Overview and History of APC

Federally Incorporated in 1995, APC Secretariat is a Policy Research and Advocacy Secretariat for 33 Mi’kmaq and Maliseet and Passamaquoddy Chiefs, Nations, and Communities in Eastern Canada. APC Secretariat advocates speaking with one voice on behalf of the communities and, through research and analysis, developing and tabling before the Congress and federal policy decision makers policy alternatives for matters affecting First Nations communities in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and Maine, USA. Ten members sit on the APC Secretariat Board of Directors; a co-chair from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and eight Board members. 

APC Secretariat works in association with INAC (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada), First Nations, and CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) on housing policy and program delivery. Efforts are focused to improve levels of First Nations housing stock and to enhance First Nation capacity and control over housing and infrastructure.

APC Secretariat’s strategic areas of focus for change are Economic Opportunities,  Housing and Infrastructure, Health, Education, and Relationships and to close the gap between First Nations communities and Canadians. And with these key areas of focus social reform, building sustainable economic structures, continue to expand fisheries and natural resource access and opportunities, implement programs for children and youth, reform and implement mental health strategies, and provide communications and technological equity.

With the support of the First Nation communities in Atlantic Canada, APC Secretariat follows a relationship vision that concentrates on partnership and cooperation, government to government relationships, dialogue and education, quality of life, and self determination and self government in First Nation communities.