This service supports community development through economic and physical development projects. There are three similar but different sub-components of the service. Functionally, all three sub-component services will accelerate the on-line application, processing and tracking of proposal driven-projects. From a policy objective standpoint, however, the sub-component services will address the three distinct programs of Economic Development, Major Capital Projects, and Ministerial Housing Loan Guarantees.

The economic development projects are focussed on building partnerships with Aboriginal and Northern communities to: improve access to markets, capital, lands and resources; to enhance access to workforce skills and experience; and to create a supportive business climate and economic infrastructure.

Major capital projects aimed at improving community health and safety and quality of life – such as the construction of water and sewer systems and schools – are funded under the department's Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program according to priority and resource availability. Projects are approved based on the submission of acceptable proposals and studies. Once approved, they are monitored until project completion. Most of these transactions are currently paper-based, but can be converted to an electronic format for use on-line.

On-reserve housing loan guarantees have been in existence since 1966. Given the nature of land tenure and federal legislation, a Ministerial Loan Guarantee is necessary for most First Nations to obtain loan financing for housing. By delivering the service on-line, lenders and borrowers have access to the same information, thereby accelerating the process.

The client groups benefiting from this on-line service include Aboriginal administrators and economic development officers, on-reserve Aboriginal businesses, banking officials, and architectural and engineering consultants working on behalf of First Nations.

Benefits to the client include a more responsive, convenient and faster service, in addition to a reduction in the paper burden.

For more information about this service, please contact Elizabeth Logue at (819) 994-0057 or via e-mail at reference@ainc-inac.gc.ca.

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