Quinn Public Affairs Inc.

09/30/2025

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an opportunity for us to ponder the relationship between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous peoples and how we can best work together to overcome a difficult past and build a stronger future.

It’s encouraging that reconciliation became a national priority over the last decade. But it’s disappointing how many government commitments remain unfulfilled. Thirty-nine long-term drinking water advisories remain in place. Despite a promise to close the infrastructure gap by 2030, there has never been a plan to invest or prioritize the $350 billion needed. We’ve seen record amounts budgeted and approved by Parliament for services to First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities, for settling claims, and for implementing Treaties, but we’ve also seen $50 billion of that money go unspent over the last decade. That $50 billion could have built a lot of houses, health centres, and new schools.

One of the few things the government has actually got right is the creation – at the urging of and in full partnership with Indigenous communities – of a number of national institutions. The First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Tax Commission and more recently the First Nations Infrastructure Insitute are all First Nation-controlled and -led entities that lay a strong foundation for governance, project management, and access to capital markets. Working together, they have raised and invested billions of dollars in vital infrastructure and economic development – completely independently of the federal government. While they currently only involve First Nations, there is no practical reason that they couldn’t expand to incorporate Métis and Inuit communities as well.

Rather than not spending funds that Parliament has appropriated, the government could invest in and boost these institutions. Billions of dollars could be raised in private capital markets and invested for maximum impact. All of this could be done while ensuring that funds voted by Parliament are used responsibly and actually have the intended effect. And because the institutions report and are answerable to communities, they can be respond to real community priorities.

There’s been speculation about potential budget cuts and what these could mean for ISC and CIRNA. But let’s think bigger than that. The Indigenous institutions have the ability to front-load investment – the dollars they can raise in capital markets and invest in communities today would more than make up for short- or medium-term federal spending distruptions. The Prime Minister’s mantra of “spend less to invest more” could be brought to life.

Reconciliation means working with Indigenous communities to improve lives and build prosperity. What better way to achieve this than working with and through Indigenous institutions?

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06/01/2025

Our hearts go out to the First Nation communities and others having to flee the Manitoba fires. Kudos to our clients at OCN for stepping up and hosting those in need of shelter. Here's hoping the fires will be under control soon.

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05/01/2025

The new parliament begins with 12 indigenous MPs - an historic high - with members in three of the four parties; only the BQ will be left without an indigenous voices in its caucus. QPA will look forward to working with each of these outstanding individuals in the next sitting of Parliament.

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04/06/2025

An interesting response on from Mark Carney on the challenge of residential schools

03/24/2025

This will be a high stakes election for high stakes times. Northern and Indigenous players will be central to decision-making on resource development, new transportation corridors and security.

Now's the time to do your strategizing.

QPA can help you navigate through a new government to get your message across to key decision-makers.

03/12/2025

With a probable federal election coming, plus tariff chaos from the South, it feels pretty wild on Parliament Hill.

This is the time to get ready.

That’s why it’s great to be heading to Manitoba to meet with Tataskweyak Cree Nation leadership tomorrow. QPA is excited to hear about the priorities of Chief and Council.

We are proud of our work with Tataskweyak and helped secure funding in 2024 for two much-needed schools and a new subdivision for their growing community. Looking forward to next steps.

Every child deserves access to quality education in spaces that celebrate their culture and identity.

09/30/2024

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, it's important to acknowledge that commemorative activities may be distressing for First Nations and Residential School Survivors. Mental health support is available for those who may need it during this time.

09/30/2024

09/30/2024

Reconciliation is at the core of the QPA mission. It is there because we believe there can be no social justice without economic justice. And we also believe makes perfect sense to our business.

We believe that reconciliation fosters stronger relationships with Indigenous communities, unlocking potential partnerships and opportunities. Businesses that authentically work with Indigenous often the benefit of engaging indigenous knowledge and expertise, leading to new markets, services and products.

We also believe that reconciliation enhances business reputation. Companies who are actively and concretely supportive of Indigenous rights build trust with consumers, employees, and investors, which can lead to stronger brand loyalty and a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Reconciliation also drives innovation. In the past, Canadian companies have often ignored the perspectives of Indigenous peoples. But the best Canadian companies are realizing that integrating Indigenous perspectives into business strategies promotes new ways of thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, which can lead to more creative solutions and sustainable growth.

As we reflect on reconciliation, take a moment to consider that this is not simply about righting the wrongs of the past, but it is also a just and prosperous future.

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06/21/2024

It’s National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, a day of celebration and a time to consider national efforts toward reconciliation.

The nature and rate of change in Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples can be measured. In 2015, a small group of people at UVic and the University of Manitoba started a project called the Reconciliation Barometer. Their first report was published in December 2022, a second in 2023, and a third is anticipated in 2024. Very simply, the reports measure attitudes towards reconciliation in Canada.

This is more than just interesting information.

It offers communities, governments and businesses a snapshot of attitudes of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people on issues that affect the relationship.

The data demonstrates reconciliation is a worthwhile endeavour, and that we can share perspectives and diverse views.

The walk toward reconciliation will be a long one and lead us down many paths. Our report suggests we have begun our walk — there are some bright spots in our findings — and that we have a lot of work…