Latest news with #IndigenousRelations
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Premier Ford announces $1.6 billion funding boost for municipal infrastructure at 2025 AMO Conference
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - Today at the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa, Premier Doug Ford announced an additional $1.6 billion for the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. AMO welcomes the boost in funding for core infrastructure projects, like roads and water systems, that support communities and growth. AMO has called for infrastructure investments to support growth, build more homes, and provide economic stimulus in the face of the trade dispute with the United States and global economic uncertainty. "Investments in municipal infrastructure have consistently proven to be the best way to protect local, provincial and national economies," said Robin Jones, AMO President. "These investments will not just help to build homes, they will provide thousands of jobs in communities across the province and lay the foundation for long-term productivity. We commend Premier Ford for these important investments." Municipalities are committed to supporting the Province's ambitious growth agenda and doing all they can to help achieve it. Despite rising construction costs, municipalities are increasing infrastructure investment this year to support more housing and economic development. Municipal applications to existing infrastructure programs have been robust, demonstrating no shortage of shovel ready projects that can make a meaningful impact province-wide. AMO is calling for a stimulus investment of $3.45 billion annually over five years from both provincial and federal sources for municipal infrastructure and social housing. These investments would help to mitigate the negative impacts on Ontario's economy and help save jobs across the province, by: Protecting 14,000 jobs that would be lost in 2026 alone, including almost 5,000 in the construction sector, and Reducing Ontario's GDP contraction by 28 per cent and adding $17.6 billion back into the Ontario economy over the next five years. Stimulus investments would lead to ongoing productivity gains totaling as much as $6 billion in 2029 alone. The provincial announcements today are a considerable contribution to this stimulus investment. "It will take investment from all governments to address the need for core infrastructure that underpins our economy," said Robin Jones, AMO President. "Investing in municipal infrastructure now will pay off in long-term productivity." The annual AMO conference is an important opportunity for municipal and provincial leaders from across Ontario to come together, address shared challenges and make Ontario's communities, and the province as a whole, more successful. AMO launched an Indigenous Relations Action Plan at the Conference, working with partners to strengthen municipal-Indigenous relationships. Tomorrow, delegates will turn their attention to a full day of sessions on pressing municipal priorities. The plenary program will include The Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Ministers' Forum, a Q&A opportunity with Cabinet ministers. Concurrent sessions will explore housing and land-use planning, municipal finance and economic development, Indigenous partnerships, and AI in municipal services. Program information is available at or on the AMO Conference app for iPhone and Android. The Conference hashtag is #AMO2025. AMO works to make municipal governments stronger and more effective. AMO brings together Ontario's 444 municipalities to achieve shared goals and meet common challenges. Follow AMO on LinkedIn, X: @AMOPolicy, and Instagram: @amopolicy. Quick facts Ontario municipalities own and operate almost $1 trillion worth of public infrastructure. Over the next 10 years, municipalities are planning for more than $250 billion in capital expenditures – with around $100 billion related to growth. Municipalities are planning $51 billion in capital spending between 2025 and 2027. This represents more than 27,000 infrastructure projects and more than 19,000 new social housing units. With tariffs increasing project costs, municipal infrastructure projects already in progress need support to stay on track. Municipalities invest $68 billion annually in the provincial and local economies. This spending includes about $26 billion annually on construction and $22 billion procuring other related goods and services.
CTV News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
City formalizes commitment to supporting Indigenous-led housing with Treaty 8
Grand Chief of Treaty 8 of Alberta Trevor Mercredi speaks at an emergency meeting of Treaty Chiefs on Alberta separation on May 6, 2025. (CTV News Calgary) Edmonton mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi signed a letter of intent formalizing their shared commitment to supporting Indigenous-led affordable housing in the city. 'By signing this letter of intent with the City of Edmonton, we are advancing First Nations-led housing that reflects the culture, values, rights and aspirations of Treaty 8 First Nations,' said Mercredi in a statement Tuesday. The agreement was initiated by Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta and sets out shared objectives for advocacy, planning and support for culturally appropriate housing projects. The letter of intent outlines shared objectives including joint advocacy to other orders of government for funding and policy support; a coordinated approach to increase the supply of Indigenous-led housing in Edmonton; and recognition of the leadership of Treaty 8 in addressing the housing needs of their citizens. 'Edmonton is home to thousands of Treaty 8 members, and we recognize the housing crisis disproportionately affects Indigenous peoples,' said Krystin Flierl, director of the city's Indigenous Relations Office. 'Working together, we are calling on all levels of government to invest in Indigenous-led solutions—because reconciliation demands action.' Edmonton has the second-largest urban Indigenous population in Canada with nearly 88,000 Indigenous residents. More than half of those experiencing homelessness in the city identify as Indigenous. The city has implemented an Indigenous-led housing stream within the Affordable Housing Investment Program (AHIP) that offers grants of up to 40 per cent of capital costs for qualifying projects. Last year, $8.3 million in AHIP grants were approved by council for Indigenous-led housing developments. The city has also created an Indigenous Housing Liaison position to support Indigenous organizations and navigate government requirements.
