Budget 2026 sets $32B for First Nations infrastructure

OTTAWA – The federal budget commits $32 billion over 10 years to repair, replace and build First Nations infrastructure, though the Assembly of First Nations says the work will require more, The Canadian Press reported.

Of that, $11 billion is earmarked for maintaining, renovating and building First Nations homes, and $18.5 billion for roads, bridges and schools. The budget also sets aside $5.8 billion over five years for First Nations elementary and secondary education. The government says the infrastructure money will make essential services more reliable and help communities keep skilled workers.

The AFN and the Conference Board of Canada estimate it would take about $375 billion to close the infrastructure gap between First Nations and the rest of the country. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said before the budget that the gap will keep growing without targeted investment.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said in prepared remarks that building a strong Canada includes the work of reconciliation, including safe housing, clean water, good schools and reliable infrastructure. The budget includes $4.6 billion, set aside by Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, for clean drinking water, tied to the proposed First Nations clean water legislation that the House sent to committee. We reported on the 39 long-term water advisories still in place in 37 communities.

On health, the budget earmarks $2.9 billion over three years for Non-Insured Health Benefits. Chiefs have criticized the program since a woman from Fort Severn First Nation died in September after Indigenous Services failed to book her medical transportation following heart surgery. More than a dozen First Nations and tribal councils filed a human rights complaint alleging widespread neglect of their health needs, and chiefs have asked the Ontario Provincial Police to look into her death.

The budget also provides $290 million over four years to renew funding for public health workers and initiatives in Indigenous communities, $6 billion over six years for Jordan’s Principle, and $575 million over five years for a similar Inuit program. It adds $610 million over four years to the Nutrition North subsidy. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami says that program has failed to improve food security and lower prices in the North.

Métis have no targeted funding. The only mention of Métis is in connection with $806 million over five years to implement the Indigenous child welfare law. The Métis National Council said it is disappointed, noting that the federal government did not answer its $4.4-billion infrastructure request. President Victoria Pruden said Métis governments are being treated as an afterthought.

For the wider numbers, see our coverage of the budget’s deficit and new fund and our explainer on what it means for your wallet.

Source: The Canadian Press, Nov. 5, 2026.

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