Miller will be challenged to put his historic support for Indigenous Peoples to the test by returning full funding to friendship centres

The last budget was silent on NAFC funding which is scheduled to sunset because the existing 10-year funding agreement ends in 2026.

Canadian Culture Minister Marc Miller, pictured. Indigenous friendship centres are scrambling because they literally do not know what will happen in three months with their funding. Meanwhile, Indigenous Services deputy minister Gina Wilson has confirmed funding will be renewed, but no one know by how much or when, writes Sheila Copps. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY SHEILA COPPS

December 15, 2025

OTTAWA—The minister of Canadian culture and identity has an almost impossible job. The idea of a monolithic Canadian culture is a challenge in itself.

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