Implementing Canada's Economic Action Plan: Impacts for Aboriginal People and Communities - June 2009

Published under the authority of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

Ottawa, 2009
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca
1-800-567-9604
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QS-7102-000-BB-A1      
Catalogue No.R3-107/2009
ISBN 978-1-100-50033-1

© Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada

PDF Version (1.3 Mb, 27 Pages)

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Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Impacts for Aboriginal People and Communities
• Reporting on Progress and Impacts Action to Help Canadians and Stimulate Spending
  • Action to Help Canadians and Stimulate Spending
  • Action to Stimulate Housing Construction
  • Immediate Action to Build Infrastructure
• Considerations in Moving Forward
• Other Initiatives of Importance to Aboriginal Canadians
• Conclusion
• Annex 1 - Summary of Aboriginal-specific Investments under the Economic Action Plan

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Introduction

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

The $40 billion designated in the Economic Action Plan is focused on five action-areas:

• Improving Access to Financing and Strengthening Canada's Financial System
• Action to Help Canadians and Stimulate Spending
• Action to Stimulate Housing Construction
• Immediate Action to Build Infrastructure
• Action to Support Business and Communities

Under each action-area, the Government has identified a number of investments designed to meet current challenges. Underlying all of the investments are three key principles: 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 two consecutive Reports to Canadians released on March 10 and June 11 of this year. Over the next two years the Government will continue to report on progress and the impacts of these investments on a quarterly basis. This will allow Canadians to be well-informed of the effectiveness of these efforts.

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Impacts for Aboriginal People and Communities

Leading up to the 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 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 the Economic Action Plan. More precisely, the Economic Action 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 to programs designed to specifically benefit Aboriginal people and communities, there are many other initiatives announced in the Economic Action Plan that will also provide benefits to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people and their communities, although not necessarily designated specifically for Aboriginal people.

Action is being taken to implement all initiatives in an efficient and effective manner. Given that many of these initiatives are interrelated, coordination across programs is also essential to ensure the impacts of these efforts are maximized (e.g., matching skilled Aboriginal labour with the implementation of infrastructure projects). Moreover, partnerships with communities, provinces, and territories are being developed at an early stage to ensure that sequencing and/or coordination of projects is addressed. 

This report is complementary to the Government's first and second Report to Canadians and provides the first composite update on the Economic Action Plan with respect to Aboriginal people and communities. Although the focus of this report is primarily on those programs that are designed to specifically benefit Aboriginal people and communities, efforts are being taken to highlight the potential impacts of other initiatives where Aboriginal people and communities may likewise benefit.

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Reporting on Progress and Impacts

Action to Help Canadians and Stimulate Spending

• The Canada Skills and Transition Strategy
• Further Developing a Highly Skilled Workforce
• Strengthening Partnerships with Aboriginal Canadians
• Tax Relief for Canadians
• A Balanced Record of Tax Relief

The Canada Skills and Transition Strategy

Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership

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 such as northern mining, oil and gas, forestry, and hydro development projects across Canada. ASEP's overall objective is sustainable employment for Aboriginal people in major economic industries, leading to lasting benefits for Aboriginal communities, families and individuals. Of the total $100 million designated for this program, $20 million will flow in 2009-10.

Five new ready-to-go ASEP projects have been identified. These projects will commence in the summer of 2009. A call for new proposals was launched in April for which applications will be assessed and approved in the Fall.

The following investments under ASEP have already been identified:

• The Saskatoon Bridges and Foundations Career Development Corporation, launched in May, will provide a continuum of interventions to 600 participants. The interventions include literacy and essential skills and trades training-to-employment. This will result in long-term employment for at least 400 Aboriginal people in the construction industry.
  
  
• The B.C. Aboriginal Minerals and Mining Training and Employment Partnership will provide up to 220 Aboriginal men, women and youth in the British Columbia regions of Dease Lake and Kamloops with the training, certification and job placement support required to take advantage of 148 long-term, sustainable jobs in the mineral exploration and mining sectors, and related economic opportunities.
  
  
• The Nunavut Kivalliq Regional Mine Training Society will provide up to 540 Inuit men, women and youth with the training, certification and job placement support required to take advantage of 280 long-term, sustainable jobs in the mining sector and jobs arising from spin-off economic activity.
  
  
• The Northwest Territories Building Aboriginal Futures Society will provide up to 592 Aboriginal men, women and youth with the training, certification and job placement support required to take advantage of 338 long-term sustainable jobs in the construction sector and jobs arising from spin-off economic activity.
  
