The Assembly of First Nations is throwing its support behind an alternative federal budget.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde says the alternative budget would close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations and other Canadians.

He notes the documents calls for investments based on real needs and respects First Nations rights, treaties and titles.

The alternative budget was released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

It says a fundamental transformation of the fiscal relationship between First Nations and the Canadian government is urgently needed.

The centre’s plan also calls for a removal of a two per cent cap on annual funding increases for First Nations.

Finance Minister Joe Oliver has delayed the release of the actual federal budget until at least April.