By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Canada’s National Observer Indigenous Services Canada is still failing to fully address emergency response needs for First Nations communities as climate disasters intensify across the country, a new audit warns. The Auditor General found “unsatisfactory progress” on about half of 34 recommendations made since 2015. Despite nearly doubling spending on Indigenous programs — from $13 billion in 2019 to $24 billion in 2024 — the department continues to struggle with emergency management, housing, healthcare and safe drinking water. More than 560 emergencies, including wildfires and floods, hit First Nations between 2023 and 2025, forcing about 150 evacuations. But many communities still lack clear emergency agreements with provinces to get help with evacuations, firefighting, flood protection and emergency shelters, ensuring they receive the same…
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