2019-20 Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more

Grants to support new fiscal relationship for First Nations under the Indian Act

For more information on the transfer payment: Grant to support the new fiscal relationship for First Nations under the Indian Act

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019–20

Link to department's Program Inventory: New Fiscal Relationship Program

Description: The grant is a funding mechanism intended to provide increased predictability and facilitate greater flexibility of First Nations to address local needs. This funding mechanism, typically with 10-year funding agreements, could have funding agreements of a shorter duration. The intention is to move away from contribution funding and program-based reporting for First Nations that have demonstrated sound governance and financial management. Under this model, First Nations members — not the Department — will assess adequacy of services and hold their leadership accountable for management of services.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: To be determined

General targeted recipient groups: Eligible First Nations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: A solicitation exercise was done by way of a call out to all First Nations under the Indian Act receiving programs funds from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). Engagement is underway to affirm First Nations' interest and to assess eligible First Nations against eligibility criteria.

Grants and Contributions to support First Nations Elementary and Secondary Educational Advancement

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Education

Description: Elementary and secondary education is one of the essential services that is funded by ISC for First Nation communities. The federal government has provided support to First Nation education for almost 140 years, addressing commitments in the numbered treaties and providing for the delivery of services authorized under the Indian Act and various policy decisions.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The Evaluation of the Elementary and Secondary Education program is in progress and is expected to be approved in 2019–20.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Pending

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of Education: 2023–24

General targeted recipient groups:

• Band councils
• Organizations designated by band councils, provincial ministries, school boards or districts, private education institutions, federal schools, recipient appointed advisors or third party funding agreement managers
• First Nations Regional Management Organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations
• For-profit organizations
• Indigenous governments and organization
• First Nations School System or School Board with a governance agreement with Canada

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In 2019–20, the Department will work with Indigenous partners to implement a co-developed new policy framework for First Nations elementary and secondary education aimed at fundamentally improving the way the funding is provided to First Nations and First Nations education organizations. Beginning in 2019–20, ISC will implement a series of new formula-based regional funding models to ensure that students attending First Nations schools are supported by predictable base funding that is more directly comparable to what students enrolled in provincial education systems receive. The new co-developed funding approach also includes increased investments in First Nations language and culture programming and full-time kindergarten at on-reserve schools.

The Department will also continue working with First Nations to develop and implement First Nations-led education models. This will include continued investments in institutional capacity building, research and innovation, as well as strengthening partnerships between First Nations and provincial and territorial education systems. ISC will also work towards the development of regional education agreements that respond to the education goals and priorities set by First Nations.

Grants and Contributions to support First Nations and Inuit Post-Secondary Educational Advancement

For more information on the transfer payment: Grants and Contributions to Support First Nations and Inuit Post-secondary Educational Advancement

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Education

Description: The purpose of these Terms and Conditions is to establish provisions for making grant and contribution payments to Registered Indian (First Nations and Innu) and Inuit students under Post-Secondary Education (PSE) Programs. The Department's suite of PSE initiatives consists of three program elements: the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), the University and College Entrance Preparation (UCEP) Program and the Post-Secondary Partnerships Program (PSPP).

Since the early 1960s, the federal government has sought incremental policy authorities to undertake a range of activities to support improvement in the socio-economic conditions and overall quality of life of Indigenous peoples in Canada. These activities include support for First Nations and Inuit access to and participation in PSE programs. They also include support for the inclusion of First Nations and Inuit content, perspectives and related research within Canada's post-secondary environment. The Department's involvement in post-secondary education is a matter of social policy.

Although there have been significant gains since the early 1970s, First Nations and Inuit participation and success in post-secondary education still lags behind that of other Canadians. Increasing First Nations and Inuit participation in, and achievement of, post-secondary education will support the strategic goal of individual, family and community well-being. Specifically, PSE programs will do so by fostering greater self-sufficiency, improved life chances and increased labour force participation.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The Evaluation of the Post-Secondary Education program is in progress and is expected to be approved in 2019–20.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Pending

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of Education: 2023–24

Grants and Contributions to increase First Nations and Inuit Youth Participation in Education and Labour Market Opportunities

For more information on the transfer payment: Grants and Contributions to Increase First Nations and Inuit Youth Participation in Education and Labour Market Opportunities

