The Government of Canada and First Nations are working together toward building nation-to-nation relationships based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. This includes supporting First Nations in building capacity and increasing self-determination and control over local services including community infrastructure.
Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced $883,674 to support asset management planning programs in 45 First Nations in British Columbia. The funding will help develop capacity for long-term infrastructure construction and maintenance planning.
Building and maintaining infrastructure can be difficult for any community, especially those with aging infrastructure, growing populations and competing priorities. Asset management planning helps First Nations prepare for future infrastructure needs, whether new construction or maintenance of current infrastructure, covering all engineered assets in a community, including water and wastewater, roads and bridges, residential housing, and public vehicles.
In the long term, adopting asset management plans can lead to improved community infrastructure that will support stronger, more sustainable communities with better social and economic prospects.
Forty-five communities in British Columbia will benefit from 2020-21 Asset Management Program funding, totaling $883,674:
List of First Nations communities receiving funds
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Ahousaht, Ditidaht, Ehattesaht, Hesquiaht, Hupacasath, Huu-ay-aht, Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h', Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Tseshaht, Uchucklesaht, Ucluelet First Nation)
Infrastructure: $40,000
Lake Babine Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000
Williams Lake First Nation
Infrastructure: $23,674
Nisga'a Lisims Government (Nisga'a Village of Gingolx, Nisga'a Village of New Aiyansh, Nisga'a Village of Gitwinksihlkw, Nisga'a Village of Laxgalts'ap)
Infrastructure: $80,000
Tsilhqot'in National Government (?Esdilagh, Tl'esqox, Tŝideldel, Tl'etinqox, Xeni Gwet'in, Yunesit'in)
Infrastructure: $60,000
Housing: $60,000
Takla Lake First Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000
K'òmoks First Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000
Consortium of First Nation Communities (Chawathil First Nation, Peters First Nation, Seabird Island Band, Shxwhá:y Village, Shxw'ow'hamel First Nation, Skwah First Nation, Spuzzum First Nation, Tzeachten First Nation)
Infrastructure: $100,000
Housing: $20,000
Nak'azdli Whut'en
Infrastructure: $40,000
'Namgis First Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000
Songhees Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000
Squamish Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000
Doig River First Nation
Infrastructure: $40,000
Lower Nicola Indian Band
Infrastructure: $40,000
Penticton Indian Band
Infrastructure: $40,000
Cowichan Tribes
Infrastructure: $40,000
Haisla Nation
Housing: $60,000
Totals
Infrastructure: $743,674
Housing: $140,000
Quotes
"Through this investment, the Government of Canada is supporting improved infrastructure and housing on reserves by planning for the long term. This funding will help the Squamish Nation and 44 other First Nations in British Columbia to assess their priorities and goals to plan and manage essential infrastructure in their communities."
Patrick Weiler
Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country
Quick facts
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ISC is providing $15 million over five years, starting in 2018-2019, to support First Nations in developing asset management capacity through the Asset Management Program.
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Funding can cover training activities, data management tools, technical assistance, and peer learning programs to address governance and other requirements for development and implementation of asset management plans.
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Projects can be funded up to $40,000 per First Nation per year. For recipients that represent more than one First Nation, or a technical organization, tribal council, or educational institution, funding can be up to $120,000 per recipient each year.
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The Asset Management Program is sourced from of the Government of Canada's Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
