(Toronto, Ont.–March 27, 2026) The Chiefs of Ontario has issued the following statement in response to Ontario’s 2026 Budget, A Plan to Protect Ontario, tabled yesterday at Queen’s Park:

This year’s budget largely continues previous messaging focused on strengthening  Ontario’s economy in the face of global economic uncertainty, including ongoing concerns related to tariffs from the United States. The province also remains focused on accelerating development and accessing critical minerals in the Ring of Fire.

“Much of the budget’s language surrounding Ontario’s economic defence and the Ring of Fire is not surprising,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “We understand the need to explore new ways to stimulate the economy. But there must be full partnership and the free, prior and informed consent of all impacted First Nations before any development begins.”

The province is projecting a $13.8 billion deficit, nearly double what the province projected last fall.

Investments specific to First Nations remain limited, and language throughout the budget largely echoes previous commitments, with little to no new funding for First Nation programs and services. Projected 2026-27 funding levels for the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation (IAFNER) also remain largely unchanged.

A major initiative highlighted in yesterday’s budget is Ontario’s recent declaration of Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto as a special economic zone (SEZ), following the passing of Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy, last year.

Chiefs of Ontario is still deeply concerned over Bill 5, and the broad powers it grants the province to fast-track projects designated as SEZs, including the exemptions from certain regulatory and assessment requirements. These concerns are particularly relevant as Ontario seeks to take control over the expansion of Billy Bishop Airport, which is located on the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.

“In Minister Bethlenfalvy’s delivery of the budget, he spoke to the continued partnership between Ontario and First Nations,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “We have consistently stated that true partnership requires meaningful consultation at all stages of any projects that affect our Nations. This means engaging with First Nations before decisions, such as designating a special economic zone, are made—not after.”

Chiefs of Ontario calls on Ontario to ensure that any SEZ-related expansion plan includes a meaningful consultation plan that is developed in partnership with, and agreed to by, First Nations. First Nations must be directly included in discussions on development planning, environmental stewardship, and any potential economic development initiatives.

Other items of note within the budget that may be of interest to First Nations include:

  • A $700 million increase to the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program – Health and Safety Water Stream, which is intended to support projects in municipalities and First Nations to build, expand or rehabilitate aging water, wastewater, stormwater, flood and erosion infrastructure;
  • $5.5 billion in the postsecondary education sector over the next 10 years, including over $2.2 billion in capital grants for colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes;
  • $5.5 million in 2026–27 for the Women’s Economic Leadership and Legacy (WELL) Fund, which will create more opportunities for women and support Indigenous women and aid survivors of human trafficking;
  • Renewing partnerships with First Nations to build and improve highway infrastructure, including Highways 584 and 11; and
  • $32.5 million to enable municipal and First Nations police services to acquire specialized assets.

Chiefs of Ontario looks forward to supporting nation-to-nation relationships with the province, and to seeing the outcomes of previous budget investments, including initiatives such as the Indigenous Participation Fund. COO will always advocate for First Nations’ active role as partners in economic development so that all Ontario and First Nations can thrive together.

-30-

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