Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: Supplementary Estimates (B) and (C), March 20, 2024

Water

And that begins with water. The previous Conservative government ignored the needs of First Nations communities for clean water, and as a result 105 long-term water advisories were put in place.

But today, after working with communities and increasing investments by over 150%, the vast majority of First Nations have clean drinking water they can trust. Only 4% of communities still live with a long-term advisory and there is a plan underway for each of them.

But let's be clear, without sustained, equitable support for water systems, all that progress can vanish. Reconciliation requires a long term commitment, regardless of the party leading the country.

Bill C-61

It's why Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act is so important to partners. Developed through historic participation of First Nations, this bill restores the right of First Nations to manage their own water systems, and for the first time in our history, holds the federal government accountable for equitable funding for water systems in First Nations.

The AFN is calling on Parliament to pass that bill, because as Chief Erica Beaudin of Cowessess First Nation said, "Indigenous people, Indigenous children, deserve to be conceived, born and die drinking clean water."

It's why it was so distressing for partners to see on the first day of the debate a Conservative MP choose instead to repeat tired stereotypes ignoring the discriminatory funding as a cause. Many First Nations people were hurt by those comments and are still waiting for a real apology.

Housing

Indigenous peoples are also creating change in housing. I was recently celebrating the construction of new homes in Liard First Nation with Chief Charlie. He told me: "Housing is intrinsic to health and well-being".

You know this as well as I do. There's still a lot of work to be done.

The report from the Auditor General yesterday shows that decades of colonialism and underinvestment have lingering impacts on Indigenous communities.

This is why our Liberal Government increased spending on housing for Indigenous Peoples by over 1100%. For the first time in recent history, the proportion of people living in overcrowded homes has stabilized, and is starting to decrease.

It's a huge contrast to the approach of the previous government which resulted in only 99 houses built for over $300M. In contrast, since 2015, over 34,000 homes have been built or renovated, with 22,000 already completed. This is fundamental, because better housing means more people can reach their true potential.

Conclusion

Mr. Chair, reconciliation is not a destination. It's a relationship. And respect is the foundation of every strong relationship.

We must work directly with communities to address their needs, tackle the systematic issues, and transfer the services delivery back to them.

I know this is a uncomfortable approach for those that are more comfortable with the paternalism of the past. But that approach has not resulted in healthy communities and people. This government is working to live up to the promise of a Canada where everyone can reach their true potential and we will do that in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

Meegwetch. Qujannamiik [Koo-ya-na-meek]. Marci. Thank you. Merci.

Logistics

Date: March 20, 2024
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: West Block, Room 035-B
Subject: Supplementary Estimates (C) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024

Appearing

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Committee Membership

• MP John Aldag (LIB – BC) (Chair)
• MP Jaime Battiste (LIB – NS)
• MP Ben Carr (LIB – MB)
• MP Anna Gainey (LIB – QC)
• MP Michael V. McLeod (LIB – NWT)
• MP Marcus Powlowski (LIB – ON)
• MP Jamie Schmale (CPC – ON) (Vice-Chair)
• MP Eric Melillo (CPC – ON)
• MP Martin Shields (CPC – AB)
• MP Bob Zimmer (CPC – BC)
• MP Sébastien Lemire (BQ – QC) (Vice-Chair)
• MP Lori Idlout (NDP – Nunavut)

Parliamentary Analysis

• MP John Aldag (LIB) (CHAIR), Chair of the Committee, may ask questions about ensuring that mental wellness services are Indigenous specific and culturally appropriate.
• MP Michael V. Mcleod (LIB) will likely ask questions that pertain to communities in his riding in the Northwest Territories, including the correlation between poor housing infrastructure and low school attendance. He will likely argue that funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program should be used to build roads to northern communities instead. He may ask questions about how Bill C-53 will impact resource sharing and development. He also may ask questions related to tuberculosis elimination strategies in Inuit and on-reserve areas, inconsistencies regarding medical travel escorts, and the inability for Métis children with autism to get support from Jordan's Principle.
• MP Marcus Powlowski (LIB) may ask questions about tuberculosis rates in the north and the opioid crisis. He may ask questions about whether Indigenous people should be able opt out of the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), as well ask about additions to reserve land for First Nations' economy recovery. He may ask questions about status and citizenship when it comes to Bill C-53.
• MP Jaime Battiste (LIB), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, has been a strong advocate for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit issues throughout his career. He may point to Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey as an example of how to implement self-governing agreements' sectoral education for BC First Nations, and to the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association and Velma's House as examples of creating emergency shelters and transition homes for Indigenous women and children experiencing violence. He may ask questions about Jordan's Principle.
• MP Ben Carr (LIB), may ask questions about child and family services, as well as the opioid crisis. He may also ask about the role of youth and students in advancing the rights of Indigenous people, in relation to Bill C-53.
• MP Jaime Schmale (CPC) (Vice-Chair), Vice-Chair of the Committee and CPC Critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Critic for Indigenous Services, will likely highlight economic reconciliation in his questions. He may ask questions related to the department's progress on payments for out-of-court settlements and for information on the Nutrition North Canada Program's targets and timelines. He may ask for updates about MMIWG recommendations and a Red Dress Alert, and be critical of how slow the Government has been to act on this. He may also ask questions about the failure to provide Indigenous communities with support to manage environmental emergencies like floods and wildfires. He may be critical of Bill C-61, and will likely ask questions related to remaining boil water advisories on reserves and ISC's failure to provide Indigenous communities with support to manage environmental emergencies like floods and wildfires.
• MP Eric Melillo (CPC), may ask questions about food insecurity, medical transportation in northern and remote communities, the Grassy Narrows care facility, and infrastructure gaps in indigenous communities. He may criticize the Nutrition North program. His questions will likely support an economic reconciliation approach.
• MP Bob Zimmer (CPC) is the CPC Critic for Northern Affairs and Arctic Sovereignty, as well as the Critic for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. He has previously asked for breakdowns of funding for several Specific Claims by community. He may ask questions about the funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program needing to benefit people rather than corporations, as well as about Artic security and defense. He may ask questions regarding boil water advisories in Indigenous communities and cancelled or delayed critical infrastructure projects in Nunavut.
• MP Martin Shields (CPC) may ask questions about food insecurity.
• MP Sébastien Lemire (BQ) (Vice-Chair), critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, will likely ask questions related to funding for the TRC's Calls to Action, wildfires, water insecurity, and housing. He may also ask about the lack of Indigenous consultation on Bill C-61 and other bills.
• MP Lori Idlout (NDP), the critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, will likely ask questions that pertain to her riding in Nunavut. She will likely be critical about the sunsetting of funding for various ISC programs, including ones for mental health and wellness, the legacy of residential schools, Jordan's principle, the Inuit Child First Initiative, and housing, water, and community infrastructure. She may ask about the correlation between poor housing and health issues, a lack of affordable housing in Nunavut, funding for infrastructure, water infrastructure challenges on reserves, and the low funding for education infrastructures, including calling for the funding of 13 Inuit-language and cultural schools in the near future. She may also ask about health, tuberculosis rates, medical transportation in the North, and the Grassy Narrows care facility. She will likely be critical of the funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program benefiting corporations rather than people in the north. She may ask questions related to reconciliation, including on Bill S-16, Red Dress Alert, MMIWG, unmarked graves, and Nunavut devolution. In regards to Bill C-38, she has been vocally critical about the Bill not addressing or preventing discrimination towards Indigenous women and their families, failing to address the second generation cut-off, and preventing victims who faced discrimination from these policies from receiving reparations. She has stated that she struggles to support the Bill because it does not go far enough, does not meet UNDRIP, and continues to be a sexist policy.

Recent INAN studies, reports and government responses

• Restitution of Land to First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Communities (last meeting on February 26, 2024)
• Improving Graduation Rates and Successful Outcomes for Indigenous Students (last meeting on February 14, 2024)
• Report 12 - Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan, to give effect to treaties with those governments and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (presented on February 8, 2024)
• Government Response to Report 11 – Food Security in Northern and Isolated Communities: Ensuring Equitable Access to Adequate and Healthy Food for All (presented on January 29, 2024)
• Government Response to Report 10 – Arctic Security and Sovereignty, and the Emergency Preparedness of Indigenous Communities (presented on October 19, 2023)
• Government Response to Report 9 – Reclaiming, Revitalizing, Maintaining and Strengthening Indigenous Languages in Canada (presented on October 16, 2023)
• C-51 – An Act to give effect to the self-government treaty recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (last meeting on June 19, 2023)
• Report 8 on Main Estimates 2023-24 (presented on May 30, 2023)
• Report 7 – Bill C-45, An Act to amend the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, to make consequential amendments to other Acts, and to make a clarification relating to another Act (presented on May 12, 2023)
• Government Response to Report 6 – Moving Towards Improving the Health of Indigenous Peoples in Canada: Accessibility and Administration of the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (presented on April 17, 2023)

In the Media

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Ottawa wants billions more for debt, defence, Indigenous kids

Anand Presents Supplementary Estimates

Trudeau government unveils plans to divert money from some departments for new priorities

PBO report on Supplementary Estimates (C) 2023-24

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

The Chair will call the meeting to order and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. They will then introduce the witnesses and invite the witnesses to deliver opening remarks (limit of 5 minutes). This will be followed by a Q&A period (details below).

It is recommended that all speakers speak slowly and at an appropriate volume to ensure they are heard by the interpreters. All witnesses are asked to mute their microphones unless they are speaking.

Following the opening remarks, there will be rounds of questions from Committee members (as listed below). The rounds of questioning will repeat when the second panel commences in the second hour.

Committee members will pose their questions in the following order:

• First round (6 minutes for each Party)
  • Conservative Party of Canada
  • Liberal Party of Canada
  • Bloc Québécois
  • New Democratic Party of Canada
• Second round
  • Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Bloc Québécois (2.5 minutes)
  • New Democratic Party of Canada (2.5 minutes)
  • Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)

The meeting can be watched via ParlVU, however there may be an up to 70-second delay with the webcast.

Other Information for Appearing In-Person

Witnesses should arrive early to allow time for security screening. Screening could take 30 minutes or more for those without a Hill pass.

Slide 1 - Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) – 2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (B)

November 2023

Slide 2. Supplementary Estimates

• Supplementary Estimates present information to Parliament on Government of Canada spending requirements not sufficiently developed in time for inclusion in the Main Estimates.
• Eligible items are:
  • Requirements that were approved by Treasury Board by October 5th, 24th and 26th of 2023;
  • Transfers between Votes within the organization;
  • Transfers between organizations. The organization receiving the transfer needs to have the mandate and policy coverage for the purpose of the funding;
  • Increases to existing grants that are to be funded within the Vote; and
  • Increases to vote-netted revenues.
• Supplementary Estimates are published throughout the year with in general three releases, A, B and C. Supplementary Estimates B were tabled on November 9th, 2023, and the associated appropriation act was granted royal assent on December 18th, 2023 (supply). The next Supplementary Estimates, C, will be tabled in February and the associated appropriation act will be granted royal assent in March.

Slide 3 - 2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (B)

Organization Summary - Department of Indigenous Services

• The 2023–24 Supplementary Estimates (B) reflect a net increase of $962.3 million.
• This includes (Please refer to the table on the following page):
  • $800.4 million in new funding mainly for non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit, for on-reserve First Nations elementary and secondary education and for urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing projects;
  • $185.6 million of reprofile funding mainly from last fiscal year; and
  • $23.7 million of net transfers to other departments.
• The total authorities for 2023–24 will be $45.6 billion.

