Community Economic Opportunities Program

The Community Economic Opportunities Program provides project-based support to those First Nation and Inuit communities that have the best opportunities for public services in economic development.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible recipients are First Nation and Inuit community organizations and other organizations that they have mandated or designated to act on their behalf.

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities include:

• one-time projects for the employment of community members;
• development of community-owned and community member businesses;
• development of land and resources under community control;
• access to opportunities from land and resources beyond community control;
• promotion of community investment; and
• activities in research and advocacy.

Summary

What are the funding limits?

INAC provides funding to applicants whose proposals are judged to make the most effective use of the program budget. INAC’s funding is directly related to the community economic benefits and the need for funding that has been demonstrated in the application. It will not exceed $3 000 000. In addition, INAC funding will not exceed two-thirds of the total project cost for economic infrastructure projects or 80% of the total cost for all other projects. Recipients must provide at least 10% of eligible project expenditures.

What information is required?

Applications should address:

• project design, including description, objectives, scope and deliverables;
• uses and sources of funds;
• identification and justification of costs;
• management capacity;
• project organizational structure;
• administrative arrangements;
• time lines;
• community economic benefits; and
• where appropriate, compliance with laws and regulatory requirements, environmental effects, land tenure requirements, and operating, maintenance and repair plans.

Applicants may submit a brief Statement of Intent prior to submitting a full application. After reviewing the Statement of Intent, INAC will indicate whether the project meets program criteria, and will advise the applicant on the development of the full application.

How is the program delivered?

Applications are submitted to the INAC regional office or where applicable the Project Review Committee secretariat. Projects are reviewed and a funding decision is made. Where projects are approved, INAC enters into funding agreements with the applicant.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a brief Statement of Intent, prior to submitting a full application. After reviewing these Statements of Intent, INAC will indicate whether the project meets program criteria, and will advise the applicant on the development of the full application.

Quebec Contact(s):
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Room 400
Place Jacques-Cartier Complex
320 St. Joseph Street East
Québec, Quebec  G1K 9J2
Telephone: 418-648-7551
Fax: 418-648-2266
Toll-free (information): 1-800-263-5592
E-mail: brouillettel@ainc-inac.gc.ca

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National Contact(s):
Economic Programs Directorate
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Room 1151
Terrasses de la Chaudière
10 Wellington Street
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0H4
Telephone: 819-997-8383
Fax: 819-994-0445
Web site: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/index-eng.asp