First Nations infrastructure critical but not nation-building: minister
OTTAWA — The new federal Crown-Indigenous relations minister says building up First Nations infrastructure is “critical” but doesn’t qualify as nation-building as her government works to fast-track new projects.
The federal government is developing legislation to fast-track what it calls “nation-building” projects with a streamlined regulatory approval process as a substitute for reviews under the Impact Assessment Act.
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty says that while closing the First Nations infrastructure gap is important, it’s not considered nation-building and would be pursued outside the proposed legislation.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said last week First Nations infrastructure should be considered nation-building because addressing the shortage of all-season roads and internet connectivity in many communities would boost the economy.
