First Nations infrastructure critical but not nation-building: minister
OTTAWA – The new federal Crown-Indigenous relations minister says building up First Nations infrastructure is 'critical' but doesn't qualify as nation-building as her government works to fast-track new projects.
The federal government is developing legislation to fast-track what it calls 'nation-building' projects with a streamlined regulatory approval process as a substitute for reviews under the Impact Assessment Act.
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty says that while closing the First Nations infrastructure gap is important, it's not considered nation-building and would be pursued outside the proposed legislation.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said last week First Nations infrastructure should be considered nation-building because addressing the shortage of all-season roads and internet connectivity in many communities would boost the economy.
She says it's 'terrible' that the minister doesn't consider those projects nation-building, adding she hasn't met with Alty since she was sworn in last month.
Woodhouse Nepinak pointed to a report by the Conference Board of Canada for the AFN that said closing the First Nations infrastructure gap could generate $630 billion in economic growth and create more than 330,000 jobs.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025.
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Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Calls to action
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Canada Standard
2 hours ago
- Canada Standard
Liberals Table Bill to Speed Up Approvals for Major 'National Interest' Projects
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CBC
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- CBC
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