The federal government still hasn't provided First Nations with the support they need to respond to emergencies such as wildfires and floods despite warnings almost a decade ago, says a new report from Canada's auditor general.
handling of emergency management, concluding the department was too reactive, instead of proactively spending on infrastructure to mitigate damages when floods, fires and landslides strike.
"As a result, First Nations communities are likely to continue to experience emergencies that could be prevented or mitigated by building the infrastructure." The figures are only expected to grow, given the impacts of climate change, Hogan said, telling a news conference in Ottawa on Tuesday that Indigenous people are "displaced more often by natural disasters."
"It is likely that Indigenous Services Canada is incurring significant costs to respond to -- and help First Nations communities recover from -- emergencies that could have been mitigated or avoided," the report says. "This work has to happen more quickly," she said Tuesday, adding the government recognizes the need to get ahead of the effects climate change is having on First Nation communities.
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