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Education

Description: The Department provides a number of special incentives to address the significantly lower rate of educational attainment within the Indigenous population and First Nation and Inuit under-representation in the Canadian workforce. These incentives serve to integrate culturally appropriate content within K-12 education, facilitate student transitions from secondary to post-secondary education and/or from school to the workplace and, ultimately, increase the number of skilled Indigenous youth in the workforce.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The Evaluation of the Elementary and Secondary Education is in progress and is expected to be approved in 2019–20. The Evaluation of the Post-Secondary Education is in progress and is expected to be approved in 2019–20.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Pending

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of Education: 2023–24

General targeted recipient groups:

• Inuit individuals
• Community-based Inuit cultural or education centers
• First Nations and Inuit communities, governments and organizations
• Not-for-profit associations
• Private sector employers
• Indspire
• First Nation or Inuit youth between the ages of 15 to 30 inclusive.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department will engage with applicants and recipients through an annual call for proposals.

Grants and Contributions to provide income support to on-reserve residents

For more information on the transfer payment: Grants and Contributions to provide income support to on-reserve residents

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018–19

Link to department's Program Inventory: Income Assistance; Assisted Living

Description: The Department provides funding for social services as a matter of policy.

• Grant and contribution funding for Income Assistance, and Assisted Living is targeted to clients or beneficiaries who are ordinarily resident on reserve or who, for the purposes of these programs, are deemed to be ordinarily resident on reserve.
• Grants and contributions to eligible recipients under the Income Assistance program are intended to provide financial assistance to low-income on-reserve residents to support their basic and special needs and to help them become more self-reliant, in alignment with the rate schedule and eligibility criteria of the reference province or territory.
• Grants and contributions under the Assisted Living program are intended to support the special needs of chronically ill and disabled persons for non-medical personal care services, for non-medical institutional care and for public education, awareness and service coordination.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• Impact Evaluation of the Income Assistance, National Child Benefit Reinvestment and Assisted Living Programs: 2009–10
• Evaluation of the Enhanced Prevention Approach for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Manitoba: 2014–15
• Evaluation of Income Assistance: 2018–19
• The Evaluation of Assisted Living is in progress and is expected to be approved in 2019–20

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation (Note: Pending for Evaluation of Assisted Living).

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation:

• Evaluation of the First Nations Child and Family Services: 2020–21
• Evaluation of Income Assistance: 2022–23
• Evaluation of the Assisted Living: 2023–24

General targeted recipient groups:

• Chiefs and councils of recognized First Nation bands
• Tribal councils (6)
• Provinces
• Yukon Territory
• Indigenous communities and organizations
• Political or treaty organizations
• Municipal governments or agencies, private business, organizations or agencies
• Volunteer, not-for-profit, or non-governmental organizations
• Educational institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department is supporting a First Nations-led engagement strategy to make the Income Assistance program more responsive to the needs of individuals and families on reserve. Engagement activities started in the fall of 2018 and are expected to conclude in the spring of 2019.

Contributions to provide women, children and families with Protection and Prevention Services

For more information on the transfer payment: ARCHIVED - Contributions to provide women, children and families with protection and prevention services

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018–19

Link to department's Program Inventory: First Nations Child and Family Services; Family Violence Prevention

Description: The Department provides funding for social services as a matter of policy.

Contributions to eligible recipients under the:

• Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) are intended to fund family violence services responsive to community needs. The primary objective is to support women, children and families living on reserve with family violence shelter services through funding to core shelter operations. The secondary objective is to support family violence prevention activities through funding to Aboriginal communities and organizations.
• First Nation Child and Family Services (FNCFS) are intended to ensure the safety and well-being of First Nations children ordinarily resident on reserve. The FNCFS Program supports the delivery of culturally appropriate prevention and protection services for First Nations children and families, in accordance with the legislation and standards of the province or territory of residence within program authorities. All children are protected by provincial or territorial child welfare legislation as child and family services are matters of provincial or territorial jurisdiction. Provinces and territories can delegate authority for child welfare to service providers both on and off reserve and are responsible for ensuring that they comply with provincial legislation and standards.