  
• The Northwest Territories Dehcho First Nations Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership Society will provide up to 438 Aboriginal men, women and youth with the training, certification and job placement support required to take advantage of 98 long-term, sustainable jobs in construction, oil and gas, and jobs arising from other resource sectors.

Did you know?
There are more than 27,000 self-employed Aboriginal entrepreneurs in Canada, who have in turn created approximately 82,000 full-time and 18,000 part-time jobs.

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 are now being received from Aboriginal groups. There are three types of projects: training-to-employment projects, short-term skills development projects, and service improvement projects. Projects that meet eligibility criteria will be announced beginning in September 2009.

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 Economic Action Plan also designated $25 million for 2009-10 to maintain the current Aboriginal Human Resource Development Strategy funding until a new strategy is put in place in April 2010.

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 will play 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.

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 (Non-Insured Health Benefits and Primary Care services), improve health outcomes for First Nations and Inuit individuals, and move towards greater integration with provincial and territorial health systems. The funding will lead to improved health services for First Nations and Inuit, ensuring their strengthened participation in Canada's future.

First Nations Child and Family Services

The Government is committed to 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 the next two years to ensure further progress on this strategy through agreements with other provinces, and in the process, ensures more effective information gathering and enhanced accountability.

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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Action to Stimulate Housing Construction

• Support for Home Ownership and the Housing Sector
• Investments in Housing for Canadians
• Helping Municipalities Build Stronger Communities

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 the next two years to support the construction of new on-reserve housing, renovations of existing social housing and for complementary housing activities. These funds will flow through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). This will address immediate housing needs while serving as economic stimulus.

CMHC will deliver $250 million through the On-Reserve Non-Profit Rental Housing Program for construction of new social housing ($125 million) and the On-Reserve Housing Retrofit Initiative for existing federally-assisted on-reserve social housing ($125 million). CMHC is working with INAC, First Nations and the National and Regional First Nations Housing Liaison Committees on proposed projects.

The remaining $150 million will be 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.

Program details and calls for applications for on-reserve initiatives were jointly announced on April 27, 2009, by CMHC and INAC. Proposals are currently being considered. The following is a list of approximate investments in First Nations housing by province/region:

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

It is expected that these efforts will generate employment, result in the development of skilled trades and stimulate the establishment of small businesses across the country, specifically in many First Nations and rural areas.

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Investments in First Nations Infrastructure

Canada's Economic Action Plan provided $515 million over two years for ready-to-go First Nations community infrastructure projects to be focused on 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).

First Nations Schools

Funding of $200 million over two years ($95 million in year one; $105 million in year two) will support the on-reserve construction of ten new schools and three major renovation projects. All thirteen projects have been announced and eight are scheduled to begin construction before March 31, 2010. The tendering process is currently underway, with two tenders having been already awarded.

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:

Saskatchewan:

• A new kindergarten to grade 12 school will accommodate 208 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. A sod-turning ceremony was celebrated on June 2, 2009.
  
  
• A new kindergarten to grade 12 school, accommodating 207 students, will be constructed in partnership with the Peter Ballantyne First Nation. Construction will include: new elementary school, new roadways, parking lots, playing fields and landscaping. The tender for the school has already been awarded.
  

New Brunswick:

• A new kindergarten to grade 8 school, accommodating 108 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.
  

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.
  
  
• The Wemotaci First Nation will see major renovations to their primary school to address the increasing student population and the building's age.
  

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. 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  

Ontario:

• A new elementary school will be constructed in the community of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation for 128 students. The construction will include a new 2,350 m² facility, complete with play areas, soccer field, track, and basketball court.
  
  
• A new kindergarten to grade 12 school to accommodate 460 students will be built in the Wabaseemoong First Nation community.
  
  
• 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 90 students.
  

Manitoba:

• A new school will be built in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. The new high school will hold up to 964 grade 7-12 students on-reserve. The new school will include a multi-purpose room, library resources centre, and science and computer rooms.

Did you know?
In March 2006, 193 high-risk drinking water systems were identified; that number was reduced by March 2007 to 97; and this number has now been reduced to 48.

First Nations Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

The water initiative will aid in 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 the first year, will support 18 water and wastewater projects on reserves, directly benefiting approximately 44,000 First Nations residents. Of these, 15 projects are scheduled to begin construction before March 31, 2010 and 2 have already gone to tender. A ground breaking for a new sewage lagoon in Pinaymootang First Nation in Manitoba is expected by the end of July.

All water and wastewater projects have been announced. The following is a list of projects identified by province:

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.
  
  
• 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.
  

Saskatchewan:

• A new sewage lagoon will be constructed in the Black Lake First Nation which will allow for the decommissioning of the existing lagoon.
  
