The federal government has announced $20 million in funding over four years for winter roads for Ontario First Nations communities.

The new funding, announced by Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, supplements the $7 million in annual winter road funding already allocated to these communities, as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by shorter winter road seasons.

Hajdu recently hosted a roundtable in collaboration with Nishnawbe Aski Nation and other First Nation leaders to discuss the challenges posed by the shortened winter roads season.

Winter roads are a vital lifeline for remote First Nations, enabling the delivery of essential services and supplies to communities during the winter months.

“Climate change has significantly shortened the window for winter roads to be accessible, leading to shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies, and increasing reliance in air transport,” said Hajdu. “We are steadfast in our commitment to work closely with partners to find solutions that ensure reliable connectivity to remote communities.”

Indigenous Services Canada provides over $7 million annually to support 32 remote First Nations in Ontario for the construction, maintenance, and improvement of approximately 3,200 kilometres of winter roads.

With the announcement of an additional $20 million over four years, this contribution will increase to $11 million annually.

The Province of Ontario provides an additional $6 million annually to First Nations for the construction, operation, and maintenance of winter roads. It recently introduced a $5-million annual program to improve winter road infrastructure, including enhancements to water crossings such as bridges and culverts.

The federal government’s 2024 budget $45 million for the Berens River Bridge and Roads Project, which will connect Pikangikum to the provincial highway and strengthen the winter road network to six other communities: Poplar Hill First Nation, McDowell Lake First Nation, Deer Lake First Nation, North Spirit Lake First Nation, Sandy Lake First Nation, and Keewaywin First Nation.