(November 26, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN), in collaboration with the Conference Board of Canada, has released a new report revealing that Closing the Infrastructure Gap by 2030 offers a transformative opportunity for Canada’s economy. The report, “Benefits for All Canadians: Economic Impact of Closing the Infrastructure Gap,” highlights the potential of an estimated $350 billion federal investment, projecting a $635 billion increase in economic output, creating and sustaining over 338,000 jobs per year and generating $87 billion in government revenue over the next seven years.
“This report is a clear call to action,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Closing the infrastructure gap is not just about addressing urgent needs of First Nations—it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive Canada that benefits us all.”
According to the report, every dollar invested in First Nations infrastructure generates $1.82 in economic output. Beyond the economic advantages, the report emphasizes the social and environmental impacts of these investments, including better access to housing, education, healthcare, and broadband. It also highlights the role First Nations-led initiatives can play in achieving Canada’s net-zero commitments. Critically, the report projects that closing the infrastructure gap would contribute $309 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next seven years. This investment could move Canada from last to first place among advanced economies globally and position the country as a leader in annual GDP per capita growth among all G7 nations.
The infrastructure gap, which includes critical areas such as housing, clean water, broadband connectivity, and transportation, has persisted for decades. Without immediate action, the cost to address these critical infrastructure needs will rise to over $527 billion by 2040. Further delaying these mandated investments deprives First Nations and all Canadians of the mutual economic benefits and leaves an economic stimulus to the Canadian business sector to be under capitalized by the Government of Canada.
“This is about ensuring that First Nations have the same access to essential infrastructure as all Canadians,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “It’s also about recognizing that investments in First Nations will drive economic growth, strengthen communities, and position Canada as a global leader in reconciliation and sustainability. Canada has the resources—what’s needed now is the will to act. We urge the federal government to prioritize investing in First Nations infrastructure. Together, we can close this gap by 2030, creating a future of shared prosperity and opportunity for all Canadians.”
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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. Follow AFN on X @AFN_Updates.
Contact information:
Genna Benson
Director of Communications
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
604-340-3117 (mobile)
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
[email protected]
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)