QUESTION PERIOD — Crown-Indigenous Relations
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
October 1, 2025
Good afternoon.
Since 2015, the Government of Canada has committed to working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to advance reconciliation. Although a decade has passed, long-term investments in food security, infrastructure, housing and mental health supports remain critical, especially to those living in remote communities. This is not just about policy; this is about upholding Indigenous rights, equity and Canada’s commitments under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
With time-limited programs like the Inuit Child First Initiative set to end in March 2026 and growing pressures on federal spending, what are the Government of Canada’s plans to ensure that Indigenous communities are not left behind?
Thank you for the question.
For Indigenous Peoples, Métis and Inuit, practical solutions emerge when the government creates meaningful partnerships with communities and stakeholders to truly move projects and priorities forward. This government has signed a historic 10-year agreement with the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association. This agreement puts $5 million toward strengthening Indigenous business and entrepreneurs, especially women and youth. The government will continue working to dismantle barriers to economic participation in order to create a future where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
That’s a commitment toward Indigenous Peoples in this country.
How will this government ensure these supports are sustained beyond temporary funding cycles and in a way that truly and meaningfully advances the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action in a timely manner?
The government has made it be very important to work with Aboriginal and Indigenous Peoples and all communities in Canada.
The government has completed or is advancing 85% of those involving the federal government for the national council for reconciliation, and they have set up the conditions supporting Calls to Action 54 to 56. The government is working with Indigenous Peoples. It is committed to economic reconciliation as well.
