program

The National First Nations
Infrastructure Conference & Tradeshow
Welcome from The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
and Northern Development
Welcome to the National First Nations Infrastructure Conference. Sustainable and safe infrastructure
in First Nation communities is reflected in this years’ theme, “Building for a Sustainable Future” and is
also a priority for the Government of Canada.
Strong infrastructure is the foundation for solid and prosperous communities, which is why the
government is committed to ongoing infrastructure support for First Nations. Targeted investments,
including the First Nation Infrastructure Fund, as well as programs such as Capital and Facilities
Maintenance Program, have been made available by our Government. These investments support a
range of community infrastructure to build schools, water plants, housing, and roads and bridges every
year in First Nation communities across Canada. Improvements include new construction, as well as
renovation and operation and maintenance for existing infrastructure. From 2006 to 2014, AANDC
alone will have invested $9.2 billion for community infrastructure on reserve.
The Canada-Ontario First Nations Pilot Initiative is one example of how the Government of Canada is
working with First Nations and other partners to explore and assess innovative drinking water servicing
solutions. As announced in Budget 2012, we are also looking at innovative ways to improve local infrastructure by facilitating school
design and construction.
In the last fiscal year alone our Government was involved in several infrastructure projects in First Nation communities’ nation-wide.
These include the Lawrence Wesley Education Centre in Cat Lake First Nation, ON and a new school for the Lax Kw’alaams Band in BC.
Also, new water treatment plants in Liard First Nation, Yukon and in Toquaht Nation’s community of Macoah, BC.
I look forward to continuing our important work to achieve stronger, safer, healthier and more self-sufficient First Nation communities.
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
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