Ottawa — The Minister of Finance says the federal government has committed more than $50 billion over ten years to Indigenous priorities in Budget 2026 but has failed to identify a single dedicated funding commitment for the Métis. For the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), this glaring omission raises serious concerns about Canada’s commitment to its Métis government partners, and its longstanding distinctions-based approach to Indigenous relations.
The numbers tell a troubling story. First Nations are mentioned 112 times in the budget, Inuit 21 times, and Métis just once, and only in reference to the title of legislation. Canada has long recognized First Nations, Inuit, and Métis as three distinct Indigenous peoples, each with constitutionally protected rights. Federal funding decisions must reflect that recognition and those distinctions.
“Métis people fought for Canada before it was a country. We should not have to fight for our place in its federal budget,” said MNO President Margaret Froh. “There is no hierarchy in Canadian law among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis—we are three distinct Indigenous peoples, each with our own constitutionally protected rights and priorities. Canada has recognized those distinctions for decades. This budget fails to deliver an equitable distinctions-based approach for Indigenous peoples.”
The budget offers no direct commitments to address gaps in Métis health care.
The lack of continued funding for MNO’s well-established and growing Métis-specific community diversion restorative justice program is particularly disappointing. The budget makes important commitments to community-based justice initiatives, including diversion, through the Black Justice Strategy, recognizing the importance of culturally appropriate alternatives to the criminal justice system. Yet MNO’s own successful community-based diversion program, which has delivered proven results, reduces recidivism, and ultimately saves the justice system much-needed resources, does not commit to continued funding beyond March 2027. MNO will continue pressing Canada to secure its future.
The budget’s only reference to Métis comes in a commitment of $806.7 million over five years to support implementation of federal legislation concerning First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families. The budget also proposes $119 million over three years to support negotiations on Indigenous rights, including self-government agreements. While this funding is welcome, there is no identified Métis allocation. Other notable investments include funding to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and an additional $10 million for the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. While the MNO welcomes these investments in the budget, questions remain about how Métis Citizens will benefit.
Housing continues to be a critical priority for the Métis. MNO has advocated for funding to cover the early development costs that can prevent much-needed homes from being built. We will be looking for details on whether these investments will address those barriers for Métis Citizens in Ontario. MNO will also seek clarity on how Métis governments will be included as Canada looks to provinces and territories to take greater responsibility for housing operations and support services. The commitment to dedicate at least 10% of Build Canada Homes’ expanded funding to Indigenous housing through a distinctions-based approach is encouraging.
“We welcome investments that will make a difference in people’s lives, and Métis Citizens need to know where they fit into Canada’s plans,” said President Froh. “We’re ready to work with Canada to turn these announcements into real results. That means Canada working directly with our government and making clear how these investments will benefit the Métis Citizens we represent.”
MNO will continue working with Canada to secure direct, predictable funding for Métis priorities, including justice, housing, and health care. We expect the federal government to uphold its distinctions-based approach and ensure Métis governments are directly involved in decisions that affect their Citizens.
The Métis Nation of Ontario is the federally and provincially recognized, democratically elected government representing more than 34,000 Métis Citizens in Ontario. In 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark Powley decision affirmed the existence of Métis rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, recognizing the historic Métis community at Sault Ste. Marie.