From: The Office of Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador

Today, MP Jones is highlighting the groundbreaking measures to advance the journey of reconciliation and foster a fair and equitable Canada for Indigenous Peoples. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing commitment to building strong partnerships and investing in the prosperity and well-being of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

A Milestone in Reconciliation

Canada's dedication to reconciliation has been steadfast since 2015, with approximately $200 billion invested in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. These investments have prioritized essential services such as health care, education, child and family services, housing, and infrastructure. Notably, the federal government has allocated over $57 billion to address past harms and support Indigenous communities in healing and rebuilding from the legacies of colonialism.

Addressing Urgent Needs

Indigenous Services Canada, in collaboration with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, is actively working to address on-reserve housing needs. Over 4,982 housing-related infrastructure projects have been initiated, benefitting 611 First Nations communities. Moreover, significant progress has been made in lifting drinking water advisories, with 94% of First Nations communities now having access to clean water.

Key Measures in Budget 2024

Budget 2024 introduces a comprehensive set of initiatives to empower Indigenous communities across Canada:

• Nearly $243 million will be invested to unlock pathways to post-secondary education for First Nations university, college, and post-secondary students.
• On-reserve income assistance funding of $927 million will support daily living costs for residents, including disability supports for the first time in Canadian history.
• $1.8 billion will be allocated to support Indigenous communities in exercising jurisdiction over children, youth, and families, including landmark agreements with Inuit communities.
• Over $290 million will be dedicated to Indigenous-led efforts to reclaim, revitalize, and strengthen cultures and languages.
• $5 billion in loan guarantees will be offered to unlock access to capital for Indigenous communities, promoting economic self-determination.
• $388 million will be invested to support Indigenous entrepreneurship, tourism, clean energy, and strategic partnerships.
• Significant funding will be allocated for Indigenous housing and community infrastructure, including investments in winter roads for remote communities and First Nations emergency management and preparedness.

These investments represent a crucial step forward in the journey of reconciliation, demonstrating the government's unwavering commitment to Indigenous Peoples' prosperity and self-determination. The MP for Labrador applauds these initiatives and reaffirms their dedication to working collaboratively with Indigenous communities to build a fair and inclusive Canada for all.