Summary
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is expressing deep disappointment with Budget 2026, calling on Canada to ensure its investments in Indigenous peoples explicitly include Métis citizens and the governments that serve them.
The lack of dedicated, distinctions-based investments raises a significant concern about who is included when Canada describes its spending as Indigenous investment. The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Government represents nearly 80,000 Métis people living in the province, yet next to nothing for direct, distinctions-based funding for Métis people or governments in this budget. Métis people are one of three distinct Indigenous Peoples recognized within Section 35 of Canada’s Constitution. MN–S believes meaningful, distinctions-based investment is important to continuing the progress that has been made in recent years.
“We have proven that investing in our people delivers real results,” said President McCallum. “We are strengthening communities, supporting jobs and contributing to Saskatchewan’s economy. This budget does not more clearly reflect the distinct needs and priorities of Métis people. Canada should see Métis investment as an opportunity to build on those results. When our government has the resources to deliver, our citizens benefit and the province benefits. When we all stand together, we all succeed.”
The economic case for investing in MN–S is clear. It's Socio-Economic Impact Assessment found that, for the 2023–24 fiscal year, every $1 spent by MN–S generated approximately $2 in total economic output—demonstrating benefits that extend beyond Métis communities to the wider economy. MN–S delivers culturally distinct programs and services shaped by the needs of its citizens and communities. Those services require predictable, dedicated Métis funding—not an assumption that broad Indigenous funding commitments will reach Métis citizens.
“Métis families should be able to count on the services they need, and our government needs dependable funding to deliver those services,” said MN–S and Minister of Finance Jeremy Denomie. “We are asking Canada to establish a distinctions-based funding pathway with a dedicated Métis allocation that flows directly to our government. We know our communities. Stable, long-term funding allows us to plan responsibly and deliver culturally distinct services that reflect the priorities and needs of our citizens.”
The 2016 Daniels decision affirmed that Canada has a fiduciary obligation to Métis, and Budget 2026 does not reflect the full weight of our nation-to-nation, government-to-government relationship.
"Métis Nation–Saskatchewan government is proud of the work we do to deliver meaningful programs and services for Métis citizens. Our citizens are part of strong families, strong communities, and a strong province. We value the government-to-government relationship we have built with Canada. Our government has signed self-government framework agreements with Canada that recognize Métis people and our right to govern ourselves. Funding needs to reflect the commitment our governments have made to one another in our agreements,” said President McCallum.
MN–S is calling for a meeting with the Prime Minister and relevant federal Ministers at their earliest availability, to discuss these disparities in the federal budget and other critical priorities for the Métis people. Committing to this meeting would be a strong indication that the concerns of Métis people are being taken seriously by the Canadian government.