The First Nations Infrastructure Institute
The conversation today is with Jason Calla from the First Nations Infrastructure Institute.
The problems with the current First Nation infrastructure system are well known. Infrastructure takes too long to develop, costs too much to build, and does not last long enough. This reality contributes to poor social and economic outcomes. The First Nations Fiscal Management Act (“FMA”) provides two important innovations to improve the First Nation infrastructure system:
Access to longer-term capital
More fiscal powers to build more sustainable infrastructure, sooner
The First Nations Infrastructure Institute (“FNII”) is a First Nations led initiative that will support improved First Nations infrastructure outcomes by providing the skills and processes necessary for First Nations to plan, procure, own and manage infrastructure assets.
This conversation was recorded on July 8, 2020.
SHOW NOTES:
First Nations Tax Commission: www.fntc.ca
The mission of the FNTC is to help First Nation governments build and maintain fair and efficient property tax regimes and to ensure those First Nation communities, and their taxpayers alike, receive the maximum benefit from those systems.The FNTC is also about creating the legal, administrative and infrastructural framework necessary for markets to work on First Nation lands, creating a competitive First Nation investment climate, and using economic growth as the catalyst for greater First Nation self-reliance.
First Nations Infrastructure Institute: www.fnii.ca
The objective of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute is to provide the skills and processes necessary to ensure First Nations efficiently and effectively plan, procure, own, and manage infrastructure assets on their Lands.
Fiscal Realities: http://www.fiscalrealities.com/
Fiscal Realities Economists conducts economic research and analysis, develops innovative solutions, and advises and advocates for public, First Nation and private sector clients.
Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics: www.tulo.ca
The Tulo Centre is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to renewing Indigenous economics by providing applied programs to enhance the capacity of Indigenous communities.
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Intro and outro song: John Jules
Cover art work: Chief Commissioner Jules
