Question Period Note: Specific Claims Research Program

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• The Specific Claims Research program provides funding to assist First Nations in researching and developing their specific claims.
• Since 2019, the Government has enhanced its support for this program, providing approximately $12 million in annual funding in recent years.
• We recognize that addressing specific claims is essential to upholding the honour of the Crown, strengthening relationships with First Nations, and advancing reconciliation.
• The government is committed to advancing a fair and transparent funding allocation process, co-developed in partnership with First Nations.

CIRNAC administers a funding program that supports First Nations to research and develop their specific claims. The program has ongoing funding of $4M. Budget 2019 committed an additional $8 million/per year over five years. This additional $8M funding is set to sunset March 31, 2026.
As in past years, the call for proposals for this funding program will be launched in early December so that First Nations can effectively plan for the research and development of their claims. The deadline for the submission of funding applications for fiscal year 2026-27 is January 31, 2026. Given the uncertainty about the funding envelope, the call for proposal will be made on the basis of a $4M amount.
However, the program received applications totaling $26.8M in 2024-25 and $34.5M in 2025-26, indicating that demand significantly exceeded available funding. The number of applications increased proportionally, from 130 in 2024-25 to 192 in 2025-26.
Several First Nations and First Nation organizations (65) have written to the Minister and Prime Minister to request an increase in the funding envelope, and a Resolution was passed this fall by Chiefs-in-Assembly on which underscores ongoing concerns over specific claims research funding for First Nations.
In the letter sent in response, the CIR Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised and assured them that the message had been heard. The Department recognizes that addressing specific claims is essential to upholding the honour of the Crown, strengthening relationships with First Nations, and advancing reconciliation.
The Union of BC Indian Chiefs BC Specific Claims Working Group released a media statement on November 12, 2025, expressing deep concerns with regards to funding renewal not being included in the Budget 2025, mentioning that redress for past wrongs is an essential precondition for building major projects and partnerships with First Nations.

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