Slide 4 - Explanation of Requirements - By Vote and Key Initiatives

The net increase of $962.3 million is comprised of:

• $326.6 million in Vote 1 - Operating expenditures, primarily for non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit ($393.4 million) offset by a transfer from Vote 1 - Operating to Vote 10 – Grants and Contributions for housing ($65 million);
• $3.5 million in Vote 5 - Capital expenditures, for the Walpole Island Swing Bridge rehabilitation project;
• $631.4 million in Vote 10 - Grants and Contributions which includes new funding, primarily for, on-reserve First Nations elementary and secondary education ($106.4 million), for urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing ($103.5 million) and for Indigenous governance and capacity ($76.3 million). This amount also includes $182.1 million in reprofile funds which primarily include $112.5 million for emergency management services, $20.2 million to address the legacy of Indian residential school and $18.9 million for infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities ; and
• $0.9 million in statutory funding for Employee Benefits Plan.

Slide 5 – Funding for non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit (Budget 2023) $458.6 million

Slide 6 – Funding for on-reserve First Nations elementary and secondary education $109.6 million

Slide 7 – Funding for urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing projects $103.5 million

Slide 8 – Funding for Indigenous governance and capacity (Budget 2023) $76.3 million

Slide 9 – Funding to support the continued implementation of Cowessess First Nation's child and family services law $16.1 million

Slide 10 – Funding for First Nations land management $15.0 million

Slide 11 – Funding for the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program (Budget 2023) $6.0 million

Slide 12 – Funding for the implementation of the Inuit Tuberculosis Elimination Framework (Budget 2023) $5.4 million

Slide 13 – Funding to support the co-development of an Economic Reconciliation Framework (Budget 2023) $5.0 million

Slide 14 – Funding for Canada's National Adaptation Strategy (horizontal item) $3.0 million

Slide 15 – Funding for infrastructure investments for Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (horizontal item) $1.9 million

Slide 16

Annexes

Slide 17 – Requirements 2023-24 – Reprofiles - Annex A

Slide 18 – Explanation of Requirements 2023-24 – Transfers - Annex A-2

Slide 19 – Explanation of Requirements 2023-24 – Transfers Details - Annex A-2

Slide 20 – Explanation of Requirements 2023-24 – Transfers Details - Annex A-2

Slide 21 – Explanation of Requirements 2023-24 – Transfers Details - Annex A-2

Slide 22 – Explanation of Requirements 2023-24 – Transfers Details - Annex A-2

Slide 23 – Explanation of Requirements 2023-24 – Transfers Details - Annex A-2

Slide 24 – Explanation of Requirements 2023-24 – Transfers Details - Annex A-2

Slide 25 – Explanation of Requirements 2023-24 – Transfers - Annex A-2

Slide 26 – Explanation of Requirements 2023-24 – Transfers - Annex A-2

Slide 27 – Explanation of Requirements 2023-24 – Transfers - Annex A-2

Supplementary Estimates B materials - Page Proofs

• Organization Summary - Department of Indigenous Services, Explanation of Requirements, Listing of Transfer Payments, and Listing of Statutory Authorities
• Items for inclusion in the Proposed Schedule 1 to the Appropriation Bill
• Statutory Forecasts
  • Total Budgetary:
    • Authorities to date: $151,852,452
    • These Supplementary Estimates: $857,763
    • Proposed Authorities: $152,710,215
• Expenditures by Purpose
• Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object
• Horizontal Items

Background

• The 2023–24 Supplementary Estimates (B) reflect a net increase of $962.3 million.
• This includes:
  • $800.4 million in new funding mainly for non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit, for on-reserve First Nations elementary and secondary education and for urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing projects;
  • $185.6 million of reprofile funding mainly from last fiscal year; and
  • $23.7 million of net transfers to other departments.
• The total authorities for 2023–24 will be $45.6 billion.

Slide 1 - Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) – 2023–24 Supplementary Estimates (C)

March 2024

Slide 2 – 2023–24 Supplementary Estimates

• Supplementary Estimates present information to Parliament on Government of Canada spending requirements not sufficiently developed in time for inclusion in the Main Estimates.
• Eligible items are:
  • Requirements has been approved by Treasury Board on January 29th and February 1st, 2024;
  • Transfers between Votes within the organization;
  • Transfers between organizations. The organization receiving the transfer needs to have the mandate and policy coverage for the purpose of the funding;
  • Increases to existing grants that are to be funded within the Vote; and
  • Increases to vote-netted revenues.
• Supplementary Estimates (C) is the third of three Supplementary Estimates for this fiscal year. It was tabled on February 15th, and the associated appropriation act is anticipated to be granted royal assent in March (supply).

Slide 3 – 2023–24 Supplementary Estimates (C) – Organization Summary

Slide 4 – Explanation of Requirements - By Vote and Key Initiatives

The net increase of $2.0 billion is comprised of:

• $119.8 million in Vote 1 - Operating expenditures, primarily for continued implementation of Jordan's Principle ($117.5 million) and for the implementation reforms to the First Nations Child and Family Services Program ($2.1 million) offset by a net transfer reducing Vote 1 by $28.5 million;
• $2.0 billion in Vote 10 - Grants and Contributions which includes new funding, primarily for, implementation reforms to the First Nations Child and Family Services Program ($815.9 million), for the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle ($686.4 million), for the Emergency Management Assistance Program ($260.0 million), and for on-reserve First Nations elementary and secondary education ($55.0 million).
• $3.7 million in statutory funding for Employee Benefits Plan.
• Please note that the 1$ is a marker to increase, from $2.2 billion to $3.0 billion, the amount of loans (housing) that the department is authorized to guarantee under the Appropriation Act No. 3 1972.

Slide 5 – Funding for implementation reforms to the First Nations Child and Family Services Program $818.4 million

Slide 6 – Funding for the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle $807.3 million

Slide 7 – Funding for the Emergency Management Assistance Program $260.0 million

Slide 8 – Funding for on-reserve First Nations elementary and secondary education $55.0 million

Slide 9 – Funding to adjust the new fiscal relationship grant for inflation and population growth $30.0 million

Slide 10 – Funding for the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority $28.9 million

Slide 11 – Funding to support the delivery of healthcare for First Nations and Inuit children $20.5 million

Slide 12 - Funding for the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program and the Métis Capital Corporations $9.2 million

Slide 13 - Funding for the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative (Budget 2023) $8.0 million

Slide 14 - Funding for mental wellness supports and pre-capital planning activities for health infrastructure in James Smith Cree Nation (Budget 2023) $5.4 million

Slide 15

Annex

Slide 16 – Explanation of Requirements 2023–24 – Transfers - Annex A

Slide 17 - Explanation of Requirements 2023–24 – OGD Transfers - Annex A-1

Slide 18 - Explanation of Requirements 2023–24 – OGD Transfers Details - Annex A–1

Slide 19 - Explanation of Requirements 2023–24 – OGD Transfers Details - Annex A–1

Slide 20 - Explanation of Requirements 2023–24 – Internal Transfers Details - Annex A–1

Supplementary Estimates C materials - Additional Financial Tables

Supplementary Estimates (C) 2023-24 - By Transfer Payments - Grant and Contributions

Supplementary Estimates (C) 2023-24 - By Core Responsability and Program

Department of Indigenous Services - 2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (C)

• We are committed to supporting Indigenous communities to deliver services and programs and address the socio-economic conditions that persist today.
• The 2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (C) total $2.0 billion.
• This funding is mainly for implementation reforms to the First Nations Child and Family Services Program, for the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle, for the Emergency Management Assistance Program, and for on-reserve First Nations elementary and secondary education.

Slide 1 - Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) – 2024-25 Main Estimates

March 2024

Slide 2 - 2024–25 Main Estimates – Key Messages

• For 2024–25, ISC's Main Estimates is $21.0 billion.
• A net decrease of $18.6 billion, or 46.9%, compared to last year's Main Estimates. This is primarily due to $20.0 billion^{Footnote 1} for the First Nations child welfare settlement in 2023–24.
• In addition to the Main Estimates, ISC is also anticipating funding from the investments announced in Budget 2024.
  • Pending these funding decisions, this additional funding would be accessed through future Estimates processes (i.e. Supplementary Estimates).
• Interim supply totaling $14.8 billion has been received as of April 1, 2024.
• Full supply of the 2024–25 Main Estimates is expected in late June 2024.

Slide 3 - Year-Over-Year Major Changes

The net decrease in budgetary spending is $18.6 billion or 46.9% over the 2023–24 Main Estimates. The major changes include:

• a net decrease of $19.9 billion for child and family services which is primarily due to $20.0 billion^{Footnote 1} for the First Nations child welfare settlement in 2023–24;
• a net decrease of $263.1 million for income assistance which is primarily due to sunset of funding for the Income Assistance – Immediate Supports;
• a net decrease of $167.6 million for public health promotion and diseases prevention which is primarily due to:
  • a net decrease in funding for mental wellness, including sunset of funding related to distinctions-based mental wellness and trauma-informed health and cultural supports, mental health and wellness (Budget 2021) and legacy of residential schools (Budget 2022); and
  • a net increase in funding for communicable disease control and management.
• a net increase of $248.7 million for health systems support which is mainly due to funding for the First Nations Health Authority;
• a net increase of $675.8 million for community infrastructure which is primarily due to:
  • the one-time investment in the Northern Ontario Grid Connection Project; and
  • a net decrease in funding related to infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.
• a net increase of $725.6 million for Jordan's Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative which is primarily due to a net increase in core funding for the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle; and
• a net increase of $69.2 million for remaining programs with changes in the approved funding levels.

Slide 4 - Funding by Category

Text alternative for: Funding by Category

Funding Category	Amount	Percentage
Transfer Payments	$18,340	87%
Direct Health Services and Benefits/ Federal Teachers / Statutory Costs	$1,842	9%
Program Management and Delivery	$549	3%
Administration and Legal costs related to the compensation for First Nations Children and Families	$23	0%
Capital	$6	0%
Administrative Overhead	$279	1%

Slide 5 - Funding by Departmental Results Framework

Slide 6 - Expenditures Trend Health

Note:

• ISC was established on November 30, 2017. Therefore, the 2017–18 Actual Expenditures represents a partial year from November 30, 2017 to March 31, 2018.
• 2017-18 to 2022-23 Actual Expenditures as per ISC Departmental Results Reports.
• The financial information from 2017–18 to 2022–23 has been restated to reflect the 2023–24 Departmental Results Framework.
• Overall, actual expenditures for health have increased by about 57% over the period from 2018–19 to 2022–23.
• Expenditures increase observed from 2018–19 to 2019–20 primarily reflects investments provided by Budget 2017, Budget 2018, and Budget 2019 on Indigenous health activities, such as Jordan's Principle, non-insured health benefits, and mental wellness.
• The increase in 2020–21 is mainly due to COVID-19 measures, such as:
  • public health measures in Indigenous communities,
  • Indigenous mental wellness, and
  • supporting a safe restart in Indigenous communities.
• The increase from 2021–22 to 2023–24 Forecast Spending is primarily due to a net increase in funding for Jordan's Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative, non-insured health benefits and First Nations Health Authority as well as mental wellness. This increase is being partially offset by sunset of funding related to COVID measures.
• The decrease from 2023–24 Forecast Spending to 2024–25 is primarily due to a net decrease of funding for non-insured health benefits, mental wellness and Jordan's Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative.