CBC
05-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Thunder Bay Public Library appoints Indigenous relations adviser
The Thunder Bay Public Library has appointed Stephanie MacLaurin as its new senior adviser of Indigenous relations, a key leadership role aimed at advancing the library's commitment to reconciliation and the decolonization of public spaces. MacLaurin, who is Anishinaabe from Fort William First Nation and a lifelong resident of Westfort, brings more than eight years of professional experience to the position. Their background includes work in governance, Indigenous political science, mental health and post-secondary education. In the new role, MacLaurin will oversee the Indigenous Services Department. They will liaise with the Indigenous Advisory Council and other community partners. Their work will support the implementation of the library's Relationship-Building and Reconciliation Action Plan, which was developed in 2018 with guidance from the advisory council. The plan outlines the library's commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and a broader effort to decolonize library practices and spaces. That includes providing educational resources, supporting Indigenous knowledge preservation and reviewing library policies. "A new job isn't just a fresh start," says MacLaurin. "It's the opening chapter of a story waiting to be written with passion, purpose and possibility. Stepping into this new role feels like stepping into the life I've been working towards." MacLaurin says they were drawn to the role by its emphasis on community engagement, something they missed in a previous position. "When I moved into my last position that I left for this job, I lost that kind of community component," they said. "I found myself looking at a role that was possibly all-encompassing for the interests that I have in my life right now." MacLaurin said the role immediately clicked for them. They have already identified three early priorities a few weeks into the role: strategic planning for the Indigenous Services Department; building relationships with Indigenous organizations and leadership; and contributing to policy analysis alongside library management. MacLaurin emphasized the importance of libraries being welcoming, inclusive spaces for Indigenous community members and organizations. "I found myself at Mary J. and Brodie a lot throughout my years, sitting at the table, doing research here, whether it was writing, finding the peace that you get within a library. So I would hope that this is something that Indigenous people could experience here and that they're finding peace and comfort." Raili Roy, director of community development at the library, said the team is excited to welcome MacLaurin. "They stood out as an exceptional candidate," Roy said. "We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them. We have much meaningful and rewarding work ahead." MacLaurin replaces Robyn Medicine who held the role for nearly a decade. Medicine passed away in February. During her time in the role, Medicine established Indigenous Knowledge Centres across all branches. "Robyn did an incredible job in this role and she has so much love from the community," they said. MacLaurin isn't sure yet which programs created by Medicine will remain. "But I really couldn't imagine just removing all of the hard work that she did." MacLaurin said they're hoping to build a place that is grounded in belonging, education and reconciliation.
CBC
05-06-2025
- General
- CBC
Thunder Bay Public Library appoints Indigenous relations advisor
The Thunder Bay Public Library has appointed Stephanie MacLaurin as its new senior advisor of Indigenous relations, a key leadership role aimed at advancing the library's commitment to reconciliation and the decolonization of public spaces. MacLaurin, who is Anishinaabe from Fort William First Nation and a lifelong resident of Westfort, brings more than eight years of professional experience to the position. Their background includes work in governance, Indigenous political science, mental health and post-secondary education. In the new role, MacLaurin will oversee the Indigenous Services Department. They will liaise with the Indigenous Advisory Council and other community partners. Their work will support the implementation of the library's Relationship-Building and Reconciliation Action Plan, which was developed in 2018 with guidance from the advisory council. The plan outlines the library's commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and a broader effort to decolonize library practices and spaces. That includes providing educational resources, supporting Indigenous knowledge preservation and reviewing library policies. "A new job isn't just a fresh start," says MacLaurin. "It's the opening chapter of a story waiting to be written with passion, purpose and possibility. Stepping into this new role feels like stepping into the life I've been working towards." MacLaurin says they were drawn to the role by its emphasis on community engagement, something they missed in a previous position. "When I moved into my last position that I left for this job, I lost that kind of community component," they said. "I found myself looking at a role that was possibly all-encompassing for the interests that I have in my life right now." MacLaurin said the role immediately clicked for them. They have already identified three early priorities a few weeks into the role: strategic planning for the Indigenous Services Department; building relationships with Indigenous organizations and leadership; and contributing to policy analysis alongside library management. MacLaurin emphasized the importance of libraries being welcoming, inclusive spaces for Indigenous community members and organizations. "I found myself at Mary J. and Brodie a lot throughout my years, sitting at the table, doing research here, whether it was writing, finding the peace that you get within a library. So I would hope that this is something that Indigenous people could experience here and that they're finding peace and comfort." Raili Roy, director of community development at the library, said the team is excited to welcome MacLaurin. "They stood out as an exceptional candidate," Roy said. "We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them. We have much meaningful and rewarding work ahead." MacLaurin replaces Robyn Medicine who held the role for nearly a decade. Medicine passed away in February. During her time in the role, Medicine established Indigenous Knowledge Centres across all branches. "Robyn did an incredible job in this role and she has so much love from the community," they said. MacLaurin isn't sure yet which programs created by Medicine will remain. "But I really couldn't imagine just removing all of the hard work that she did." MacLaurin said they're hoping to build a place that is grounded in belonging, education and reconciliation.
