Ottawa to give First Nations quicker access to disaster relief funding

WINNIPEG – The federal government says it is making it easier for First Nations to get help after a natural disaster.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt says Ottawa is streamlining the process so First Nations can get disaster funding quickly.

He says the federal government is also spending $19 million to help First Nation communities with emergency preparedness.

Valcourt says the government wants to ensure aboriginal communities get the same emergency services available across the country.

Valcourt made the announcement in Winnipeg where about 2,000 aboriginal evacuees are still displaced following the 2011 spring flood.

Their food and shelter has cost Ottawa about $88 million so far.