Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more

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

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019–20

Link to department's Program Inventory: New Fiscal Relationship

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.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019–20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An evaluation was not completed in 2019-20 as this was the first year of the program.

Expected completion date for future evaluation:

• Evaluation of the Grant to Support the New Fiscal Relationship for First Nations: March 2024

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: In 2019-20, an exercise was undertaken to invite First Nations’ to express interest in and to assess eligible First Nations against co-developed eligibility criteria for ten-year grants. By the end of the fiscal year, 250 First Nations had expressed interest in the grant and 85 First Nations signed funding agreements for 2019–20.

In 2019-20, the Assembly of First Nations and the department in partnership with the First Nations Information Governance Centre initiated engagement sessions with First Nations as well as technical experts across the country on the development of a National Outcomes Based Framework to measure socio-economic gaps. A process to continue and report on this work is being explored.

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

Start date: Ongoing

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 Financial 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 Indigenous Services Canada (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.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of the Elementary and Secondary Education program was in progress in 2019-20 and is expected to be completed in October 2020.

Expected completion date for future evaluation:

• To be determined in 2021 as part of the next Five-year Departmental Evaluation Planning Exercise

Engagement of applicants and recipients 2019–20: In 2019-20, the department worked with Indigenous partners to implement the co-developed elementary and secondary education framework aimed at fundamentally improving the way funding is provided to First Nations and First Nation education organizations. The department continues to support First Nation partners with building institutional capacity and developing and strengthening partnerships through its Education Partnerships Program. In 2019-20, the department signed two Regional Education Agreements, three are awaiting signature and three more are near completion.

Grants and Contributions to support the First Nations Post-Secondary Education Strategy

(Previously titled "Grants and Contributions to support First Nations and Inuit Post-Secondary Educational Advancement")

Start date: Ongoing

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 Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to department's Program Inventory: Education

Description: Terms and Conditions have been established for making grant and contribution payments for ISC's First Nations Post-Secondary Education Strategy. While previous versions of these Terms and Conditions have outlined programming that supported both First Nations and Inuit post-secondary students, ISC's new distinctions-based approach to Indigenous post-secondary education provides for new strategies to support both Inuit and Métis Nation post-secondary students. These Terms and Conditions have therefore been renamed Grants and Contributions to Support the First Nations Post-Secondary Education Strategy and are intended to establish provisions for making grant and contribution payments to Registered Indian (First Nations) students under Post-Secondary Education (PSE) Programs. The department's suite of First Nations PSE initiatives consists of three program elements: the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, the University and College Entrance Preparation Program and the Post-Secondary Partnerships Program.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of the Post-Secondary Education program was in progress in 2019–20 and is expected to be completed in October 2020.

Expected completion date for future evaluation:

• To be determined in 2021 as part of the next Five-year Departmental Evaluation Planning Exercise

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: The department worked with National Indigenous Organizations to advance and implement new distinctions-based post-secondary education strategies that respond to the different post-secondary education priorities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation partners.

Contributions to support the Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy^{Footnote 1}

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to department's Program Inventory: Education

Description: Terms and Conditions have been established for making contribution payments to Métis Nation recipients for post-secondary education programming. The new Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy provides direct financial support for Métis Nation students, complementary programs and services, and regional institutional and governance capacity to support service delivery and improve educational attainment.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of the Post-Secondary Education program was in progress in 2019–20 and is expected to be completed in October 2020.

Expected completion date for future evaluation:

• To be determined in 2021 as part of the next Five-year Departmental Evaluation Planning Exercise

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: The department worked with National Indigenous Organizations to advance and implement new distinctions-based post-secondary education strategies that respond to the different post-secondary education priorities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation partners.

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

Start date: Ongoing

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 Financial 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.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: The Evaluations of the Elementary and Secondary, and Post-Secondary Education programs were in progress in 2019–20 and are expected to be completed in October 2020.

Expected completion date for future evaluation:

• To be determined in 2021 as part of the next Five-year Departmental Evaluation Planning Exercise

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: The department engaged with applicants and recipients through the annual call for proposals.

