August 12 to 25, 2024

National

Fourth phase of CanCode program launched, targeting 1.6 million training opportunities for youth and teachers

On August 13, 2024, the Government of Canada launched the next phase of CanCode and highlighted a $39.2 million investment in the program. Now in its fourth phase, the CanCode program is looking for applications from not-for-profit organizations for projects offering students from kindergarten through grade 12 the opportunity to learn digital skills, such as coding and AI knowledge. This iteration of the program also aims to offer learning opportunities to 1.5 million students and train 100,000 teachers to incorporate new digital skills and technologies into their classrooms.

CanCode is now accepting applications from not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada that are dedicated to equipping youth and teachers with essential digital skills such as coding and artificial intelligence knowledge. The call for applications is open until September 16, 2024.

For more information, please visit the news release.

2SLGBTQI+ inclusion in Canada with funding for The ArQuives

On August 14, 2024, the Government of Canada announced $417,420 for The ArQuives, a 2SLGBTQI+ organization. This investment was made possible through Women and Gender Equality Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Community Capacity Fund, which provides capacity-building support to 2SLGBTQI+ organizations and networks to advance equality in communities across Canada.

The ArQuives was established over 50 years ago to aid in the recovery and preservation of 2SLGBTQI+ heritage by collecting, preserving, and sharing material documenting the histories of 2SLGBTQI+ people and their communities. Today, The ArQuives is recognized as the largest independent 2SLGBTQI+ archive in the world.

Third round of business recipients supported by the Indigenous Tourism Fund

In partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), the government is rolling out the $10 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF) Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS) funding is available, providing direct financial support to Indigenous tourism enterprises. On August 12, 2024, the Government of Canada announced the third group of businesses to benefit from the MSBS. In this round, $1.01 million in federal funding, administered by ITAC, has been awarded to 41 Indigenous tourism businesses from across Canada.

This announcement follows previous rounds of funding support:

  • Round 1: Supported 78 Indigenous tourism businesses through approximately $1.94 million in funding.
  • Round 2: Provided about $1.67 million to 67 businesses.

Applications for the Micro and Small Business Stream are now being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. All activities must be completed by March 31, 2025. To date, the MSBS has delivered approximately

$4.6 million in support to 186 Indigenous tourism businesses. This stream is designed to help Indigenous businesses become business-, market- and export-ready and to ensure long-term sustainability. For more information, please visit the news release.

FireSmart Program

The Emergency Management Assistance Program supports wildland fire non- structural mitigation and preparedness initiatives through the FireSmart funding stream. FireSmart builds skills in First Nations communities to prevent and prepare against wildland fires.

Proposals will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until funding is exhausted. For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, please visit Emergency Management FireSmart program.

First Nations Technical Institute enhances aerospace programming and equipment

On August 20, 2024, the Government of Canada announced $4.5 million for the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) to expand its aerospace training programs and acquire new specialized equipment to enhance the aerospace ecosystem for Indigenous communities, and create new opportunities for Indigenous youth across Canada. The funding from the federal government will support the expansion of the First Nations Technical Institute’s aviation programming options by establishing a new helicopter training program.

This program will offer students the opportunity to train with advanced equipment and experts, and to obtain their helicopter pilot licence with a specialized focus on servicing the unique needs of remote Indigenous communities. For more information, please visit the news release.

Canada’s response to the World Health Organization’s declaration on mpox

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement declaring that the increase in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa, as well as the emergence of a new strain of clade I mpox constitute a public health emergency of international concern.

There have been no cases of clade I mpox virus to date in Canada. Although the risk to people in Canada from clade I mpox remains low to moderate at this time, the Government of Canada is closely monitoring the mpox situation in the DRC and neighbouring countries, while working with domestic and international partners to determine opportunities for support. There has been an ongoing outbreak of clade II mpox in Canada since 2022. Some regions of Canada have continued to report cases of clade II mpox, including a recent uptick of cases in the Toronto area. Current reports suggest that clade II mpox is less severe than clade I.

In addition, the Government of Canada has secured sufficient supply of mpox vaccines to support provincial and territorial programs for the prevention and control of mpox in Canada. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provided updated guidance in May 2024, recommending a two-dose vaccination series for mpox among adults at high-risk of exposure. At this time, vaccination of the general public is not recommended. For more information, please visit the news release.

 

Regional

Tina Fontaine honoured with funding for Tina’s Safe Haven

The Manitoba government is honouring the life and legacy of Tina Fontaine by providing $986,000 in combined federal and provincial funding to Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad. This increased funding will support programming at Tina’s Safe Haven. Tina’s Safe Haven is a 24-hour drop-in centre for at-risk youth aged 13 to 24 that offers access to basic needs in a safe and healthy environment where youth can be cared for and supported. Youth can access counselling support, program mentors, resources, workshops, health supports and more.

The $400,000 National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence funding will enable Ndinawemaaganag to partner with the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre to provide weekly on-site public health nursing at Tina’s Safe Haven, including support from a cultural worker and mental wellness therapist to ensure a holistic approach to wellness.An additional $586,000 in provincial funding will support ongoing operating costs and programming for Tina’s Safe Haven. This includes a new investment of $400,000 through the government’s Budget 2024 commitment of $20 million to protect and empower Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit peoples. For more information, please visit the news release.

Universal birth control coverage starting October

Manitobans will see cost savings with the introduction of no-cost prescription birth control, beginning Tuesday, October 1st. In Budget 2024, the Manitoba government announced a plan to make prescription birth control free for all Manitobans. The Manitoba Pharmacare Program will cover the full cost of about 60 commonly used birth control methods including the pill, intrauterine devices, hormone injections and others. People can get a prescription from their doctor or a nurse practitioner at their regular appointment, walk-in clinics or in a hospital.

The program will save Manitobans hundreds of dollars a year on birth control costs. To obtain free coverage, eligible Manitobans who do not already have coverage from another federal or provincial program can present their prescription and their Manitoba Health Card at a pharmacy for a birth control product.

Supporting community programs that keep families together

The Manitoba government is providing more than $500,000 to 3 programs focused on keeping families together. Two of the three projects include:

  • $183,000 to Blue Thunderbird Family Care’s Grandmother’s Council Program, which offers support to ensure the integration of Indigenous knowledge, guidance, support and teachings from Indigenous matriarchs into programs offered by Blue Thunderbird Family Care.
  • $200,000 to Acorn Family Place for the Wrap Around Program, which supports families involved in the child welfare system through the delivery of wraparound preventative and early intervention supports.

These initiatives respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action to reduce the number of Indigenous children and care and aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

For more information, please visit the news release.

New pool will bring important recreation opportunities to Thompson, surrounding communities

The Manitoba government is investing $5 million in the Thompson Community Pool, a new facility that will serve the people of Thompson and the surrounding northern regionThis builds on the government’s previous investment in the project, bringing the total to $10 million.

The new aquatic facility consists of 2 tank pools, including 1 six-lane pool and 1 pool with a shallow end with beach entry and a splash pad. The facility will also include a sauna and a space for small gatherings and meetings. It is designed not only to meet the current demands for aquatic recreation and swimming instruction, but also to accommodate future growth in the region.

The governments of Canada, Manitoba and the City of Thompson have worked co-operatively on the new aquatic facility. This new facility will replace the Norplex Pool, which closed in 2019 and will provide the people who live and work across northern Manitoba with a fun and safe way to stay active in the winter.

For more information, please visit the news release.