Contribution funding for both FVPP and FNCFS is mainly targeted to clients who are ordinarily resident on reserve or who, for the purposes of these programs, are deemed to be ordinarily resident on reserve in a province or Yukon Territory. FVPP also funds prevention and awareness activities for Aboriginal communities and organizations (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) off-reserve.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• Evaluation of the Enhanced Prevention Approach for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Manitoba: 2014–15
• Evaluation of Family Violence Prevention: 2017–18

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation:

• Evaluation of the First Nations Child and Family Services: 2020–21
• Evaluation of Family Violence Prevention: 2022–23

General targeted recipient groups:

• Chiefs and councils of First Nation bands recognized by the Minister of ISC
• Tribal councils
• Provinces
• Yukon Territory
• First Nations authority, board, committee or other entity approved by Chief and council
• Incorporated shelters
• First Nation child and family services agencies or societies
• Indigenous communities and organizations (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) off-reserve
• First Nations and First Nation organizations or organizations supported by First Nations who apply to deliver the capacity building activities under the Social Development Program Management Improvement Initiative
• Other delegated or designated child and family service providers including provincially delegated or designated agencies and societies.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In response to the orders issued by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, the Department is working with the parties to the Complaints through the Consultation Committee on Child Welfare to reform First Nations child and family services and to inform the development of an alternate funding system.

The Department is also an active participant in tripartite tables, technical working groups, and regional advisory committees that discuss child and family services. Participation is comprised of First Nation representatives, ISC, and provinces.

Grants and Contributions to support Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

For more information on the transfer payment: Grants and Contributions to Support Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

Description: The Government of Canada seeks to contribute towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through improved coordination, supporting coalitions, and the broadening and strengthening of programming by identifying and addressing local needs of all urban Indigenous peoples.

Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples, implemented by the Department, funds and supports activities that allow Indigenous organizations to serve clients, and to deliver effective culturally appropriate programs or services to urban Indigenous peoples as well as invest in local stakeholder coalitions across Canada. It also provides opportunities for greater federal coordination of programming and supports research and pilot projects to better understand the urban Indigenous context.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy: 2016–17

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples: 2021–22

General targeted recipient groups:

• Not-for-profit Indigenous organizations
• Indigenous organizations
• Municipal governments
• Education authorities and institutions, such as school board, foundations and associations
• Health authorities and institutions
• Non-Indigenous organizations
• Universities
• Research institutions and organizations
• Individuals

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department will work with partners, including a national network of coalitions, to support research and innovation projects that target community defined priorities and better meet the needs of urban Indigenous peoples.

Grant for Band Support Funding

For more information on the transfer payment: Grant for Band Support Funding

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity

Description: The purpose of the Band Support Funding (BSF) grant is to assist band councils to meet the costs of local government and administration of departmentally funded services. This support is intended to provide a stable funding base to facilitate effective community governance and the efficient delivery of services. BSF allows First Nation communities the flexibility to allocate funds according to their individual needs and priorities and be responsive in an environment of growing complexity and as they move toward self-determination.

BSF recipients under the block funding approach must continue to meet the terms and conditions of the BSF program authority. Also, even if there is no program reporting requirements attached to grant authorities, BSF recipients under block funding must submit an annual Audited Financial Statement, which covers all funding received through the block funding approach, to the Department. The additional requirement is counterbalanced by the fact that block funded BSF recipients have access to multi-year funding.

These terms and conditions are specifically targeted to First Nations.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of Governance and Institutions of Government: 2016–17

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity: 2020–21

General targeted recipient groups:

• Indian bands as defined by the Indian Act, Revised Statutes of Canada (RSC), 1985
• Band councils of bands, as defined in the Indian Act, RSC, 1985
• The elected representatives of communities that have not yet been declared to be bands by order of the Minister

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department will continue to collaborate with partners through a Joint Assembly of First Nations–ISC Governance Capacity Table Working Group to co-develop strategies that will modernize the Band Support Funding program. This Governance Capacity Table Working Group consists of representatives from First Nation organizations and the Government of Canada partners.

