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Indigenous Initiatives

Indigenous Initiatives at Infrastructure Ontario provides strategic direction and Indigenous insights supporting IO’s business lines. As an organization, IO is committed to advancing Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation to create a province based on mutual understanding and respect that benefits everyone. Our work is informed by the 94 Calls to Action to achieve reconciliation issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

The work of the Indigenous Initiatives team largely focuses on establishing relationships with Indigenous communities throughout Ontario for Duty to Consult purposes. Identifying economic benefits with IO has led to the development of an Indigenous Engagement and Participation Plan (IEPP) and a Request for Standing Offer for Indigenous Advisory Services.

As a Crown agency, IO recognizes that meaningful acts of reconciliation cannot happen unless our employees understand the truth about how Indigenous people have been treated in Canada and the resultant impact upon lives and communities. To this end, the Indigenous Initiatives team develops and implements numerous Indigenous-specific learning opportunities throughout the year, often in partnership with IO’s Indigenous Employee Resource Group.

Duty to Consult

The Duty to Consult team is comprised of Indigenous Relations specialists who undertake the procedural aspects of Duty to Consult as mandated by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ministry of Solicitor General. The team predominantly comprised of Indigenous-identifying members from Nations across Turtle Island provides unique insights into the process based on their lived experiences and associated expertise to the services that the team provides.

Opportunities for Collaboration

Through its Accelerated Divestment Plan, IO sells unused properties owned by the Province, so as to reduce liabilities and ongoing maintenance costs. Indigenous communities interested in learning what surplus properties are open for tender can register with the Realty Circulation Portal.

For interested businesses, open procurement opportunities are available through via MERX. Registration is required.

Lending opportunities are guided by provincial legislation. Details and opportunities are available on IO’s Infrastructure Lending page.