This update is the fourth in a series of reports providing a comprehensive overview of initiatives for Aboriginal and Northern communities under Canada's Economic Action Plan. This report complements the Government of Canada's Fifth Report to Canadians, which was released as part of the 2010 Federal Budget on March 4, 2010.  Budget 2010 confirms the Government of Canada's commitment to complete the implementation of the Economic Action Plan to maintain and create jobs now.  This includes work toward a future in which First Nations, Inuit, Métis and people living in northern communities are healthy, safe, self-sufficient and prosperous.  Consistent with the previous four reports, investments by the Government of Canada that benefit Aboriginal people and northern communities feature prominently. 

The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada would like to acknowledge the numerous federal departments and agencies contributing to these reports and their commitment to enhancing the lives of Aboriginal men, women, and children across Canada.

On January 27, 2009, the Government of Canada released its Economic Action Plan in response to the deteriorating global economic situation. The plan was designed to stimulate the Canadian economy; to protect Canadians during the global recession; and, to invest in long-term growth.

Canada's Economic Action Plan is protecting Canadian jobs and incomes by delivering a $62 billion shot in the arm to the economy. The Economic Action Plan is:

• Reducing the Tax Burden for Canadians
• Helping the Unemployed
• Building Infrastructure to Create Jobs
• Creating the Economy of Tomorrow
• Supporting Industries and Communities
• Improving Access to Financing and Strengthening Canada's Financial System

The Government has identified a number of investments designed to meet current challenges. Underlying all of the investments are three key principles: that the stimulus be timely, targeted, and temporary. Perhaps the most fundamental message underlying the Plan is the need for immediate action. 

Every effort is being taken to deliver these investments expeditiously while maintaining an appropriate level of oversight and accountability. This approach, and the progress achieved to date, has already been highlighted for Canadians through four progress Reports to Canadians released on March 10, June 11, September 28, and December 2 of this year. Canadians can monitor the progress of the Plan   on the Government's website.

Leading up to Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Prime Minister met with First Ministers on January 16, 2009 to work together on a number of important actions to provide stimulus to the Canadian economy. The Prime Minister, Minister Chuck Strahl, and First Ministers also met with Aboriginal leaders on January 15, 2009 wherein they agreed to:

• Take quick action to ensure the Aboriginal labour force is well prepared for the future with skills training and support; and
• Identify ways Aboriginal people can benefit from infrastructure projects, by way of employment, skills upgrading, and business opportunities.

The Prime Minister's commitment to promote greater participation by Aboriginal men and women in the Canadian economy and to address the specific challenges and opportunities they face are well-reflected in Canada's Economic Action Plan. More precisely, the Plan announced $1.4 billion in investments over two years related to Aboriginal-specific programming in areas such as skills and training, health, child and family services, housing, educational facilities, and water and wastewater systems (see Annex 1).

In addition, there are many other initiatives in the Plan that may also provide benefits to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people and their communities, although not necessarily designated specifically for Aboriginal people. In this report, effort has been taken to also highlight some of these initiatives.

It is not surprising that traditionally vulnerable groups are often those who are most effected by recession and unemployment. To this end, the longstanding gap between the unemployment rate for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada has remained somewhat stable. However, the gap fluctuated between 3.4 and 3.8 percentage points from October 2008 to December 2008.  Starting in January 2009, there was a sharp divergence as the Aboriginal unemployment rate increased rapidly through March 2009 (14.9%) before dropping in the spring of 2009.  At its peak, the gap in the unemployment rate was 7.2 percentage points (March 2009).  Since then, the gap in unemployment rates has been relatively stable, though it is wider than it was in the pre-recession period.  It has averaged 5.3 percentage points since the end of the recession. As of January, 2010, the Aboriginal unemployment rate was 14.0%. [Note 1]

It is for this reason that Canada's Economic Action Plan includes a number of measures to help Aboriginal people find viable employment and upgrade skills. Many of these measures are well-underway and Aboriginal people have now begun to see results in terms of training and employment.

Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership

The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) is a nationally-managed program geared to providing Aboriginal people with the skills and training they need to participate in economic opportunities across Canada.

ASEP helps to develop the skills of the Aboriginal workforce, maximize sustainable employment for Aboriginal people on major projects and provide lasting benefits for Aboriginal communities, families, and individuals. This initiative fosters partnerships between Aboriginal organizations, the private sector, provincial and territorial governments and others as appropriate to create training and employment opportunities. Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $100 million over three years for ASEP projects. Ten projects have been approved, seven of which are underway, and up to nine additional projects are being developed. For more information on this program, please visit Human Resources and Skills Development Canada  

The following projects represent some of the activities being undertaken through ASEP investments:

• In Saskatchewan, The Bridges and Foundations for Aboriginal Development project commenced in May 2009 to support major economic opportunities in the residential construction industry both within Saskatoon and its surrounding communities. A partnership between stakeholders in the construction industry, the provincial government, Aboriginal organizations, and the federal government, this project was created to maximize Aboriginal employment in the residential construction industry. The Bridges and Foundations for Aboriginal Development, project has already begun to see the success of their project by placing clients in long term, sustainable jobs (See insert).
  
