SPEAKING NOTES

The Honourable Chuck Strahl PC, MP Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

Announcing the First Nations Infrastructure Fund

Gatineau, Quebec
October 3, 2007

Check against delivery

 

Thank you Minister Cannon.  It’s a pleasure to be here.  And I’m pleased to be joined by regional Chief O’Brien.

Canada’s New Government is committed to making real progress in improving the quality of life in Aboriginal communities.  In the past 20 months we have been focusing on innovative, practical measures that address the priorities of Aboriginal people, and that truly make a real difference in their lives.  Promises in speeches no longer have a place.  We are committed to delivering real, tangible results.

Our actions are proof of this commitment. For example, in a little over a year and a half, this government has:

• Announced a Specific Claims Action Plan, that will speed up the current process of settling specific claims and finally address the backlog of claims;
  
  
• Implemented the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, achieving at long-last a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of the Indian Residential School System;
  
  
• Put forth the First Nations Market Housing Fund investing and providing access to financing for home-ownership for First Nation communities.
  
  
• Introduced Plan of Action for Drinking Water in First Nations Communities investing in water treatment plant upgrades and construction ensuring there is a reliable supply of safe, clean drinking water in First Nation communities.

Today, I am very happy to announce one more such measure – the new First Nations Infrastructure Fund which simplifes, quickens and increases funding for First Nation Infrastructure projects.

This is an unprecedented $131 million fund that will allow First Nations communities in the ten provinces to access financial resources to improve public infrastructure, which will in turn help make tangible improvements in the quality of life and the environment in their communities.  This new investment is in addition to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s existing capital funding to improve infrastructure on reserves.

Our goal is to get funding for infrastructure projects to communities faster, through this fund, which is based on a single-access window approach.  First Nations can submit one project proposal to the First Nations Infrastructure Fund, which includes funding from the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, the Gas Tax Fund, and the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program.

This efficient, streamlined process will help get projects underway so that First Nations can get on with the job of building stronger, safer and healthier communities.  Modern infrastructure is vital to keeping pace with growth, meeting the demands of a competitive economy and protecting the environment.

For instance, the First Nations Infrastructure Fund can improve transportation links so people and goods can get to where they need to go, safely and efficiently.  It will support clean energy projects to stimulate economic and social progress.  Waste management is a priority for First Nations — and this funding will help sustain cleaner, greener lifestyles as communities grow.

I also want to highlight that First Nations people will play a strong role in carrying out the projects — so that project management expertise and construction skills stay within the community.

Canada’s New Government is committed to putting the tools for progress in the hands of First Nations.  And First Nations leaders understand the real challenges facing their communities and they're determined to make change happen.  

We are helping First Nations to improve on-reserve infrastructure, and help to improve the quality of life in these communities.

The First Nations Infrastructure Fund is set up to cut down the red tape, and ensure communities can get their important projects done sooner. 

As Minister Cannon pointed out, the First Nations Infrastructure Fund is part of our Building Canada Infrastructure Plan, which lays out the foundations for a more prosperous Canada, a cleaner environment and more livable communities, and is the largest single federal commitment to public infrastructure in 50 years.

This government is committed to implementing practical, realistic programs that meet the needs of Canadians, that make a real difference in their lives, and that provide the foundation for even greater prosperity to come. 

I am proud today to announce this Fund, and I invite First Nations communities in the provinces to submit their proposals before December 1st. 

Thank you.