Governments of Canada and Manitoba invest in strengthening the Manitoba First Nations Police Service and First Nations Safety Officer Program

BRANDON, MB, Oct. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba, announced $163.5 million for two major initiatives under the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program that respond to the unique 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 help build long-term capacity and advance First Nations‑led, culturally informed policing in the communities they serve. This funding supports a series of priority initiatives, including the establishment of a dedicated training academy, and the expansion of MFNPS services to the Fisher River Cree Nation and the Gambler First Nation.

A further $42.5 million is being invested in the expansion of the Manitoba First Nations Safety Officer Program making the program available to all First Nations across the province that wish to participate. This is intended to ensure dedicated First Nations Safety Officer capacity in every community by March 2028 and provide enhanced training, equipment, and communications tools. First Nations Safety Officers help prevent crime, respond to local safety concerns, enforce community bylaws and certain provincial laws, and support police when required.

The Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba remain committed to working with Indigenous governments, local leadership, and communities to build predictable, sustainable, and culturally informed policing that improves safety and well‑being for Indigenous communities.

Quote(s)

"Our  investments in the Manitoba First Nations Police Service and the Manitoba First Nations Safety Officer Program support policing and community safety efforts that reflect the cultures, values and priorities of First Nations in Manitoba. Working together with the province of Manitoba and First Nations, we are building capacity and leadership in First Nations‑led policing and community safety." 

      -     The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety 

"Every community across Manitoba deserves policing and community safety services that understand and support its needs, culture and values. By working in partnership with First Nations leadership and the federal government, we are advancing community-driven justice initiatives that respect Indigenous cultures and support the well-being and safety of First Nations communities across Manitoba. These investments will strengthen First Nations-led policing, expand the reach of First Nations Safety Officers to every corner of our province and provide the training and resources needed to keep every community in Manitoba safe."

      -     The Honourable Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba

Quick Facts

• To strengthen the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, the Government of Canada is contributing $62.8 million through the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP) and Manitoba is contributing $58 million. Under the FNIPP, funding is delivered through tripartite agreements and is cost-shared 52% federally and 48% provincially/territorially. It covers the period from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2027.
• The Government of Canada also provided two one-time, standalone agreements with the Manitoba First Nations Police Service: $3.5 million for training, equipment and security in January 2026, and just over $5 million for equipment, covering the period April 2023 to March 2025.
• To support the Manitoba First Nations Safety Officer Program expansion, the Government of Canada is contributing $22.1 million through the FNIPP and Manitoba is contributing $20.4 million. It covers the period April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028.
• In recent years, the federal government has made significant investments to strengthen Indigenous policing and community safety. Budget 2024 committed $250 million over five years, plus $92.5 million in ongoing funding to the FNIPP, and $200 million over five years to the First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities Program (FNIPFP). This was building on Budget 2021 investments of $540.3 million over five years and $126.8 million ongoing for the FNIPP, and $108.6 million over five years for the FNIPFP.

Associated Links

• First Nations and Inuit Policing Program
• Manitoba First Nations Police Service
• Manitoba First Nations Safety Officer Program 

Stay connected
Follow Public Safety Canada on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube 

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC)

Contacts: Simon Lafortune, Deputy Director of Communications and Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, [e-mail]; Andrew Chapman, Press Secretary, Cabinet Communications, Manitoba Government, 204-590-8582, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657, [e-mail]