Budget 2025 included several announcements related to Indigenous investments in infrastructure, housing, and major projects, but fell short in addressing local needs of Mushkegowuk Nations, says Grand Chief Leo Friday.
The federal budget tabled this week provides targeted investments for the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, “but Mushkegowuk communities below the 60th parallel face similar urgent infrastructure needs,” said the Grand Chief.
“Roads, water systems, housing, and other critical infrastructure remain underfunded. If major projects such as the Ring of Fire are to move forward, these investments in our communities must occur first to ensure we can safely and sustainably participate, protect our lands and waters, and exercise our treaty rights.”
The government is also proposing to increase funding to house urban, rural, and northern Indigenous members, benefiting off-reserve First Nations, Métis and Inuit.
“For First Nations on-reserve, however, there is no new funding, and existing allocations are slow to reach our communities,” said Friday. “Mushkegowuk communities cannot wait for additional consultations while Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Canada Infrastructure Bank coordinate their processes.”
Another area of concern for the Grand Chief is the fact the budget signals a two-per-cent reduction in current ISC programming over the coming years.
While acknowledging that government has to work within its fiscal framework, Friday pointed out that First Nations rely on ISC programs for critical services like education, health, child welfare, water, and housing.
“Canada cannot compromise its obligations under the treaty,” he said. “These programs must continue to meet the real needs of our communities.”
The Grand Chief said he will be watching closely to see if the budget passes in the coming week or so when the House of Commons is set to vote on it.
In the meantime, he added, “Mushkegowuk communities continue to call on the federal and provincial governments to work with us directly and early on any major project development in our territory. We must be at the table to discuss both project development and community infrastructure priorities. We want to generate long-term economic benefits for our communities through infrastructure and major project investments, in collaboration with governments, under Treaty 9, and as full partners in a nation-to-nation relationship.”
Mushkegowuk Council is a regional organization that represents the collective interests of the Kashechewan, Fort Albany, Chapleau Cree, Missanabie Cree, Moose Cree, Taykwa Tagamou and Attawapiskat First Nations in northeastern Ontario.
For media inquiries, contact:
Ron Grech
Communications, Mushkegowuk Lands & Resources
705-365-8308
