Utoo Radio - April 18, 2024 - The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, has criticized the 2024 Federal Budget for not adequately addressing the urgent and long-term needs of First Nations.
She said, “Although I am pleased to see continued funding that supports First Nations and new funding to advance their jurisdiction over child welfare and new investments in business loan guarantees, the allocations for housing and infrastructure are insufficient to meet to the government’s promise to close the gap by 2030. I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to ensure that First Nations priorities are not just recognized but fully funded.”
The budget outlines over $9 billion in new funding for Indigenous Peoples across five years, including $2.95 billion for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Key investments include:
- nearly $2 billion for health, mental health, and combating anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare,
- $918 million dedicated to Indigenous housing and infrastructure, and
- $4677.5 million over five years for policing.
The budget also includes nearly $2 billion to support exercising jurisdiction under the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children, youth, and families, and $5 billion for the Indigenous Loan Guarantee.
A recent report by the AFN reveals that over $349 billion is required to meet the 2030 target.
The lack of long-term, dedicated funding for First Nations and the lack of inclusion of First Nations in national initiatives, such as the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, is alarming.
The AFN participated in the pre-budget submission process and outlined specific asks in priority areas to address urgent and long-term needs and funding requirements.