Slide 7 - Expenditures Trend Children and Families

Note:

• ISC was established on November 30, 2017. Therefore, the 2017–18 Actual Expenditures represents a partial year from November 30, 2017 to March 31, 2018.
• 2017–18 to 2022–23 Actual Expenditures as per ISC Departmental Results Reports.
• The financial information from 2017–18 to 2022–23 has been restated to reflect the 2023–24 Departmental Results Framework.
• Overall, actual expenditures for children and families have increased by about 119% over the period from 2018–19 to 2022–23.
• The increase in actual expenditures from 2018–19 to 2021–22 reflects urgent investments in the First Nations Child and Family Services and Income Assistance as well as COVID-19 measures, such as Indigenous Community Support Fund.
• Additional funding is also provided starting 2020–21 to implement the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families and the ongoing reform of Indigenous Child and Family Services program.
• The significant increase from 2022–23 to 2023–24 Forecast Spending and the significant decrease from 2023–24 Forecast Spending to 2024–25 are primarily due to $23.3 billion for the First Nations child welfare settlement in 2023–24.

Slide 8 - Expenditures Trend — Education

Note:

• ISC was established on November 30, 2017. Therefore, the 2017–18 Actual Expenditures represents a partial year from November 30, 2017 to March 31, 2018.
• 2017–18 to 2021–22 Actual Expenditures as per ISC Departmental Results Reports.
• The financial information from 2017–18 to 2022-23 has been restated to reflect the 2023–24 Departmental Results Framework.
• Overall, actual expenditures for education have increased by about 48% over the period 2018–19 to 2022–23.
• The major increase observed from 2018–19 to 2019–20 is primarily due to investments in First Nations elementary and secondary education provided by Budget 2016.
• The increase in 2020–21 is primarily due to COVID-19 measures, such as:
  • supporting a safe restart in Indigenous communities; and
  • supporting students and youth.
• The increase from 2021–22 to 2023–24 Forecast Spending is primarily due to a net increase in funding for elementary and secondary education which is being partially offset by sunset of funding related to COVID measures.
• The decrease from 2023–24 Forecast Spending to 2024–25 is due to a net decrease in funding for elementary and secondary as well as post-secondary education.

Slide 9 - Expenditures Trend - Infrastructure and Environments

Note:

• ISC was established on November 30, 2017. Therefore, the 2017–18 Actual Expenditures represents a partial year from November 30, 2017 to March 31, 2018.
• 2017–18 to 2021–22 Actual Expenditures as per ISC Departmental Results Reports.
• The financial information from 2017-18 to 2022–23 has been restated to reflect the 2023–24 Departmental Results Framework.
• Effective July 22, 2019, pursuant to Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109, Individual Affairs and the Lands and Economic Development Programs were transferred from CIRNAC to ISC. Consequently, actual expenditures for the Communities and The Environment program inventory started in 2019–20 and reflected a partial year from July 22, 2019 to March 31, 2020.
• The increase in 2019–20 primarily reflects a transfer of the Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Management program from CIRNAC to ISC as per Order in Council P.C. 2019–1109, effective on July 22, 2019.
• The increase in 2020–21 primarily due to COVID-19 measures, such as:
  • Indigenous Community Support Fund;
  • public health measures in Indigenous communities,
  • Indigenous mental wellness, and
  • supporting a safe restart in Indigenous communities.
• The increase in 2021–22 is primarily due to investments in Indigenous infrastructure provided by Budget 2021.
• The increase from 2021-22 to 2022-23 and the decrease from 2022–23 to 2023–24 Forecast Spending are primarily due to $2.1 billion for out-of-court settlements in 2022–23.
• The decrease between 2023–24 Forecast Spending and 2024–25 reflects a decrease in funding for the Communities and The Environment as well as the Emergency Management Assistance Programs. This decrease is being partially offset by an increase in funding for the Community Infrastructure Program.

Slide 10 - Expenditures Trend — Economic Development

Note:

• Effective July 22, 2019, pursuant to Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109, Individual Affairs and the Lands and Economic Development Programs were transferred from CIRNAC to ISC. Consequently, the following actual expenditures started in 2019-20 and reflected a partial year from July 22, 2019 to March 31, 2020.
• Community Economic Development and Indigenous Entrepreneurship & Business program inventories.
• 2017–18 to 2022–23 Actual Expenditures as per ISC Departmental Results Reports.
• The financial information from 2017-18 to 2022–23 has been restated to reflect the 2023–24 Departmental Results Framework.
• There are no actual expenditures for Individual Affairs and Economic Development programs in 2017–18 and 2018–19 as a transfer of these programs from CIRNAC to ISC is effective on July 22, 2019 as per Order in Council P.C. 2019–1109.
• The 2019–20 Actual Expenditures for these programs represents a partial year in 2019–20.
• The increase in 2020–21 and 2021–22 is mainly due to COVID-19 measures, such as:
  • supporting Indigenous businesses; and
  • Indigenous communities affected by disruptions to their revenues which are necessary to support programs and services.
• The decrease from 2021–22 to 2022–23 is primarily due to a reduction in funding for COVID-19 measures.
• The decrease from 2023–24 Forecast Spending to 2024–25 is primarily due to sunset of funding to support Indigenous-led businesses (Budget 2021).

Slide 11 - Expenditures Trend — Governance

Note:

• Effective July 22, 2019, pursuant to Order in Council P.C. 2019–1109, Individual Affairs and the Lands and Economic Development Programs were transferred from CIRNAC to ISC. Consequently, the following actual expenditures started in 2019–20 and reflected a partial year from July 22, 2019 to March 31, 2020.
  • Individual Affairs and Statutory, Legislative and Policy Support sub-program inventories are part of the Indigenous Governance and Capacity Supports program inventory
• 2017–18 to 2021-22 Actual Expenditures as per ISC Departmental Results Reports.
• The financial information from 2017-18 to 2022–23 has been restated to reflect the 2023–24 Departmental Results Framework.
• There are no actual expenditures for Individual Affairs and Economic Development programs in 2017–18 and 2018–19 as a transfer of these programs from CIRNAC to ISC is effective on July 22, 2019 as per Order in Council P.C. 2019–1109.
• The 2019–20 Actual Expenditures for these programs represents a partial year in 2019–20.
• Actual expenditures is steadily increased by 14% from 2020–21 to 2022–23.
• The increase from 2022–23 to 2023–24 Forecast Spending is primarily due to funding to:
  • adjust the new fiscal relationship grant for inflation and population growth (Budget 2021); and
  • support community development for First Nations (Budget 2021).
• The decrease from 2023–24 Forecast Spending to 2024–25 is primarily due to a net decrease in funding for the Indigenous Governance and Capacity Sub-Program.

Slide 12 - Grant to support the new fiscal relationship (NFR) for First Nations under the Indian Act

• The NFR grant, implemented in 2019–20, is a funding mechanism intended to provide increased predictability and facilitate greater flexibility of First Nations to address local needs.
• 85 First Nations in 2019–20, 111 in 2020–21, 117 in 2021–22 and 130 in 2022–23 received funding from the NFR Grant.
• The Department is anticipating 143 First Nations in 2023–24 to receive funding from the NFR Grant.
• The Department has a target of 161 eligible First Nations communities for 2024–25.

Background

The Main Estimates Part II for all departments were tabled in the House of Commons by the President of the Treasury Board on February 29, 2024. For 2024–25, ISC's Main Estimates is $21.0 billion of which $6.3 billion or 29.8% is intended for health, $5.4 billion or 25.8% is for children and families, $4.8 billion or 22.9% is for infrastructure and environments, $3.5 billion or 16.4% is for education and the remaining $1.0 billion or 5.1% will be to support economic development, governance and internal services.

The department's net decrease in the Main Estimates, compared to last year's Main Estimates, is about $18.6 billion, or 46.9 percent. The decrease is primarily due to the 2023–24 one-time inclusion of $20.0 billion towards the First Nations child welfare settlement. The settlement is to compensate First Nations children and families for the harm caused by the discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Program.

Major changes:

• a net decrease of $19.9 billion for child and family services is primarily due to $20.0 billion* for the First Nations child welfare settlement in 2023–24;
• a net decrease of $263.1 million for income assistance is primarily due to sunset of funding for the Income Assistance – Immediate Supports;
• a net decrease of $167.6 million for public health promotion and diseases prevention is primarily due to:
  • a net decrease in funding for mental wellness, including sunset of funding related to distinctions-based mental wellness and trauma-informed health and cultural supports, mental health and wellness (Budget 2021) and legacy of residential schools (Budget 2022); and
  • a net increase in funding for communicable disease control and management.
• a net increase of $248.7 million for health systems support is mainly due to funding for the First Nations Health Authority;
• a net increase of $675.8 million for community infrastructure is primarily due to:
  • the one-time investment in the Northern Ontario Grid Connection Project; and
  • a net decrease in funding related to infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.
• a net increase of $725.6 million for Jordan's Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative is primarily due to a net increase in core funding for the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle; and
• a net increase of $69.2 million for remaining programs with changes in the approved funding levels.

Federal programs directed to Indigenous peoples will continue to play an important role in building strong communities, and continued long-term investments are essential to enable us to fulfill our commitment to improve the quality of life for Indigenous peoples.

In effect, about 96% of the $21 billion included in the 2024–25 Main Estimates is committed to support or deliver services to Indigenous peoples of which 87% will flow through transfer payments in order to fund services delivered by First Nations community governments, Tribal Councils, health authority, etc. 9% through operating to fund health-related goods and services not insured by provinces and territories or other private insurance plans. The department also employs nurses, health professionals and teachers to directly provide various health and education services.

The remaining 4% of resources are used for program management and delivery (3%) and administrative overhead (1%).

Key Messages

• Funds totaling $26.5 billion will sunset in 2023–24, $3.6 billion in 2024–25, $154.5 million in 2025–26 and $1.1 billion in 2026–27.
• Although the sunset in the funding amount is significant in 2023–24, it is primarily due to the one-time payment of $23.3 billion for the First Nations child welfare settlement.
• The sunset of funding in 2024–25 is primarily due to the one-time investment to the Northern Ontario Grid Connection Project ($1.5 billion) and for the implementation reforms of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program ($1.3 billion).
• In 2025–26, the sunset of funding is mainly due to primary care funding to improve health outcomes in Indigenous communities ($79.4 million) and funding for the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities initiative ($30.7 million), as announced in Budget 2021.
• The sunset of funding in 2026–27 is primarily due to housing funding for Indigenous community infrastructure as provided by Budget 2022 ($717.1 million).
• The Department works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high quality services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
• Decisions on the renewal of the sunset initiatives will be taken in consideration in future budgets and reflected in future estimates as appropriate.

Background

The significant payment of $23.3 billion in 2023–24, as with other sunsetter initiatives, have time-limited authorities and/or funding and are developed for a specific purpose and timeframe. Other ISC sunsetter initiatives may arise from emergency events such as floods, fire disaster and hurricanes.

However, it should be noted that there are sunsetting initiatives for which the department is working towards funding renewal where the objectives are consistent with government authorities and priorities and are aligned with the department's commitment to ensure sustainability of ongoing service delivery; respond to needs and emerging pressures; and optimize the funding and benefits to Indigenous communities.

Current Status

The Department is working with central agencies to renew sunsetters through the upcoming Budget exercises, such as Child and Family Services and infrastructure projects.

