First Nations, Métis leaders critical of lack of distinctions-based funding in spring update – CBC

May 01, 2026

‘Show us … we’re part of the plan,’ says David Chartrand

First Nations and Métis leaders are criticizing the federal government’s spring economic update for a lack of distinctions-based funding for Indigenous communities in its multi-billion “Canada Strong” plan.

The federal government released its spring economic update on Tuesday, promising about $2.1 billion in new spending on essential services for Indigenous people on top of roughly $2.2 billion for essential services announced by Indigenous Services Canada earlier this year.

However, there is criticism for a lack of “distinctions-based” funding — few specific carve-outs for First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/first-nations-metis-distinctions-based-funding-9.7183268