Grants and Contributions to provide income support to on reserve residents and Status Indians in the Yukon Territory

(Previously titled "Grants and Contributions to provide income support to on reserve residents")

Start date: Ongoing

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 Financial 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 home care services, for non-medical institutional care and for public education, awareness and service coordination.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Expected completion date for future audit:

• Audit of the Income Assistance Program: March 2022

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of Assisted Living was completed in 2019-20. The evaluation found that the program was generally effective in meeting many of the needs, but that there were concerns of growing pressure and sustainability of the current approach. The evaluation observed:

• Growing pressure on the ability to recruit and retain individuals to provide services;
• Objectives would be better supported by capital funding for minor home renovations and long-term care facilities on-reserve.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Income Assistance: March 2023
• Evaluation of Assisted Living: March 2025

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: In the spring and summer of 2018, Indigenous Services Canada identified First Nation partners interested in leading, designing, and implementing regionally-specific engagement processes.

Interested First Nation organizations submitted proposals to Indigenous Services Canada which reviewed them, transferred funding to organizations and provided supporting materials as needed.

First Nation communities and organizations then planned and hosted their own engagement activities, which ran from October 2018 to June 2019.

Following the receipt of regional engagement reports from funded organizations, ISC developed a Draft National Income Assistance Engagement Summary Report that was circulated for validation in February 2020 to these organizations. The Draft National Summary Report aimed to capture and synthesize, as objectively as possible, the various regional summary reports received from all funded First Nation organizations who were involved in the Income Assistance engagement.

Validation feedback has been delayed due to COVID-19 and is now expected in late summer 2020. The National Income Assistance Engagement Summary Report is expected to be finalized in fall 2020.

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

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An evaluation was not completed in 2019-20.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of the First Nations Child and Family Services: March 2022 (tentative)
• Evaluation of Family Violence Prevention: March 2023

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: The department continued to engage with the Parties to the Complaint and other stakeholders on the implementation of the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. Reform of First Nations child and family services is the overall goal of these engagements, with issues under discussion such as the Terms and Conditions applicable to government programs and guidance documents and directives of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. Through these engagements, including in venues such as the Consultation Committee on Child Welfare and the National Advisory Committee on First Nations Child and Family Services Program Reform and other bi-lateral and multi-lateral tables that include representation from Indigenous Regional Authorities, First Nation political organizations, FNCFS Agencies, and provincial authorities, the department has continued to work closely with the Parties to address policy and operational issues related to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders, including providing support for research designed to develop options for a new funding methodology for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.

To develop best practices and identify lessons learned related to the development and implementation of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, ISC is convening a series of community, regional and national distinctions-based discussions among Indigenous communities and organizations. These discussions will be organized in 2020-21 to provide in-depth conversations to explore issues in a detailed manner with experts in child and family services, elders, youth and those will lived experience and to understand their specific thoughts on the implementation of the Act.

Grants and Contributions to support Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

Start date: Ongoing

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 Financial 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.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An evaluation was not completed in 2019-20.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples: March 2022

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: The Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP) team communicated regularly with the national network of coalitions, known as the National Urban Indigenous Coalition (NUIC), to discuss priorities and upcoming initiatives to better meet the needs of urban Indigenous peoples. The NUIC is planning to co-develop, with UPIP, a research and innovation agenda, as well as leading two research projects encompassing a literature review on Urban Indigenous Peoples, and collecting Coalitions’ best practices to develop a toolkit. An additional 10 Research and Innovation projects were funded in 2019-10 through a targeted Call for Proposals specifically for Coalitions, Friendship Centres, the Métis Nation and Inuit organizations. Each of these projects targeted community-defined priorities and aimed to better understand and meet the needs of urban Indigenous peoples (e.g. an Anti-Indigenous Racism Research project in Newfoundland and Labrador and a GBA+ Analysis on Métis Women's Housing Needs across Canada).

Grant for Band Support Funding

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

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

These terms and conditions are specifically targeted to First Nations.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An evaluation was not completed in 2019-20.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity: March 2024

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: The Governance Capacity Table Working Group only met twice in 2019-20, in part as a result of the federal election in Fall 2019 and the subsequent cabinet formation. This table working group supports the co-development work of ISC and Indigenous partners by developing options and advice for a more effective, sustainable and integrated approach to support First Nation governance.

