RESOURCE GAP AND INITIATIVES ON FIRST NATIONS WATER AND WASTEWATER FIRST NATIONS WATER SYMPOSIUM Hilton Hotel and Suites, Niagara Falls, Ontario March 9 – 10, 2010

The Resource Gap Late 90’s OFNTSC Capital study Looked taking over the regional capital budget Result – foolhardy to take on an underfunded program

The CFM program $1 billion annual shortfall 2007 study commissioned by INAC showed a $15-25 Billion need in the next 15 years

CFM program Assets on the ground increasing Population is increasing O&M is required to maintain these assets 100% for schools 80% for water & wastewater 20% for community buildings

Water - Expert Panel The federal government must close the resource gap “First, and most critically, it is not credible to go forward with any regulatory regime without adequate capacity to satisfy the regulatory requirements.”

IOG Summary Report on Engagement Sessions “First Nations generally are no where near meeting provincial standards. Therefore, applying these standards now would be calamitous.” Many regions made it clear that resource gap must be addressed first.

Recent Funding FNWMS - $600 million Budget $330 million Budget 2009 – CEAP $165 million (part of %515 million for infrastructure Budget Budget 2010 extends the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan for two more years.

Other FNIF – oversubscribed GTF – $103 million additional schools RINC – recreational infrastructure – over subscribed – provincial and First Nations National Engineering Assessment

Key Messages There is a 2% percent cap in funding 120 communities on DWAs, increasing trend $1 billion annual shortfall in CFM program New programs for other capital needs are over subscribed Priority has been on Water and Wastewater Assets are deteriorating First Nation population is increasing at a higher rate – creating demands for infrastructure, schools and housing

Way Forward Support Economic Development Comprehensive Community Planning Energy Projects Skills Development Connectivity SCADA On-line commence and learning Alternate capital financing options P3 - Partnerships with utility companies leading to Capacity building Alternate forms of financing (Banks, FNFA) International markets Resource sharing

QUESTIONS contact: Irving Leblanc, P.Eng. Acting Director – Housing & Infrastructure Assembly of First Nations x 386