Trudeau also touched on the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program which offers up to $5 billion and supports projects that are geared towards natural resource and energy as well as economic development. Successful applicants can access loans at lower interest rates and over two years $16.5 million will be made available to Indigenous communities who apply to support program delivery.
There is $388 million being made available to Indigenous entrepreneurs, Indigenous tourism as well as new clean energy initiatives while $918 million will support housing and infrastructure needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
And the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Housing Initiative, will provide low-cost financing to municipalities and Indigenous communities, which the Prime Minister suggests could be used for infrastructure investment such as water treatment, transit, and green energy.
