This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning Indigenous communities, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, reserve lands, traditional territories, treaty rights and implementations, self-determination, truth and reconciliation, impact benefit agreements and boil water advisories on reserves. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas related to Indigenous Affairs? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Social Issues and Environment. Also consider subscribing to our Indigenous Affairs - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Federal Government Announces Nearly $1.4 Billion for Indigenous Health and Urban Supports

The Honourable Mandy Gull‑Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced nearly $1.4 billion in federal funding to support urban Indigenous programming, mental health and trauma support, and assisted living for on-reserve communities. Of the total announced on March 27 in Toronto, $168 million over five years is designated for Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples and supports the Friendship Centre movement through the National Association of Friendship Centres and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. Another $630 million over two years will continue the Trauma‑Informed Health and Cultural Support program and fund 83 opioid therapy sites and 77 Mental Wellness Teams serving 385 First Nations and Inuit communities. The Assisted Living Program receives $592.4 million over 10 years for non-medical support services on-reserve, targeting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with chronic conditions. The investments are presented as long-term commitments to strengthen culturally grounded health, wellness, and social service delivery by and for Indigenous communities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Investments Target First Nations Health, Governance, and Emergency Management

Indigenous Services Canada, through Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, introduced $738.9 million in funding over five years for First Nations health services, governance, and emergency management at the Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s Spring Chiefs Assembly on March 26. The package includes $400 million to sustain health services and digital tools in remote First Nations, $41.17 million for frontline professionals in 29 communities where nursing services are under First Nations control, and $84.38 million for contracted paramedics. An additional $283.3 million over two years will support governance initiatives such as Band Support Funding and institutional development. Emergency management is allocated $55.6 million for 2026-27 under the Emergency Management Assistance Program, targeting wildland fire and natural hazard preparedness and mitigation. These efforts come amidst ongoing displacement of First Nations due to wildfires and are set to reinforce primary care, governance, and community resilience.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Grants Boost Indigenous-Led Research on Northern Food Security

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is investing over $2 million in nine Indigenous-led projects under Phase 2 of the Food Security Research Grant, running from 2025 to 2028. Announced March 26, the funded research covers alternative food subsidy models, local and country food access, the impact of supply chain logistics, and evaluation of programs such as Nutrition North Canada. Projects are located in isolated northern communities, including Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour, Nunavut, Matawa First Nations, Pond Inlet, Sambaa K’e, Little Grand Rapids, and Inuvialuit communities. Initiatives will pilot soup kitchens, assess greenhouse and traditional food activities, evaluate online food retail, and analyze how community-led harvesting affects diets and food sharing. Findings aim to inform future federal interventions on food access and sovereignty for northern Indigenous Peoples.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Summit and Funding Initiatives Advance Northern Food Sovereignty

The Government of Canada convened a Food Sovereignty Summit in Ottawa on March 27, engaging Food Banks Canada, Indigenous leaders, Elders, youth, harvesters, and government officials to collaborate on strengthening northern food systems. The summit discussed community-driven strategies, support for traditional foods, youth leadership, and integration of Indigenous governance and knowledge. The event was accompanied by over $1.75 million for five northern food security projects, delivered through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, focusing on local food growth and preparation in the Northwest Territories. This approach accompanies existing Nutrition North Canada reforms and aims to develop a region-specific policy framework rooted in partnership and community leadership.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Procurement Ombud’s Report Urges Overhaul of Indigenous Procurement Policies

The Office of the Procurement Ombud released findings on March 26 regarding the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB), identifying significant weaknesses in policy oversight, guidance, and accountability. The review covered contracts awarded under PSIB by four major departments and identified a lack of centralized government-wide policy, inconsistent application of set-aside requirements, weak oversight, and unreliable reporting of the 5% contracting target. A major concern noted is the absence of recourse mechanisms for Indigenous suppliers, who cannot bring PSIB complaints to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal or the Ombud’s office. Instead, disputes must be taken to Federal Court, creating inequities compared to non-Indigenous businesses. The Ombud’s report includes three recommendations—full details are available on the OPO website.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Examines Federal Response on Residential Schools and First Nations Investigations

On March 25, the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples convened to review the federal response to its residential schools report, with witnesses Rosanne Casimir and Cadmus Delorme addressing barriers to First Nations-led investigations of missing children and burial sites. Issues raised included systemic obstacles in accessing records, legal protections, and funding cuts, alongside the centrality of data sovereignty and First Nations governance in managing investigations. Discussion included the role of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the importance of legislative changes, and the introduction of potential amendments to Bill C-9 to address residential school denialism. The committee discussed the need for improved public education and more robust support for truth and reconciliation efforts.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Reviews $1.6 Billion in New Indigenous Services and Crown-Indigenous Relations Funding

The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance met on March 24 to scrutinize the 2025-26 Supplementary Estimates (C), with senior officials from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) detailing new investments. ISC reported a $509 million increase, including allocations for child services, medical travel, and project consultations, bringing the department’s budget to $27.2 billion. CIRNAC’s $1.091 billion in new funding targets self-determination and governance. Senators raised questions on measuring effectiveness, with ISC officials acknowledging ongoing needs in outcomes tracking. Additional focus was given to funding for mental health and friendship centres, infrastructure, and Indigenous education.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Assesses Bill C-14 on Bail and Sentencing with Focus on Indigenous Impact

