(Toronto, Ont. – Nov 5, 2025) The Chiefs are Ontario are calling for stronger, distinctions-based investment following the release of Canada Strong: Federal Budget 2025, tabled yesterday by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of National Revenue Canada François-Philippe Champagne.
While the 2025 federal budget outlines over $141 billion in new spending and ambitious commitments to infrastructure and defense, First Nations Leadership notes that there remain limited First Nations specific investments and lack clarity on how new programs will be implemented in partnership with First Nations.
“First Nations in Ontario continue to look for clear and sustained commitments that close the long-standing gaps in infrastructure, housing, and essential services,” said Ontario Regional Chief Benedict. “We recognize the federal government’s focus on growth and resilience, but true national strength must include equitable investments that ensure First Nations can thrive alongside all Canadians and are not left behind.”
The budget includes several Indigenous-related investments such as $2.3 billion over three years to renew the First Nations Water and Wastewater Enhanced Program and $1 billion to create an Arctic Infrastructure Fund. However, many of these measures are pan-Indigenous in nature or lack fiscal detail, leaving the path for First Nations-specific implementation unclear. The absence of detailed funding commitments also raises concerns about accountability, making it unclear how investment will deliver real value for First Nations.
As Federal Budget 2025 also has a strong emphasis on “Building Canada,” the Chiefs of Ontario continue to raise concerns regarding lacklustre investments into direct consultation with First Nations as Canada seeks to build. As Canada begins to implement the Building Canada Act, Budget 2025 only dedicates a small amount of funding to consultation with affected rightsholders and does not include distinctions-based criteria.
The Chiefs of Ontario are also closely monitoring proposed budget reductions to key federal departments, including, a two percent annual cut to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). These reductions, totaling more than $560 million per year, may affect the delivery of programs and services in First Nations.
“It is important that fiscal restraint does not come at the expense of the duty to consult, essential services or the progress that has been made toward improving the wellbeing, health, security, and prosperity of First Nations,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “We look forward to continued collaboration with Canada to ensure that budgetary decisions reflect a shared commitment to reconciliation, and accountability, and improved quality of life for First Nations across Ontario.
The Chiefs of Ontario will continue to review the budget in full and advocate for equitable, distinction-based investment that respect First Nations’ inherent rights, jurisdiction and the right to free, prior and informed consent.
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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario
Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org
