Building Change: Infrastructure Program Expansion Supports Reconciliation

When the Ministry of Municipal Affairs was negotiating with Infrastructure Canada on the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program staff advocated for a change to be inclusive of First Nation applicants on infrastructure funding programs which have historically focused on local government infrastructure (water, wastewater, solid waste, some recreation).
The Daylu Dena Council had technical issues applying to the first intake. This led to developing a relationship and incorporated support from MIRR and ISC, ultimately resulting in a joint effort to find a pathway to successful funding of this critical project for the community - the construction of a new Community Centre and the demolition of the Residential School building - which had been the only community space available.