Improving Service Delivery on Reserve Land

Proposal text

The Federal government will streamline the loan process for First Nations infrastructure and modify the Indian Act to eliminate Indigenous Services Canada barriers to exercising jurisdiction when providing the basic needs of Indigenous people.

Type of Proposal

Public policy that the party would represent

Objective / Benefit

A crisis in infrastructure management on Indigenous reserves led to a drinking water catastrophe that left Indigenous people across Canada without access to clean drinking water for years at a time. While the Federal government has taken some actions to mediate the existing crisis, nothing has been done to address the underlying cause of the issue. Indigenous First Nations have to contend with reams of red tape that can add years to the construction of any infrastructure projects on their land. At the same time, access to capital for the development of these projects can be limited in both when funding is available and how it can be spent. In the spirit of Reconciliation, it is time to return sovereignty to the Indigenous peoples.

If your proposal replaces an existing policy or policies, which one does it replace?

Indian Act: 18 (1) …the Governor in Council may determine whether any purpose for which lands in a reserve are used or are to be used is for the use and benefit of the band.

Indian Act: Section 18(2), 20(1), 20(2), 23, 24, 25, 51, 60, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 91, 93. - These sections give Federal representatives direct veto-power over the use of the resources of Indigenous First Nation

Indian Act: 57(c) providing for the disposition of surrendered mines and minerals underlying lands in a reserve.

List any supporting evidence for your proposal

"While not referring specifically to KCL, many First Nations told journalists that although cost overruns and delays can affect a variety of infrastructure projects, long-standing federal government procurement policies have forced them to choose the lowest bidders, leaving them with contractors that often aren’t capable of delivering what’s required to ensure clean water on time and on budget.

Despite guidelines that suggest preference be given to companies with a clean performance record, Indigenous Services Canada does not track information about companies that receive contracts for water projects in First Nations communities."

https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/former-neskantaga-contractor-accused-of-cutting-corners-in-other-first-nations/

Does this proposal affect any particular group and what efforts have been made to consult with the group or groups?

Yes, Indigenous People. It is their wish.

Jurisdiction: Is this proposal under federal jurisdiction?

Yes

Please indicate the language the proposal is being submitted in.

English