2024-25 Estimates

• Organizational Estimates, 2024–25 Main Estimates by Purpose, Listing of the 2024–25 Transfer Payments, Listing of Statutory Authorities
• Items for inclusion in the Proposed Schedule 1 to the Appropriation Bill
• Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object
• Statutory Forecasts
  • Total budgetary:
    • 2022–23 Expenditures: 131,959,943
    • 2023–24 Estimates To Date: 156,457,572
    • 2024–25 Main Estimates: 111,339,618
• Expenditures by Purpose

Interim Supply Requirements

Supplementary Estimates (C), 2023-24: Page Proofs

• Organization Summary - Department of Indigenous Services, Explanation of Requirements, Listing of Transfer Payments, Listing of Statutory Authorities
• Items for inclusion in the Proposed Schedule 1 to the Appropriation Bill
• Statutory Forecasts:
  • Total Budgetary:
    • Authorities To Date: 152,710,215
    • These Supplementary Estimates: 3,747,357
    • Proposed Authorities: 156,457,572
• Expenditures by Purpose
• Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object
• Horizontal Items
• Frozen Allotments in Voted Authorities

Key Messages

• Budget 2023 announced the Refocusing Government Spending Initiative and in late fall 2023, Indigenous Services Canada's Minister submitted proposals for spending reductions to the Treasury Board Secretariat for review and approval.
• On February 5, 2024 the Expenditure Management Sector of the Treasury Board Secretariat notified Indigenous Services Canada of the Prime Minister's decision for the Refocusing Government Spending Initiative.
• Indigenous Services Canada is planning the following spending reductions.
  • 2023–24: $16,999,000
  • 2024–25: $64,716,653
  • 2025–26: $108,603,653
  • 2026–27 and after: $170,702,653
• Indigenous Services Canada will achieve these reductions by doing the following:
  • Internal services and operational efficiencies;
  • Public servant travel;
  • Departmental transformation;
  • Reducing grants and contributions following discussions with partners, by targeting areas that will minimize impacts on communities and/or in areas where the funding has not been fully utilized.
• A portion of funding for the above planned spending reductions will be frozen until duty to consult with Indigenous partners and stakeholders has been completed and additional proposals for savings are provided to the Expenditure Management Sector of the Treasury Board Secretariat for approval in Fall 2024.
• These savings will not impact direct service delivery to First Nations and Indigenous communities. Further information on the reductions for 2024–25 and future years will be available in the Departmental Plan and Main Estimates 2024–25.

Background

• In Budget 2023 the government announced the Refocusing Government Spending Initiative to refocus $14.1 billion over 5 years (2023–24 to 2027–28) and $4.1 billion annually thereafter. Spending is being refocused from 2 categories:
  • Professional Services and Travel
  • Operations and Transfer Payments
• Certain spending was excluded from the Initiative, including direct benefits to Canadians or transfers to Indigenous communities and other orders of government.
• As part of the 2023–24 Supplementary Estimates (B) $16,999,000 was place in a frozen allotment.
• In late fall 2023, Indigenous Services Canada's Minister submitted proposals for spending reductions to the Treasury Board Secretariat for review and approval.
• As part of meeting this commitment, Indigenous Services Canada is planning the following spending reductions.
  • 2023–24: $16,999,000
  • 2024–25: $64,716,653
  • 2025–26: $108,603,653
  • 2026–27 and after: $170,702,653
• Indigenous Services Canada will achieve these reductions by doing the following:
  • Internal services and operational efficiencies;
  • Public servant travel;
  • Departmental transformation;
  • Reducing grants and contributions following discussions with partners, by targeting areas that will minimize impacts on communities and/or in areas where the funding has not been fully utilized.
• A portion of funding for the above planned spending reductions will be frozen until duty to consult with Indigenous partners and stakeholders has been completed and additional proposals for savings are provided to the Expenditure Management Sector of the Treasury Board Secretariat for approval in Fall 2024.

Current Status

• Indigenous Services Canada undertook a principle-based and thoughtful approach to its internal review as part of the Refocusing Government Spending Initiative to minimize impacts on Indigenous partners and communities and avoid any negative impacts to direct service delivery.
• The overall savings identified as part of the Refocusing Government Spending Initiative for each department will be publicly released in 2024–25 Main Estimates, which will be tabled by the President of the Treasury Board by March 1, 2024. Additional details about Indigenous Services Canada's savings will be presented in the Departmental Plan (DP), which will be tabled concurrently or following the Main Estimates.

Key Messages

• The 2022-23 Departmental Results Report was the last to report against ISC's former Departmental Results Framework (DRF). To better support the department's mandate, ISC's DRF moved to a single core responsibility in 2023-24 that focuses on Indigenous Well-Being and Self-Determination.
• In 2022-23, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted establishing targets in co-development with Indigenous partners, and competing priorities resulted in insufficient data being available for reporting on certain indicators.
• As of March 2024, Departmental Result indicators now have established targets and dates to achieve (with the exception of "Percentage of First Nations communities offering family support services aimed at keeping families together", as the program is dormant.)
• ISC aims to continue to close socio-economic gaps and create a more equitable Canada in 2024-25, focusing on trust-based reconciliation with Indigenous partners.

Background

Current Status

Key Messages

• Indigenous Services Canada recognizes the importance of a fiscal relationship with First Nations that addresses sufficiency, predictability and flexibility of funding. The New Fiscal Relationship Grant strengthens the relationship with First Nations by providing flexibility to design services based on community priorities, with predictable funding agreements of up to ten years.
• Budget 2021 introduced funding escalation to the New Fiscal Relationship Grant. It provides assurances of predictable funding growth for the duration of a Grant funding agreement, including adjustments for inflation, population growth, and a guaranteed minimum annual increase of 2%.
• Indigenous Services Canada continues to pursue co-development of a new fiscal relationship with First Nations as part of the Government of Canada's commitments to economic reconciliation and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Background

• The New Fiscal Relationship Grant is an optional funding mechanism available since 2019–20, which offers greater flexibility, predictability and sufficiency for First Nations encompassing a suite of 27 programs and services funded by ISC including: K-12 and post-secondary education, income assistance, assisted living, lands management, economic development, primary health care, community health infrastructure operations and maintenance, housing and minor capital, infrastructure operations and maintenance, and governance.
• Over $1.3B in funding has been provided to First Nations via the New Fiscal Relationship Grant mechanism in 2023–24. Over $4B in funding has flowed to First Nations via the New Fiscal Relationship Grant since its inception in 2019–20.
• Eligibility criteria for the New Fiscal Relationship Grant were co-developed with the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Financial Management Board, based on the Financial Management Board's certifications for financial administration laws and financial performance.
• To help First Nations "keep up" with increasing costs associated with inflation and population growth, Budget 2021 allocated $2.7 billion over 10 years, starting in 2021–22 and $751 million ongoing, to implement funding escalation for First Nations with New Fiscal Relationship Grant agreements.
• The New Fiscal Relationship Grant funding escalator begins in the second year of a Grant agreement. It is based on a three-year moving average of inflation as determined by the Statistics Canada's Final Domestic Demand Implicit Price Index (FDDIPI) and the Indigenous Services Canada's Indian Registry of on-reserve and Crown land populations.

Current Status

• Since 2019, 333 of 578 potential Grant First Nations (58%) have formally expressed interest in the NFR Grant at least once. Indigenous Services Canada works collaboratively with First Nations that wish to qualify for the Grant.
• As of 2023–24, 143 First Nations have funding agreements which include the New Fiscal Relationship Grant. Indigenous Services Canada is working with 20 First Nations on possible entry for 2024–25.
• The long-term vision for the Grant is accelerated improvements in socio-economic outcomes driven by self-determination in service delivery. Indigenous Services Canada will measure these improvements using the Community Well-being Index (CWB), which is derived from census data on education, labour force activity, income and housing.
• Based on data from the 2021 Census, the average CWB score for First Nations in the Grant was 66.3; whereas the average score for non-Grant First Nations was 61.9, and the score for non-Indigenous communities was 78.7. Indigenous Services Canada will monitor changes to this baseline data to assess whether the Grant is assisting First Nations in closing socio-economic gaps.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Key Messages

• Everyone – including First Nations governments – supports transparency and accountability.
• Following extensive engagements with First Nations and co-development partners, our government has clearly heard that the First Nations Financial Transparency Act does not respect the right to self-determination, including the primary accountability of First Nations governments to their citizens.
• Despite the 2015 suspension of federal enforcement measures, most First Nations governments intend to comply and submit their financial reports for online publication within two years. Our government is working with First Nations governments to strengthen community fiscal and governance capacity and further support the right to self-determination and primary accountability to citizens.

Background

• In 2013, the First Nations Financial Transparency Act was passed without consultation and despite First Nations' opposition. Its objective was to increase federal oversight to ensure First Nations governments were accountable to their citizens.
• In 2015, as part of its broader commitment to reconciliation and in response to First Nations concerns, the Government suspended enforcement of the Act. In 2017, the Prime Minister committed to "engage in discussions on transparency and accountability that are based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership and that build towards a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples."
• Through extensive engagements on a new fiscal relationship between 2017 and 2023, First Nations and co-development partners (the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Financial Management Board and AFOA Canada) advised the Government that the Act conflicts with the right to self-determination and is inconsistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. They have also emphasized that First Nations governments are accountable to their citizens and the Government under their own financial administration laws (that support self-determination) and/or federal funding agreements.
• Elements of a mutual accountability framework, currently being co-developed as part of the new fiscal relationship, such as a First Nations auditor general and/or audit function(s), will further support First Nations governments' primary accountability and transparency to citizens.

Current Status

• ISC continues to work with partners to co-develop a new fiscal relationship and advance a mutual accountability framework as an essential underpinning of the relationship.

Next Steps

• ISC and co-development partners will accelerate work towards the creation of a First Nations auditor general and/or audit function(s) intended to provide oversight and supports to First Nations governments, which will further strengthen their governance and fiscal capacity and primary accountability to their citizens.

Key Messages

• The Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative is responding to the needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and partners (on- and off-reserve) in supporting the implementation of Indigenous designed programs, interventions, and services to improve community safety and well-being.

Background

• Budget 2021 committed $103.8 million over five years to the Initiative (2021–2022 to 2025–2026), and in November 2022, the Government of Canada committed an additional $20 million over three years (2023–2024 to 2025–2026).
• The Initiative is part of the Government of Canada's response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Calls for Justice, and will specifically support programs, services, and interventions that address needs relating to the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People.
• Projects funded by the Pathways Initiative range from land-based healing initiatives, development of a youth centre, community safety liaison officers, a pilot project to develop First Nations by-laws, the establishment of networks to address missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, as well as capital investments to improve how communities are set up for safety and well-being. Some examples of projects include:
  • $3.25M to the Aboriginal Friendship Centers of Saskatchewan over 4 fiscal years for the Honouring Her Spark Framework. This Framework will create Indigenous Women Coalitions for women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals to share information, build capacity and create partnerships in safe and culturally relevant ways.
  • $890,924 to the BC First Nations Justice Council over two fiscal years for the Indigenous Women's Justice Plan. The BC First Nations Justice Council will work with relevant partners to create an Indigenous Women's Justice Plan that aims to improve Indigenous women's experiences and outcomes with British Columbia's justice system. The Plan will cover topics such as safe and affordable housing, equitable education, equitable health care, employment, and safety.

Current Status

• In 2023–2024, the Pathways Initiative provided $28 million in funding to 52 community safety and well-being projects.
• As of February 2024, $100,271,520 has been committed over the 5 years of the Initiative to support 66 projects (approx. 84% of the funding envelope).
• The Pathways Initiative will continue to fund projects to support the safety of Indigenous communities over the remaining two years of the Initiative.

