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.

The Economic Action Plan is protecting Canadian jobs and incomes by delivering a $61 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 Economic Action 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 three quarterly Reports to Canadians released on March 10, June 11, and September 28 of this year. The Government will provide a fourth progress report later this fall. Canadians can monitor the progress of the Economic Action Plan   on the Government's website.

The Canada Skills and Transition Strategy

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's overall objective is sustainable employment for Aboriginal people, leading to lasting benefits for Aboriginal communities, families and individuals. This initiative fosters partnerships between provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal organizations and the private sector to create training and employment opportunities. Through the Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $100 million over three years for ASEP projects. Ten projects have been approved and planning is also underway to develop up to 10 additional projects.

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

• The Kivalliq Mine Training Society will oversee the implementation and management of a comprehensive Training-to-Employment Plan to prepare residents of Nunavut's Kivalliq region for guaranteed employment opportunities created through the construction and operation of Agnico-Eagle's Meadowbank gold mine, and other planned projects such as Areva Resources' Kiggavik uranium mine.  Through this project, participants will receive the training and workplace experience required to secure the following long-term, sustainable jobs: Heavy Equipment Operators, Trades Apprentices, Journeyperson, General Labourers, and Administrative/Technical Support and Professional staff.
  
  
• In the Northwest Territories, the Dehcho First Nations Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (DFN ASEP) will oversee the implementation and management of a comprehensive Training-to-Employment Plan to prepare Dehcho First Nations communities for guaranteed employment opportunities created through construction, and petroleum exploration and production. Along with formal training, participants will receive training in Health and Safety, and the Work Readiness Program, which includes Case Management, Bridging Employment Skills Training, and Job Search Strategies.
  
  
• In the Northwest Territories, an ASEP partnership project will deliver a comprehensive Training-to-Employment Plan to prepare Aboriginal residents of the Mackenzie and Beaufort Delta region for guaranteed employment opportunities created through the construction, transport and marine trades. Through this project, Aboriginal men, women and youth participants will receive the training and workplace experience required to secure long-term, sustainable jobs.
  
  
• In Saskatoon, ASEP will support major economic opportunities identified in the residential construction industry both within the city 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 Association for Mineral Exploration BC and the Mining Association of BC will collaborate with Aboriginal communities in the Dease Lake and Kamloops regions of British Columbia, the Government of British Columbia, mineral exploration and mining corporations, and educational institutions to establish the BC Aboriginal Minerals and Mining Training and Employment Partnership (BC AMMTEP). The project will train Aboriginal people for employment in the British Columbia mineral exploration and mining sectors.

Aboriginal Skills & Training Strategic Investment Fund

The Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund (ASTSIF) of $75 million will strengthen opportunities for employment partnerships and target training for Aboriginal Canadians. The application process for this fund was launched on May 4, 2009 and proposals were received over the summer. There are three types of projects: training-to-employment projects, short-term skills development projects, and service improvement projects.

The ASTSIF increases the Government's investment in Aboriginal skills development while laying the groundwork for the next generation of Aboriginal labour market programming focused on employer partnerships and concrete results. This investment will assist Aboriginal people, who may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the economic downturn, to acquire the necessary skills to adapt to the changing labour market and to secure long-term jobs. The fund will support over 70 projects that will begin this fall. For example:

• Alberta Bigstone Cree Nation: This project will provide trades training to clients of the Bigstone Cree Nation for jobs in the construction industry. The Bigstone Cree Housing Authority has a growing demand for repairs, construction and renovations on buildings and homes. This project will provide training for apprenticeship exams. Following successful exams apprenticeship hours will be logged through work experience with the housing authority. Skills are transferable to other jurisdictions.
  
  
• Métis Settlements General Council: This project will provide clients with healthcare related training and employment as health care aides or licensed practical nurses. Clients will receive institutional training and job placements following training completion.

The Economic Action Plan also designated $25 million for 2009-10 to maintain the current Aboriginal Human Resource Development Strategy 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.