Grant to the Miawpukek Indian Band to support designated programs

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity

Description: This 10-year grant agreement is unique among ISC funding arrangements with First Nations as it provides the Miawpukek First Nation with a high degree of control over the management, administration and operational functions of the community. The grant agreement allows the Miawpukek First Nation to identify and allocate funds to community priorities and enables it to manage its programs effectively while promoting creativity to seize opportunities and maximize efficiency. The grant covers a range of programming including land management and registration, membership management, education, social services, infrastructure, Indigenous government and band support funding, band employee benefits, and community economic development.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• Evaluation of the Miawpukek First Nation Grant Agreement: 2010–11
• Evaluation of Governance and Institutions of Government: 2016–17 (included the grant to the Miawpukek First Nations)

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity: 2020–21

General targeted recipient groups: Miawpukek First Nation

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Future engagement activities are yet to be determined.

Contributions to supply public services in Indian Government Support and to build strong governance, administrative and accountability systems

For more information on the transfer payment: Contributions to supply public services in Indian Government Support and to build strong governance, administrative and accountability systems

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity

Description: The Department's involvement in governance programming is a matter of social policy that included the devolution of programs and services to First Nation and Inuit governments on a gradual basis. Strong governance and accountability of First Nations and Inuit governments and related institutions are fundamental to the prudent use of funds transferred from the federal government. These objectives are advanced by a series of measures: Employee pension and benefits plans to incent recruitment and retention of professional staff; the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions that provide fiscal services and products to First Nation communities; tribal councils that provide service and program delivery at an aggregated level to communities; and governance capacity development programs that provide training in sound governance.

The following terms and conditions provide the framework under which current and future Department contribution programming can be administered to facilitate capacity development in the Indigenous public service; the First Nation and Inuit elected leadership and entities that administer aggregate services and program delivery on behalf of or to First Nations and Inuit governments and their communities.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• Evaluation of Negotiations of Claims and Self-Government Agreements: 2015–16
• Evaluation of Governance and Institutions of Government: 2016–17

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity: 2020–21

General targeted recipient groups:

• Agencies
• Associations or organizations (profit or non-profit)/institutions
• Bands or settlements
• Beneficiaries of the James Bay, the Northern Quebec and the North-Eastern Quebec Agreements
• Boards and commissions
• Child welfare agencies
• Cooperatives
• Corporations, including Crown corporations
• Cultural education centres
• District councils or chief councils
• Education authorities
• Employers
• First Nation, Inuit or Innu individuals
• Municipalities and local authorities
• Partnerships or groups (including special interest groups)
• Provincial or territorial governments and agencies
• Tribal councils
• Universities and colleges

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department will continue to collaborate with partners through a Joint Assembly of First Nations–ISC Governance Capacity Table Working Group to co-develop strategies that will modernize the Indian Government Support programs. This Working Group consists of representatives from First Nation organizations and the Government of Canada partners.

ISC will also be engaged with First Nation Advisors to work in collaboration on community-led planning pilot projects. The First Nations Advisors, comprised of planning experts from across the country, will inform the Department of potential areas of development and provide support to First Nation communities in the pilot projects.

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development

For more information on the transfer payment: Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity

Description: The consultation and policy development contribution program is intended to be a vehicle for a wide range of engagements between the Department and Indigenous peoples for the development and implementation of departmental policy and programming. Eligible activities are those which investigate, develop, propose, review, inform or consult on policy matters within the mandate of the Department. Eligible activities include workshops, studies, meetings, and policy development, all of which relate to and are in support of the Department's policies and programming. The funding supports the Department as a whole to collaborate with Status Indians, Innu and Inuit on key policy issues.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Governance and Institutions of Government: 2016–17

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity: 2020–21

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nation, Inuit and Innu individuals, on or off reserve
• Bands or Inuit settlements
• District councils or Chiefs councils
• Indigenous and Inuit Associations or Organizations
• Tribal councils
• Other First Nation or Inuit communities
• First Nation and Inuit economic institutions or organizations or corporations
• Partnerships (or Groups) of First Nations/Inuit
• Beneficiaries of comprehensive land claims and/or self-government agreements with any group of First Nations, Inuit or Innu
• First Nation Education Authorities
• First Nation child welfare agencies
• Cultural education centres
• First Nation and Inuit co-operatives
• Boards and commissions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: There will be funding for AFOA Canada (formerly Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada). AFOA Canada provides funding to help Indigenous people better manage and govern their communities and organizations through a focus on enhancing finance and management practices and skills.

Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure

For more information on the transfer payment: Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Water and Wastewater; Education Facilities; Housing; Other Community Infrastructure and Activities.

