2014 Pre-Budget Submission
Press Release –
Strategic Investments for First Nations Children, Families & Communities 2014 Pre-Budget Submission
Executive Summary
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has participated in the annual federal pre-budget consultations since 2000, outlining First Nations’ priorities and providing a comprehensive analysis of required investments and structural changes that, if implemented, will work to improve First Nations’ quality of life and community well-being. The 2014 pre-budget submission builds on these previous submissions, which have focused on demonstrable need in child and family services, health, housing, water and capital infrastructure, environmental stewardship, economic development, social development and housing.
The AFN continues to emphasize that, in addition to significant investments to create equitable funding levels, a fundamental transformation of the relationship between First Nations and Canada is required in order to achieve significant change for First Nations. Current fiscal transfers to First Nation governments are conditional, inflexible, inadequate, unpredictable and not based on real population counts resulting in First Nation citizens not receiving services comparable to those provided to Canadians. While Canadians receive services from all levels of government, through direct federal transfers to provinces and territories at an average growth rate of 6% per year, Finance Canada has maintained a 2% cap since 1996 on First Nations funding. New funding mechanisms are needed that move away from arbitrary and coercive contribution agreements to a mechanism that recognizes First Nations title and rights, most recently reaffirmed and reiterated by the Supreme Court of Canada in the Tsilhqot’in case (William v. Canada, 2014).
In 2014, after decades of under-investment, it is clear that the social and economic costs of the status quo are too high. The following document summarizes the actions and investments required by the Federal Government for the 2015 Federal Budget.
Read more: Strategic Investments for First Nations Children, Families & Communities 2014 Pre-Budget Submission 
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2014 Pre-Budget Submission Manitoba Regional Chief Bill Traverse National Portfolio holder for Housing and Infrastructure
Introduction
Manitoba Regional Chief Bill Traverse, National Assembly of First Nations portfolio holder for First Nations Housing and Infrastructure, is pleased to make the following submission to the Standing Committee on Finance for the 2015 pre-budget consultations. The following document summarizes the actions and investments required by the Federal Government for the 2015 Federal Budget.
First Nations Housing
Housing is a basic human right and First Nations have for far too long suffered inadequate, insufficient and inappropriate housing in First Nations communities across Canada. Most acute in many northern and remote regions, First Nations require immediate relief and support and then the ability to drive sustainable strategies for the future.
The substandard and deplorable housing conditions in First Nations are a persistent and growing challenge. Recent environmental disasters affecting First Nation communities, such as flooding and forest fires, have only exacerbated the issues. While some First Nations have undertaken innovative and successful initiatives, many still rely on federal programs to provide financing options for their members. A recent report identified that between 2010 and 2034 there will be a housing shortfall of 130,197 units, an additional 11,855 units required to replace existing units, and approximately 10,000 units requiring major repairs. This requires an investment of nearly $1 billion per year over this period.
It is recommended that new programs and funding be provided through another round of stimulus spending specific to the First Nations housing sector. This proposed spending will directly benefit First Nation families and First Nations economies, and indirectly produce economic benefits and sustainable job creation in the construction industry. This new investment will benefit all regions across the country, with the greatest impact to the remote and rural sectors of Canada.