  
• The Fond du Lac First Nation will also see theconstruction of a new sewage lagoon and the decommissioning of their existing lagoon.
  

Manitoba:

• A new sewage lagoon and pumping station will be built in the Pinaymootang First Nation community as well as the decommissioning of their existing lagoon.
  
  
• Critical upgrades to the existing water and sewage treatment plants will be made in the community of War Lake.
  
  
• A new lagoon will be designed and constructed in the First Nation community of Norway House Cree Nation.
  

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.
  
  
• 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.
  

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.
  
  
• In the Betsiamites First Nation community a new water source will be identified as well as the rehabilitation of its current treatment plant.
  
  
• The water treatment and reservoir capacities will be improved in the Kahnawake First Nation community to meet health and safety requirements.
  

Nova Scotia:

• In the First Nation community of Wagmatcooka new sludge system will be built to replace the existing stabilization pond serving the north side of the reserve.
  

Newfoundland and Labrador:

• A new water intake piping system will be constructed in the community of Natuashish supplying water from a nearby river to a pumping station. This new system will provide a permanent water source for the community.
  
  
• A new mechanical sewage treatment plant will be built in the First Nation community of Sheshatshiu.
  

Alberta:

• Upgrades to the current wastewater system will be made in Whitefish Lake First Nation.
  
  
• A new water treatment system will be built in the community of the Dene Tha' First Nation.
  
  
• 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.

Improved Rail Service

Canada's Economic Action Plan identified $7.9 million for additional new rail projects to be undertaken by two First Nations railways over the next two years. These two railways are Keewatin Railway in Northern Manitoba and Tshiuetin Rail in Northern Quebec and Western Labrador.

Funding is provided to these railways through the Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Services Class Contribution Program administered by Transport Canada. The Keewatin Railway project includes track replacements and repairs as well as the acquisition of a new locomotive and other rail equipment. Tshiuetin Rail is undertaking track replacements and repairs, the acquisition of maintenance equipment, and the acquisition of miscellaneous rail equipment. With the delivery of construction materials and equipment having begun, these projects are now underway.

Critical Community Services

All necessary authorities have been secured for critical community services infrastructure. Some specific projects have been identified and consultations with provinces are underway.

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 and Inuit 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. As of June 19, 2009, 28 agreements have been signed for major capital projects including construction of new nursing residences and nursing stations, with the remaining 12 agreements to be signed before March 31, 2010. Funding amounts have been allocated and cash flows have begun.

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.

The remediation of critical policing infrastructure in First Nations communities is proceeding. Discussions are ongoing with provinces and First Nations communities concerning eligible projects, including renovations, temporary or transitional police facilities, and the construction of new permanent police facilities. Governments are working together, and with First Nations partners, to ensure that funding is provided to communities by March 31, 2010.

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.

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, the Community Adjustment Fund and the Green Infrastructure Fund, all announced as part of the Economic Action Plan, provide additional opportunities for Aboriginal communities and businesses to benefit from a better and safer community and environment. As well, a number of programs are designated specifically for Canada's northern regions, including the creation of a new northern economic development agency. 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.

These initiatives represent a small sample of programs that, while not specifically designated for Aboriginal people, do provide opportunities for Aboriginal people and communities to share widely in the benefits offered by Canada's Economic Action Plan.

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Considerations in Moving Forward

As noted in this 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. As we move forward, we will put the same type of effort into concluding any outstanding agreements, solidifying and expanding partnerships, and ensuring the shovel quickly hits the ground on infrastructure and housing projects.

Tracking Progress

Of particular emphasis will be demonstrating progress and the impacts of these investments to Canadians. For example, information relating to jobs created is recognized as an important indicator of success.

Efforts will be 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 will coordinate federal efforts to identify Aboriginal businesses involved in the construction sector in each province and territory and share 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.

In the meantime, 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 will also be fulfilling 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.

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Conclusion

Aboriginal people and communities from all across the country are positioned to benefit from these initiatives. The Economic Action Plan has been designed to help all regions prosper and share in Canada's economic recovery; however, it is evident the success of the government stimulus package is dependent on the active participation of provinces, territories, Aboriginal people and communities, industry, and all Canadians. The Government will continue to play a leadership role in ensuring the funding identified in the Economic Action Plan is delivered in an effective and rapid manner and that the results of its efforts are conveyed to all Canadians. These efforts will help minimize the effects for Canada of the economic downturn and strengthen our social and cultural infrastructure for the future.

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Annex 1: Summary of Aboriginal-specific Investments under the Economic Action Plan

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	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 help establish a strategy based on greater integration of First Nation Health program and Provinces and Territories health systems.
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.