Canada restores travel funding for residential school survivors

The Canadian federal government has reinstated travel funding for residential school survivors in the North to access in-person counselling ^[1].

This restoration follows a sudden cut to the program that threatened the mental health support of survivors living in remote areas. For many, the ability to travel is the only viable way to receive specialized care for the trauma associated with the residential school system.

Survivors and Indigenous leaders advocated for the return of the funds after the initial cuts ^[2]. This pressure prompted Ottawa to restore the travel reimbursements, which allow survivors to move from remote communities to larger centers for treatment ^[2].

Joanne Charney, a survivor, expressed relief regarding her ability to access care. "I’m overjoyed that I’ll be able to travel to Yellowknife from Fort Good Hope to see my mental‑health counsellor again, at least for a few more months," Charney said ^[1].

The decision was welcomed by Indigenous leadership, who viewed the initial funding cut as a significant setback. George Mackenzie, the Dene National Chief, highlighted the instability of the support system.

"It’s shocking that travel reimbursements were cut, and it’s a relief to see the funding reinstated," Mackenzie said ^[3].

The funding specifically supports travel from remote locations, such as Fort Good Hope, to urban centers like Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories ^[1]. The reinstatement ensures that survivors can maintain continuity of care with their established mental health providers without facing prohibitive travel costs.