  
• In the Northwest Territories, Our Resources, Our People commenced in July 2009, to oversee the implementation and management of a comprehensive training-to-employment plan to prepare Dehcho First Nations individuals for employment opportunities created through construction and petroleum exploration and production.
  
  
• In British Columbia, the BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association project was initiated in October 2009. The partnership includes Aboriginal organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and industry.  The partnership has begun to coordinate its plans to prepare Aboriginal people for sustainable employment, retention, and advancement in British Columbia's mineral exploration and mining sectors.
  
  
• The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership oversees the implementation and management of a comprehensive multi-year plan to prepare Innu, Inuit and Métis residents of Labrador for guaranteed employment opportunities created through the Nalcor Energy hydroelectric construction at the Lower Churchill Project site and spin-off economic opportunities. This project commenced in October 2009.
  
  
• In Nova Scotia, a project called Seven Generations commenced in October 2009 to oversee the implementation and management of a comprehensive Aboriginal training-to-employment plan. This initiative is preparing Aboriginal people for sustainable jobs in the hospitality and construction sectors in Nova Scotia.

Aboriginal Skills & Training Strategic Investment Fund

The Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund (ASTSIF) of $75 million over two years is strengthening opportunities for employment partnerships and targeting training for Aboriginal Canadians. Through this program, support is being provided to short-term initiatives designed to help Aboriginal Canadians to receive the specific training they require to benefit from current employment opportunities, including those generated by Canada's Economic Action Plan.

There are both regional and national components to the ASTSIF. The regional component supports training-to-employment projects, skills development projects and service improvement projects on a regional basis, while the national component supports initiatives that are national in scope, partnership-based and will result in the development of tools, services or promising practices that will enhance the range of client and business services provided under the successor strategy to the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Strategy (AHRDS).

The application process for this fund was launched in May 2009 and proposals were received over the following summer. A total of 74 regional projects and 12 national projects have been approved under ASTSIF. There are three types of projects: training-to-employment projects, short-term skills development projects, and service improvement projects.

The following is a sample of regional ASTSIF projects currently underway:

• In the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Aquaculture Skills, Training and Employment Strategy is a partnership with the Miawpukek First Nation in the Aquaculture sector. The project is training 26 unemployed Aboriginal clients as Aquaculture support workers and Aquaculture technicians. Clients will receive three months of institutional training and fifteen months of on-the-job training with Gray Aquaculture. The aim is for full-time employment of all 26 clients and the development of further projects to support the five-year plan of Gray Aquaculture to increase Aboriginal employment in their business. The project started on September 24, 2009.
  
  
• The Building the Road to Aboriginal Workforce project is a partnership with the Native Council of Nova Scotia. This training to employment project in the transportation and construction sectors, is supporting 24 Aboriginal clients to build careers in skilled trades and prepare for apprenticeships. This project started on October 5, 2009.
  
  
• The Next Generation project partnership with the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is a service improvement project to support the next generation of First Nations and Inuit labour forces through an innovative multi-stakeholder approach. The objective of this first pilot is to significantly increase First Nations and Inuit employment in the mining industry. This project will lead to the development of a labour market integration strategy for the mining industry, including the establishment of a Transitional School-to-Workplace Summer Employment Program that will accommodate 150 job seekers annually. The project started on November 9, 2009.
  
  
• The Licensed Practical Nursing Training partnership consists of several projects with the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Manitoba Métis Federation, and the First Peoples Development Inc. This training-to-employment model is providing Aboriginal clients in Manitoba with training and employment in the health care industry. Combined, these projects will train 149 clients to be practical nurses. Partners are working together to meet a critical need within the province. The focus is on recruiting participants from rural and remote Manitoba communities and training them near those communities, thus increasing the odds that participants will complete the training and subsequently choose to remain employed within those communities. This project started on October 1, 2009.
  
  
• The Success Project is a training-to-employment project with the Gwich'in Tribal Council in the Northwest Territories. Combining literacy and essential skills training in the skilled trades, this project will provide pre-employment training traditionally not available in the Northwest Territories given the remote location of Aboriginal communities. Clients will work for the municipality on infrastructure projects in order to gain trades experience. This project is tailor-made for this region as major labour market shortages in the oil and gas industry are persistent. Most labour in this area is imported and thus this project will provide the opportunity for local people to obtain local jobs in an area of sustainable employment. This project started on October 5, 2009.

Examples of ASTSIF projects under the national component of the program include:

• The Métis National Council is partnering with the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) to improve client and business services for Métis persons with disabilities across Canada. They are developing partnerships and leverage existing disability-related skills development and employment resources, while also creating new customized tools for the provision of client-centered services for Métis persons with disabilities. The project is also creating a national knowledge exchange and coordinating promising practices, tools, and resources for service delivery to persons with disabilities. This project began on January 11, 2010.
  
  
• The Whiteduck Resources Inc. project is developing and testing a learning and development model which will enable women, in particular micro-entrepreneurs, to increase their knowledge of business management, financial management and small business development.  In partnership with the Native Women's Association of Canada, among other groups, this project will build on previous projects that focused primarily on personal financial management, and will reach the rapidly expanding group of Aboriginal women entrepreneurs throughout Canada. This project became operational as of January 28, 2010.