Support for Industries and Communities

• Strengthening Partnerships with Aboriginal Canadians

Supporting First Nations and Inuit Health Programs

The Economic Action Plan contained $305 million over two years, with $135 million in the first year, to strengthen current health programs, improve health outcomes for First Nations and Inuit, and move towards greater integration with provincial and territorial health systems. Of this sum, $240 million will augment the Non-Insured Health Benefits program and $65 million is helping to ensure around-the-clock nursing services in remote and isolated communities.

First Nations Child and Family Services

The Government is continuing to move forward in willing provinces and First Nations in implementing a new province-specific, prevention-focused tripartite approach for First Nations child and family services on reserves.

The Economic Action Plan provides $20 million over two years to ensure further progress on this strategy through agreements with other provinces, and in the process, ensure more effective information gathering and enhanced accountability.

On August 25 and 26, 2009, the Government of Canada announced that Quebec and Prince Edward Island would be the next jurisdictions to implement the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach with Canada's Economic Action Plan funding.  The Framework with the province of Quebec and First Nations in Quebec will provide $59.8 million over five years to implement the new approach on reserve in Quebec. The framework with PEI and First Nations in PEI will provide $1.7 million over five years to implement the new approach on reserve in PEI.

More directly, this funding will continue to provide a broad 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.

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Investments in Housing for Canadians

A key goal for the Government of Canada for on-reserve housing remains helping First Nations to move toward a private housing sector. 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.

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). To date, $200 million has been fully committed for specific 2009/10 initiatives.

CMHC is delivering $250 million ($125 million in 2009-2010) 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 the social housing on-reserve. 

The remaining $150 million is being delivered by INAC to First Nations for 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.

The following is a list of approximate investments in First Nations housing by province/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

Calls for applications for on-reserve initiatives were jointly announced on April 27, 2009 by CMHC and INAC. The response from First Nations communities was very positive and resulted in a large number of applications. As a result, the entire $200 million allocation for 2009-2010 is now fully committed. The application call for all programs and initiatives is closed for this fiscal year for both departments. First Nations are encouraged to watch for announcements regarding opportunities for 2010-2011 funds by INAC and CMHC.

Work has already begun on the construction and renovation of on-reserve social housing in 121 First Nation communities, addressing more than 2200 units under the CMHC delivered investments. 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.

These investments are generating employment and the development of skilled trades, thereby stimulating opportunities for the establishment of small businesses across the country, specifically in many First Nations and rural areas.

New Housing for Musqueam First Nation

On July 15, 2009, the Government announced a $5.3-million investment, as part of the Economic Action Plan, for the Musqueam First Nation in British Columbia to build 31 social housing units for the community. As the first on-reserve housing project to be announced, this new development will provide on-reserve housing for young families, seniors and persons with disabilities in the Musqueam community. It will also provide an economic stimulus for the community and surrounding areas by creating an estimated 58 direct and indirect jobs.

“This new and exciting housing project comes at a time when both the Musqueam leadership and Musqueam members have identified our housing needs as the number one priority in our community. Through this project, our people, long on housing waiting lists, will have an opportunity to raise their families in safe and healthy homes.”

Chief Ernest Campbell, Musqueam First Nation

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Investments in First Nations Infrastructure

Canada's Economic Action Plan provided $515 million over two years, including $260 million in 2009/10, 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). Of the funding for infrastructure in First Nations, 97 per cent has been committed for specific 2009/10 initiatives.

First Nations Schools

Funding of $200 million over two years ($95 million in 2009/10) is supporting the on-reserve construction of a number of new schools and major renovation projects. All projects have been announced and four projects are underway.  Two additional projects have gone to tender and six are expected to go to tender by early 2010, with a total of 10 projects under construction by March 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.

The following is a list of school projects identified by province:

New Brunswick:

• A new kindergarten to grade 8 school, accommodating 120 students, will be constructed in the First Nation community of Burnt Church, New Brunswick consisting of kindergarten classrooms; regular classrooms; a library/resource centre; an auditorium; a computer room; a science room; and administration and common areas. The expected completion date for construction on this school is December 31, 2010.