The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, meeting on March 25, discussed Bill C-14 with Minister of Justice Sean Fraser, whose testimony outlined bail reform and sentencing revisions intended to clarify restraint principles and expand reverse onus provisions for certain offences. The committee considered concerns over the bill’s implications for Indigenous and Black communities, especially relating to pre-trial detention and over-incarceration. Minister Fraser noted ongoing data gaps and the importance of improved data collection, and cited ongoing consultations with provinces and law enforcement. The committee debated the need for nuanced analysis of the legislation’s impact, particularly on marginalized groups.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Première Nation des Innus Essipit Completes First Phase of Land Addition to Reserve

On March 26, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the Première Nation des Innus Essipit in Quebec announced completion of the initial stage of adding new land to reserve under the Additions to Reserve process. The band highlighted effective collaboration with the municipality of Les Escoumins, indicating the process supports community development and local cultural and economic initiatives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

World Water Day Statement Addresses Drinking Water Legislation and Investment

Minister Mandy Gull-Masty issued a statement on March 22 for World Water Day, noting ongoing challenges in access to clean drinking water for First Nations communities. The Minister reaffirmed plans to introduce legislation on clean drinking water for First Nations in spring 2026. Since 2015, 151 long-term advisories have been lifted with $2.3 billion budgeted from 2026-2029 for the First Nations Water and Wastewater Enhanced Program. The statement described the role of Indigenous women in water stewardship and cited 800 active water infrastructure projects.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Indigenous-Led Urban Substance Use Programs in Atlantic Canada

On March 27, Health Canada reported more than $936,000 in Emergency Treatment Fund amendments for three Atlantic projects addressing the toxic drug crisis. Fredericton received funds for overnight outreach, Miramichi expanded a wraparound care centre, and First Light St. John's Friendship Centre in Newfoundland and Labrador added $85,000 for an Indigenous Peer Support Circle. The St. John's initiative provides land-based healing, harm reduction, and culturally grounded mental health services for urban Indigenous clients, serving as part of ongoing federal efforts to support rapid local responses in the region.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Expanding Culturally Grounded Support for Indigenous People with Diverse Needs in Multiple BC Communities

Community Living BC, in partnership with six Aboriginal Friendship Centres, launched the 'Connections Through Inclusion' pilot, adding Community Connections workers in Nanaimo, Smithers, Surrey, Prince George, Port Alberni, and Kamloops, each funded with $150,000.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Expands Funding for Indigenous Restorative Justice Initiatives

Alberta’s Budget 2026 provides $1.3 million to restorative justice initiatives, including $720,000 to 19 organizations and Indigenous communities, to support operational activities in alternative justice programs.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Modernization of Heritage Conservation Act in British Columbia Advances after Engagement

The BC government published a technical policy paper updating proposals to the Heritage Conservation Act, outlining less prescriptive requirements and a stronger role for First Nations in heritage management, with further engagement occurring before legislative tabling in fall 2026.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Opens Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub with Indigenous Services in Niagara

A new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub, operated by Gateway Residential & Community Support Services in St. Catharines, integrates Indigenous services to provide housing, mental health, and addiction supports as part of Ontario’s $550 million expansion for 28 similar sites.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Terrace to Gain Indigenous-Led Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Services

The BC government, Northern First Nations Alliance, and First Nations Health Authority are collaborating on a new withdrawal management site, 12 land-based treatment beds, and 10 supportive-recovery beds, with further supports planned in Terrace.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Procurement ombud slams Indigenous procurement strategy outcomes in 'shocking' report: Coverage examines the outcomes of federal procurement policies and the impacts on Indigenous businesses.
• Métis National Council Calls for Transparency and Accountability Following RCMP Surveillance of Indigenous Organizations: The Métis National Council responds to RCMP activities targeting Indigenous groups.
• Indigenous program to protect Canadian wilderness aims to bolster First Nations’ economies: Article details Indigenous-led conservation approaches and related economic developments.
• First Nations call for audit of Human Rights Commission following death of 3-year-old: First Nations' leaders are requesting formal scrutiny of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
• ‘They just keep deflecting’: Cold Lake First Nation demanding answers on Pathway pipeline: Cold Lake First Nation questions federal processes over a major pipeline project.
• Watchdog report prompts renewed calls for Indigenous people to run Indigenous procurement: Story details reactions from Indigenous leaders following the Procurement Ombud’s latest report.
• Opinion: B.C. is becoming a wolf in sheep’s clothing on Indigenous rights: A columnist raises concerns about trends in provincial recognition of Indigenous rights.
• Warren Mirko: Indigenous ways of knowing? You wouldn't understand: Commentary explores public discourse about Indigenous knowledge systems.
• Heritage awards highlight those working to preserve P.E.I. culture and traditions: Recognition is given for local efforts to maintain Indigenous and non-Indigenous heritage.
• Procurement ombud slams Indigenous procurement strategy outcomes in ‘shocking’ report: Additional analysis of the Procurement Ombud’s critique of federal business contracting.

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