Canada's Economic Action Plan also designated $25 million for 2009-10 to maintain the current Aboriginal Human Resource Development Strategy (AHRDS) funding until the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) is put in place in April 2010.  ASETS will help Aboriginal people receive the training and skills they need, both now and for the long term. This program will focus on three strategic priorities, including supporting demand-driven skills development, fostering partnerships with the private sector and the provinces and territories, and putting emphasis on accountability and results.

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Investments in First Nations Infrastructure

Canada's Economic Action Plan announced $515 million over two years to support First Nations community infrastructure projects in three priority areas: schools ($200 million), water and wastewater projects ($165 million), and critical community services infrastructure, such as health and police services facilities ($150 million). These investments are sparking job creation on reserve and in remote and rural communities.

As of January 2010, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is forecasting that total funding required to complete school construction and renovation projects under Canada's Economic Action Plan will be approximately $186 million over two years, $14 million less than originally forecasted.  INAC is investing the remaining $14 million into the completion of the 18 water/wastewater projects announced under the Plan. This will increase the total forecasted investments in that category from $165 million to $179 million over two years.

First Nations Schools

Funding of $186 million over two years is supporting the on-reserve construction of 12 new schools and major renovation projects [Note 2]. under Canada's Economic Action Plan. All projects have been announced and 9 are currently under construction. All of the schools will be in the construction phase by August 2010.   

This initiative contributes to the Government of Canada's commitment to improve on-reserve student retention and graduation rates. Building and renovating schools on reserves provides economic stimulus to communities by generating short-term employment and business opportunities and helps ensure educational facilities meet existing and future educational requirements. For example, by December 2009, together the Birch Narrows and Peter Ballantyne schools in Saskatchewan had generated over 55,000 hours of local labour, over half of which was provided by Aboriginal workers.

Some examples of First Nations school projects include:

• A new kindergarten to grade 8 school, accommodating 120 students, is being constructed in the First Nation community of Burnt Church, New Brunswick. The facility will consist of kindergarten classrooms, regular classrooms, a library/resource centre, an auditorium, a computer room, a science room, and administration and common areas. This school is currently under construction. The expected completion date is December 31, 2010.
  
  
• Construction has begun on a new kindergarten to grade 12 school to accommodate 314 students in the Wabaseemoong First Nation in Ontario. It is expected that construction of this facility will be complete by March 31, 2011.
  
  
• A new school is being built in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Manitoba. The new high school will hold up to 431 grade 7-12 students and will include a multi-purpose room, library resources centre, and science and computer rooms. This school is currently under construction and is expected to be complete by January 31, 2011.
  
  
• A new kindergarten to grade 12 school will accommodate 340 students in the Birch Narrows Dene Nation in Saskatchewan. This project is the result of a partnership between the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and the Birch Narrows First Nation. Construction on this project is now over 50 percent complete and is expected to be finished by March 2011.

First Nations Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Clean, safe water is a basic requirement for life and is fundamental to healthy and vibrant communities. The water initiative is addressing health and safety priorities in 18 First Nations communities across Canada. It will provide economic stimulus for many First Nations and rural areas through the generation of employment, the development of skilled trades and contracts for local small businesses. For example, by December 2009, the Black Lake and Fond du Lac Lagoons in Saskatchewan had together generated over 10,000 hours of local labour, of which almost half was provided by Aboriginal people.

Did you know?

Infrastructure investments provide direct benefits, such as an improved water supply, as well as indirect benefits, including opportunities for training and employment in the ongoing operation and maintenance of the new facilities.

As of January 2010, INAC is forecasting that total expenditures for the 18 water and waste water projects will be approximately $179 million over two years, $18 million more than originally forecasted.  This increase in funding is being financed through reduced planned requirements to complete the school projects also announced under Canada's Economic Action Plan.  Investments in the 18 water and wastewater facilities on reserve will directly benefit approximately 44,000 First Nations residents.

Of the 18 water/wastewater facilities being built, 11 are under construction and an additional 4 will be under construction by April 2010. Of the eleven, one project, the Pinaymootang sewage lagoon in Manitoba, is complete. The following list provides some examples of water projects:

• Construction has begun on a new water intake piping system for the community of Natuashish, Labrador which will supply water from a nearby river to a pumping station. This new system will provide a permanent water source for the community and is expected to be in place by January 31, 2011.
  
  
• A new mechanical sewage treatment plant is now under construction in the Innu community of Sheshatshiu, Labrador. It is expected that the facility will be complete by December 31, 2010.
  
  
• In the First Nation community of Wagmatcook, Nova Scotia, a new sludge system is currently under construction to replace the existing stabilization pond serving the north side of the reserve. The system is expected to be in place by December 31, 2010.
  
  
• Water treatment and reservoir capacities will be improved in the Kahnawake First Nation in Quebec to meet health and safety requirements. With construction already underway, it is expected that this project will be complete by November 30, 2010.
  
  
• A new sewage lagoon will be constructed in the Black Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan which will allow for the decommissioning of the existing lagoon. Construction on this facility has begun and is expected to be complete by November 30, 2010.

First Nations Health Infrastructure

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, $135 million over two years is supporting construction and renovation of health services infrastructure for First Nations communities, including health facilities and nurses' residences.  Funding for First Nations' health facilities ensures that First Nation communities continue to have access to critical health services and programs, delivered in safe and modern facilities.