Description: The provision of community infrastructure funding to First Nations is based on the Government of Canada's spending power as a matter of social policy. The Department allocates funding for the construction and the maintenance of community infrastructure to First Nations at regional level through formula, proposal based project funding or as a combination of both.

The Other Community Infrastructure and Activities program provides targeted funding for general community infrastructure projects on reserve. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of life and the environment for First Nation communities. The program supports First Nation communities in their efforts to have reliable and sustainable infrastructure by providing funding to plan, design, construct, acquire, operate and maintain community infrastructure assets and facilities, as well as coordinate training and undertake capacity-building activities in this area.

The Department funds eight types of infrastructure through the Other Community Infrastructure program, including: roads and bridges, connectivity, culture and recreational facilities, fire protection, energy systems, planning and skills, and structural mitigation.

First Nation communities identify priorities and needs in their First Nations Infrastructure Investment Plans and funding is then allocated for projects based on a national priority assessment. Project proposals are submitted by the First Nations communities to the regional offices and evaluated at the national level to determine the priority projects to be funded.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• Evaluation of the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan: 2013–14
• Evaluation of Education Facilities and Community Infrastructure: 2015–16
• Evaluation of On-Reserve Housing: 2016–17

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation:

• Evaluation of Water and Wastewater: 2019–20
• Evaluation of Infrastructure: 2021–22

General targeted recipient groups:

• Bands or settlements (land, reserves, trusts)
• First Nations, Innu or Inuit governments referred to in a Self-Government or land claims Agreement
• District councils or chief councils and tribal councils
• First Nation students attending band or federally operated schools and their chaperon
• Societies (e.g., First Nation Emergency Services Society)
• Institutions, associations, corporations, and partnerships
• Universities, colleges and other training institutions
• Financial institutions
• Public
• Provincial or territorial governments and agencies including provincial school boards, municipalities, local authorities, boards and commissions

Contributions for emergency management assistance for activities on reserves

For more information on the transfer payment: Contributions for emergency management assistance for activities on reserves

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Emergency Management Assistance

Description: The Department works collaboratively with Indigenous peoples and Northerners, as well as with other federal departments and agencies, provinces and territories, and non-governmental organizations. These responsibilities include supporting First Nation partners to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency events, which threaten the health, safety and holistic well-being of on-reserve First Nations communities. The assistance, a transfer payment in the form of a contribution, came into effect April 1, 2005.

Local authorities and provincial and territorial governments are responsible for emergency management activities within their respective jurisdictions. Section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867 prescribes the legislative authority of the Government of Canada for "Indians, and Lands reserved for Indians". This authority is delegated to the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada. Under section 6 of the Emergency Management Act (2007), each federal minister is responsible for identifying risks that are within or related to his or her area of responsibility and for preparing, maintaining, testing and implementing emergency management plans to mitigate those risks. The Department supports on-reserve First Nation partners with the four basic pillars of emergency management — mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

The Department has, since the early 1970s, managed a framework for promoting and supporting First Nations partners with: emergency preparedness and non-structural mitigation within on-reserve communities; emergency response and evacuation during disasters; and remediation of infrastructure and houses after emergencies such as forest fires and floods. The Department had specific Treasury Board authority for forest fire suppression (December 15, 1988), which expired in March 2005. This authority enabled the Department to provide funding to provinces, bands or other emergency organizations for the delivery of fire suppression services. The authority was replaced by the Emergency Management Assistance Program (November 29, 2004) through which the department makes contributions for emergency management assistance for activities on reserve. The Department also provides financial assistance to First Nations for search and recovery activities based on compassionate grounds. In 2017–18, the Department received policy approval for the Building Back Better Strategy Guide, which increased the access and availability to culturally competent response and recovery supports for on-reserve First Nation partners.

The most common emergencies affecting First Nations are floods, fires, loss of essential services, severe weather, or failure of community infrastructure (i.e., winter roads, bridges, water sources, housing, etc.) due to natural disaster or accident.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of the Emergency Management Assistance Program: 2016–17

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of the Emergency Management Assistance: 2021–22

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nations, First Nations organizations and private firms contracted to administer funds jointly with or on behalf of the First Nation
• Provincial and territorial governments, their agencies, and Crown corporations
• Local authorities
• Non-governmental organizations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC will continue to engage with First Nation representatives, in partnership planning, to advance trilateral or multilateral emergency management agreement models.

