Indigenous women's organizations gathered in Ottawa on Thursday to condemn Canada's Budget 2026, arguing the federal spending plan fails to address the urgent safety and security needs of their members. Leaders claim the document lacks dedicated, long-term funding for violence prevention and community support services essential to Indigenous women.

Where is the targeted funding?

While the federal government proposed $50 billion in new funding for Reconciliation, advocates noted that only $3.6 million is specifically earmarked for Indigenous women. This small portion is meant to help manage the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and to establish an alert system for those who disappear.

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Representatives expressed concern that these funds are insufficient given the current statistics:

  • The homicide rate for Indigenous women is 6.5 times higher than that of non-Indigenous women.
  • A majority of Indigenous women report having been subjected to sexual violence at some point in adulthood, a share well above the figure for other women.
  • Likewise, physical assault is reported far more often by Indigenous women than by non-Indigenous women.

Native Women’s Association of Canada President Josie Nepinak stated that safety should not be a "secondary factor" in broader programs and called for sustained investment rather than short-term cycles.

Why does the budget miss the mark?

Leaders highlighted a disconnect between federal policy and the lived realities of women in remote areas. Rosemary Cooper of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada noted that Inuit women were not mentioned in the budget document. She pointed out that 60% of communities in Inuit Nunangat lack shelters or safe spaces.

Because many northern communities are only accessible by air, standard urban safety models are often ineffective. Cooper noted that for many, "safety is a plane ride away," making the cost of fleeing violence a significant barrier.

What happens next?

Indigenous organizations are calling for a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney to push for solutions that are led by Indigenous women. While Crown-Indigenous Relations pointed to existing funding for policing and community-led safety initiatives, advocates maintain that meaningful inclusion in decision-making is required to implement the 231 Calls for Justice.

FAQ

What is the main criticism of Budget 2026?

Advocates argue the budget provides very little targeted funding for Indigenous women's safety compared to the total amount allocated for Reconciliation.

How does the budget address remote communities?

Critics say the budget fails to account for the unique challenges of northern and remote regions, such as the lack of local shelters and high travel costs.