Grant to the Miawpukek Indian Band to support designated programs

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

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

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An evaluation was not completed in 2019-20.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity: March 2024

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: Self-determination discussions with Council and administration of Miawpukek Band continued on initiatives such as Child and Family Services and Education reform in 2019-20 fiscal year.

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

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity; Individual Affairs^{Footnote 2} (Previously reported under Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC) First Nation Jurisdiction over Land and Economic Development)

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.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Expected completion date for future audit:

• Audit of the Process for Status Cards: March 2022

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An evaluation was not completed in 2019-20.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity: March 2024

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: The Governance Capacity Table Working Group only met twice in 2019-20, in part as a result of the federal election in Fall 2019 and the subsequent cabinet formation. This table working group supports the co-development work of ISC and Indigenous partners by developing options and advice for a more effective, sustainable and integrated approach to support First Nation governance.

ISC engaged with Indigenous Advisors and Community Planners to collaborate on the Community-Led Planning Pilot Projects which involved 142 First Nations and 1 Inuit community in 20 pilot projects across all regions. Through this initiative, ISC, Indigenous Advisors, and Community Planners developed indicators on which the participating communities would self-assess the improvements in their governance capacity. The department is currently collecting results.

The department continues to build capacity within First Nations communities and organizations leading to the transfer of responsibility of estates management, trust fund account management, and activities related to registration under the Indian Act.

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-15

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity; Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management^{Footnote 2} (Previously reported under CIRNAC’s First Nation Jurisdiction over Land and Economic Development)

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.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An evaluation was not completed in 2019-20.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity: March 2024
• Evaluation of the Survey of Indigenous Peoples: Fall/Winter 2020

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: Funding was provided to Aboriginal Financial Officers Associated Canada to train future Indigenous leaders and public servants that will help to better manage and govern their communities and organizations through a focus on enhancing finance and management practices. Through this funding, Indigenous communities are better equipped to engage with the department.

In addition, the Governance Capacity Table Working Group met twice in 2019-20. This table working group supports the co-development work of ISC and Indigenous partners by developing options and advice for a more effective, sustainable and integrated approach to support First Nation governance.

Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial 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; Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management

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 many 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 development, 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.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An Audit of Data for the On Reserve Housing program was in progress in 2019-20 and was subsequently cancelled.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of Water and Wastewater Activities On-Reserve was in progress in 2019-20 and expected to be completed in January 2021.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Education Facilities: March 2022
• Evaluation of Other Community Infrastructure Activities: March 2022
• Evaluation of Housing: March 2023

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20:

Water
With support from the department, the Assembly of First Nations is engaging with First Nations partners on the co-development of a legislative framework for safe drinking water for First Nations. The department will also work with any First Nation who would like to engage directly with the department.

Housing Reform
The department sponsored a First Nations-led national housing forum, which was attended by over 450 delegates and designed to further shape the implementation plan of the National First Nations Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy.

Together with federal partners, including Employment and Social Development Canada, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, ISC also supported the Native Women’s Association of Canada in research and engagement to advance understanding of housing, shelter and support service needs of Indigenous women, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people across the housing continuum and identify barriers to accessing safe and affordable housing.

Indigenous-led Institutions
In 2019-20, $5.8 million was invested to support engagement and proof of concept activities that contributed to the exploration of service delivery models and organizational design of First Nations-led institutions. These initiatives are intended to support the transfer of care, control and management of housing and infrastructure services to First Nations. These First Nations organizations are working to design and deliver infrastructure solutions from the ground up that best suit their needs. This funding supported First Nation-led engagement and proof of concept initiatives in five regions with six First Nations organizations, including the First Nations Infrastructure Institute, which is national in scope.

ISC co-developed a Framework Agreement with the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority and provided funding to support the Authority in the required engagement to stand up the organization. In addition, ISC worked collaboratively with First Nations organizations in the Atlantic region on the establishment of a Community of Practice to facilitate discussions on best practices, challenges and opportunities specifically on the transfer of housing and infrastructure services.

