Indigenous Infrastructure: Unfit, Unsafe, Unjust
Decades of underfunding have left First Nation communities across Canada grappling with inadequate housing, poor health outcomes, and limited access to essential services. Despite federal promises to close this infrastructure gap by 2030, recent audits indicate little progress, with the true cost, exacerbated by inflation, predicted to reach $528 billion by 2040. This stark reality underscores the ongoing struggles for improved roads, schools, and digital connectivity, as many communities still lack basic infrastructure such as cell service and safe drinking water.
This ongoing disparity perpetuates intergenerational disadvantages, exacerbating social issues like youth incarceration, homelessness, and poor health. Through this series Unfit, Unsafe, Unjust, the IJB explores the breadth and depth of these infrastructure gaps, shedding light on the daily challenges faced by First Nation communities and the broader implications for Canada’s commitment to reconciliation.
Visit our Mind Games project page to learn more about our investigation into Indigenous mental healthcare.
St. Theresa Point First Nation in Manitoba and Sandy Lake First Nation in Ontario have joined a class action lawsuit against the federal government over inadequate housing conditions on reserves. | Contributed.
Groundbreaking First Nations Housing Class Action Suit Begins
Lawyers representing more than 100 First Nations communities across Canada have begun arguments in a groundbreaking class action lawsuit alleging Canada has “deliberately underfunded” housing on reserves.
Read the Story
Photo by Terrance Meekis, Sandy Lake First Nation.
Ontario First Nations sue the federal government over alleged deadly underfunding of fire protection on reserves
Indigenous Services Canada said fire deaths on reserves are "deeply concerning and highlight the urgent need for better fire protection."
Read the Story
Rotting foundations. Rampant mould. Sewage backups. What an expert’s report reveals about the state of housing in ‘deliberately underfunded’ First Nations
The report was filed in court as part of a $10-billion class action lawsuit against the Canadian government.
Read the Story
They need new homes, roads and schools. But Indigenous communities across Canada ‘can’t catch up’ thanks to staggering $349B infrastructure gap
Ottawa has pledged to close the infrastructure gap by 2030. An official said decades of underfunding means Canada has bills “yet to be paid.”
Read the Story
Jennifer George, who lives on Oneida territory, says she is afraid to let her children and grandchildren drink the tap water in her home. Photo curtesy of Benjamin Hargreaves
Oneida residents say the tap water is making them sick. But across the road, their neighbours have safe, clean water
The water distribution system on Oneida territory — operated by the community with regulatory oversight from Indigenous Services Canada — has failed to meet provincial standards dating back to 2006.
Read the Story