Quebec:

• A major renovation will be done to the Uauitshitun School in Natashquan to account for the growing student numbers and the building's age. It is expected that renovations will be completed by March 11, 2011.
  
  
• The Wemotaci First Nation will see major renovations to their primary school to address the increasing student population and the building's age. The expected completion date for this school is March 31, 2011.

Ontario:

• A new elementary school will be constructed in the community of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation for 122 students. The construction will include a new 2,350 m² facility, complete with play areas, soccer field, track, and basketball court. March 31, 2011 is the expected date of completion for this school.
  
  
• Construction has begun on a new kindergarten to grade 12 school to accommodate 314 students in the Wabaseemoong First Nation community. It is expected that construction of this facility will be complete by March 31, 2011.
  
  
• Construction will begin in 2009-2010 for a new school in the North Spirit Lake First Nation community. This kindergarten to grade 9 school will accommodate 69 students. It is expected that construction will be completed by March 31, 2011.

Manitoba:

• A new school is being built in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. 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.

Saskatchewan:

• A new kindergarten to grade 12 school will accommodate 340 students in the Birch Narrows First Nation. 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 has already begun, with a sod-turning ceremony having been celebrated on June 2, 2009. The project is expected to be complete by March 2011.
  
  
• A new kindergarten to grade 12 school, accommodating 207 students, is being constructed in partnership with the Peter Ballantyne First Nation. Construction includes a new elementary school, new roadways, parking lots, playing fields and landscaping. Construction has already begun on this project and is expected to be completed by October 1, 2010.

Alberta:

• Construction of a new elementary school located on the isolated Fox Lake reserve of the Little Red River Cree Nation in northern Alberta will accommodate 781 students. It is expected that construction will be completed by March 31, 2011. Also part of the funded project will be a retrofit of the existing school on the reserve.

British Columbia:

• A major renovation project will be done to the Acwsalcta School in the First Nation community of Nuxalk. The renovations will include the addition of classroom space, seismic improvements, fire suppression improvements and general building upgrades. February 28, 2011 is the expected completion date.

• A new school for 310 grade 7-12 students will be built in the Ahousaht First Nation community, greatly alleviating the overcrowding problem in the current kindergarten to grade 12 school. The project includes four teacherages and eleven classrooms, with potential additional space for five more rooms. The kindergarten to grade 6 students will remain in the existing school. The expected completion date for the new school is February 28, 2011.
  
  
• A new school will be built in the Penticton First Nation community. The Penticton school will integrate kindergarten to grade 6 students who are currently attending off-reserve provincial schools and students who are attending classes in on-reserve portables. The design of the school will include various green initiatives such as a geothermal heating system. Projected school enrolment is about 90 full-time students, with adult learning taking place in the evenings. This school is expected to be finished construction by February 28, 2011.

New School for Manitoba's Opaskwayak First Nations

Opaskwayak Cree Nation, an urban reserve near The Pas, Manitoba, celebrated the beginning of construction of a new school on September 3, 2009. The project is being funded $22.4 million under Canada's Economic Action Plan and will include 17 classrooms and room for 431 grade 7 to 12 students on-reserve. It will house a multi-purpose room, library resource centre, and science and computer rooms. “This new school will open up a lot of space and create a better learning environment for the students,” said Chief Glen Ross. “OCN needs our kids to keep moving forward so they can look after the community in the future.”

First Nations Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

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 the creation of small businesses. Funding of $165 million over two years, with $83 million in 2009/10, will support 18 water and wastewater projects on reserves, directly benefiting approximately 44,000 First Nations residents. All of these projects have been announced and 7 are already under construction. An additional project has gone to tender and 7 more will go to tender in early 2010, with a total of 15 under construction by March 2010.

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. 

The following is a list of projects identified by province:

Newfoundland and Labrador:

• Construction has begun on a new water intake piping system for the community of Natuashish 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. It is expected that the facility will be complete by December 31, 2010.

Nova Scotia:

• In the First Nation community of Wagmatcook a new sludge system will be built 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.

Quebec:

• The Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation will see the development of a municipal water and wastewater network for a portion of the community connected to the neighbouring municipality. The expected completion date for the network is March 18, 2011.
  