Solid Waste Management
Since launching the First Nations Waste Management Initiative in 2016, the Lands and Economic Development Sector has worked to deliver funding in partnership with Indigenous Organizations in an effort to build their capacity for effective waste management. For example, the First Nation Land Management Resource Centre provides Waste Initiative funding directly to communities operating under the First Nation Land Management Act. To date, almost $4 million in program funding has been provided to 35 communities directly from Indigenous Organizations. The implementation of the First Nations Waste Management Initiative, including program design and service transformation, is also guided by a National Indigenous Advisory Committee, with additional support from five regional First Nation Waste Management Committees.

Indigenous Fire Marshal’s Office
The department has been supporting the Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada to develop a National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (formerly known as the Indigenous Fire Marshal’s Office). In 2019-20, they established an advisory committee to advance work on the governance structure, mandate and scope of programs and services. They also developed a number of programs which will be delivered to First Nations in 2020-21 including community fire assessments, home safety assessments and fire department assessments.

Infrastructure Program Reform
ISC continued to engage with First Nations and First Nation organizations to collaborate on the reform of infrastructure delivery on reserve.

Since 2018, the Asset Management Program has supported First Nations to build awareness, and develop capacity and resources for asset planning to proactively manage their assets in a more sustainable way.

As of April 1st, 2020, 194 First Nations communities have participated in awareness and planning activities. In 2019-20, 34 awareness workshops were supported, along with 22 asset management planning projects.

In March 2020, the Assembly of First Nations was supported in hosting the 2020 National Housing and Infrastructure Forum. First Nations leadership and technical experts shared asset management practices, success stories and tools. The holistic view these asset management plans provide will better support communities to advance towards transfer of housing and infrastructure services back to First Nations.

The department continued the review of ISC’s infrastructure policies and programs in partnership with First Nations. One example is the review of the departmental education infrastructure policies in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations and with support from other First Nations. Since summer 2019, ISC has partnered with the Assembly of First Nations to look into First Nation identified needs in education infrastructure, and to explore options that would better address those needs and provide infrastructure services more comparable to off-reserve. The outcomes of the policy review are expected to provide better support for First Nations students.

Contributions for emergency management assistance for activities on reserves

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

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 third-party organizations. These responsibilities include supporting First Nation partners to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency events, that 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, third-party organizations, 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.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An evaluation was not completed in 2019-20.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Emergency Management Assistance: March 2022

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: To further advance the trilateral or multilateral emergency management agreement, engagement is currently underway at varying levels of maturity across the jurisdictions. First Nation-led engagement in Manitoba and Saskatchewan were completed during this fiscal. A trilateral Memorandum of Understanding for Emergency Management Services was signed in British Columbia on April 27,  2019.

The modernization of the emergency preparedness and non-structural mitigation funding process increased applications from 131 applications to 350 (267%).

(S) Contributions in connection with First Nations infrastructure

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial 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". Also, the Carbon Tax top up to the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program and the First Nation Infrastructure Fund supports reduction in greenhouse gases emissions in the provinces that opted out of the federal carbon pricing system (Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New-Brunswick).

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An evaluation was not completed in 2019-20.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Other Community Infrastructure and Activities: March 2022

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: The Program Guide for First Nations Infrastructure funding, available online outlines the program and all application requirements. ISC is available to respond to inquiries on the program delivery.

Departmental staff in each region engages with communities on a regular basis to identify and develop infrastructure project proposals.

Contributions to First Nations for the management of contaminated sites^{Footnote 2}

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-15

Link to department's Program Inventory: Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Economic Development Capacity and Readiness

Description: The objective of this contribution program is to ensure the removal of known contamination from National Contaminated Sites Classification System Class 1 and Class 2 sites for which a Crown liability has been established and documented.

Class 1 sites are contaminated sites where available information (assessment) indicates that action is required to address existing concerns for public health and safety. Class 2 sites are those sites where available information (assessment) indicates that there is a high potential for adverse off-site impacts, although threat to human health and the environment (public health and safety) is generally not imminent and action is likely required.

The transfer payment summary also includes funding for the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative to develop sustainable solid waste management solutions on reserve.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of Solid Waste Management was in progress in 2019-20 and is expected to be completed in March 2021.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management: March 2022
• Evaluation of Economic Development Capacity and Readiness: March 2023
• Evaluation of the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative: July 2021

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: The Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan released a "What we Heard" Report which was distributed to all participants of the 10 meetings held in 2018.

The Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan was renewed for a new 15-year term in 2019 which addressed some of the input from the engagement (e.g. enhanced eligibility for sites on reserve land).

Regional workshops and information sessions were held to support the continued implementation of the Solid Waste Management Initiative. The National Advisory Committee also met and provided strategic advice and direction on the best practices and program delivery devolution.

Contributions to support Land Management and Economic Development^{Footnote 2}

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Individual Affairs; Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development; Economic Development Capacity and Readiness

Description: The lands and economic development programs support increased participation of First Nations communities in the Canadian economy and enable First Nations peoples to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. The specific objectives of each program component are the following.

Lands and Economic Development Services Program (LEDSP) seeks to:

• enable First Nation and Inuit communities and organizations they mandate to deliver community economic development services, which includes community economic development planning and capacity development initiatives, the development of proposals and levering of financial resources, and carrying out economic development activities (In some instances, recipients may decide to carry out these activities by hiring economic development officers);
• enable First Nations to assume greater control over reserve land, resources and environment including land use planning, environmental management and compliance, on behalf of the Minister and pursuant to the Indian Act;
• provide First Nations with modern land management tools and capacities. The initiative facilitates the transition from the Indian Act to the First Nations Land Management Act (FNLMA), and provides First Nations currently operating under the FNLMA with the capacities to effectively manage their land. This includes creating Land Codes, Individual Agreements, laws, land and environment management systems, and environmental agreements; and
• enable the provision of lands, environmental and economic development support services to communities, to assist in achieving LEDSP's objectives. This also includes services that prevent the contamination of reserve lands and other lands under ISC's custodial responsibility.

Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) seeks to:

• increase economic development by providing proposal based financial support to Aboriginal communities to assist in their pursuit of, and participation in, economic opportunities. ISC assesses proposals based on their community economic impacts, and supports projects with the best impacts.

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) seeks to:

• increase the number of viable businesses in Canada owned and controlled by Aboriginal Canadians and to provide a supportive business environment for Aboriginal Canadians in all areas of Canada;
• cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship in the Aboriginal community and to improve access to business opportunities;
• establish, expand and diversify the network of Aboriginal-owned and controlled financial institutions providing developmental capital in Canada, which are functionally complementary to the mainstream financial sector;
• enhance access to capital for Aboriginal businesses in Canada that have difficulty in obtaining conventional commercial financing;
• enhance the capacity of Aboriginal financial and business development organizations to provide financial services, business information, and developmental support services;
• increase Aboriginal participation in economic benefits from major resource development and energy investments; and
• increase the participation of Aboriginal people in the economy through economic and employment opportunities.

The expected results of LEDSP, CORP and AEP are directly aligned with the "Community and Regional Development" strategic outcome, the long-term objective of which is to realize full participation of Aboriginal individuals and communities in the economy. Performance indicators that apply to these programs will be included in the Lands and Economic Development Programs Performance Measurement Strategy.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of Individual Affairs was in progress in 2019-20 and is expected to be completed in February 2021.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management: March 2022
• Evaluation of Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development: March 2022
• Evaluation of Economic Development Capacity and Readiness: March 2023

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is working with federal partners to launch the Indigenous Growth Fund which is intended to leverage new and existing resources to support more Indigenous entrepreneurs and ambitious projects. Work on surety is ongoing but has been delayed given the onset of the pandemic in March.

The Department continues to examine the potential for the use of surety instruments by Aboriginal Financial Institutions working with businesses operating on reserve land. The Department has begun to consult with experts in the field of social finance/social enterprises on the use of socio-economic indicators. NACCA continues to assist Aboriginal Financial Institutions in the network to implement a new data management system and to explore the possible role for business intelligence. Métis Capital Corporations are receiving funds from Budgets 2016 ($25 million over five years) and 2019 ($50 million over five years).

The Access to Business Opportunities Stream will continue to engage with National Indigenous Organizations such as Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and Native Women’s Association of Canada to better understand their operational needs with the goal of fostering a supportive business environment for Indigenous peoples and improving access to business opportunities.

Consultations with applicants and recipients are conducted through various channels such as email, phone and zoom calls.

