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EDMONTON – The City of Edmonton is welcoming the First Nations Inspection Authority (FNIA) as its newest safety codes inspection contractor.

FNIA is an Indigenous-owned and operated company, is fully accredited by the Safety Codes Council and will provide electrical, plumbing and gas, building and HVAC inspections for buildings throughout Edmonton, a release said.

“The partnership with FNIA not only helps to fulfill the City of Edmonton’s need for inspection services but is a meaningful part of our work towards a broader goal of strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples. The city continues to create pathways for more Indigenous businesses and the Indigenous community to participate in city contracts and projects,” City of Edmonton deputy mayor Erin Rutherford said in a statement.

FNIA is owned by Nathan McDonald, a member of the Enoch Cree Nation and an Electrical Safety Codes Officer who worked as an electrician in B.C. before becoming the province’s first Indigenous electrical inspector. He was also the housing director for the Enoch Cree Nation before establishing FNIA.

“This partnership, supporting FNIA’s mission to advocate for higher quality standards in construction and infrastructure development, is a testament to the city’s dedication to inclusivity and reconciliation, and recognizes the valuable expertise that Indigenous-owned businesses bring. FNIA hopes to inspire other Indigenous entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions and contribute their skills to the broader community,” McDonald said.