Manny Jules (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

BILL C-45

‘One of the critical steps’: Bill C-45 to further economic reconciliation with First Nations communities

Apr 21, 2023 | 4:09 PM

KAMLOOPS — Bill C-45 is currently awaiting a second reading in the House of Commons, scheduled for next month, before moving to the senate. The bill looks to amend the First Nations fiscal management act.

Former Tk’umlups Chief Manny Jules is one of the voices behind the bill that he believes is a step toward proper economic reconciliation.

“From our perspective this is one of the critical steps in being able to look after ourselves in terms of infrastructure and helping communities build good sound infrastructure is absolutely key to building a sustainable economy,” Jules told CFJC News.

It’s been a slow process for first nation communities to receive economic rights taken from them around the turn of the 20th Century. Jules noted that his father, former chief Clarence Jules, began the work on economic reforms back in the 1960s.

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“My community developed the Mt. Paul Industrial Park in the 1960s through my dad’s leadership as chief at the time,” said Jules. “He started dealing with the tax issue in 1965, so I see the work that I’m doing as a continuation and a legacy to my dad, Chief Clarence Jules.”

The bill is sponsored by Minister Marc Miller in Ottawa. A spokesperson from his office stated that the bill will also establish the First Nations Infrastructure Institute to support First Nations and other interested Indigenous groups and organizations with the tools and capacity to build and manage sustainable infrastructure.

“It means that First Nations communities will be able to monetize capital dollars that are going to be spent by the federal government. Go to the banks or the First Nation Finance Authority to get long-term loans, that in turn will mean we don’t have to wait and negotiate for a decade. We are going to be able to build,” said Jules.

The statement from the Indigenous Affairs ministry also stated that more work is needed to help first nations strengthen their communities and build their economies.

Jules was proud that this bill and idea came from the Kamloops area.

“I hope that the citizens in this area take pride in the fact that we are part of the tectonic plates of this country that move issues on a national basis and indeed internationally,” stated Jules.

Jules hopes the bill will receive royal assent in June.