National chief responds to report aimed at closing country’s infrastructure gap

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak knows what needs to be done to close infrastructure gaps in the country.

And Woodhouse Nepinak said she is going to be rather persistent to try and ensure this is accomplished.

Woodhouse Nepinak responded to a report released on Nov. 26, which was prepared by the AFN in collaboration with the Conference Board of Canada.

The report, dubbed Benefits for All Canadians: Economic Impact of Closing the Infrastructure Gap, suggests there is a transformative opportunity awaiting the country’s economy.

The goal is to close Canada’s infrastructure gap by 2030.

The report states if there is a $350 billion federal investment, there would be a projected $635 billion increase in economic input.

This in turn would create and sustain more than 338,000 jobs each year and generate $87 billion in government revenue over the next seven years.

The report brings attention to both the environmental and social impacts that federal investments would have. These impacts include improved First Nations access to healthcare, education, housing and broadband.

Also mentioned is the fact the initiatives that are led by First Nations can greatly assist the country in its net-zero commitments.

The report states federal investments would in all likelihood enable Canada to become a leader among all G7 countries in annual Gross Domestic Product per capital growth.

“We’re already a G7 country but we’re in last place,” Woodhouse Nepinak told Windspeaker on Nov. 29, after she had delivered remarks at the Indigenous Clean Energy’s conference titled The Gathering in Toronto. “And if we invest in First Nations, the infrastructure that is needed, we will advance to first place among G7 countries around the world. And I think that’s a smart investment for Canada.”

So, is Woodhouse Nepinak confident that this will happen?

“It’s going to take some time,” she said. “We’re going to push every time there is a budget cycle, every fall economic statement. As national chief I will be there pushing, pushing, pushing to close that infrastructure gap.

“There’s a commitment to close it by 2030. We need to hold this government accountable to that and successive governments.”

The report states that for every dollar invested in First Nations infrastructure, this in turn will generate $1.82 in economic output.

“And 90 per cent of the jobs will be enjoyed by non-Indigenous people, 10 per cent of course for Indigenous people,” Woodhouse Nepinak said. “But it’s massive. We can change our country. And I’m just so optimistic about that if we do the investments.”

The report is a followup to a pair of much larger volumes that were previously released on the topic.

The first volume was released in March of 2023. That was followed by a second volume this past April.

Woodhouse Nepinak said the latest report is a call to action.

“Closing the infrastructure gap is not just about addressing urgent needs of First Nation - it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive Canada that benefits us all,” she said.

It’s no secret there has been a significant infrastructure gap for Indigenous communities in Canada. Issues surrounding housing, clean water, transportation and broadband connectivity have been prevalent for decades.

“This is about ensuring that First Nations have the same access to essential infrastructure as all Canadians,” Woodhouse Nepinak added. “It’s also about recognizing that investments in First Nations will drive economic growth, strengthen communities, and position Canada as a global leader in reconciliation and sustainability. Canada has the resources. What’s needed now is the will to act.”

The report added costs for crucial infrastructure needs will rise dramatically – to $527 billion by 2040 – if action is not taken in the immediate future.