Minister Aglukkaq Pleased with Updated P3 Canada Fund Criteria for Inuit Organizations and Self-Governing First Nations

OTTAWA, July 22, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq today expressed her support for the approval of changes to eligibility criteria for the P3 Canada Fund. The expanded eligibility criteria allow Inuit organizations and self-governing First Nations to access the $1.2 billion Fund to explore potential infrastructure projects in their regions. The Fund supports innovative public infrastructure projects, using the Public-Private Partnership (P3) model that delivers maximum value for Canadians, to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and support long-term prosperity.

Quick Facts

• Under the new eligibility criteria, the P3 Canada Fund may now be accessed by "a band council within the meaning of section 2 of the Indian Act, or a government or authority established pursuant to a Self-Government Agreement or a Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, given effect and declared valid by federal legislation."
• Earlier this year, the eligibility criteria for Infrastructure Canada's New Building Canada Fund were expanded in the same way to include Inuit organizations and self-governing First Nations.
• P3s are a long-term, performance-based approach to procuring public infrastructure that can enhance governments' ability to hold the private sector accountable for public assets over their expected lifespan.
• Eligible projects under the P3 Canada Fund include: construction, renewal or material enhancement of public infrastructure within several sectors including transport (public transit, highways, brownfield re-development, local roads and short line rail), water, energy (green projects), security (disaster mitigation), solid waste, culture, connectivity and broadband, maritime (short sea shipping), aerospace (regional and local airport) and tourism.

Quotes

"I am very pleased with these changes to the eligibility criteria that allow Inuit organizations and self-governing First Nations to access the P3 Canada Fund and the New Building Canada Fund. With these changes, key Government of Canada infrastructure programs are now available to our northern Aboriginal partners and will contribute to long-term and sustainable economic development in the North."

Minister Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

SOURCE: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Ted Laking
819-997-1441

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca

For more information on P3 Canada, visit: http://www.p3canada.ca/en/