Good morning. Thank you, Madam Chair, for the opportunity to provide an overview of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada's programming that supports indigenous women entrepreneurs and businesses.
Before I begin, I'd like to recognize that we're on the traditional territory of the Algonquin nation.
In the context of the fast-growing indigenous business sector, I would like to tell you about INAC's lands and economic development services program as an integrated whole. The purpose of this program is to directly and indirectly support indigenous business women, specifically through access to business capital, support services, business opportunities and procurement.
INAC is committed to strengthening indigenous women's access to business and economic opportunities and recognizes the importance of positioning indigenous women to be in leadership and decision-making roles.
This commitment can be attested to with the representation of indigenous women on the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board. Of the board's 13 positions, five are filled, four of them by indigenous women.
The board advises both INAC and the federal government more broadly on its policy and program direction related to indigenous economic opportunities. In addition, the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board secretariat is in the process of establishing a collaborative partnership with the Centre for Women in Politics and Public Leadership at Carleton University on the topic of indigenous women entrepreneurs and innovation.
INAC's indigenous entrepreneurship and business development program supports indigenous women by increasing their access to developmental debt and equity capital to fill a financing gap, as well as providing project-based funding to improve access to business and procurement opportunities. It does so in close partnership with the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the network of aboriginal financial institutions that administers and delivers the program.
INAC helps indigenous entrepreneurs by giving them access to start-up or expansion capital for their own businesses. Almost 25% of the program's business recipients are indigenous women.
Another important element of the indigenous entrepreneurship and business development program is its project-based support. Since 2010 INAC has worked in partnership with national and regional indigenous women's organizations and has funded 27 indigenous women's projects totally $3.7 million. These projects have provided indigenous women entrepreneurs with financial literacy training, access to business development tools, business and training networks, and access to capital to help them establish, expand, and run viable and sustainable businesses. These organizations included the Native Women's Association of Canada and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada.
Another support coordinated by INAC on behalf of all the government departments is the procurement strategy for aboriginal business. Through this initiative, participating federal government departments and agencies support indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs through mandatory set asides, voluntary set asides, joint ventures, and partnerships linked to federal contracting opportunities.
Recognizing the value of entrepreneurship and the needs and aspirations of indigenous women and increasing their employability and self-reliance through entrepreneurship will provide the skills and opportunities they require to become self-sufficient. INAC is committed to closing the gaps that exist between indigenous and non-indigenous people when it comes to employment opportunities, income, and housing.
Housing is a fundamental need, and all Canadians should have access to a secure home. Investments in housing are crucial to begin addressing some of the root causes of poverty, for promoting opportunity and inclusive growth, and to help lay the foundation for community development.
No one fleeing domestic violence should be left without a place to turn, including those in first nation communities. Women and children fleeing violence need a safe place to live while they plan their future and turn the page on violence. In collaboration with the CMHC, INAC is investing in safe shelters. Through budget 2016 Canada invested $10.4 million over three years to support the renovation of existing shelters and the construction of five new shelters in first nation communities. Canada also invested $33.6 million over five years and up to $8.3 million ongoing in additional funding to better support the existing network of 41 shelters and operations in first nation communities.
Housing is the starting point for better social, economic and environmental results. It is important to work together on this fundamental aspect to improve the lives of indigenous women.
Thank you, again, for the opportunity to speak. I look forward to your questions.