A total of 40 signed agreements are in place for First Nations' health infrastructure projects. Since December, work has begun on five new projects bringing the total number of projects underway to twenty-three. One project has been completed, another eight have gone to tender, and the remaining projects are expected to go to tender and begin construction in spring 2010.  Numerous renovation projects are also advancing to improve existing First Nations' health infrastructure. 

Did you know?

The provision of federally funded health services to First Nations and Inuit – including community-based health promotion/protection programs, Non-Insured Health Benefits, primary care and home and community care, is supported by an extensive network of federal facilities. These include 77 nursing stations, 222 health centres, 42 alcohol and drug treatment centres, 8 solvent abuse centres, and numerous other health facilities, operational buildings and nurse/staff residences.

The construction of a health centre or a nursing station generally creates up to 15 jobs, depending upon the size of the facility and the location of the project. Construction to date has involved the employment of a range of skilled trades people like carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, machine and equipment operators as well as trades helpers and labourers.  Examples of First Nation health facility construction projects include:

• Fort Hope Nursing Station in Ontario: Fort Hope is an Anishinaabe (Ojibway) community 1480 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. It has an on-reserve population of approximately 1270 members.  The project will expand the existing Nursing Station, built in 1984, to better meet the needs of the current population.  The project is valued at $9.4 million.  Construction is anticipated to be complete in June 2010.
  
  
• Fort Chipewyan Health Centre in Alberta: This centre will replace the existing nursing station constructed in 1981.  The project is valued at $15 million.  Construction is anticipated to be complete in March 2011.  The community of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations reserve is located across the lake from the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan on the southwestern tip of Lake Athabasca.  It is approximately 200 air kilometres north of Fort McMurray and 600 kilometres Northeast of Edmonton.
  
  
• God's Lake Narrows Nursing Residence in Alberta: God's Lake Narrows is located 1037 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg with an on-reserve population of approximately 1400 residents.  The construction of this residence will help recruit and retain nurses.  The project is valued at $695,000.  Construction will be complete in February 2011. 

First Nations Policing Infrastructure

The $15 million allocated for 2009-2010 for the remediation of critical policing infrastructure in First Nations communities allows for more effective policing, ensuring that First Nations communities are safer and more secure.

Initiatives under Canada's Economic Action Plan for police infrastructure are being cost-shared between the Government of Canada (52%) and provinces (48%). Fourteen projects have been announced with thirteen under construction and one project, the Wikwemikong First Nation facility, completed. Project examples include:

• A police facility in Cat Lake First Nation, Ontario: Installation of a pre-fabricated facility has begun. The facility is being built off-site and delivered to the community. The footprint of this building will be approximately 3000 square feet and includes a more secure custody area. Installation of this facility will be complete this spring and the project is valued at $1,267,475. Cat Lake is situated approximately 179 kilometres due north of Sioux Lookout in northwestern Ontario.
  
  
• A police facility in Pikangikum First Nation in Ontario: The community is receiving a pre-fabricated facility which is built off-site and delivered and installed in the community. Installation is currently underway. The current police facility will be replaced with a modular police facility in order to provide a safer and more secure work environment for the police officers and the public. The footprint of this facility will be approximately 5000 square feet. The new building will have nine holding cells and will meet the operational needs of the police service for years to come. Pikangikum First Nation is a remote settlement of approximately 1720 people located in the Sioux Lookout District of northwestern Ontario.The value of this project is $3,946,800.
  
  
• A new police facility in Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario: Construction of a new facility is currently underway. The existing police facility did not adequately accommodate the size of the police force. A new police building will greatly improve the ability of the police service to securely store equipment, evidence and materials. Six Nations of the Grand River is located approximately 25 km southwest of the city of Hamilton,Ontario; between the cities of Brantford, Caledonia, and Hagersville. The value of this project is $3 million.

An Improved Rail System

Canada's Economic Action Plan includes $7.9 million to assist the Keewatin Railway in Manitoba and Tshiuetin Rail Transportation in western Labrador and Quebec to provide transportation services to remote communities in an efficient, safe and reliable manner. Funding is provided to these railways through the Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Services Class Contribution Program administered by Transport Canada. Several components of these First Nations rail projects are either completed or in the process of being completed. The projects are expected to be fully complete by March 31, 2011.

A contribution agreement was signed with Tshiuetin Rail Transportation on May 20, 2009. This has allowed the railway to invest in new machinery to mechanize track maintenance and rehabilitate the rail line.

A contribution agreement was signed with Keewatin Railway on May 27, 2009.  This has allowed the railway to advance acquire rail cars, upgrade its track, and construct a new ramp to improve accessibility of its trains for passenger and freight traffic. A new station is also being built at Pukatawagan to provide a secure place for passengers, baggage, and express shipments.

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While the Government is committed to supporting the development of individual home ownership on reserves, many First Nations continue to face significant need for affordable housing, including social housing. Canada's Economic Action Plan provides an opportunity to make significant progress addressing these needs.

The following is a list of approximate First Nations housing investments over two years by region:

• Atlantic: $20 million
• Quebec: $45 million
• Ontario: $65 million
• Manitoba: $75 million
• Saskatchewan: $60 million
• Alberta: $50 million
• British Columbia: $50 million
• Yukon: $4 million

First Nations Housing

Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $400 million over two years to support the construction of new on-reserve housing, renovations of existing social housing, and for complementary housing activities. These funds are flowing through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). For 2009/10 initiatives, $200 million has been fully committed and the application process is now closed.

