National Chief Bulletin – Federal Budget 2016
National Chief Bulletin – Federal Budget 2016
Federal Budget 2016
The Liberal government tabled its first federal budget on March 22. This Bulletin provides an initial assessment and analysis and a brief overview of the budget items of interest to First Nations.
I believe that this budget is a significant first step in closing the gap in the quality of life between First Nations and Canadians. The 2016 federal budget sets out $8.4 billion over five years in investments for Indigenous peoples and priorities. It closely mirrors the AFN’s Closing the Gap agenda for change that is the basis for our advocacy and outreach with all governments and all Canadians to create real change for our people.
The budget begins to address decades of underfunding and neglect. It eliminates the 2% cap on First Nations funding that’s been in place since 1996 and commits to engaging with First Nations on a new, long-term fiscal relationship.
This budget invests in important priorities for our people such as housing, clean water, education, child welfare, and more. It’s a budget that invests in the youngest and fastest growing segment of our population, an investment in Canada’s future.
The investments in the budget will help bring long-needed relief to our people struggling in third world conditions in our own country. This is good for First Nations and for
Canada. Closing the gap will add billions to the economy and save billions more in social costs. But we have more work to do with the federal government, and all of you across the country, to address urgent priorities and set a strong foundation for growth.
We want to make sure that these resources are utilized in an effective and efficient way to deliver results on the ground for our people. This budget is an important opportunity to create a brighter future for First Nations peoples, and that is good for everyone.
We are attaching a summary of the announcements and areas that require further analysis.
