Indigenous Services Canada says internal funding delays are to blame for disruption to a counselling program on which some northerners rely.
The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program offers mental health counselling to survivors of residential schools and their families.
In recent weeks, multiple NWT residents had described being told their access was on hold because funding was not being released to psychologists and social workers.
In a statement to Cabin Radio on Monday, Indigenous Services Canada said $630 million had been announced in March to renew the program for the next two years – meaning funding does exist for the program to continue.
However, the federal department said “delays were experienced in invoice approval and payments” at the end of the 2025-26 financial year.
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“ISC has now received its funding and should be approving invoices within service standards,” the department stated.
“We recognise that uncertainty and delays in service approvals may have caused challenges for some clients and service providers, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience or impacts experienced.
“Improving access to high-quality, culturally appropriate mental health services remains a key priority and we are committed to working closely with communities and partners to ensure clients continue to receive the care and support they need.”
