The Canadian infrastructure community is mourning the loss of one of our most passionate and visionary young leaders: Niilo Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition.
Niilo, who served as a valued member of the board of directors of The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) from 2020 until stepping down this fall, passed away recently from cancer.
“Niilo has made an enormous contribution to the infrastructure landscape in Canada and leaves a lasting legacy to expand First Nations participation in major projects across the country,” said Lisa Mitchell, President and CEO of the Council.
“He was someone who was always available to take a call or respond to a late email to help guide us on critical issues and to connect us with Indigenous leaders and experts who are transforming the delivery and funding of infrastructure.”
Johanne Mullen, Chair of CCPPP’s board and Partner, PwC, added: “Niilo had a profound impact on the Council as a colleague, advisor and friend. His thoughtful advice and deep expertise have been critical to helping us elevate national conversations around Indigenous infrastructure issues and to find solutions. He was a delight to work with and a true partner at the table. He will be incredibly missed by all of us.”
Our deepest sympathies to our colleagues at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition and across the CCPPP membership, to those that knew and worked with Niilo over the years.
To honour Niilo’s memory, donations can be made to the Organ Donation and Transplant Research Foundation of BC at www.odtrf.org.
