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Canada and Manitoba invest $163.5 million in First Nations policing and safety officers
The federal and Manitoba governments announced $163.5 million for two initiatives: nearly $121 million over four years for the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, and $42.5 million to expand the provincial Safety Officer Program. The plans include a training academy and a goal of dedicated officer capacity in every
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Manitoba Justice Minister and Attorney General Matt Wiebe announced $163.5 million in Brandon on Oct. 16, 2026, for two initiatives under the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program. The governments say the investments respond to the distinct needs and priorities of First Nations in Manitoba.
The Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) will receive close to $121 million over four years to build long-term capacity and advance First Nations-led, culturally informed policing. Priorities include establishing a dedicated training academy and expanding service to Fisher River Cree Nation and Gambler First Nation.
A further $42.5 million will expand the Manitoba First Nations Safety Officer Program so it is available to all First Nations across the province that wish to participate. The stated goal is to provide dedicated First Nations Safety Officer capacity in every community by March 2028, along with enhanced training, equipment and communications tools. Safety Officers help prevent crime, respond to local safety concerns, enforce community bylaws and certain provincial laws, and support police when required.
The governments said they remain committed to working with Indigenous governments, local leadership and communities on predictable, sustainable and culturally informed policing intended to improve safety and well-being.
Anandasangaree said the investments support policing and community safety efforts reflecting First Nations’ cultures, values and priorities. He said working with Manitoba and First Nations is building capacity and leadership in First Nations-led policing and community safety.
Wiebe said every Manitoba community deserves policing and safety services that understand and support its needs, culture and values. He said the partnership with First Nations leadership and the federal government is advancing community-driven justice initiatives that respect Indigenous cultures and support community well-being and safety. He added that the investments will strengthen First Nations-led policing, extend Safety Officer services across the province, and provide training and resources to help keep communities safe.
For MFNPS, the federal government is contributing $62.8 million through the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP), while Manitoba is contributing $58 million. The funding period is April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2027. FNIPP funding is delivered through tripartite agreements and cost-shared 52 per cent federally and 48 per cent provincially or territorially.
The federal government also provided two one-time, standalone agreements with MFNPS: $3.5 million for training, equipment and security in January 2026, and just over $5 million for equipment covering April 2023 to March 2025.
For the Safety Officer Program expansion, the federal government is contributing $22.1 million through FNIPP and Manitoba is contributing $20.4 million. That funding covers April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028.
Recent federal investments include Budget 2024 commitments of $250 million over five years and $92.5 million in ongoing funding for FNIPP, plus $200 million over five years for the First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities Program (FNIPFP). These built on Budget 2021 commitments of $540.3 million over five years and $126.8 million ongoing for FNIPP, and $108.6 million over five years for FNIPFP.