The Department launched a national call for emergency preparedness and non-structural mitigation funding applications in fall 2018 for the 2019–20 fiscal year. The application process was modernized to an online, widely available, and easily accessible form to enable more communities to apply.

(S) Contributions in connection with First Nations infrastructure

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Other Community Infrastructure and Activities

Description: As per the terms and conditions of the First Nations Infrastructure Fund, the Gas Tax Fund can be used to fund "other community infrastructure"

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of the First Nations Infrastructure Fund: 2013–14

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of Infrastructure: 2021–22

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nations or Inuit governments
• Bands or settlements (land, reserves, trusts)
• District councils or chief councils and tribal councils
• Societies, institutions, corporations (where the major stakeholder is First Nation or Innu or Inuit), and partnerships (such as public-private)
• Associations, corporations
• Universities, colleges and training institutions
• Local authorities and municipalities
• Provincial and territorial governments and agencies

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Types of initiatives funded under the Gas Tax Fund include: roads and bridges, connectivity, culture and recreation facilities, fire protection, energy systems, planning and skills, and structural mitigation.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Health Infrastructure Support

For more information on the transfer payment: Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Health Infrastructure Support

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Health Planning, Quality Management and Systems Integration, Health Human Resources, Health Facilities, e-Health Infostructure and British-Columbia Tripartite Health Governance.

Description: The Health Infrastructure Support Authority underpins the long-term vision of an integrated health system with greater First Nations and Inuit control by enhancing their capacity to design, manage, deliver and evaluate quality health programs and services. It provides the foundation to support the delivery of programs and services in First Nations communities and for individuals, and to promote innovation and partnerships in health care delivery to better meet the unique health needs of First Nations and Inuit. The funds are used for: planning and management for the delivery of quality health services; construction and maintenance of health facilities; research activities; encouraging Indigenous people to pursue health careers; investments in technologies to modernize health services; and integrating and realigning the governance of existing health services.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluations:

• Evaluation of the Health Services Integration Fund: 2015–16
• Evaluation of the Health Planning and Quality Management activities: 2016–17
• Evaluation of the Health Facilities Program: 2016–17
• Evaluation of the e-Health Infostructure Program: 2016–17
• Evaluation of BC Tripartite Governance: 2017–18
• The Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative is in progress and is expected to be approved in 2019–20.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation (Note: Pending for Human Resources Initiative)

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation:

• Evaluation of Health Planning, Quality Management and Systems Integration: 2019–20
• Evaluation of Infrastructure: 2021–22
• Evaluation of e-Health Infostructure: 2021–22
• Evaluation of British Columbia Tripartite Health Governance: 2022–23
• Evaluation of the Health Human Resources: 2023–24

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nations in Canada (i.e., communities, bands, district, tribal councils and associations)
• Inuit associations, councils and hamlets
• Canadian national indigenous organizations
• Non-governmental and voluntary associations and organizations, including non-profit corporations
• Educational institutions
• Hospitals and treatment centres
• Municipal, provincial and territorial governments
• Health authorities
• Health agencies

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In 2019–20, the Department will continue to advance collaborative efforts with provinces, territories, First Nations and Inuit to ensure quality service delivery, build partnerships to advance health service integration, and increase First Nations and Inuit participation in the delivery of health services. Tri-lateral discussions will take place this year between the Department, Ontario and the community for the planning of the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority hospital.

ISC will continue to work with First Nations on infrastructure activities, including the renovation and/or expansion of new and existing on-reserve health facilities. An investment of approximately $50 million will be made as part of Budget 2016's $270 million investment to advance major health facility projects.

ISC will also engage with partners on demonstration projects involving remote presence technologies to expand access to primary care services. Investments in technologies, such as mobile robots, and portable hand-held telemedicine devices, will offer increased and timely access to specialist care providers and a broader range of health services in remote and isolated First Nations communities.

Through various existing and new collaborative tables, the Department will work with Indigenous partners to identify new health planning requirements and ways to reduce administrative and reporting requirements for recipients.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Primary Health Care

For more information on the transfer payment: Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Primary Health Care

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Child First Initiative — Jordan's Principle, Clinical and Client Care; Communicable Disease Control and Management; Environmental Public Health; Healthy Child Development; Healthy Living; Home and Community Care; Mental Wellness.

