File photo of the Kainai Continuing Care Centre in Stand Off, Alberta. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Provincial grant funding now available to expand Indigenous continuing care facilities

Aug 20, 2021 | 8:53 AM

EDMONTON, AB – Indigenous groups and organizations can now apply for grants under a new provincial program.

Funding is available through the $154 million Continuing Care Capital Program. It offers one-time capital grants to support the construction, upgrading and renovation of continuing care spaces.

The province commented that “by advancing continuing care capacity, either on or off-reserves and Metis settlements, Alberta’s government will provide better access to health services for Indigenous people.”

Minister of Health Tyler Shandro stated that, “Indigenous people in our province need access to local care equipped with culturally relevant services. That’s why I’m so pleased we’re moving forward with the launch of the Continuing Care Capital Program.”

“This new program will offer an opportunity to develop continuing care spaces sensitive to the needs of Indigenous communities through capital grant funding.”

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Meanwhile, Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations said, “residents will have a better quality of life staying closer to their loved ones and communities.”

“Those communities will also benefit by being able to develop and manage continuing care centres, bringing new employment opportunities for their members.”

Budget 2021 allocates more than $154 million over three years for the program, under three funding streams. The first focuses on developing continuing care capacity with Indigenous groups and organizations, the second on increasing continuing care capacity in previously identified priority communities and the third focuses on modernizing existing facilities.

Chief Ouray Crowfoot of the Siksika Nation stated that, “we’re very pleased Siksika Nation, and other First Nations, are able to be part of the province’s plan to increase continuing care spaces both on or off-reserve.”

“With government support, the continuing care capital program could provide both job opportunities for our nation, and ensure our Elders receive culturally safe and appropriate care within the community.”

Project proposals received from eligible applicants in all three of the funding streams will be assessed on a competitive basis for a one-time grant. The application intake for the second and third grant funding streams will go live later this fiscal year.

The deadline to apply for the first stream is December 17. Eligible applicants must be a legal entity located in Alberta and include the following:

• First Nation “Band” as defined in Canada’s Indian Act
• First Nations
• Aseniwuche Winewak Nation
• First Nation-owned corporations
• Tribal councils and treaty organizations
• Metis Settlements General Council
• Metis Settlements
• Métis Nation of Alberta Association
• Other Métis regional or local associations or societies
• Indigenous-owned businesses or development corporations
• Indigenous not-for-profit organizations with a mandate related to the objectives of the Continuing Care Capital Program Indigenous stream.

More details are available here.