Key Messages

• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) co-developed a policy framework to transform the funding approach for First Nations elementary and secondary education on-reserve, providing at a minimum, funding that is comparable to what students receive in provincial schools, plus additional investments to address First Nations' unique circumstances.
• This transformed approach also includes an expanded effort to support the regional and local diversity of First Nations education systems through the development and establishment of regional education agreements that are tailored to the particular goals, needs and priorities of First Nations.
• To date, 10 regional education agreements have been signed, supporting over 25,000 students in five provinces, including one in British Columbia, two in Alberta, five in Saskatchewan, one in Quebec and one in New Brunswick.
• In July 2022, ISC and the First Nations Education Council, representing 22 communities in Quebec, signed a regional education agreement that is supported by a First Nation-designed funding formula to address the specific needs of students and improve education outcomes. Budget 2022 committed $310.6 million over five years to implement this agreement.

Background

• ISC's Elementary and Secondary Education Program supports Kindergarten to Grade 12 education for eligible First Nations students who are ordinarily resident on-reserve, by providing funding directly to First Nations recipients and education organizations designated by First Nations.
• Under this approach, core funding for First Nations elementary and secondary education is allocated through interim regional funding formulas that reflect student enrolment and provincial rates for education, plus adaptations and common investments beyond provincial comparability, including language and culture programming, full-day kindergarten for children aged four and five, and before- and after-school programming.
• This transformed funding approach for elementary and secondary education programming has resulted in an 80% funding increase between 2015–16 and 2022–23. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested over $4.8 billion in new funding for elementary and secondary education to help First Nations children living on-reserve receive high-quality education.
• Regional education agreements support First Nation-designed education systems to improve student success through the vision and goals set by First Nations for elementary and secondary education.
• These agreements are tailored to the local or regional context and outline First Nations' design, implementation and management plans for their education systems, including funding required to achieve better student outcomes.
• To date, 10 regional education agreements have been signed, supporting over 25,000 students:
  • British Columbia Tripartite Education Agreement (2018) – This agreement supports approximately 153 First Nations and is supported by a funding model based on provincial funding and specific investments recognizing the unique needs of First Nation students.
  • Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Education Authority in AB (2019) – The agreement supports five First Nations and funding is based on the interim regional funding formula.
  • Sunchild First Nation Regional Education Agreement in AB (2019) – The agreement supports one First Nation and funding is based on the interim regional funding formula.
  • Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority in SK (2019) – The agreement supports three First Nations and funding is based on the interim regional funding formula.
  • Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Education Authority in SK (2020) – This agreement supports one First Nation and funding is based on the interim regional funding formula.
  • Whitecap Dakota Tripartite REA in SK (2020) – This agreement supports one First Nation and funding is based on the interim regional funding formula and is scheduled to end in September 2024.
  • Treaty Education Alliance in SK (2021) – This agreement support four First Nations and funding is based on the interim regional funding formula.
  • Elsipogtog First Nation Education Authority in NB (2021) – This agreement supports one First Nation and funding is based on the interim regional funding formula.
  • First Nations Education Council in QC (2022) – This agreement supports 22 First Nations and is based on a funding formula developed by the First Nations Education Council.
  • East Central First Nation Education Authority in SK (2023) – This agreement supports one First Nation and funding is based on the interim regional funding formula.

Source: Student data is from the Education Information System (EIS) for reports submitted to ISC and accepted (final) on April 1, 2023.

Current Status

• Through Supplementary Estimates (B), ISC accessed $109.6 million, and will access an additional $55 million through Supplementary Estimates (C) for 2023–24 to address critical program integrity pressures, for an overall cost of approximately $3 billion annually for the delivery of elementary and secondary education for First Nations students on-reserve.
• Funding will be provided via existing funding agreements.
• ISC continues to work in close collaboration with First Nations partners to refine the funding formulas, and identify gaps and priorities.
• Discussions are currently underway with 50 First Nations and First Nations education organizations to advance new regional education agreements across the country.

Key Messages

• Adequate housing is also an important component of closing the gaps.
• There is an urgent, unmet need for adequate and affordable housing for Indigenous Peoples in urban, rural, and northern areas. We're taking immediate action to address it through a total investment of $287.1 million over two years.
• Following a For Indigenous, By Indigenous approach, the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) will deliver the funding to support housing infrastructure projects that address urgent, safe, and affordable housing needs.
• The Government of Canada will also work with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, as well as Modern Treaty and Self Governing Indigenous Government partners on their distinctions-based housing strategies to support their people living in urban, rural and northern areas.

Background

• The Government of Canada recognizes that Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural, and northern areas face significant housing needs and that there is an urgent need to act now.
• As such, on June 8, 2023, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) announced immediate funding in the amount of $287.1 million to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing projects.
• This funding initiative is part of the Government of Canada's commitment to address the social determinants of health and advance self-determination in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) and Articles 21 and 23.

Current Status

• The funding is being prioritized and rolled across the country through an Open call-out for Expression of Need, which was completed on January 12, 2024. Further details on the application process and funding announcements will be available on the NICHI website at www.NICHI.ca.

Key Messages

• The Income Assistance program funding helps First Nations provide income assistance to individuals living on-reserve and case management supports for individuals transitioning to education or employment.
• The 2022 Fall Economic Statement committed an additional $339 million, over two years. This funding has helped to ensure individuals and their families on-reserve could have access to adequate supports until program reform is complete.
• The department continues to work to address the most pressing needs of Income Assistance clients and First Nation communities. For example, in 2023–24, the department provided ten months of inflation relief for income assistance clients in recognition of the high cost of living.

Background

• The Income Assistance program is a component of Canada's social safety net, similar to social assistance programs provided by provincial and territorial governments. The primary aim of the Income Assistance program is to provide the same rates and eligibility as provincial and Yukon income assistance programs. Nunavut and the Northwest Territories deliver their own income assistance programs to all eligible residents.
• The IA program also delivers case management and pre-employment supports to some First Nations to help individuals transition to employment and education. These are individualized supports such as counselling and life skills, training in essential skills, training and work experience projects.
• Budget 2018 provided $8.5 million over two years to engage with First Nations to understand how to make the Income Assistance program more responsive to the needs of individuals and their families living on-reserve.
• An Engagement Report was drafted as a result of First Nation-led, regionally-specific engagement activities and was published on the departmental website in May 2021 following First Nation validation. Utilizing the findings of this report, Indigenous Services Canada is working in collaboration with First Nations partners to make the program more responsive to the needs of individuals and their families on-reserve.
• Since 2021, Canada has implemented the Income Assistance First Nations Youth Employment Strategy pilot project for the on-reserve Income Assistance clients, including women, aged 18 to 30. This pilot project provides employment and skills training placements on-reserve and in closer proximity to First Nations youths' communities, reducing barriers to career options/opportunities.
• In 2023-24, in recognition of the high cost of living, the Government of Canada has provided a cost of living relief benefit of approximately $320 million through Indigenous Services Canada's Income Assistance program.
• This amount equates to approximately $300 per client for ten months. To better respond to the needs of individuals and families in receipt of income assistance, First Nations also have the flexibility to utilize this supplemental funding to support affordability measures (such as community food pantries).
• To date, the department has issued five rounds of cost of living relief. For each round, the benefit amounted to $300 per month for each on-reserve Income Assistance client or Status Indian in Yukon, including self-governing First Nations, or an alternative option determined by First Nation leadership:
  • The first round (July 2022) provided a four-month benefit, amounting to $128.6 million.
  • The second round (December 2022) provided a five-month benefit, amounting to $160.5 million.
  • The third round (May 2023) provided a six-month benefit, amounting to $192.8 million.
  • The fourth round (October 2023) provided an additional two-month benefit amounting to $64 million.
  • Fifth and most recent round (February 2024) provided an additional two-month benefit amounting to $64 million.

Current Status

• Indigenous Services Canada is working with First Nations partners to improve the on-reserve Income Assistance program to ensure its responsiveness to the specific needs of the First Nations communities and address affordability barriers.
• In 2024–25, the department will continue to provide support by:
  • Delivering essential needs and working with First Nations communities to understand the emerging needs of low-income individuals and their families on-reserve.
  • Monitoring emerging needs of low-income individuals and families on-reserve due to the ongoing impact of high inflation and increased costs of living.
  • Working with First Nations to transfer service delivery of the Income Assistance program through New Fiscal Relationship and Self-Government agreements.
  • Supporting capacity-building for First Nations organizations that deliver Income Assistance training.

Investment

• Income Assistance Program
  • Funding
    • $1,529,588,582 in 2022-23

Key Messages

• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provides broad social assistance programming that also supports a variety of specific issues including family violence prevention.
• For example, the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative is a collaboration between the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and ISC to support 38 new shelters and 50 transition homes across Canada for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ People escaping violence.
• ISC's on-reserve Income Assistance program helps First Nations provide income assistance to individuals living on-reserve, as well as case management supports for individuals transitioning to education or employment. These supports can improve the ability of individuals experiencing family violence to leave an abusive or violent situation.

Background

Current Status

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Program/Investment

2021 – Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative
(Part of the $724.1M Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy)

• Funding / Performance Indicator Data
  • $304.1 million over five years starting in 2021–22 and $96.6 million ongoing (includes violence prevention)
  • $167.4 million over five years and $58.4 million ongoing for operation of facilities
  • $136.7 million over five years and $38.2 million ongoing for violence prevention (incl. Vote 1)
  • 38 shelters and 50 transition homes across Canada

On-reserve Income Assistance Program

• Funding / Performance Indicator Data
  • $1,529,588,582 in 2022–23

Key Messages

• The NIHB Program provides clients (registered First Nations and recognized Inuit) with coverage for a range of health benefits.
• Benefits under NIHB include prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, dental and vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling, and transportation to access health services not available locally.
• Together with the Assembly of First Nations, my officials are engaged in a multi-year Joint Review of the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program in order to identify and address gaps in benefits, and streamline service delivery to be more responsive to client needs. My Department continues to work collaboratively with First Nations and Inuit partners through the Joint Review and other engagement tables.
• Budget 2023 provided $458.6 for fiscal year 2023–24 which included:
  • $448.6M to maintain supplementary health benefits coverage provided to eligible First Nation and Inuit through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program in 2023–24
  • $10M to provide expanded coverage of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMs) as part of the Program's pharmacy benefit. This coverage addresses a longstanding coverage gap.

Background

The NIHB Program provides benefits to eligible First Nations and Inuit clients in a manner that:

• Is appropriate to their unique health needs;
• Contributes to the achievement of an overall health status for First Nations and Inuit that is comparable to that of the Canadian population as a whole;
• Is sustainable from a fiscal and benefit management perspective; and,
• Facilitates First Nations/Inuit control at a time and pace of their choosing.

Current Status

• During the 2022/23 Fiscal Year, NIHB provided access to benefits coverage for 936,006 eligible clients.
• Total NIHB program benefit expenditures in this period were $1891.7 million; a 10.3% increase over program expenditures in 2021/22.

Additional Information

British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)

Effective July 2, 2013, the FNHA became responsible for the design, management and delivery of all federally funded health programs and services for First Nations in British Columbia, including the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program.

i. NIHB Dental Benefit

ii. National Dental Care

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership to continue to advance the priorities expressed by Indigenous Peoples about their health and to improve access to high quality, culturally safe health services. To this end, engagement with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and intersectional partners on distinctions-based Indigenous Health Legislation has been ongoing for just over two and a half years.
• In light of recent feedback from partners, the federal initiative to co-develop Indigenous Health Legislation has reached a critical juncture. ISC continues to receive and analyse feedback from partners and is now reflecting on legislative and policy approaches that would provide more time and transparency to the process and move forward in a meaningful way, based on partners' readiness and ongoing engagement.
• Canada is committed to finding a meaningful path forward with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners, as well as provinces and territories, which will advance our shared priorities on Indigenous health.

