Inadequate funding in the federal government’s budget could lead to a "crisis situation" for First Nations communities in the region says a First Nations leader.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief said capital infrastructure in the 49 communities he represents needs to be replaced and repaired and the funding proposed by the Conservative government isn’t adequate. Beardy said 5,000 homes need to be replaced, schools need to be upgraded in the northern communities. Roads, fire halls and other infrastructure also need to be built.
"Those are the type of facilities we desperately need," Beardy said. "I’m just hoping that without additional support for infrastructure I’m hoping somehow the First Nations can manage. If they cannot manage then we’ll be pushed into a crisis situation."
While the government has proposed $179 million for the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan, Beardy said that money is for First Nations communities across the whole country. In most cases, water and sewer facilities in NAN communities are at capacity added Beardy.
"When you start breaking down those numbers it doesn’t go far," Beardy said. "If they start breaking down because they’re working at full capacity year round I’m very concerned about what could happen."
Beardy said the budget does have some positive aspects such as funding for residential school survivors.
"We need that in a very bad way," Beardy said.