Description: The Primary Health Care Authority funds a suite of programs, services and strategies provided primarily to First Nations and Inuit individuals, families, and communities living on reserve or in Inuit communities. It encompasses health promotion and disease prevention programs to improve health outcomes and reduce health risks; public health protection, including monitoring and surveillance, to prevent and/or mitigate human health risks associated with communicable diseases and exposure to environmental hazards, and health-related impacts of climate change; and primary care where individuals are provided diagnostic, curative, rehabilitative, supportive, palliative or end-of-life care, and referral services.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• Evaluation of Healthy Living and Healthy Child Development clusters: 2014–15
• Evaluation of Communicable Disease Control and Management Program: 2014–15
• Evaluation of Mental Wellness Programs: 2016–17
• Evaluation of Environmental Public Health Program: 2016–17
• Evaluation of Clinical and Client Care: 2018–19
• Case Studies on Delivery Models for Jordan's Principle: 2018–19
• The Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care is in progress and is expected to be approved in 2019–20.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation (Note: Pending for Home and Community Care)

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation:

• Evaluation of Communicable Disease Control and Management: 2019–20
• Evaluation of Healthy Living: 2019–20
• Evaluation of Mental Wellness: 2020–21
• Evaluation of Healthy Child Development: 2020–21
• Evaluation of Environmental Public Health: 2020–21
• Evaluation of Clinical and Client Care: 2023–24
• Evaluation of Home and Community Care: 2023–24
• Evaluation of Jordan's Principle: 2023–24

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nations and Inuit organizations or communities in Canada
• Non-government and voluntary associations and organizations
• Municipal, provincial and territorial governments
• Health authorities
• Health agencies
• The Primary Health Care terms and conditions have been amended relating to Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care for the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve program specifically, to include First Nations off-reserve.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department will continue to engage with the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network and the Canadian Pediatric Society to advance work in health issues of key interest to First Nations and Inuit.

• Multi-year research project carried out by the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network. The research will be gathered through key informant interviews via telephone as well as in-person visits to communities. Further activities related to this project may be determined in partnership and collaboration with partners.

Discussions with Les Femmes Michif — Women of the Metis Nation, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and Native Women's Association of Canada are planned for the 2019–20 year for the co-development of communications products on the issue of forced sterilization.

ISC will continue to support the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives in the development and implementation of in-person and remote Indigenous Midwifery services in Indigenous communities.

The Department will also continue engagement and policy co-development with the Jordan's Principle Action Table. ISC will also continue consulting with the First Nations Child and Family Services Caring Society, the Assembly of First Nations, the Chiefs of Ontario and the Nishnawbe Aske Nation through the Consultation Committee on Child Welfare and the Jordan's Principle Operations Committee. Ongoing work will continue with the Nursing Recruitment and Retention Strategy Oversight Committee and the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Supplementary Health Benefits

For more information on the transfer payment: Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Supplementary Health Benefits

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012–13

Link to department's Program Inventory: Supplementary Health Benefits

Description: ISC's Supplementary Health Benefits (also known as Non-Insured Health Benefits) Program is a national program that provides registered First Nations and recognized Inuit resident in Canada with coverage for a range of medically necessary health related goods and services which are not otherwise available to them through other private plans or provincial or territorial health or social programs. Program benefits include prescription and over-the-counter medications, dental and vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling, and transportation to access medically required health services that are not available on reserve or in the community of residence. Some benefits are delivered via contribution agreements with First Nations and Inuit organizations or with the territorial governments in Nunavut and Northwest Territories.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program — Cluster Evaluation: 2017–18

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of Supplementary Health Benefits: 2022–23

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nations and Inuit organizations or communities in Canada (i.e., communities, bands, tribal councils and associations)
• Hospitals and treatment centres
• Municipal, provincial and territorial governments
• Health Authorities

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department engages with representatives from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) through the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch-Senior Management Committee.

Since 2014, the Department has been working closely with the AFN on a comprehensive joint review of the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, with the intention to enhance client access to health benefits and streamline service delivery to be more responsive to First Nation client needs. ISC will continue the joint review this year. The Department will also engage with ITK representatives through the National Inuit Committee on Health to identify shared priorities for the NIHB program.