CMHC is delivering $250 million through the On-reserve Housing New Construction Initiative for construction of new social housing and the On-reserve Housing Retrofit Initiative to address the demands for repairs, renovations, energy retrofits, and modifications to address overcrowding of social housing on-reserve. 

The remaining $150 million is being delivered by INAC to First Nations for important complementary housing activities such as lot servicing, construction of new high-density multi-unit dwellings, renovating existing housing units, and assisting in the transition of band-owned housing to private ownership.

Overall, more than 400 First Nations communities across Canada are receiving housing investments through Canada's Economic Action Plan and most regions have now seen the completion of a portion of their housing projects. Under CMHC initiatives, work is underway on the construction and renovation of on-reserve social housing in more than 320 First Nation communities, addressing more than 4717 units.  Under INAC initiatives, over 2,100 housing units have been selected for construction, renovation or conversion to private ownership and nearly 600 lots designated for servicing for 2009/10. Currently, INAC is in the process of reviewing applications and finalizing allocations for 2010/11 housing projects. For INAC investments, a second national call for proposals is not anticipated at this time. Successful applicants will be selected from proposals received during the 2009 Call for Proposals.

These projects are generating employment opportunities and fostering the development of skilled trades. This, in turn, is stimulating small businesses across the country, specifically in many First Nations and rural areas.

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Supporting First Nations and Inuit Health Programs

Canada's Economic Action Plan is providing $305 million over two years to strengthen current health programs, including $240 million for non-insured health benefits and $65 million to ensure around-the-clock availability of nursing services in remote and isolated communities served by Health Canada.

First Nations Child and Family Services

The Government is continuing to move forward with willing provinces and First Nations in implementing a new prevention-focused tripartite approach for First Nations child and family services on reserves. Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $20 million over two years to ensure further progress on this strategy.

On August 25 and 26, 2009, the Government of Canada announced that Quebec and Prince Edward Island (PEI) respectively, would be the next jurisdictions to implement the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach with Canada's Economic Action Plan funding.  The Government of Canada is providing $59.8 million over five years to implement the new approach on reserve in the Province of Quebec and $1.7 million over five years in PEI.  The Quebec and PEI frameworks are in addition to those reached with Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia, bringing the total to five provinces, and representing almost half of First Nation children living on reserve in Canada.

This funding assists in providing a broader range of prevention services such as in-home supports, respite care and mentoring. The tripartite approach to prevention means families living on-reserve will receive the support and services they need before they reach a crisis. In turn, this will assist in achieving better outcomes for First Nations children and families. This will support the Government of Canada's objective to protect the most vulnerable in Canadian society, especially First Nations women and children.

 

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Recreational Infrastructure Canada

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $500 million over two years to build and renew community recreation facilities across Canada.  This funding will be used to fund projects geared to the rehabilitation and upgrades of existing facilities, or to the construction of new facilities that will either add to or replace existing recreational infrastructure assets and/or capacity. In addition to tennis, basketball, volleyball or other sport-specific courts, eligible project categories include gymnasiums, sport fields, parks, fitness trails, bike paths and other multi-purpose facilities that have physical recreation as the primary rationale. 

Recreation Infrastructure Canada (RInC) provides opportunities for Aboriginal communities and businesses to benefit from the services of a well-equipped and prosperous community.

For example, the Kahnawake Survival School sports field in Quebec is being relocated with assistance under RInC. The project consists of replacing the existing sports fields that are contaminated by toxic heavy metals in order to host high school and community sports events.  The total cost of the project is $453,103 with the federal government contributing $190,651.

RInC is also playing an important role for Aboriginal communities located in the North. Canada's Economic Action Plan is allocating $1.67 million of RInC funding in two installments to the Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) to support projects in the three territories. Due to the short building season in the North, the majority of construction will occur in 2010-11.

To date, eleven RInC projects in the territories have been announced. For example in the Northwest Territories, seven projects are receiving RInC funding including $200,138 to Aklavik to upgrade the Sittichinli Recreation Complex Arena and $94,119 to Fort Liard for energy renovations at the Fort Liard Recreation Complex.

In Nunavut, the Territorial Government has committed to matching federal funding of $567,000 and oversee four RInC projects across the territory. Investments include up to $100,000 for renovating the Taloyoak community pool; up to $150,000 for renovating the Chesterfield Inlet complex gym; and up to $200,000 and $117,000 for new cement pads for the Igloolik and Sanikiluaq arenas.

Community Adjustment Fund

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government is helping to mitigate the short-term impacts of restructuring in communities through the Community Adjustment Fund. Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $1 billion over two years for this Fund to support small communities (population less than 250,000) to undertake activities such as community transition plans that foster economic development, science and technology initiatives, and other measures that promote economic diversification. The Fund is delivered through the regional development agencies, including the newly created Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and the Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).

 

Several Aboriginal communities across Canada are undertaking projects under the Community Adjustment Fund. In the Northwest Territories for example, the Tulita Dene Band Council will receive $488,000 to gather and remove communication wires on the Canol Trail in cooperation with the Norman Wells Land Corporation. The removal of the wire will ensure safe use of the trail, allow for increased recreational use, and support ecotourism activities.

