June 12, 2026, Toronto, ON — The OFIFC, together with our network of Friendship Centres, has submitted our recommendations to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance as part of the 2026 pre‑budget process.
This year’s federal budget offers a crucial moment for Canada to reinforce support for communities facing ongoing economic pressures. Our submission highlights the need for long‑term, expanded investment in urban Indigenous health services, including mental health supports, addictions programming, emergency response, and culturally informed food security initiatives.
We are also urging the federal government to bolster Indigenous‑led family and community programs—such as early learning, childcare, youth services, and efforts to prevent gender‑based violence. In addition, we emphasize the importance of continued federal–provincial collaboration on public safety and justice, as well as increased funding for Indigenous language revitalization.
Our recommendations outline practical, cost‑effective steps the federal government can take to create lasting, meaningful improvements for urban Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
To explore our full recommendations and review the complete submission, see below.
2026 Federal Pre-Budget Submission
About OFIFC
Founded in 1971, the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) works to support, advocate for, and build the capacity of 31-member Friendship Centres across Ontario. In Ontario more than 88% of Indigenous people live in urban communities. The OFIFC represents the largest urban Indigenous service network in the province supporting this vibrant, diverse, and quickly growing population through programs and initiatives that span justice, health, family support, long-term care, healing and wellness, employment and training, education, research, and more.