Chief and Council Update – Nov 14th,2025

Chief and Council Update – Nov 14th,2025

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced that his Liberal Government has just tabled their 2025 budget, called their “Canada Strong” budget. Pikwakanagan’s Chief and Council are now wondering what benefits the budget will have for our First Nation. The Chiefs of Ontario have also recently raised concerns about Canada’s plan.

While the 2025 federal budget outlines over $141 billion in new spending and includes commitments to infrastructure and defense, First Nations Leadership notes that there remain limited First Nations specific investments and lack of clarity on how new programs will be implemented in partnership with First Nations.

The Chiefs of Ontario are also keeping an eye on proposed budget reductions to federal departments, including, a two percent annual cut to ISC (Indigenous Services Canada) and CIRNAC (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada). These reductions, totaling more than $560 million per year, may affect the delivery of programs and services in First Nations including Pikwakanagan.

“We acknowledge the priorities announced by the 2025 Government of Canada. While we recognize the commitments to partnership and economic development, we remain clear that words alone are not enough.

Our people continue to face challenges that no government should allow to persist—inadequate housing, and underfunded services. Real reconciliation requires action that honours First Nations inherent rights, and ensures free, prior, and informed consent in every decision that affects our lands and our peoples.” – Chief Greg Sarazin