Liberals turn their back on Indigenous and Northern communities fighting climate change

Liberals and Conservatives block NDP bill to give Indigenous and Northern communities the infrastructure they need to fight the climate crisis

OTTAWA – Today, Justin Trudeau’s Liberals blocked NDP MP Niki Ashton’s (Churchill-Keewatinook Aski) bill which would have given Indigenous and Northern communities the tools they need to take on the catastrophic impacts of climate change.

“It’s unacceptable,” said Ashton. “Indigenous and Northern communities are already being hit by the climate crisis and instead of reforming the Infrastructure Bank to support communities, the Liberals blocked action that would have given communities the tools they need to survive."

The NDP bill that Liberal and Conservative MPs rejected aimed to modify the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s mandate to eliminate the privatized, for profit model and prioritize the needs of Indigenous and Northern communities in the face of the climate crisis. This would have unlocked critical funding for much needed infrastructure projects that focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation. The bill would have also increased transparency on the Bank’s spending and required First Nation, Inuit and Métis representation on its board.

“When given the choice between action on the climate crisis and support for Indigenous and Northern communities fighting to survive or propping up their wealthy friends, the Liberals choose their rich friends again," said Ashton.