  
• In the Betsiamites First Nation community a new water source will be identified as well as the rehabilitation of its current treatment plant. It is expected that this project will be complete by March 30, 2011.
  
  
• Water treatment and reservoir capacities will be improved in the Kahnawake First Nation community to meet health and safety requirements. It is expected that this project will be complete by November 30, 2010.

Ontario:

• The construction of a new water treatment plant and repairs to current infrastructure will be done in the First Nation community of Moose Deer Point. The water treatment plant, reservoir, and distribution system will connect three parcels of land which are separated by a wildlife nature reserve, providing safe, potable water to residents. It is expected that this project will be complete by March 31, 2011.
  
  
• A new water supply and treatment plant will be built in the Six Nations of the Grand River community to service the core area of the community as well as future community growth. This project is expected to reach completion by March 1, 2011.

Manitoba:

• A new sewage lagoon and pumping station is currently under construction in the Pinaymootang First Nation community, as is the decommissioning of the existing lagoon. The expected completion date is October 30, 2010.
  
  
• Critical upgrades to the existing water and sewage treatment plants will be made in the community of War Lake. It is expected that this project will be complete by October 1, 2010.
  
  
• A new lagoon will be designed and constructed in the First Nation community of Norway House Cree Nation. The expected date of completion is October 29, 2010.

Saskatchewan:

• A new sewage lagoon will be constructed in the Black Lake First Nation 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.
  
  
• Construction is underway on a new sewage lagoon in The Fond du Lac First Nation. It is expected that this project will be complete by August 31, 2010.
  

Alberta:

• Upgrades to the current wastewater system will be made in Whitefish Lake First Nation. The expected completion date is March 31, 2011.
  
  
• A new water treatment system is being built in the community of the Dene Tha' First Nation. Construction has initiated and the expected completion date is March 31, 2011.

British Columbia:

• The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Community will have its water supply system updated and have a new sewage collection system built. Construction on this initiative has begun and is expected to be complete by April 30, 2011.
  
  
• In the Kamloops First Nation, new sewer pipes and lift stations will be installed providing service to the existing 114 Band homes, administration building, and school. The wastewater collection system will also help to facilitate commercial and economic development opportunities on Kamloops First Nation's other lands. It is expected that this project will be complete by January 30, 2011.

• Saddle Lake First Nation's water treatment plant will be replaced with a permanent facility ensuring the community has a constant supply of potable water.  It is expected that this facility will be complete by March 31, 2011.

Improved Rail Service

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, 2010.

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 to acquire track materials.

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

Critical Community Services

Health Infrastructure

Over the next two years, $135 million will be spent for the construction and renovation of health services infrastructure for First Nations, including health facilities and nurses' residences. This funding began flowing on April 1, 2009, ensuring that First Nations continue to have access to safe and effective facilities, quality health programs and services, and that their critical health needs are met. Over 40 new projects and approximately 230 renovation projects will be completed. The first 16 of these projects were announced on September 1, 2009.

New Brunswick:

• The Mi'Kmaq community of Pabineau will receive a new Health centre. The facility is expected to be constructed by July 2010.

Quebec:

• The Opitciwan First Nation will see additional space added to the existing nursing station which was built in 1986 and expanded and renovated in 1994. The expected completion date is July 2010.
  
  
• Pakua Shipi First Nation will receive an expansion to their existing nursing station, built in 1983 and expanded/renovated in 1997.  The expected date of completion is March 2011.

Ontario:

• The Anishinaabe community of Gull Bay will have a new health station constructed. This construction replaces the health facility built in 1982 and is expected to be completed by March 2010.
  
  
• The Anishinaabe community of Batchewana will see the construction of a new health station in their community, serving approximately 631 members. The project is expected to be completed by March 2010.
  
  
• A new health centre will be constructed at Pic Mobert First Nation to replace the existing one built in 1985. This facility will service a population of approximately 325. Construction began in the summer of 2009 with planned completion for March 2010.

Saskatchewan:

• Piapot First Nation will have the existing health centre replaced. Construction is to be completed March 2011.
  
