Canada and Manitoba invest $163.5M in First Nations policing and community safety

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On October 16, 2026, federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Manitoba Justice Minister and Attorney General Matt Wiebe jointly announced in Brandon that Ottawa and the province will invest $163.5 million through the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program to strengthen policing and safety in Manitoba's First Nations communities. 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, with priority initiatives including a dedicated training academy and expanded service to the Fisher River Cree Nation and the Gambler First Nation. A further $42.5 million will expand the Manitoba First Nations Safety Officer Program to all First Nations across the province that wish to participate, with the goal of dedicated Safety Officer capacity in every community by March 2028, backed by 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. Anandasangaree said the funding responds to the unique needs and priorities of First Nations communities.