In Northern Quebec, the Aananischaaukamikw Cultural Institute will see the construction of a museum dedicated to Cree culture and history. The Museum is being built in the Cree community of Oujé-Bougoumou and will be the first museum in Northern Quebec. It will be the focal point in promoting the Cree culture, language and history. This facility will add a major attraction for tourism development in Northern Quebec which is oriented towards nature and Aboriginal culture.

Building Canada Fund

Managed by Infrastructure Canada, the Building Canada Fund supports infrastructure projects across the country, both large and small. The fund was established in 2007 under the Building Canada Plan. Under Canada's Economic Action Plan, an additional $500 million was added to the Communities Component of this Fund. To this end, federal and provincial governments have worked together to announce a number of smaller-scale projects in communities with a population under 100,000 that could be materially completed by March 31, 2011. 

For example, under the Communities Component top-up, Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement in Alberta will see the construction of a museum and cultural interpretative centre to showcase the Métis Culture. This centre will be a venue for local artists and artisans to improve, teach, and display their talents including music, dance, artefacts, storytelling, arts/crafts, and cuisine/cooking. The project, which is currently underway, is being cost-shared with the Province of Alberta and Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement.

Broadband

Canada's Economic Action Plan designated $225 million over three years for expanding rural broadband service across the country. The deadline for proposals was Friday, October 23, 2009. First Nations who own and operate broadband infrastructure were eligible to apply for this funding. Due to the high response to the Broadbandprogram, the application assessment phase has taken slightly longer than originally anticipated. Industry Canada expects to begin announcing successful projects shortly.

Accelerating Action on Federal Contaminated Sites

Under Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Southern component of the Accelerating Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan is receiving funding of $33.2 million over 2 years. In 2009-10, there are 11 remediation and  66 assessment projects to be accelerated across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. Field work for 46 of the assessment projects and 6 of the remediation projects are complete.

Increased assessment and remediation activities at federal sites has increased the demand for specialized skilled labour and trades. For example, the Mathias Colomb Area 5B in Manitoba has created 24 job positions including 5 heavy equipment operators, 8 truck drivers, 2 security officers, 1 flag person, 2 local supervisors, 1 project manager and 2 engineers. Most of these positions are held by Aboriginal people.

Procurement Opportunities

Another potential vehicle for delivering benefits to Aboriginal people is through procurement. Procurement programming allows Aboriginal firms to directly bid on and win contracts for infrastructure projects or indirectly participate through partnerships with non-Aboriginal firms (e.g., sub-contracting). The Government's Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) includes liaison and outreach/awareness functions that can facilitate Aboriginal procurement activity without imposing undue delays in the roll-out of Government investments.

INAC coordinates federal efforts to identify Aboriginal businesses involved in the construction sector in each province and territory and shares this information with other government departments, provinces, territories and municipalities, construction and engineering industry associations, Aboriginal business associations, or any other organizations that have an interest in Aboriginal procurement.

Currently under development, the Aboriginal Business Information Management System (ABIMS) is a tool that will gather information and data to strategically support the 2009 Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development vision - that the Government of Canada, Aboriginal Canadians, and willing partners work together to ensure that Aboriginal Canadians enjoy the same opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation as other Canadians. ABIMS will provide basic corporate information including corporate profile, capacity, and sectors of the economy in which they can engage.  ABIMS will support Aboriginal businesses by connecting them to procurement opportunities in the public and private sector. It is expected that this tool will be available shortly.

Aboriginal businesses seeking further information are directed to contact officials with the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business at 1-800-400-7677.

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Canada's North continues to be a key priority for the Government of Canada. Many significant investments in the North are included in Canada's Economic Action Plan and they contribute to the aim of Canada's Northern Strategy - to build a strong and sustainable North for Northerners and all Canadians. More information on the Northern Strategy  

Investing in Canada's North is also of particular importance to Aboriginal Canadians given the high proportion of Aboriginal people who live and work in the North.

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Canada's Economic Action Planinvested $50 million over five years to establish a new Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). CanNor will help create a prosperous economic future for Northerners. Officially launched on August 18, 2009, CanNor has a strong presence across the North with its headquarters in Iqaluit, regional offices in Yellowknife and Whitehorse, and a liaison office in Ottawa. A Northern Projects Management Office in Yellowknife is also being established to coordinate the work of federal regulatory departments and agencies in resource development in the territories.

CanNor is responsible for managing projects under Recreational Infrastructure Canada and the Community Adjustment Fund for the three territories. Under RInC, for example, some projects already completed in the North include repairs to the community swimming pool in the Village of Carmacks in the Yukon as well as replacement of the floor surface and installation of new hockey boards in the Sittichinli Arena in the Hamlet of Aklavik, Northwest Territories (see insert).

Examples of Community Adjustment Fund projects in the North include $3 million over two years for a feasibility study to construct a portion of the Mackenzie Valley Highway in the Northwest Territories and $700,000 for a revitalization project in the Town of Faro, Yukon which will support the improvement of the town's tourism potential as a focus for economic development.

