Indigenous leaders are expressing worries following the recent federal budget, which did not secure funding for key reconciliation programs beyond spring 2026. This has raised concerns that these programs might face cuts or termination in the future.
After the release of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first budget for the minority Liberal government, a chart titled “Indigenous Reconciliation” from an annex began circulating on social media. The chart highlighted temporary top-ups for critical programs like on-reserve education, emergency management, and urban programming for the current year, but showed zeros for future years.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak voiced her concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the future of these programs, referring to them as “sunset programs” with fixed funding or predetermined end dates. She pledged to seek immediate clarification from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding any potential cuts.
Meanwhile, President Natan Obed of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) shared similar apprehensions about the Inuit Child First Initiative, which is set to end in March without any additional funding allocated in the budget. Obed mentioned exploring legal options if necessary to ensure equal access to essential services for Inuit children.
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty emphasized the government’s intention to modernize the delivery of sunsetting programs to align with community needs and outcomes, rather than terminate them.
One of the programs facing funding uncertainty is Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples, which supports friendship centers in cities providing crucial services like employment assistance, housing support, and mental health services.
While some organizations like the Manitoba Métis Federation welcomed the budget, others expressed mixed feelings. The budget aims to limit spending cuts at Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations, with promises of new funding for safe water initiatives and Indigenous consultations on major projects.
President Victoria Pruden of the Métis National Council highlighted cautious optimism about the budget but also expressed concerns about the depth of commitment to reconciliation shown by the government.