The department reached out to First Nations that do not have the authority under sub-section 69(1) of the Indian Act to manage, control and expend their revenue trust moneys and solicit interest for gaining this authority. The department will proceed with recommending the interested First Nations names to be added to the Schedule of the Indian Band Revenue Moneys Order.

Officials from the Department made presentations to First Nations’ representatives regarding the options for alternative management of Band moneys upon request and through other departmental negotiations (Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables). Departmental officials also made a similar presentation at the National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association’s annual conference in May 2018.

The Department worked with six First Nations (Blood, Stoney, Kehewin, Carry the Kettle, Lucky Man, and Sagamok) towards transfers of capital and/or revenue trust moneys to independent trusts established by the respective First Nations. The department continues to work in partnership with interested First Nations towards options for the transfer of their current and future trust moneys.

Contributions to support the Aboriginal Economic Development Strategic Partnerships Initiative^{Footnote 2}

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to department's Program Inventory: Economic Development Capacity and Readiness

Description: The Purpose of the Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) is to enable horizontal coordination of federal investments in Aboriginal economic development including the use of existing program resources to advance shared priorities and where it is deemed appropriate and necessary, resources from the SPI budget will be used to address gaps which cannot be covered by existing resources.

The identification of priority opportunities for investment as well as the horizontal approach to the processing of applications, project monitoring and reporting will directly advance two key strategic priorities of the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development: Forging New and Effective Partnerships and Focusing the Role of Government. In addition, the SPI will further the objectives of the Framework by ensuring:

• opportunities for investments under the SPI are systematically targeted and assessed;
• partners involved in specific SPI projects continue to be engaged throughout the development, implementation and completion of the project;
• the experience and resources of willing partners to take advantage of economic opportunities are brought together to advance SPI projects; and
• clear direction, greater coordination, better collaboration and increased linkages are made among federal initiatives across departments and agencies to advance SPI projects.

The objective of the SPI is to increase economic development opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians by stimulating partnerships between federal and non-federal partners within key sectors of the Canadian economy. This is intended to lead to greater participation by Aboriginal peoples in the Canadian economy through:

• planned and integrated economic development activities;
• the identification of economic and business opportunities;
• investment in economic infrastructure;
• the creation and expansion of viable businesses; and
• investments and partnerships in economic and resource opportunities.

This strategic approach to making investments in Aboriginal economic development will also lead to the alignment of project planning cycles across the federal government, with the intent of maximizing the results of federal investments and minimizing the duplication of efforts and overlap in federal programming. Further, planned use of existing program resources will facilitate the levering of non-federal investments in projects.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An evaluation was not completed in 2019-20.

Expected completion date for future evaluation:

• Evaluation of Economic Development Capacity and Readiness: March 2023

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: Indigenous entrepreneurs engage with the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program directly through the network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions and Métis Capital Corporations across the country. The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and the Department have frequent, ongoing interaction and hold structured annual events including senior level meetings and an annual conference. With a Budget 2019 initiative, the program if shifting to distinctions-based delivery as the Métis Capital Corporations are preparing to deliver Métis-specific program elements.

Grant to implement the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management^{Note de bas de page 2}

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to department's Program Inventory: Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Description: The purpose of this transfer payment program is to enable recipient First Nations to carry out and manage the lands and environmental management responsibilities set out in the negotiated Framework Agreement and its ratifying legislation the First Nation Land Management Act (FNLM). As a form of sectoral self-government, First Nations operating under FNLM are better able to respond to community priorities related to lands, economic development opportunities, and improved administration of land interests and tenure.

First Nation Land Management is an opportunity for First Nations to opt-out of 44 lands related sections of the Indian Act and determine how their lands should be managed. FNLM aligns with Canada's commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

An expected immediate outcome of FNLM is improved access to services and tools by First Nations to manage and develop their lands and resource. FNLM also contributes to the ultimate outcome of Indigenous peoples and Northerners determining their political, economic, social, and cultural development.

