QUESTION PERIOD — Indigenous Services
Support for Indigenous Communities
March 26, 2026
My questions are for the government leader in the Senate.
My questions yesterday regarding funding for residential school survivors and mental health were not answered. Finance Canada did not respond when these same questions were posed.
Will you be extending funding for Indian residential school survivors and mental health before the end of March — yes or no?
Thank you for the question.
I have no indication at this moment whether there will be additional funding. Like I answered yesterday regarding the question you asked, the government is committed to supporting Indigenous communities, Indigenous health services and Indigenous school programs. At this time, I have no indication of any specific amount that will be released.
Thank you.
Yesterday evening, we met with representatives and Chiefs about the work being done in relation to the identification of unmarked graves. At that time, they told us work has stopped and they are still waiting for funding today.
Will there be funds provided toward the efforts surrounding the identification of unmarked graves?
Thank you for the question.
At this moment, to date, the government has invested more than $255 million toward 162 Indigenous-led commemoration and search projects through the Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund. There are funds available, and the government is committed to continuing to support Indigenous communities regarding the unmarked graves.
