(December 17, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) — Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak issued the following statement in response to the Government of Canada’s Fall Economic Statement, tabled by the Honourable Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on December 16, 2024, in the House of Commons.
“The Fall Economic Statement once again falls short of meeting the urgent needs of First Nations,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Critical areas like policing, clean water, housing, education and economic reconciliation remain severely underfunded.”
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak also took exception to the government attributing the rising deficit to costs related to Indigenous claims. “These statements are misleading as these claims are a result of Canada failing to meet its obligations to First Nations. Instead of spending resources on legal battles that question our inherent rights, the government must prioritize sustained, targeted investments that will grow the Canadian economy and advance reconciliation.”
“Addressing the First Nations infrastructure gap is a necessary step for strengthening Canada’s economy. As demonstrated in the AFN’s recently released report from the Conference Board of Canada, Economic Impact of Closing the Infrastructure Gap, investments in First Nations infrastructure, housing, broadband access, roads, and clean water will benefit all Canadians by improving quality of life, driving economic growth, and creating more than 300,000 jobs over the next seven years.”
“Closing the Infrastructure Gap between First Nations and non-Indigenous Canadians will boost Canada’s GDP by $27.7 billion annually. It would strengthen Canada’s position within the G7, moving us from our current mid-ranking position to a leading spot among the world’s largest economies. Addressing barriers to education, employment, and economic participation for First Nations is essential for Canada’s global economic competitiveness,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
―30―
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Genna Benson
Director of Communications
Assembly of First Nations
604-340-3117 (mobile)
[email protected]
Cherish Francis
Deputy Chief of Staff
Office of the National Chief
343-630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]