Data collected to track results and delivery targets include:

• Annual reports from Indigenous Organizations and stakeholders;
• Internal program data collected in partnership with Indigenous Organizations; and
• Periodic departmental evaluations.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An evaluation was not completed in 2019-20.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management: March 2022

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: In general, engagement with First Nations participating in First Nation Land Management is led by the Lands Advisory Board and Resource Centre, who represent the interests under the Framework Agreement of more than 165 First Nations in Canada. The Lands Advisory Board engages with First Nations who are signatories to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management on strategic policy issues, particularly through their Annual General Meeting, during which time resolutions are considered and passed. The Lands Advisory Board also engages with First Nations communities who are interested in becoming signatories through community presentations. The Resource Centre engages with participating First Nations on an ongoing basis to provide technical and operational support for the development and implementation of lands, natural resources and environmental laws, policies and practices.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Health Infrastructure Support

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: The Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative was approved in 2019–20. The Evaluation found that there is a continued need for programming that aims to increase the number of Indigenous health workers, address financial barriers to accessing health studies and develop the capacity of First Nations and Inuit community health workers. The evaluation observed:

• The Initiative provided 3,016 scholarships and bursaries that contributed to helping approximately 765 Indigenous students per year to participate in health post-secondary studies. The majority of students helped worked in a field related to their studies and served the Indigenous population as part of their work. The application process for financial assistance was seen as difficult to complete, and a lack of prerequisite education was one of the biggest barriers to access health studies.
• Initiative funding was seen as helping to increase the qualifications of health workers in communities as well as contributing to improve health services. The program was seen as having contributed to improving the capacity of First Nations communities to influence and control their health services by funding the creation of the First Nations Health Managers Association and the establishment of its certification program for health managers. Challenges pertained to the limited amount of funding compared to the existing needs, and the types of training eligible for funding.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Cluster Evaluation of Health Infrastructure Support for First Nations: September 2022
  This includes: Health Planning, Quality Management; Health Services Integration Fund; Quality Improvement and Accreditation Program; Health Facilities; e-Health Infostructure; Health Human Resources; British Columbia Tripartite Governance.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: In 2019-20, ISC advanced partnerships with First Nations to support regional health transformation initiatives across the country. Projects in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have been undertaken to improve regional capacity for health governance and pave the way toward self-determination, leading to improved health outcomes for Indigenous Canadians. For example:

• ISC, the Province of Quebec, and the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding that will support the development of a new health and social services governance model tailored to the realities and needs of Quebec First Nations.
• ISC initiated discussions with the Southern Chiefs in Manitoba, who have expressed an interest in creating a First Nations-led health governance structure and a better, more integrated and responsive health system for all First Nations people living in southern Manitoba. Work progressed developing a Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed in June 2020.
• In addition, ISC is also currently in discussions with the Mi’kmaw in Nova Scotia to improve health programs and services in that province based on Mi’kmaw culture, traditions and worldview. Work is also continuing to advance system-wide health transformation in partnership with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the Province of Ontario further to a Charter of Relationship Principles that was signed in July 2017.
• In 2019-20, $87 million was invested in First Nation health infrastructure to support projects for the planning, design, repair, renovation, expansion and construction of health centres, addictions treatment centres, nursing stations and residences. Despite progress to date, certain projects have experienced cumulative delays, leading to approximately $29 million not being expended as planned under Budget 2016.
• The Joint Forum on Administrative and Operational Tools (Joint Forum) is a working group comprised of representation from the Assembly of First Nations regions, Alberta Treaty areas and from the Department of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). The Forum offers insight into the revision of Reporting Tools and the Community Health Planning Guide which are administered by the FNIHB of ISC. The Joint Forum has the prioritized streamlining and reducing ISC’s reporting burden for First Nations in Canada.
• The Joint Forum recommended that Contribution Agreement funding be provided to the First Nations Health Managers Association to complete these action items – since this directly links to the Health & Wellness Planning Guide that they developed in 2019.
• Build capacity of First Nation Health Managers on relevant and meaningful reporting to communities. This includes developing a template for Community Annual Report and the development of a First Nations Health Indicator Framework that includes a standardized set of determinants that communities could use to track their health status over time.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Primary Health Care

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to department's Program Inventory: 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.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: The Audit of the Implementation of Jordan’s Principle was completed and approved in November 2019. The audit, divided into two phases, found that the Department has positioned itself to:

• fully manage some of its risks related to the availability of information, communications with First Nations as well as financial practices including delegation of authority, and quality assurance reviews for payments. The employees and the follow-up they perform have helped the Department partially mitigate some of its information and knowledge risks.
• partially mitigate some of its risks related to the coordination and collaboration between all sectors involved in Jordan’s Principle, identifying opportunities to address commonly occurring needs of First Nations children, ensuring that employees are equipped to respond to the variation and volume of Jordan’s Principle requests, real and perceived conflicts of interest and building awareness of the importance of Jordan’s Principle to all Canadians.