  
• Sturgeon Lake First Nation will also have a new health centre constructed to replace the existing structure built in 1982. Completion is planned for March 2011.
  
  
• Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation will receive a new health centre to replace the existing health centre constructed in 1984. Construction is expected to be completed in March 2011.

Manitoba:

• A new nursing station will be built in Bloodvein First Nation to replace the existing facility that was constructed in 1979. Construction will begin in the summer of 2009 with the planned completion date is September 2010.
  
  
• A new nursing residence will be built in York Landing. It is expected that this project will be completed in spring 2010. The residence will complement the new $4.5 million nursing station that will be constructed in fall 2009.

Alberta:

• An expansion will be undertaken to augment the existing Level 3 Health Centre in Swan River. Construction is expected to be completed in January 2010.

British Columbia:

• A new health station will be built in Yekooche First Nation to replace the existing trailer that was installed in 1970. Construction will begin in summer 2009 with planned completion for spring 2010.
  
  
• A new health centre will be built in Anaham (Tl'etingox-T'in) First Nation replacing the health station constructed in 1983 and lost in a 2008 fire. Construction is slated for completion in winter 2011.
  
  
• A new health centre will be built in Lower Post First Nation, with construction beginning in fall 2009 and completed in spring 2011.
  
  
• A new multipurpose health station will replace the current one located in Huu-ay-aht First Nation. It is expected that this facility will be completed in winter of 2011.

Policing Infrastructure

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

Initiatives under the Economic Action Plan for police infrastructure are being cost-shared between the Government of Canada and provinces. To date, eight projects have been negotiated with provinces and First Nations. Discussions to identify additional projects are underway with provinces and First Nations.

Other Initiatives of Importance to Aboriginal Canadians

A large portion of social housing stock, supported by subsidies from the federal government is aging and requires significant repair and upgrading to meet modern energy efficiency and accessibility standards. In recognition of this, the Economic Action Plan provides a one-time federal investment of $1 billion over two years ($150 million of which will be delivered by CMHC to address the needs of existing social housing for which it directly administers) to address the demand for renovation and energy retrofits. These measures will help the most vulnerable in society: low income residents of existing social housing, including seniors, persons with disabilities, lone-parent families and Aboriginal people.

In addition, Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $400 million and $75 million over two years respectively for the construction of new housing for low-income seniors and housing for persons with disabilities, as well as $200 million over two years in dedicated funding to support the construction of new and renovation of existing social housing units in the North.

Funding for housing for low-income seniors, housing for persons with disabilities, and northern housing is being delivered through existing arrangements with provinces and territories under the Affordable Housing Initiative. Provinces and territories are moving quickly to announce specific projects, now that agreements to deliver the federal investment are in place with all jurisdictions.

Funding is also being provided to accelerate work on rehabilitating contaminated sites in order to protect the health and safety of Canadians, to safeguard the environment and to reduce the liability associated with contaminated sites in Canada. It is anticipated the Aboriginal people will benefit significantly in terms of direct and spin-off positions.

Moreover, programs such as Recreation Infrastructure Canada and the Community Adjustment Fund, both announced as part of the Economic Action Plan, provide additional opportunities for Aboriginal communities and businesses to benefit from the services of a well-equipped and prosperous community.

For example, Whitefish River First Nation in Ontario is being funded $695,000 under the Recreation Infrastructure Canada program to rehabilitate the Abinoojinah Odumino Gitigaan (children's playing field). The recreational facilities will have an improved soccer field, running track, playground area, pedestrian walkway and basketball court. The project also includes the construction of a new sports fieldhouse with washrooms and storage facilities and renovation of the existing building through the provision of change rooms and storage. Environmentally friendly materials will be utilized for construction and energy efficient lighting installed at the outdoor rink. This project is jointly funded by the Government of Canada and the province of Ontario.

As well, a number of programs are designated specifically for Canada's northern regions, including the recent creation of a new Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), headquartered in Iqaluit, with regional offices in the Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Ottawa. This agency consolidates a number of federal programs in the north, thereby bringing a greater northern perspective to these initiatives and better facilitating potential development opportunities in the northern economy.

