The OFIFC welcomes the Government of Canada’s continued commitment to Reconciliation. As economic challenges reshape Canada’s landscape, strategic investments that build vibrant local economies, stabilize employment, and create pathways for broader participation are critical. 

Friendship Centres are essential partners in this effort. Operating as community-rooted, Indigenous-led organizations throughout Ontario, Friendship Centres connect Indigenous people living in urban areas with employment, education, skills development, youth programming, and culturally responsive services tailored to their needs. 

With 88% of Indigenous people in Ontario living off-reserve, strengthening the Friendship Centre network is both a Reconciliation priority and an important economic resilience strategy. Supporting Friendship Centres addresses critical service gaps and aligns with key commitments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. 

The 2027 budget presents an opportunity to accelerate this momentum. Enhanced funding for Friendship Centres can unlock local economic development potential, create meaningful opportunities, and build sustainable prosperity for Indigenous communities in urban settings. 

Learn more by reading our full Federal Pre-Budget Submission: OFIFC Sept 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.