The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has announced funding for wage top-ups for front-line health care workers funded by the FNHA who continued to provide essential health services during the 16-week period between April 1, 2020 and July 22, 2020. This funding applies to front-line community health service roles who delivered services remotely or on-site at their usual workplace.

This support recognizes the efforts of essential health care workers in keeping individuals, families and communities well. While public health measures required many health workers to provide service virtually, the continued availability of these health, counselling and cultural supports were vital to supporting the wellness of our communities.

The Wage Top-Up Funding (WTFP) provides an extra $4 per hour for straight time hours worked by FNHA-funded front-line health care workers between April 1, 2020 and July 22, 2020. These positions include nurses, allied health professionals and community health workers among others. 

Details on specific eligibility criteria are included in the updated version of the COVID-19 Community Support Guide and in an FAQ document. A Wage Top-Up Pay Funding Calculator has also been created to support funding requests. These documents are posted on the Community Leaders page of our COVID web section under the heading “Funding and Supports.” Please note that a financial statement or invoice is considered sufficient to support a funding request provided it includes specific details about individual employee names, position, program worked in and number of hours worked during the eligible time frame.

FNHA regional teams are available to provide support as needed and submissions and questions can be sent directly to covid19needs@fnha.ca.

Thank you to health care workers for your continued commitment to keeping community safe and well.

In wellness,

Richard Jock
Interim CEO, FNHA