Background

• Health is a complex matter for which the provinces, territories, Indigenous governments, and the federal government have some shared jurisdiction.
• Provinces and territories are responsible for health care delivery in their respective jurisdictions and receive transfer payments from the federal government to provide universally accessible and publicly insured health services to all residents, including Indigenous Peoples. However, provincial and territorial governments generally do not provide health services in First Nations communities on reserve. To address this gap, the federal government, guided by the 1979 Indian Health Policy, has assumed a funding role and, in some cases, a direct delivery role for health services.
• Recent reports, including the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), have identified significant gaps in health services between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
• The 2022 mandate letter for the Minister of Indigenous Services commits to "fully implement Joyce's Principle and ensure it guides work to co-develop distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation to foster health systems that will respect and ensure the safety and well-being of Indigenous Peoples."
• The 2020 Fall Economic Statement announced an initial investment of $15.6 million over 2 years, starting in 2021 to 2022 to support the co-development of distinctions-based+ health legislation with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Peoples.
• From Winter 2021 to Fall 2022, regional and national First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Intersectional Partners led numerous engagements within their communities on the vision for distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation. A national summary report, What we heard: Visions for Distinctions-based Indigenous Health Legislation, was published in January 2023.
• From Fall 2022 to June 2023, ISC launched distinctions-based+ co-development processes, which focused on translating what was heard through engagement into proposed legislative options. In total, 14 co-development tables were launched with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and intersectional partners.

Current Status

• Informed by the discussions and input from partners, ISC prepared a Key Legislative Elements document, outlining a potential preamble, purpose, and legislative measures. This document was shared widely to all partners for review and feedback in August 2023.
• A significant amount of feedback was received from partners on the Key Elements document in September 2023. ISC facilitated 27 dialogues with partners and received 39 written submissions in reaction to the document.
• Generally, partners were disappointed and frustrated. Some partners see opportunities for advancing interests and priorities related to health through federal legislation, while others fundamentally oppose federal legislation in this space. Many partners also strongly expressed a need for more time and a more flexible, transparent co-development approach aligned with the UN Declaration, including Articles 18 and 19.
• In response to the feedback from partners, during the October 2023 Inuit-Crown Partnership leaders meeting, Minister Hajdu committed to seeking the permission of the Prime Minister to pursue legislative options on separate, distinctions-based paths.
• ISC continues to receive and analyze feedback from partners to ensure the path forward is reflective of partner perspectives and provides more time and transparency, based on partners' readiness and continued engagement. ISC is currently exploring potential legislative and policy approaches that would address partner input.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Program/Investment: $15.6M/2 years of engagement funding for IHL

• Funding / Performance Indicator Data
  • Funded 48 regional, subregional, and national First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Intersectional governments and organizations to support engagement and co-development activities.
  • Partners produced a total of 42 engagement reports.
  • 14 distinctions-based co-development tables were created, where partners participated in co-development discussions.

Key Messages

• Addressing the disproportionate rates of tuberculosis in Indigenous Peoples in a distinctions-based and culturally-safe way remains a key priority for the Government of Canada.
• The Government of Canada has committed to working with partners to reduce active tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat by at least 50 percent by 2025 (compared to 2016 rates) and to eliminate tuberculosis across Inuit Nunangat by 2030.
• Budget 2023 announced an additional $16.2 million over three years to support the elimination of tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat.
  • Of this, $5.4 million was made available and accessible through the Supplementary Estimates (B) in 2023–24, to further implement the Inuit Tuberculosis Elimination Framework. This funding has been allocated.
  • This funding extends Budget 2018 investments by supporting the ongoing implementation of Regional Action Plans in Inuit Nunangat.
  • We recognize that funds allocated via B2023 were substantially lower than what was requested in Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's pre-budget submission.
• ISC continues to work with key Indigenous partners to support distinctions-based approaches to address disproportionate rates of tuberculosis in Indigenous populations compared to non-Indigenous Canadian-born populations, aligning with the Government of Canada's commitment to work with partners to eliminate tuberculosis.
• First Nations and Inuit populations face disproportionately high rates of tuberculosis compared to the non-Indigenous Canadian-born population. In 2022, the reported rates of active tuberculosis among Inuit and First Nations in Canada, respectively, were 136.7 cases and 21.4 cases per 100,000 population, as compared to a rate of 0.3 cases per 100,000 population in the non-Indigenous Canadian-born population.

Background

It is likely that the tuberculosis burden in Inuit and First Nations populations has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, when health human resources were diverted from tuberculosis and other public health services in response to the pandemic. Additionally, high rates of tuberculosis are a manifestation of underlying disparities in access to health care and other social determinants of health among Indigenous communities, including inadequate health and social infrastructure, sub-standard and overcrowded housing, and food insecurity; these disparities are driven by the historic and continuing impacts of colonialism.

Since 2017, ISC has maintained a stockpile of rifapentine to support rapid access to this short-course treatment for tuberculosis infection. ISC also supports the deployment and allocation of screening and treatment technologies such as GeneXpert, interferon gamma release assays (IGRA), and digital X-rays, which are integral in bringing tuberculosis diagnosis closer to home.

In 2018, the Government of Canada and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami made a joint commitment to eliminate tuberculosis from Inuit Nunangat by 2030. Budget 2018 announced $27.5 million over five years to support Inuit-specific approaches to tuberculosis elimination in Inuit Nunangat. This was in addition to $640 million over 10 years announced in Budgets 2017 and 2018 to address Inuit Nunangat housing needs. Canada also committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals at home and abroad, which includes ending the tuberculosis epidemic.

In March 2022, the Canadian Tuberculosis Standards 8th edition was published and for the first time included a chapter on the provision of culturally competent tuberculosis care to Indigenous Peoples.

Current Status

First Nations in northern Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario have been addressing tuberculosis outbreaks since 2021–2022. There are also outbreaks in Inuit communities in Nunavik and Nunavut.

It is likely that the rates of tuberculosis in both Inuit and First Nations have increased because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic required lockdowns and a diversion of health human resources from tuberculosis and other public health services. Although the acute phase of the pandemic has ended, shortages in health human resources continue to impact health programs across the country, including tuberculosis programs.

Shorter treatment regimens and pediatric formulations for tuberculosis infection, tuberculosis disease, and drug-resistant tuberculosis are available globally, although drug manufacturers have not applied for regulatory approval in Canada. Some of these drugs are available through pathways including the Special Access Program and Urgent Public Health Need List from Health Canada. Frontline health care providers have identified delays in accessing drugs through these pathways. ISC is working with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada to explore alternative means to access these medications as well as facilitating access to guidance for navigating the existing Special Access Program. Globally, we are seeing more shortages in many drugs, including tuberculosis drugs. A shortage of Rifampin, the leading treatment for tuberculosis disease, occurred in in 2020 and again in late 2022 – early 2023.Sanofi is currently the sole manufacturer of rifapentine that can distribute to Canada. Canadians are therefore vulnerable in the case of future shortages or production issues of this first-line short-course tuberculosis infection treatment.

The ISC Public Health Surge Team has been mobilized at the request of Manitoba, Ontario, Nunavik, and Nunavut to provide additional health human resources support during tuberculosis outbreaks and community wide screenings. In Nunavut, ISC supported Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Government of Nunavut and the community of Pangnirtung to complete a community wide tuberculosis screening clinic in the fall of 2023.ISC's Public Health Surge Team and ISC's Regional Offices mobilized a total of 8 nurses to the community for 44 person-weeks. During this 3-month initiative, 1,128 people attended their initial screening appointment, representing 94% of the target population. Other requests for health human resources support are currently being assessed.

ISC's Emergency Management Assistance Program provided $3.6M in Fall 2023 to address tuberculosis outbreaks in Saskatchewan. ISC is also investing in the development of integrative case management, contact tracing and surveillance data tools for tuberculosis in First Nations which will optimize the timeliness and comprehensiveness of tuberculosis care and will assist with bringing tuberculosis outbreaks under control.

To improve access to tuberculosis education for nurses, community workers, and other front line health care providers working in the tuberculosis cascade of care, ISCs Communicable Disease Control Division's National Tuberculosis program has begun hosting TB Talks. These are video-format interactive sessions in which attendees can further develop their knowledge on tuberculosis. The first session was held on November 8, 2023, and focused on person-centered care. The next TB talk on March 13, 2024 will cover pediatric tuberculosis, which is particularly important given the disproportionate representation of children affected in tuberculosis outbreaks in First Nations and Inuit communities. The TB talks include a subject matter expert and a person with lived or living experience. Tuberculosis education is essential to ensure that health care providers consider tuberculosis in a differential diagnosis, to help provide person-centered care, reduce stigma, and to improve access to testing, diagnosis and treatment for active tuberculosis and tuberculosis infection, all of which are crucial to move towards tuberculosis elimination.

Budget 2023 announced an additional $16.2 million over three years to support the elimination of tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat. This funding extends the investment put forward in Budget 2018 and will support the ongoing implementation of Regional Action Plans in Inuit Nunangat. Funds allocated via B2023 were substantially lower than what was requested in Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's pre-budget submission, and their president, Natan Obed, has expressed concern that this investment is insufficient to eliminate tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat by 2030. There is no comparable investment to address tuberculosis among First Nations.

ISC continues to work towards obtaining sustainable funds to support First Nations and Inuit-led tuberculosis elimination efforts.

In October 2023, ISC funded and participated in an event hosted by the Assembly of First Nations aimed at fostering collaborative discussions on tuberculosis elimination plans among First Nations. This event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Assembly of First Nations and First Nation Health Authorities from Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. ISC will continue to support First Nations partners in the development of a tuberculosis elimination strategy.

Sustainable investments in programs that address specific social determinants of health are essential to further reduce the incidence and burden of diseases that are influenced by social and economic factors, such as tuberculosis. Investment and collaboration across all levels of government are needed to address the widening gap in tuberculosis outcomes between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Canadian-born populations.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Program/Investment: CDCD TB Program - Investments allocated via B2018 + B2023

• Funding / Performance Indicator Data
  • % of First Nations living in community with active tuberculosis who successfully initiated and completed treatment for active disease in the preceding 12 months
    • Baseline reported in PIP: 90.4% (2014) More recent PHAC data: NA
  • % of Inuit in Inuit Nunangat with active tuberculosis who successfully initiated and completed treatment for active disease in the preceding 12 months
    • Baseline reported in PIP: 85.6% (2019)
  • Annual active tuberculosis (all forms) incidence rate per 100,000 population among First Nations living in community
    • Baseline reported in PIP: NA
    • More recent PHAC data:
      • 18.2 per 100,000 (2020) – First Nations living on-reserve
      • 16.1 per 100,000 (2021) – First Nations in Canada
      • 21.4 per 100,000 (2022)– First Nations in Canada
  • Annual active tuberculosis (all forms) incidence rate per 100,000 population among Inuit living within Inuit Nunangat
    • Baseline reported in PIP: 182.9 cases per 100,000 (2015)
    • More recent PHAC data^{Footnote 2}:
      • 90.8 per 100,000 (2020) – Inuit living in Inuit Nunangat
      • 135.1 per 100,000 (2021) – Inuit in Canada
      • 136.7 per 100,000 (2022) – Inuit in Canada

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada is fully committed to the implementation of Jordan's Principle, and to working with First Nations communities and partners to ensure that First Nations children can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them.
• Jordan's Principle supports families in accessing products and services for First Nations children and youth to help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs.
• Between July 2016 and January 31, 2024, more than 4.48 million products, services and supports were approved under Jordan's Principle. These include speech therapy, educational supports, medical equipment, mental health services and more.
• Budget 2022 provides $4 billion over six years, starting in 2021–2022, to ensure First Nations children continue to receive the support they need through Jordan's Principle.
  • This funding also supports long-term reforms to improve the implementation of Jordan's Principle, including the Agreement in Principle deliverables and the development and implementation of a "Back to Basics" Approach to Jordan's Principle developed with partners.
• While we continue to provide support to First Nations children through Jordan's Principle, we will also work with First Nations partners, provinces, and territories to develop longer-term approaches to help better address the unique health, social, and education needs of First Nations children.

