The Budget proposed to invest an impressive $8.4 billion over five years to improve the socio-economic conditions of Canada’s Indigenous peoples. With a view to providing a better quality of life for Indigenous peoples and ensuring that their voices are heard, the Government’s proposed areas of investment include, but are not limited to:
- education, early learning and child care;
- health, safety and well-being of children and those living on reserves;
- skills training and employment;
- inclusive social infrastructure;
- housing;
- safe shelter for victims of violence;
- cultural, recreational, and community infrastructure;
- environment on reserves, including proper waste management;
- assistance to Indigenous peoples facing the criminal justice system;
- Aboriginal languages; and
- support for First Nations finance authority and fishing enterprises
To achieve its goals in each of the foregoing areas, the Government has committed to working with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit groups in Canada in ways designed to benefit both Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.
Many organizations, including Canadian charities and not-for-profit organizations established to assist Canada’s Indigenous peoples, will likely benefit greatly from the Government’s funding commitments toward such a fundamental part of Canada’s historical and cultural fabric.
Those who are interested in reading about other sections of the Budget may wish to consult Miller Thomson’s general Budget Release.
If you have any questions regarding our 2016 Federal Budget Review, please feel free to contact a member of our Charities and Not-for-Profit Group.
