As the Government of Canada considers the request from the National Association of Friendship Centres, we would like to highlight the following: ● Last year, ninety-seven Friendship Centres offered over 3000 programs that were accessed more than 6.8 million times, with a strong focus on skills development, employment readiness, and job retention. ● Last year Friendship Centre services were accessed by First Nations (60%), Inuit (9%), Métis (8%), and non-Indigenous people (18%). Of those who accessed services, 59% self-identified as women, 40% self-identified as men, 1% selfidentified as two-spirit or gender non-conforming, and 22% were youth and 20% were seniors. ● Indigenous Peoples now number 1.8 million in Canada and continue to grow. The more than 80% of Indigenous Peoples that live off reserve, outside Inuit Nunangat and outside Metis Settlements need culturally grounded services and Friendship Centres located in 96 municipalities from coast to coast to coast are best positioned to help. ● With 4,300 staff and more than 12,000 volunteers, Friendship Centres deliver the practical supports that enable workforce participation, including training, job placement, childcare, transportation, and culturally grounded services. ● Canada has an opportunity to move beyond short-term social programming and recognize Friendship Centres as economic partners by investing in services that are proven, established, and already embedded in communities. ● At the NAFC Annual General Meeting in December 2025, regions reported a 30% increase in newcomers accessing Friendship Centre programs, reflecting their role as trusted, safe spaces where new Canadians learn about Canada and Indigenous Peoples. ● As Canada works to strengthen economic participation and protect inclusive growth, Friendship Centres have the capacity, workforce, and infrastructure to ensure Indigenous Peoples can enter, remain in, and advance within the workforce. Contact: Jennifer Rankin, CEO - jrankin@nafc.ca; Veronica Wemigwans, Executive Coordinator - vwemigwans@nafc.ca
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