CBC
01-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Indigenous leader pulls out of B.C. trade mission to Asia over Bills 14, 15
Social Sharing B.C. Premier David Eby said Saturday that he is confident that recent opposition from First Nations to infrastructure fast-track legislation will not affect his ability to attract investment from Asia. Eby's remarks came a day after B.C. Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee pulled out of the premier's trade mission to East Asia, citing continuing criticism from Indigenous leaders on the passing of Bills 14 and 15, two pieces of legislation aimed at speeding up certain infrastructure projects. Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, is aimed at fast-tracking public sector projects like schools and hospitals, as well as private projects, such as critical mineral mines, that are deemed provincially significant. Bill 14, the Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act, will speed up clean energy projects across the province. Teegee and other First Nations leaders said the bills — which narrowly passed in legislature this week — have inflicted "profound damage" on the province's relationship with Indigenous communities. WATCH | Bill 15 faces backlash: Eby's mining announcement overshadowed by backlash to controversial Bill 15 6 days ago Duration 2:07 Premier David Eby has unveiled his plan to speed up mining development to boost B.C.'s economy. But as Katie DeRosa reports, the announcement was overshadowed by growing opposition to a controversial bill. "While the Premier seeks to strengthen B.C.'s economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific region and promote investment in major natural resource projects, his government has simultaneously undermined the very rights and relationships that are foundations to sustainable economic development in First Nations territories," reads the statement from the B.C. Assembly of First Nations. In a separate statement, Teegee said the passing of the new bills is the direct reason he decided not to join the trade mission. "How can we participate in trade missions to promote resource development when this government has just rammed through legislation that tramples our rights and threatens our territories?" he said. "During uncertain times, it's imperative that First Nations actively shape economic relationships that impact our lands, peoples, and futures." But Eby said he has promised First Nations leaders that his government will ensure "strong Indigenous partnerships" and strong environmental protections despite the bills passing, as long as he is premier. The premier made his comments on the eve of his departure on a 10-day trade mission to Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. "We do have to move faster," he said, citing opening of the Blackwater gold and silver mine Friday as an example of a project that can be completed faster than expected with First Nation partnership is involved. "This is a mine that ordinarily would take four or five years to build," Eby said. "It was completed in 18 months, including a significant transmission line 160-plus kilometres through some pretty challenging terrain, all of it completed in 22 months." Eby said that international investors need to understand that they must have "strong partnerships with Indigenous people [in B.C.]" and high environmental standards in order to see their projects move quickly in the province. "So what we're seeing is nations becoming full economic partners in the projects, proponents of the projects, as well as participating in the oversight to ensure land protection." Eby said the province will work hard to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring Indigenous partnership, and Teegee's withdrawal from the trade mission is a clear sign that more work needs to be done on that front. "Words will not be sufficient," he said. The B.C. delegation to Asia comes amid a continued push to diversify the province's trading partners amid an ongoing trade war with the U.S. due to President Donald Trump's tariff threats. On Friday, Trump threatened to impose 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, posing a major threat to Ontario and Quebec's economies in particular. "The expertise that we have here, the market access and other pieces, mean that as the president ramps up his attack on core industries in Central Canada, it redoubles the importance of what we have to do here in British Columbia to support the national economy," Eby said.