Expected completion date for future audit:

• Audit of the Security of Nurses on Reserves: March 2022

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: The Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care was approved in 2019-20. The evaluation found that the program had demonstrated considerable success, with continued improvements largely due to effective program management and dedication of First Nation health directors and/or Home and Community Care coordinators and nurses. The evaluation observed:

• Demand for services is projected to increase and become more complex.
• The priorities of the Government and Indigenous communities are generally aligned with respect to the care provided; however, existing policy and legislative gaps risk creating or maintaining disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
• Communities are supported in their training and capacity building efforts, but there are gaps especially for personal care providers, and these disproportionately affect smaller and more remote communities.
• In general, interview and survey respondents believed First Nation and Inuit people receive an amount of service hours that in many cases is seen as superior to neighbouring non Indigenous communities, but significant gaps remain.
• The extent to which clients are provided with quality services and are having their needs met is viewed generally positively, but limited resources and communication issues were cited as barriers to meeting client needs.
• FNIHCC coordinates and collaborates with other programs and services at both local and regional levels.

Expected completion dates for future evaluations:

• Evaluation of Communicable Disease Control and Management: March 2021
• Evaluation of Healthy Living: February 2021
• Evaluation of Healthy Child Development: March 2022
• Evaluation of Mental Wellness: March 2022
• Evaluation of Environmental Public Health: March 2022
• Evaluation of Clinical and Client Care: March 2024
• Evaluation of Jordan's Principle: March 2024
• Evaluation of Home and Community Care: March 2025

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: ISC continued to support the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) on the following projects through their current block contribution agreement: International Indigenous Working Group on HIV/AIDS, Leadership of Aboriginal Women & Aboriginal Youth, Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week, Assessing Community Readiness and Promising practices Marketing and Communications. CAAN has shifted some of their work virtually e.g., the International Indigenous Pre-conference for AIDS 2020 was held virtually, due to COVID-19 but CAAN continues to move their projects forward as appropriate.

In 2019-20, ISC continued to provide support to the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada (Pauktuutit), the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) for work with the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health on developing key messages and information products. Pauktuutit and NWAC submitted reports to ISC outlining their work to date. LFMO held a Women’s Forum in March 2019 and March 2020 where the issue of forced and coerced sterilization was discussed; following the 2019 forum they released a policy paper that makes recommendations to the Government of Canada.

In 2019-20 ISC funded the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives to complete two streams of activities: 1) research and evaluation into the Budget 2017 federal investment in Indigenous midwifery; and 2) providing Indigenous midwifery support and expertise to Indigenous midwives.

In 2019-20, ISC continued its ongoing consultation and engagement with partners through Jordan’s Principle Operations Committee and the Consultation Committee on Child Welfare. Work continued with the Caring Society, Assembly of First Nations, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and Chiefs of Ontario on implementing the compensation order.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Supplementary Health Benefits

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial 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 locally. Some benefits are delivered via contribution agreements with First Nations and Inuit organizations or with the territorial governments in Nunavut and Northwest Territories.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20.

Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: No evaluation was completed in 2019-20.

Expected completion date of future evaluation:

• Evaluation of Supplementary Health Benefits: March 2023

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20: The Non Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program continued to host regular bilateral meetings with First Nation and Inuit representatives in 2019-20 to share information and ensure the Program is responsive to the needs of its clients.

ISC continued to work collaboratively with the Assembly of First Nations on the NIHB Program Joint Review in order to enhance client access to benefits, identify and address gaps in benefits, streamline service delivery to be more responsive to client needs, and increase program efficiencies. In particular, the review of the NIHB Program’s medical transportation benefit was initiated.

ISC also continued to work collaboratively with the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami on priorities identified by Inuit through representatives of their land claim organizations.