OTTAWA—The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Conference Board of Canada have released new findings highlighting the significant socio-economic benefits of Closing the First Nations Infrastructure Gap. Previous analyses confirmed that a federal investment of $349.2 billion to close this gap would contribute more than $635 billion to the Canadian economy and create 300,000 jobs.
“We welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to nation-building infrastructure,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Based on the findings in ‘Benefits for All Canadians (Part 2),’ we propose that the new government begin by closing the First Nations infrastructure gap, which has perpetuated deep-rooted inequality in Canada. This blueprint not only positions Canada as a G7 leader and mitigates the impact of US tariffs but also significantly improves quality of life for First Nations people, particularly in housing, education, and clean water.”
The AFN has released three reports over the past year in collaboration with the federal government and the Conference Board of Canada. The first, released in April 2024, captured the first national investment required to close the gap at $349.2 billion. The second, released in November 2024, estimated the economic benefits over seven years to be more than $635 billion and 330,000 jobs. The report released (May 28), ‘Benefits For All Canadians (Part 2); Long-term Socio-economic Impacts of Closing the Infrastructure Gap by 2030),’ concludes these significant financial impacts are the ‘tip of the iceberg’ when it comes to the multi-generational, socio-economic benefits for First Nations.
“Critical infrastructure gaps have led to poorer health outcomes, limited education opportunities, and much less prosperity for First Nations compared with non-Indigenous Canadians,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Later this year, we will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the historic Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report and Calls to Action. As King Charles III stated in yesterday’s Speech From the Throne, we must honour truth and reconciliation in both word and deed. What better way for Canada to reaffirm its support for reconciliation than by making the closure of this infrastructure gap the country’s top national priority?”
Among its 16 findings, the report highlights that investments in housing are critical to strengthening social cohesion, reducing overcrowding, and supporting land reclamation. As of 2021, 37 percent of First Nations people lived in homes requiring major repairs, and 35 percent lived in overcrowded conditions on-reserve.
“Housing solutions will improve health outcomes for thousands of First Nations people and generate $245 billion in economic growth,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Building First Nations housing on both reserve and Treaty lands offers a path toward reconciliation, higher living standards, and a more prosperous future for all.”
The AFN was to share the report last week with the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance for consideration in the fall budget. Copies will also be distributed to ministers, senators, and members of parliament from all parties for immediate action.
