(April 28, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today in response to the Spring Economic Update.
“Canada’s proposed path to building strong does not appear to involve First Nations,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The Spring Economic Update includes more than $37 billion in new investments through the Canada Strong sovereign wealth fund, mobilizing the workforce, and generating affordable housing—none of which have any distinctions-based allocations for First Nations. The Economic Update continues the approach we saw last year with Bill C-5 and the One Canadian Economy Act, where First Nations are an afterthought in the government’s path to building the Canadian economy. There is no Canada Strong without strong First Nations. Unless we grow in true partnership, Canada’s economy will get weaker.”
The National Chief is calling on the government to provide more clarity and engagement with First Nations on the Canada Strong sovereign wealth fund before any project investments are made. The government cannot push development ahead without proper consultation and accountability to First Nations.
“We are First Nations, not an afterthought,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We must work in partnership to truly achieve Canada Strong for All. As the newly announced Crown corporation associated with the Fund is established, First Nations must occupy roles in the leadership of the Corporation and on the Board of Directors. We need our voices included in the decision-making under this new initiative, and First Nations must have a clear path to economic benefits through any funded project.”
The lack of distinctions-based funding for First Nations was a disappointing, recurring theme throughout the Economic Update.
“Given the government’s clear financial capacity for generational investments, as shown by the Canada Strong Fund, the lack of distinctions-based funding for First Nations infrastructure, housing and clean water is deeply disappointing,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “First Nations have repeatedly called for sustained and adequate investments to close the First Nations infrastructure gap, not just for our communities, but for the benefit of all Canadians. The AFN provided a clear path to prosperity for all in our Closing the Infrastructure Gap reports. In spite of irrefutable data, we still have not seen this government invest in this critical and long-standing area of need. We continue to raise concerns about sunsetting programs for infrastructure and housing, such as the water and wastewater escalator, asset management, and funding for the transfer of care and control of housing. These essential programs are on the brink of extinction and will have lasting negative impacts on First Nations families and communities.”
The National Chief noted other line items in the Spring Economic Update that show some fair and some inadequate investments in critical areas. The $794 million in 2026-2027 to support Non-Insured Health Benefits and $630 million over two years to mental wellness services for First Nations and Indigenous people are important investments, but there is no additional funding announced for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and previously announced funding for Jordan’s Principle remains insufficient. These investments were necessary because the previously announced funding falls far short of what is required. The AFN recently completed its 2026 Pre-Budget Submission which details the areas needing urgent investment in Budget 2026 to address these gaps.
“We will advocate firmly and strongly for these investments and for progress by the government now and as we approach the budget,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The government and Canadians need to understand that when First Nations thrive, all of Canada thrives. This is the true path to Canada Strong for All.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. Follow AFN on X @AFN_Updates.
Contact information:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]