Closed
Source verified July 12, 2026
First and Last Mile Fund
Federal support for critical minerals projects
Latest source updateLast Update: July 12, 2026Latest change: The First and Last Mile Fund page now replaces the Indigenous engagement session sign-up section with an Indigenous capacity funding process and adds a funding end date of March 31, 2030.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 12, 2026
Latest change: The First and Last Mile Fund page now replaces the Indigenous engagement session sign-up section with an Indigenous capacity funding process and adds a funding end date of March 31, 2030.
First and Last Mile Fund process update
The First and Last Mile Fund page now shows an Indigenous capacity funding process with an EOI sequence and invitation-to-apply approach, replacing the earlier Indigenous engagement session sign-up section and pre-registration links. It also states that FLMF funding will run until March 31, 2030, while retaining the up to $1.5 billion funding amount and the program’s critical minerals focus.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
The First and Last Mile Fund provides up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until March 31, 2030 for invited proponents developing strategic mining and infrastructure projects that support critical minerals development in Canada. It supports on-site critical minerals mine development, enabling transportation and clean energy infrastructure, and market access infrastructure.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- On-site critical minerals mine development.
- Enabling clean energy and transportation infrastructure for mines and processing facilities.
- Infrastructure needed for market access.
- Indigenous engagement, participation, capacity building, and knowledge gathering and sharing linked to funded projects.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Selected proponents of strategic critical minerals projects.
- Indigenous nations, communities, and groups implicated by funded projects.
- Eligible partner organizations supporting Indigenous capacity funding.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who are not invited by Natural Resources Canada.
Selection criteria
- Expected contribution of an eligible project to critical minerals production in Canada.
- Quality of the application, project feasibility, and project risks.
- Expected economic, environmental, and Indigenous reconciliation benefits and impacts.
- Short-term production potential.
- Ability to attract investment and support vertical or horizontal integration of value chains in Canada and with international partners.
How to apply
- Natural Resources Canada identifies proponents whose projects best align with program objectives and invites them to apply.
- Invited applicants submit a declaration of interest (DI).
- If applicable, invited applicants submit a full application.
Processing and Agreement
- Projects are first identified by Natural Resources Canada and selected proponents are invited to apply.
- Invited applications are reviewed through an interdepartmental assessment process with input from federal, provincial, and territorial partners.
- Successful projects receive a conditional funding offer.
- A contribution agreement is then negotiated after due diligence.
Additional information
- No open call for proposals is currently available.
- Natural Resources Canada invites selected proponents to apply.
- Indigenous engagement sessions are available in English and French.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the First and Last Mile Fund Program
What is the First and Last Mile Fund?
The First and Last Mile Fund provides up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until March 31, 2030 for invited proponents developing strategic mining and infrastructure projects that support critical minerals development in Canada. It supports on-site critical minerals mine development, enabling transportation and clean energy infrastructure, and market access infrastructure.
Who is eligible for the First and Last Mile Fund program?
To be eligible for the First and Last Mile Fund program, you must:
Strategic mining or infrastructure project
Located in Canada
Aligned with Government of Canada priorities
What expenses are eligible under First and Last Mile Fund?
On-site critical minerals mine development.
Enabling clean energy and transportation infrastructure for mines and processing facilities.
Infrastructure needed for market access.
Indigenous engagement, participation, capacity building, and knowledge gathering and sharing linked to funded projects.
Who can I contact for more information about the First and Last Mile Fund?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at flmf_dev-dev_fpdk@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Where is the First and Last Mile Fund available?
The First and Last Mile Fund program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the First and Last Mile Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
First and Last Mile Fund is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the First and Last Mile Fund?
First and Last Mile Fund is funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)