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TORONTO – Ontario’s Indigenous infrastructure gap is threatening economic reconciliation, a new report from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Canadian Council for Indigenous �ȵ���� finds.

The fourth and final report in the A Way Forward series, titled Lands and Infrastructure: Ontario’s Path Towards Economic Reconciliation, Equity, and Inclusive Growth, highlights the urgent need for housing, clean water, roads, health care and broadband.

Key recommendations stemming from the report include:

• Embedding Indigenous leadership in infrastructure planning to respect community values and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Supporting community-led environmental oversight to promote responsible development.
• Expanding access to housing, clean water, roads and high-speed internet through inclusive funding and public-private partnerships.
• Applying the Four R’s — Respect, Responsibility, Reciprocity, Renewal — as principles for ethical engagement.
• Leveraging resources such as UNDRIP, FPIC, the Duty to Consult and Impact Benefit Agreements to guide collaboration and reduce project risk.

“Building infrastructure in Indigenous communities is both an obligation and an opportunity,” said Daniel Tisch, president and CEO of the OCC, in the statement. “The right investments can enable full economic participation, strengthen community resilience, and foster inclusive growth that benefits all Ontarians.”

The A Way Forward series builds on the work of , and aligns with the National Indigenous Economic Strategy and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92.

To read A Way Forward: Lands and Infrastructure, .