Also funded under the Community Adjustment Fund, the Katlodeeche First Nation in the Northwest Territories is receiving $300,000 that will support four community improvement projects including landscaping and beautifying the town centre; developing a two-acre community garden; wildfire prevention and protection activities; and improving a nature trail. These activities will enhance tourism and local businesses while also supporting the well-being of local residents.

Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development

CanNor's cornerstone investment in the North is the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program. The Economic Action Plan included $90 million over five years for the renewal of the SINED program to stimulate long-term economic development in the territories. New five-year territorial investment plans, developed with extensive stakeholder input, were approved by Minister Strahl in August 2009.

SINED applications are accepted on a continuous basis. As of the end of January, 2010, 46 projects representing $6.3 million had been approved, including $2.6 million to support several geoscience projects in the three territories to improve the understanding of the North's mineral and energy resources.

Key expected outcomes include increased publicly accessible knowledge, expanded multi-user economic infrastructure, and more business and employment opportunities available to Northerners.

For example, the Council of Yukon First Nations is receiving $715,800 for their 2010 project supporting the development and delivery of a world-class program show-casing the Yukon's diverse First Nations people, culture, and industry during the 2010 Winter Games. In Nunavut, $60,000 has been allocated to strengthen the on-going multi-species stock assessment taking place in the waters of the Hudson Strait. Both of these projects are currently underway.

Canadian High Arctic Research Station Feasibility Study

Canada's Economic Action Plan allocated $2 million to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to conduct a feasibility study for a Canadian High Arctic Research Station that will serve as a hub for scientific activity in Canada's Arctic region. Consultations continue to be held with three candidate communities (Cambridge Bay, Pond Inlet and Resolute) to examine the possible location for the research station. The Project Charter and Project Plan have also been finalized. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, with the support of Public Works and Government Services Canada and an Experts and Users Group, has prepared preliminary costing of the project. By summer 2010, detailed costing, space requirements, and a functional program will be established.

Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund

Canada's Economic Action Planalso allocated new funding of $85 million to upgrade key existing research facilities across Canada's Arctic. Projects that were chosen for funding will be completed by March 31, 2011. These projects will provide near-term economic stimulus for the North while simultaneously establishing a basis for strong Arctic research capacity that will support government priorities. These investments will reinforce a network of research infrastructure to support the future Canadian High Arctic Research Station.

Following a Call for Proposals in February 2009 and a rigorous review process, funding for 20 infrastructure projects at 37 sites was announced in March, 2009. Twelve of these projects are led or co-led by Northerners. Project activities have commenced for all 20 initiatives and to date, nine projects have commenced construction. Examples of projects include:

• The Western Arctic Research Centre is receiving up to $11 million to upgrade the Aurora Research Institute in Inuvik, Northwest Territories with improved laboratories and offices. The mandate of the Aurora Research Institute is to improve the quality of life of residents of the territory by utilizing scientific, technological, and indigenous knowledge to address Northern issues and promote social and economic goals. With design work completed, this project is in the construction phase.
  
  
• The Nunavut Research Institute in Iqaluit is receiving up to $11 million for the construction of a new larger and more energy-efficient facility that will accommodate more research activities and services. The current facility has been used for over 30 years to provide multidisciplinary scientific support for field work and licensing. Design and construction work have begun.  In early February 2010, the existing building was demolished.
  
  
• The Centre d'études nordiques (CEN)is receiving up to $8.3 million for environmental and safety upgrades to the accommodations, laboratory, and storage space at eight facilities in Nunavik and Nunavut, in addition to the construction of a new Community Science Training Centre to facilitate research planning, training, and knowledge sharing at the Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuarapik research station. CEN has strong relationships with the communities the stations are situated in, and has been successful at integrating communities into the implementation of this project. Each site is at a different stage of completion, with four having begun construction.
  
  
• The Churchill Northern Studies Centre in northern Manitoba is receiving funding of up to $11 million for a new Northern Studies Centre and upgrades to the existing ‘spoke facilities'. The Centre has served as a non-profit research and education facility for researchers since 1976 as well as an important logistical hub for Canada's sub-Arctic region. The design of the Northern Studies Centre is complete, materials have been delivered, and construction initiated. The Centre is working toward a high level of energy efficiency, including LEED status for the new building.

Small-Craft Harbour Construction in Pangnirtung, Nunavut

Canada's Economic Action Plan allocated $17 million for accelerated construction of a small craft harbour in Pangnirtung, Nunavut. The objective of this harbour project is to provide improved infrastructure to the existing commercial fishery, provide a basis to further develop the inshore fisheries, and support other community marine interests.

Phase one entails a partially dredged inner basin, a marshalling area, the purchase of floating docks for small vessels, and a west breakwater. To date, a first group of floating docks has been purchased and delivered on site and a contract has been let for all Phase one construction with the exception of the breakwater. Equipment has been mobilized and the work will be completed in the 2010 construction season. Initial upgrades to a municipal bridge and road, required to support harbour construction activity was undertaken in fall 2009.  Phase two of the project, entailing additional vessel berthage facilities and the dredging of the main channel, is scheduled to take place post-2010.

Accelerating Action on Northern Contaminated Sites

Under Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Northern component of the Accelerating Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan is receiving funding of $24.2 million over 2 years. In 2009-10, this initiative aimed to complete 163 new site assessments and work at 155 sites that were already funded under the existing fiscal framework across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Assessment projects at 106 sites have now been completed and there is currently one remediation and risk management project underway in the North.

