MMF appalled by exclusion of Red River Métis in Budget 2026

November 6, 2026

Winnipeg, MB, The National Homeland of the Red River Métis - The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) - the National Government of the Red River Métis - and its leadership are appalled by the 2026 Fall Budget tabled yesterday by the Federal Government.

"In recent years, Canada has finally started to address the long-overlooked needs of the Red River Métis in areas such as housing, early learning and childcare, and post-secondary education," said MMF President, David Chartrand. "However, a significant gap still exists between our Nation and the general population. There's no doubt our people will be angered that their needs have been dismissed by this Budget."

The Métis are recognized just once in the budget by name, as part of the title for a piece of legislation, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families - a piece of legislation that Canada has claimed they do not have a mechanism to fund us for.

"The hugely successful distinctions-based approach has vanished, and government is reverting to phrases like 'Indigenous' when, in reality, they mean First Nations and Inuit," said President Chartrand. "The Red River Métis pay billions in taxes in this country, yet we have been forgotten by this government."

Leading up to the budget release, the MMF met with numerous Ministers as well as the Prime Minister to share our proposals and priorities on areas such as infrastructure, housing, health, child and family services, and more. We are disheartened that none of these priorities found their way into this Budget.

"We are never looking for a hand-out - rather, we are looking for our tax dollars to be reinvested in the Red River Métis so we can put a shovel in our hands and continue addressing the critical needs of our Nation, and strengthen Canada," said President Chartrand. "We hope that the commitments made in these meetings become a reality so we can continue the historic progress we've made in recent years."

"After all, how can a government not abide by the law of the land and walk away from their constitutional obligations to our people?" said President Chartrand. "At what point will Canada honour its responsibilities to the Red River Métis?"

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For more information, media may contact:

Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat [dot] Patenaude [at] mmf [dot] mb [dot] ca

Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis. The Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous Nation and People and Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

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