The National Association of Friendship Centres’ Response to the Federal Government’s Spring Economic Statement

Press Release

The National Association of Friendship Centres welcomes the federal government’s 2026 Spring Economic Update and its new investments in housing, infrastructure, and training and employment. We are pleased to see Friendship Centres named in the Spring Economic Update, including the announcement of $168 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, to support Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples. This investment ensures that Friendship Centres across Canada can continue providing critical, culturally grounded supports and services to their community members.

“Being named in the Spring Economic Update reinforces NAFC’s role as a trusted and essential partner in delivering Indigenous-led services rooted in community, culture, and lived experience,” said Jennifer Rankin, Chief Executive Officer of the NAFC. “These services, including education, family supports, social services, and community governance, are central to fostering identity, belonging, and long-term success for Indigenous individuals, families, and communities, and are vital to advancing reconciliation.”

Friendship Centres are a strong economic partner. Together, they support nearly one million Indigenous people each year through more than 2,600 programs accessed over 2.3 million times, with a focus on skills development, employment readiness, and job retention. Indigenous Peoples now number 1.8 million in Canada and continue to grow. Friendship Centres provide direct and transitional services to 55 percent of the national Indigenous population, supported by 3,100 staff and more than 10,300 volunteers. They deliever practical, wraparound supports such as training, job placement, childcare, transportation, and culturally grounded services that enable full participation in the workforce.

As Canada works to strengthen economic participation and inclusive growth, Friendship Centres have the capacity, workforce, and infrastructure to ensure Indigenous Peoples can enter, remain in, and advance within the workforce. We look forward to continued collaboration with the government on these critical priorities as we prepare our 2026 Budget submission to the Department of Finance.

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