As with other stimulus activities, creating jobs in Northern communities is an important element of this initiative. For example, the Giant Mine site in Northwest Territories has supported 59 direct employment opportunities as well as numerous spin-off positions. Estimates suggest that approximately 60% of direct and indirect employment positions stemming from work on contaminated sites in the North are currently held by Aboriginal people and/or Northerners. The redevelopment of contaminated sites also aims to improve the quality of life for Canadians and future generations by eliminating the possibility of exposure to potentially harmful contaminants.

Investments in Housing for Northerners

The Government of Canada understands that having a safe and affordable place to call home is important to Canadian families and their communities.  Recognizing the distinctive housing needs in the North, Canada's Economic Action Plan is providing $200 million, over two years in dedicated federal funding for the renovation and the construction of new social housing units across Northern Canada. The Yukon and Northwest Territories have been allocated $50 million each, while the remaining $100 million has been allocated to Nunavut where the need for new social housing is greatest. This funding is distinct from the $4 million funding that the Yukon is receiving for First Nations housing.

Under the Northern housing initiative, cost-sharing by the territories is not required.  In addition, Canada's Economic Action Plan also includes funding of more than $12.5 million that will be matched by the three territories to build new housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities and to renovate and retrofit existing social housing. 

To ensure a quick start to construction, funding is being delivered through amendments to existing agreements between Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the territories under the Affordable Housing Initiative. Through the amended agreements, the territories are responsible for program design and delivery. 

These investments are making a difference in northern communities and strengthening local economies within the North.  With over 110 projects underway across the territories, this investment is bringing jobs and affordable housing solutions to address the immediate and significant need in Canada's Northern communities. Some examples under the Northern housing investment include:

• Boys under the care of Family and Children's Services in Whitehorse, Yukon are benefiting from more suitable housing that gives them a quiet, safe place to live while in transition. The Children's Receiving Home provides temporary accommodation for children and youth in Whitehorse who have been removed from their families because of abuse or neglect and who need a period of assessment and stabilization.
  
  
• A sod-turning event in the summer of 2009 signaled the start of a new project in Watson Lake, Yukon where the Government of Canada and Yukon Housing are contributing more than $4.5 million to create 12 affordable housing units for low-income seniors. The project is being designed to meet Yukon's SuperGreen Home energy efficiency standards and ensure a barrier-free interior and exterior living environment that will enable seniors in Watson Lake to remain in their community.
  
  
• A senior's residence is being constructed in Faro, Yukon. Funding of $2 million will support this project. An additional $2.7 million was also approved for a seniors' residence in the community of Teslin. Two of the seven units are for seniors with a disability. Construction in both communities is underway and will continue throughout the winter, generating employment for trades. Completion is anticipated for the fall of 2010. Both buildings are wood frame construction and feature SuperGreen energy efficiency standards and Accommodating Home standards for a barrier-free living environment.
  
  
• With a federal contribution of $8.5 million to the Whitehorse Affordable Family Housing Project, four 8-plex buildings will provide much-needed housing for lone-parent families.  Construction of the 32-unit apartment-style affordable housing project in Whitehorse is anticipated to be complete in fall 2010. The two-storey wood frame construction will feature SuperGreen energy efficiency standards and Accommodating Home standards for a barrier-free living environment.

 

As noted in this and previous reports, the Government has moved quickly to have funding commitments flow out and generate activity in the Canadian economy. The Government has taken concrete measures to streamline processes to ensure early decisions on project selection, expedient tendering and contracting and to ensure that infrastructure projects make full use of what can be a short and challenging construction season in many parts of the country. As this report highlights, many projects are now in the construction phase and in some cases, construction is already completed.

Duty to Consult

As the government takes steps to strengthen the Canadian economy, it is also taking measures to more effectively and efficiently fulfill the legal duty to consult by:

• improving efficiency through implementing practical mechanisms to streamline the consultation process across departments, such as taking a "whole of government" approach for Crown consultation on major projects under the Major Project Management Office and
  
  
• integrating the legal duty to consult requirements into new economic development priorities such as the Accelerating Infrastructure Initiative.

Canada has made incremental improvements in the consistency and coordination of consultation practices and is increasing the understanding of the Crown's obligations, beginning with raising awareness of federal officials on consultation and accommodation issues. Through Canada's Action Plan on Consultation and Accommodation, over 1000 federal officials have received training on the Government of Canada's duty to consult.

As we move into year two of the Plan, Aboriginal Canadians and Northerners are seeing results in their communities.

The Government of Canada will continue to play a leadership role in ensuring that these initiatives identified in Canada's Economic Action Plan are implemented in an effective and rapid manner and that the results are conveyed to all Canadians, through updates such as this one. Overall, these efforts are helping to minimize the effects for Canada of the economic downturn and we  must be diligent to ensure that momentum is maintained. As we move forward, it will be important to ensure that these and future investments provide lasting economic, cultural, and social benefits on which Aboriginal and northern communities can build even greater growth and prosperity.

 

Annex 1: Summary of Key Aboriginal and Northern Investments under Canada's Economic Action Plan

 

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