These investments, although not directed exclusively to Aboriginal Northerners, will have an important impact on Aboriginal people given the high proportion of Aboriginal people in the North.

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Considerations in Moving Forward

As noted in this and the previous report, the Government has moved quickly to have funding flow out into the Canadian economy. The Government has taken concrete measures to streamline processes to ensure expedient delivery of the funding 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 or are mobilizing equipment and people to move these initiatives forward.

Strengthening Partnerships with Aboriginal People

Strengthening partnerships with Aboriginal people is a critical factor in increasing their participation in the economy. Aboriginal communities and their governments, as well as provinces and territories are playing a key role in advancing the objectives associated with First Nations and Inuit health programs, First Nations child and family services, and activities under the Canada Skills and Transition Strategy.

Tracking Progress

Efforts are also being taken to track progress and impacts in relation to Aboriginal people and communities. For example, the Economic Action Plan includes almost $12 billion in infrastructure investments, including $515 million in First Nations communities. The Government wants to encourage Aboriginal communities, businesses and workers to benefit as much as possible from these investments, be it infrastructure directly geared for Aboriginal communities or for Canadians at large. The other resulting benefits include employment income and experience for workers, as well as revenues and strengthened track records for businesses.

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.

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

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:

1. improving efficiency through implementing practical mechanisms to streamline the consultation process across departments, such as taking a “whole of government” approach for Crown consultation under the Major Project Management Office and
   
   
2. integrating the legal duty to consult requirements into new 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, 900 federal officials have received training on the Government of Canada's duty to consult.

Canada's New Economic Initiatives – Aboriginal Investments

Initiative	Funding	Lead Department	Description
Enhancing the Availability of Training
Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP)	$100M/3yr	Human Resources and Social Development Canada	ASEP fosters partnerships with provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal organizations and the private sector to help Aboriginal Canadians receive valuables skills and employment training.
Aboriginal Skills & Training Strategic Investment Fund	$75M/2yr	Human Resources and Social Development Canada	Support short-term initiatives designed to help Aboriginal Canadians get the specific training, including those generated by the stimulus package. This fund will be an important step towards a partnership and results-based successor to the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy.
Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy (AHRDS)	$25M/1yr	Human Resources and Social Development Canada	Maintains current AHRDS funding until a new strategy is put in place in April 2010.
Investments in Housing for Canadians
First Nations Housing (INAC)	$150M/2yr	Indian and Northern Affairs Canada/Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation	Funds will flow through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indian and Northern Affairs to support new social housing, remediation of existing social housing stock and complementary housing activities, including the transition to market-based housing.
First Nations Housing (CMHC)	$250M/2yr
Investments in First Nations Infrastructure
School construction	$200M/2yr	Indian and Northern Affairs Canada	Funding will be used to build and renovate schools on-reserve to generate short-term employment and business opportunity while helping educational facilities to improve student retention and graduation rates.
Water & Wastewater projects	$165M/2yr	Indian and Northern Affairs Canada	Funding is for the completion of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
Improved Rail Service (Keewatin & Tshciuetin)	$7.9M/1yr	Transport Canada	Funding supports two projects for First Nations railways: the Keewatin Railway Company and the Tshiuetin Rail Transportation. These railways provide rail services to communities that do not have year-round access to roads. Projects include track replacement and repairs as well as a new locomotive and rail equipment.
Critical Community Services
Health clinics and Nurses' residences	$135M/2yr	Health Canada	Funding for the construction and renovation of Health Services Infrastructure for First Nation.
Policing facilities	$15M/1yr	Public Safety	Funding to address the remediation of critical policing infrastructure.
Strengthening Partnerships
FN & Inuit Health Programs	$305M/2yr	Health Canada	Funding will ensure that non-insured health benefits for eligible First Nations and Inuit and nursing services in remote and isolated First Nations communities continue to be available.
FN Child & Family Services	$20M/2yr	Indian and Northern Affairs Canada	The Government is committed to continue implementation of a new province-specific, prevention focused approach for First Nation child and family services on reserve.