Background

• In 2005, at the age of five, Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations child from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba, died in the hospital while the provincial and federal governments could not agree on who was financially responsible for his home care in a medical foster home.
• That year, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society (Caring Society) released the Wen:De reports, which included the policy recommendations for the concept of Jordan's Principle, a child-first principle to ensure that services for First Nations children are not delayed due to jurisdictional disputes.
• In February 2007, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society (Caring Society) filed a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) that alleged that pursuant to section 5 of the Canadian Human Rights Act (the Act), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) discriminates in the provision of child and family services to First Nations on reserve and in the Yukon, on the basis of race and/or national or ethnic origin, by providing inequitable and insufficient funding for those services. The implementation of Jordan's Principle was identified as a solution to jurisdictional disputes as part of this complaint.
• On December 12, 2007, a Private Member's Motion No. 296 in support of Jordan's Principle was passed with unanimous support in the House of Commons in honor of Jordan River Anderson: "The government should immediately adopt a child first principle, based on Jordan's Principle, to resolve jurisdictional disputes involving the care of First Nations children."
• In August 2007, the Government of Canada announced $11M in new funding to Health Canada for the implementation of Jordan's Principle. This implementation focused on jurisdictional disputes involving First Nations children living on-reserve with multiple disabilities requiring services from multiple service providers.
• Under the federal response, no Jordan's Principle cases were identified (given the narrow scope) and the fund was eliminated. Requests for services that came forward were managed through federal/provincial contacts and services provided through existing programs.
• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its Final Report in 2015. Call to Action #3 calls on "all levels of government to fully implement Jordan's Principle."
• On January 26, 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) issued its first ruling with respect to the 2007 complaint by the Caring Society and AFN. The ruling substantiated the complaint and made a finding of discrimination against the Attorney General of Canada (for the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs) that Canada was failing to provide an adequate level of child welfare services to First Nations families on reserve. The CHRT ordered Canada "to cease applying its narrow definition of Jordan's Principle and to take measures to immediately implement the full meaning and scope of Jordan's Principle."
• Since that time, the CHRT has issued many other orders, clarifying eligibility, establishing definitions and timelines, and most recently, ordering Canada to fund on-reserve capital projects to support the delivery of Jordan's Principle services (2021 CHRT 41).

Current Status

On December 31, 2021, two Agreements-in-Principle were reached between Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the Chiefs of Ontario, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and counsels for the AFN-Moushoom and Trout class actions (collectively, "the Parties"). One Agreement in Principle is for compensation for those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of First Nations child and family services and for those who were denied, or delayed in receiving, services under Jordan's Principle, and the other pertains to the long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and Jordan's Principle.

These Agreements-in-Principle provide a basis for final settlement agreements to be negotiated over the coming months. The Agreements-in-Principle include:

• $23 billion in compensation for First Nations children on-reserve and in the Yukon, who were removed from their homes between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022, and for their parents and caregivers. This also includes compensation for those impacted by the government's narrow definition of Jordan's Principle between December 12, 2007, and November 2, 2017, as well as for children who did not receive or were delayed receiving an essential public service or product between April 1, 1991, and December 11, 2007, and their families. Our shared goal is to achieve a settlement that can be delivered to families as soon as possible.
• Approximately $20 billion, over five years, for long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan's Principle to ensure that the discrimination found by the CHRT never repeats itself. Canada will take urgent steps to implement the measures set out in the "Work Plan to Improve Outcomes under Jordan's Principle, based on Indigenous Services Canada's Compliance with the Tribunal's Orders." The Work Plan specifically includes commitments to:
  • Identify, respond to and report on urgent requests;
  • Develop and implement Indigenous Services Canada internal quality assurance measures, including training on various topics, a complaint mechanism, and an independent office to ensure compliance;
  • Ensure privacy is protected, that least intrusive approach is used, and for the parties to engage the Privacy Commissioner;
  • Ensure that professional recommendations are respected, and that clinical case conferencing only takes place where reasonably required to ascertain needs;
  • Ensure that reapplications and/or cessation or disruption in funding, and/or payment procedures do not negatively impact First Nations children;
  • Increase national consistency and standards, especially with respect to group requests, develop and implement tracking to achieve this, and provide for re-review;
  • Increase specificity and personalization in denial rationales with prompt communication to requestor;
  • Implement "Back to Basics" approach and culture change to determination of Jordan's Principle requests; and
  • Identify mechanisms for off-reserve capital where required to provide safe, accessible, confidential, and culturally- and age-appropriate spaces to support the delivery of Jordan's Principle and confirmed through needs assessments and feasibility studies, while negotiating Final Settlement.
  • The Parties will discuss options for First Nations to take on a larger role in approving and delivering services, products and supports under Jordan's Principle. Following a needs assessment and feedback from First Nations and service providers, the Parties will develop an implementation approach for long-term reform of Jordan's Principle

On October 24, 2023 the Federal Court approved a First Nations-led settlement agreement that includes a total of $23.34 billion to compensate First Nations children and families who were harmed by discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program and those impacted by the federal government's narrow definition of Jordan's Principle.

Budget 2022 provides $4 billion over six years, starting in 2021–2022, to ensure First Nations children continue to receive the support they need through Jordan's Principle. This funding will also support long-term reforms to improve the implementation of Jordan's Principle, which include the above-mentioned Agreement in Principle deliverables and the development and implementation of a "Back to Basics" Approach to Jordan's Principle to be co-developed with partners.

Canada has been ordered (2022 CHRT 8) to fund and provide data in support of research to be conducted with the Institute of Fiscal and Democratic Studies to guide further development of the Long-Term Approach to Jordan's Principle, and to engage with partners on the resources required to support post-age of majority service navigation supports.

Discussions are ongoing. It is anticipated that multiple points of contact with central agencies will be required to reach and implement final settlement agreements.

Additional Information

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada is fully committed to the implementation of Jordan's Principle, and to continuing to working with First Nations communities and partners to ensure that First Nations children can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them.
• While we continue to provide support to First Nations children through Jordan's Principle, we are committed to working with First Nations partners, provinces, and territories to develop longer-term approaches to help better address the unique health, social, and education needs of First Nations children.

Background

• In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) substantiated a 2007 human rights complaint brought by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society (Caring Society) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) which found the First Nation Child & Family Services (FNCFS) Program to be discriminatorily underfunded and ordered Canada to reform it. The CHRT also ordered Canada to cease applying a narrow definition of Jordan's Principle and to immediately implement its full meaning and scope.
• Since the initial 2016 decision, the CHRT has issued a series of subsequent orders regarding how Jordan's Principle should be defined and implemented which have significantly expanded the scope and eligibility of Jordan's Principle. The CHRT has retained oversight to ensure Canada complies with its orders and has the authority to issue new orders.
• On December 12, 2023 the Caring Society filed a non-compliance motion with the CHRT regarding Canada's implementation of Jordan's Principle.

Current Status

• The department is developing operational initiatives to improve the implementation of Jordans' Principle to further increase efficiency and respond to the growth in the volume of requests.
• Canada is currently undertaking a careful review of the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society non compliance motion.

Key Messages

• Medical travel is an essential part of accessing health care services in the territories, particularly due to the geography, small population, and remote and isolated communities. All Provinces and Territories provide their residents with access to insured health care services. However, for Territorial residents, this often involves travel outside of the territories to access insured health services in other provinces, supported by Territorial Government medical travel programs.
• Territorial medical travel programs in Nunavut and Northwest Territories charge a medical travel copayment to all residents each time they need to travel to access insured health services to help offset the cost of travel. To ensure the territorial copayment charge is not a barrier to First Nations and Inuit access to health services, ISC pays this copayment charge on behalf of eligible First Nations and Inuit through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program.
• Territorial medical travel costs have been escalating due to variety of factors such as increases in demand for health care and inflationary cost pressures. Discussions are ongoing with the governments of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories regarding how Canada can help to address these pressures.

Background

• The territories face significant challenges in delivering health care to their residents, particularly due to their geography, remote and isolated communities, and small population. As a result, basic health care taken for granted elsewhere, including support for births, mental health and addictions treatment, diagnostic imaging, surgeries, and dental care, is not available or easily accessed close to home for most northern residents. Virtual care is available in limited ways, but there are technological barriers, such as lack of bandwidth, and availability of satellites that must be addressed to make further progress. This combination of factors means that medical travel is and will continue to be an integral component of territorial health systems.
• The federal government supports territorial government health care systems in a number of ways, including through Territorial Formula Financing and Health Canada's Territorial Health Investment Fund (for which additional funding, $350 million over ten years, was announced in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement).
• Territorial governments have indicated that they cannot keep up with escalating medical travel costs within their existing funding levels, however, the shortfall in funding required to support the territorial health care systems is the fundamental driver of high medical travel costs to access insured services out-of-territory.
• Territorial governments hold primary responsibility for providing medical travel for all Territorial residents (85% of whom are Inuit in Nunavut and 41% are First Nations and Inuit in the Northwest Territories) as an integral component of their overall health system.
• Due to differing devolution landscapes in each of the territories, the manner in which medical travel is delivered varies. In the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, medical travel is primarily managed and delivered by the Territorial Governments, which cover travel to access insured health services (often outside the Territory). ISC provides funding to each Territorial Government through a contribution agreement to cover the cost of the copayment charged by Territorial Government, to all clients travelling to access insured health services. ISC covers the full cost of travel to access eligible uninsured health services. In the Yukon, First Nations and Inuit are not eligible for Territorial medical travel coverage. Non-Insured Health Benefits, coverage for eligible clients in Yukon (including eligible medical transportation), is delivered through an ISC call centre located in Whitehorse.
• ISC's Non-Insured Health Benefits Program provides eligible registered First Nations and recognized Inuit) with coverage for a range of health benefits that are not covered through other public or private plans or programs. Benefits include prescriptions and over-the counter drugs, dental and vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling, and medical transportation to access health services that are not available locally.

Current Status

• On March 31, 2023, ISC's funding agreements with the Governments of Nunavut and Northwest Territories expired. However, both territorial governments continue to administer Non-Insured Health Benefits, including medical travel, for Inuit and First Nations residents to ensure continued access to insured health care services.
• In February 2024, ISC offered each territorial government two years of new funding, beginning in 2023–24, to address medical travel costs for First Nations and Inuit, and a commitment to work together with Indigenous partners to develop a longer-term solution.
• The Government of Northwest Territories has accepted ISC's offer of $24.2 million annually for two years and are working towards a signed agreement by March 31, 2024.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Program/Investment

• Interim Funding to the Government of Nunavut for Health Care Cost Pressures
  • Funding / Performance Indicator Data
    • ISC provided the Government of Nunavut $58 million in 2020–21 and 2021–22, and $66 million in 2022–23, to address health care cost pressures, including medical travel.

