Canada’s budgetary process must recognize and honour its treaty obligations to First Nations. Exclusion is no longer an option; it perpetuates injustices and undermines the nation’s commitment to reconciliation and partnership.
By Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, Published in The Hill Times
We know that Canada’s budgetary process is a critical tool in shaping the nation’s future and on April 16, Canadians will hear how the federal government plans to spend resources for the coming months and years. Yet, this process is marred by a glaring omission: the exclusion of their First Nations treaty partners. As the backbone of Canada’s history and identity, these partnerships and nation to nation agreements demand inclusion and respect in budget discussions, budget preparations, Treasury Board submissions, and decisions.
Canada’s budget should reflect its commitment to reconciliation with First Nations. However, the current process falls short of this goal. What we see instead is transfers of millions of dollars to provincial governments ahead of budget announcements with no consultation with their treaty partners. This exclusion of First Nations voices perpetuates systemic injustices and undermines the principles of equality and partnership. These transfer payments have also lead to court challenges and compensation settlements in the hundreds of millions as provincial governments have been found to have spent those resources not as intended.
The treaties signed between First Nations and the Canadian government are not historical relics, but living agreements that continue to shape this nation’s landscape. These treaties and self determination agreements encompass rights, responsibilities, and obligations, including provisions for health care, education, and economic development. Yet, the budgetary process overlooks these commitments, leading to chronic underfunding and neglect of First Nations.
Furthermore, the exclusion of First Nations from budget discussions perpetuates a cycle of marginalization and poverty. Without adequate resources allocated to address their unique needs within their respective regions, First Nations face disproportionate challenges in areas such as housing, infrastructure, and health care. This neglect not only violates the spirit of the treaties but also perpetuates social and economic disparities.
Moreover, the exclusion of First Nations from budgetary decisions undermines the principle of self-determination. As treaty partners, First Nation have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives, lands, and futures. By sidelining their voices in budget discussions, Canada fails to uphold this fundamental principle and denies First Nations the opportunity to shape their own destinies.
To address these shortcomings, Canada must reform its budgetary process to ensure meaningful participation and partnership with First Nations. This includes establishing mechanisms for direct consultation and collaboration with First Nations leaders and their Nations. It also requires a commitment to equitable funding that reflects the unique needs and priorities of First Nations within their regions.
For the last three fiscal years, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has submitted pre-budget submissions, tabled copies of the Alternative Federal Budget for Manitoba First Nations. But this work that clearly articulates the financial costs of improving the well-being of First Nations in this province is overlooked and given no consideration.
On April 16, Canada must prioritize investments in First Nation-led initiatives and capacity-enhancement efforts. Empowering First Nations to govern their own affairs and develop their economies is essential for building sustainable, prosperous Nations. This requires not only financial support but also respect for traditional knowledge, governance structures, and cultural values. It requires respect, period.
In conclusion, Canada’s budgetary process must recognize and honour its treaty obligations to First Nations. Exclusion is no longer an option; it perpetuates injustices and undermines the nation’s commitment to reconciliation and partnership. By prioritizing meaningful engagement, equitable funding, and First Nation self-determination, Canada can build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all its citizens. Only then can we take another look at their grade.
2024-25 Manitoba First Nations Alternative Federal Budget: