Manitoba Métis Federation ‘appalled’ at lack of Métis funding in federal budget

OTTAWA — The Manitoba Métis Federation says it’s appalled by the lack of Métis-specific funding in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new budget.

While First Nations and Inuit have targeted funding measures in the budget, Métis do not, despite having pressed the government for supports in areas like housing and health care.

The only mention of Métis in the budget is in association with $806 million set aside over five years to implement a Trudeau-era Indigenous child welfare law.

Manitoba Métis Federation president David Chartrand says there is “no doubt” Red River Métis citizens will be angered by the fact that their needs were dismissed in the budget.

He says the MMF met with ministers and the prime minister ahead of the budget and he’s disheartened his requests were not accepted.

Victoria Pruden, president of the Métis National Council, said in a media statement Thursday that Métis governments are being treated as an afterthought rather than partners in Canada’s future.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2026.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press