For communities to thrive, it takes strong public services that families can count on. It takes safe, reliable infrastructure and opportunities for young people to build a good life.

But today, too many Indigenous communities across the country are still waiting for clean drinking water, basic emergency services, secure public transportation, or help with environmental initiatives – sometimes with tragic consequences.

New Democrats believe that it is past time for the federal government to step up and fund the services and infrastructure that Indigenous communities need to thrive – it is an important part of the responsibility that Canada owes to Indigenous peoples given the deep and intergenerational impacts of colonialism.

This means making the investments required to ensure clean water and lift all drinking water advisories for good by 2021, and supporting Indigenous-led water management training programs and water system operations as an immediate priority. And this means funding on-reserve emergency management and prevention, including firefighting training and equipment. It also means ensuring safe public transportation by resuming and expanding rural and remote bus routes and passenger rail service.

Strong communities are sustainable communities, and many Indigenous communities have been at the forefront of the move towards renewable energy. We will work with them to protect infrastructure from climate change and increase the use of renewable energy. New Democrats will help expand community-owned renewable energy projects – and support efforts to transition remote communities away from polluting diesel and harmful fumes, towards reliable and clean energy alternatives.