Canada Announces Over $50 Billion in Budget 2026 Investments for Indigenous Communities
On November 13, 2026, Canadian ministers announced Budget 2026 proposals totaling more than $50 billion over 10 years to advance reconciliation through long-term funding for Indigenous policing, housing, infrastructure, education, health, and child welfare.
On November 13, 2026, Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree and Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu, alongside MP Marcus Powlowski, announced that Budget 2026 proposes more than $50 billion over 10 years to advance reconciliation and ensure long-term predictable funding for Indigenous core programs. The announcement took place at the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service Headquarters in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict in attendance.
A significant portion of the package dedicates $32 billion over 10 years to First Nations housing and infrastructure. This includes $18.5 billion over 10 years for a new First Nations On-Reserve Infrastructure Program covering roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, water, and wastewater systems. Another $11 billion over 10 years is designated for First Nations housing to manage 119,000 existing units, construct 6,900 new homes, and renovate 10,900 existing homes. An additional $1.7 billion over five years will accelerate shovel-ready housing construction in First Nations communities. Furthermore, $13 billion over ten years starting in 2028-29 will boost Build Canada Homes capital, with at least 10% dedicated to Indigenous housing projects.
To support these efforts, $657.5 million over 10 years is allocated to explore new financing approaches, including a $500 million Monetisation Pilot, a $150 million Yänonhchia’ Revolving Housing Finance Fund, and a $7.5 million Surety-Bonding Pilot. Budget 2026 also proposes amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act to allow the First Nations Finance Authority to lend to Indigenous-owned Special Purpose Vehicles.
For public safety, $633.7 million over four years beginning in 2027-2028 and $250.9 million ongoing are allocated to increase stable funding for the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program and Facilities Program. This policing funding will primarily support identified needs in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta and is delivered through a new grants and contributions program anticipated to launch in 2028. Additionally, $140 million over four years is invested in expanded Indigenous community safety programming to address urgent public safety challenges.
The budget commits substantial resources to child welfare and family services. It allocates $6 billion over six years to Jordan’s Principle to ensure access to services for First Nations children, and $575 million over five years to renew the Inuit Child First Initiative and support the transition to Pirutsiagutiit. Funding of $806.7 million over five years renews support for the implementation of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
In education and workforce development, $5.8 billion over five years supports the Elementary and Secondary Education Program on reserve, while $437.9 million over five years maintains the Post-Secondary Student Support Program. The Partnerships for Indigenous Workforce Readiness Fund will be launched with $451.8 million over four years and $48 million ongoing. A further $10.4 million over four years funds the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning in the Northwest Territories.
Health and social supports include $2.9 billion over three years for the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, $290.7 million over four years to help Indigenous communities access public health services, and $610.3 million over four years, plus ongoing amounts, to stabilize funding for Nutrition North Canada.
Investments in northern infrastructure and emergency management total $1.6 billion over 10 years to improve energy reliability in the North, including renewable energy transitions and electricity infrastructure upgrades. The budget also provides $3.1 billion over five years for the construction and maintenance of the Mackenzie Valley Highway. For emergencies, $865.6 million in 2026-27 and $446.2 million ongoing support the Emergency Management Assistance Program, alongside $7.8 million ongoing for wildfire protection and $7 million ongoing for the First Nations Fire Protection Strategy.
Finally, $78.5 million over four years and $20.6 million ongoing supports the renewal of the First Nations Financial Management Board, Tax Commission, and Infrastructure Institute. The budget also includes $3.6 million in 2027-28 to renew the Red Dress Alert pilot to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.