Program/Investment

• Non-Insured Health Benefits Funding / Performance Indicator Data
  • Funding / Performance Indicator Data
    • In 2022–2023, ISC provided the Government of Northwest Territories $18.4 million through the Non-Insured Health Benefits funding agreement, of which $15.8 million was for medical transportation-related expenditures (e.g. copayments).
    • In 2022–2023, ISC provided the Government of Nunavut $79.8 million through the Non-Insured Health Benefits funding agreement, of which $75.4 million was for medical transportation-related expenditures (e.g. copayments).
    • In 2022–2023, Non-Insured Health Benefits medical transportation expenditures in the Yukon were $7.7 million

Key Messages

• Mental wellness is a key priority for Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities which is shared by the Government of Canada.
• The Government of Canada recognizes the pivotal role that intergenerational trauma and the Indigenous determinants of health play in mental wellness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
• The Government of Canada works closely with Indigenous partners and communities to support Indigenous-led, distinctions-based, holistic, culturally-grounded, trauma-informed and community-based approaches to mental wellness.
• Budget 2021 announced $597.6M over three years for distinctions-based mental wellness initiatives for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Budget 2022 provided $227.6 million over two years to build upon the trauma-informed, Indigenous-led, culturally-appropriate services and to support efforts initiated in Budget 2021.

Background

Indigenous Services Canada works closely with Indigenous partners at the national, regional and community levels and is guided by Indigenous-led frameworks such as the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework, Honouring Our Strengths, and the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy and We Matter's Pathfinding Towards a Flourishing Future: Awareness and Advocacy Guide.

The Government of Canada has made significant recent investments to improve mental wellness in Indigenous communities, including with an approximate annual investment of $650 million in 2023–2024 through Indigenous Services Canada's Mental Wellness Program. These investments are flexible to meet the immediate mental wellness needs of communities by supporting Indigenous-led, culturally-relevant community-based mental wellness promotion, on-the-land initiatives, suicide prevention, life promotion, crisis response, and substance use treatment and prevention services in Indigenous communities. This funding also supports the provision of essential cultural, emotional and mental health supports to Survivors of Indian Residential Schools and Federal Indian Day Schools and families of former students, as well as those affected by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The Non-Insured Health Benefits mental health counselling program provides coverage for professional mental health counselling to eligible clients to complement other mental wellness services that may be available to clients or in communities. Jordan's Principle makes sure all First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding is available for mental wellness supports. Requests for Inuit children are made through the Inuit Child First Initiative.

Current Status

Budget 2021 announced $597.6M over three years for distinctions-based mental wellness initiatives for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Budget 2022 provided $227.6 million over two years to build upon the trauma-informed, Indigenous-led, culturally-appropriate services and to support efforts initiated in Budget 2021.

A second National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness was hosted by the Minister of Indigenous Services in October 2023 to highlight Indigenous-led initiatives that are improving mental wellness for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Key themes included Indigenous children and youth mental and supporting communities in crisis.

On October 24th, 2023, the final settlement reached by the Assembly of First Nations, Moushoom and Trout class action plaintiffs, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and Canada was approved in Federal Court. Work is underway to implement Canada's commitment to fund mental health wellness and cultural supports for claimants, class members and their families.

Program-Level Data

• ISC funds a network of 45 treatment centres, as well as drug and alcohol prevention services in the majority of Indigenous communities across Canada.
• As of March 2024, there were 82 opioid agonist therapy sites wraparound services to Indigenous populations, increased from a baseline of 11 in 2016–2017.
• The number of mental wellness teams has grown from 11 teams supporting 86 communities to 75 teams supporting 385 communities. Funding from Budget 2021 is enhancing the work of existing teams.
• Between its launch in October 2016 and the end of January 2024, the Hope for Wellness Helpline's culturally competent counsellors have responded to approximately 185,315 calls and online chats (the chat service was launched in April 2018).
• There are currently over 1,800 individual counsellors registered with the Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Supports program. With an average of more than 2,818 community members accessing counselling each month since April 2021. Between April 2021 and March 2024, over 267,348 hours of professional mental health counselling was provided through the programs.
• Health and Cultural support workers provide services to an average of more than 89,000 community members per year. Between 2007 and 2019, there were more than 8.5 million interactions between health or cultural support workers and community members,
• Between August 2021 and February 2024, ISC supported the coordination of approximately 457 health supports to provide emotional and cultural services at over 127 events.

Key Messages

• Our Government recognizes that substance use can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities, and their general health and well-being.
• We are currently investing approximately $650M annually for community-based services to address the mental wellness needs of First Nations and Inuit.
• Indigenous Services Canada currently funds a network of 45 treatment centres, as well as drug and alcohol prevention services in the majority of First Nations communities across Canada.
• We remain focused on supporting long-term investments that improve the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

Background

Current Status

Key Messages

• Supporting the health workforce in remote and isolated Indigenous communities to ensure high-quality, culturally safe, accessible, and effective health services are provided, is a priority for Indigenous Services Canada. The health workforce in Canada has been facing significant challenges, and we are working extensively with all impacted communities to find a solution. Concerted and collaborative efforts from federal, provincial, and territorial governments are needed to continue to address the challenges facing all professions across our health workforce.
• Health care at ISC health facilities in First Nations communities is primarily delivered by Registered Nurses; however, they are part of a multidisciplinary, inter-jurisdictional team that provide healthcare supports, some of which are available in communities on a rotational basis. This includes, but is not limited to, other regulated nursing professionals (including nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurses, and licensed practical nurses where available), physician services, dental services, paramedics, and mental health therapists.
• ISC has been implementing a Nursing Health Human Resource Framework that focuses on retention and recruitment efforts through 5 commitments: to modernize the practice environment, to ensure the wellbeing of our workforce; to Influence the labour market; to respond with nimble surge and relief resources and a commitment to talent acquisition and management, specifically focusing on the remote and isolated communities where we provide direct service delivery.
• In Budget 2021, an investment of $354M was committed over 5 years to address program integrity in remote health service delivery and explore innovations in team composition through expansion of the regulated nursing compliment and investing further in paramedicine.
• Budget 2022 introduced funding for a flagship retention strategy investing $40.5M over 4 years for the full implementation of a Nursing Services Response Centre.
• In response to more recent critical nursing shortages, ISC is having ongoing discussions with communities who are affected and is using all its resources to identify immediate and viable solutions. This includes:
  • working nationally and inter-provincially to redeploy available resources from other ISC-run facilities;
  • working with First Nations leadership, provincial partners, and the healthcare sector more broadly to recruit more nursing staff and other health care providers, such as paramedics and physician assistants on a temporary and/or permanent basis; and
  • working with our provincial health care partners to improve access to physicians and medevacs.
• Individuals who are eligible for the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program can access medical transportation coverage, should they need to travel outside their community to access health services. Eligible benefits include ground and water transportation, air travel, accommodations, meals, and in-city transportation when travel is required to access health care. Individuals can contact their community's medical transportation coordinator to arrange for travel to appointments.
• ISC is also engaging with First Nations leadership, provincial government officials, and other partners to find solutions to the broader issue of shortage of health care workers in Canada.
• The Government of Canada recently announced its increases for loan forgiveness for doctors and nurses working in under-served rural and remote communities. This effort is contributing to strengthening the health workforce in rural and remote communities by attracting and retaining health workers, and helping manage debt loads for family physicians, family medicine residents, nurses and nurse practitioners who work in under-served areas.
• We know the difficulties and the impacts these staffing challenges are having on First Nations communities and on the health professionals that serve them. The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides immediate, toll-free telephone and online-chat based emotional support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people in Canada. This service is available 24/7 in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Trained counsellors are available by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

Background

• Indigenous Services Canada supports primary health care services in 79 remote and isolated First Nations communities, and two hospitals in Manitoba. Of these communities, Indigenous Services Canada directly delivers primary health care services in 50 remote and isolated communities involving four regions (Alberta (4), Manitoba (21), Ontario (24) and Quebec (1)).
• In remote and isolated First Nations communities, nurses (including nurse practitioners) are often the community members' first point of contact with the health system and provide public health and primary care services. Nursing stations in these communities provide 24/7 access to clinical and client care and are generally staffed by teams of nurses. Services include routine health care (e.g. immunization, chronic illness management) and more complex emergency medical care (e.g. heart attacks, strokes, traumas). First Nations clients also have access to public health services (health protection, health promotion, disease prevention, surveillance), often delivered by nurse-led teams.
• As a result of the pandemic, the country is experiencing a national nursing shortage. Statistics Canada's Labour Report for the 3rd quarter of 2023 demonstrates the ongoing nursing HHR challenges faced by Canada. In quarter 3, year-over-year vacancies for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (+2700, +9.8%) increased, seeing the largest annual increase in vacancies in the third quarter.
• The deteriorating state of nursing HHR in Canada has particular consequences for Indigenous Services Canada whose current remote service delivery model is heavily dependent on Registered Nurses to maintain the 24/7 urgent, emergent and primary care services in culturally diverse communities which places unique demands on this nursing workforce.
• Prior to joining ISC in 2017, the department experienced fluctuating shortages ranging from 30-40% of the remote and isolated workforce. ISC employs approximately 930 nurses across Canada in a range of roles from front-line service delivery operations to Senior Management. Approximately 85% of this workforce is made up of part-time employees, many of whom commute from their homes across Canada to remote communities on a rotational basis to provide 24/7 primary care services.
• As of February 2024, the average operational vacancy of the ISC front-line nursing workforce was determined to be 67% (68% in February 2023) for the public servant registered nurse positions in remote and isolated worksites.
• To offset this vacancy, ISC has drawn heavily upon an additional 412 rostered contracted health professional resources to deliver on its mandate in these locations which in 2023–2024 cost approximately $51 million. With the use of these contracted resources and additional complementary auxiliary roles from the Budget 2021 investment, the operational vacancy was decreased to 21% (33% in 2023).
• Two national committees, the Nursing Retention and Recruitment Committee (NRRC) and the Safety and Security in Nursing Stations Committee (SSNS) continue to focus on the nursing workforce and are attended by both FNIHB and staff representatives from the Bargaining Agent for nursing, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC).
• The 2023 Nursing Workforce Survey indicated that one-third of nurses plan to leave their job in the next three years. Over half of all nurses responding to the survey agree the quality of their work suffers because of high staff turnover.
• The Government of Canada and the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada reached an agreement to triple the existing recruitment and retention allowances for Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) nurses working in remote and isolated communities. These increases have been in place since September 2022.
• Collective bargaining for the SV group of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, which includes Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs, classified as HS-PHS-07s), concluded in July 2023. Retention and recruitment allowances for LPNs working in remote and isolated communities were included in the new agreement and are currently being implemented.
• 2016 Canadian Census reported Indigenous people make up 4.9% of the overall Canadian population. Indigenous people make up 3.0% of the Registered Nursing workforce in Canada. In 2016 there were 9,695 Indigenous nurses in Canada.
• In a 2023 workforce survey of ISC nurses, 20% of respondents (21% in 2020) self-identified themselves as Indigenous.

Current Status

• An agreement between the Government of Canada and the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, to increase nurse recruitment and retention allowances took effect September 1, 2022. The agreement will remain in effect through to March 31, 2025, or when a new collective agreement is reached—whichever comes first. The agreement includes both full- and part-time ISC nurses delivering critical services in remote and isolated First Nations communities, and includes:
  • triple the initial recruitment allowance, from $2,250 to $6,750
  • triple the allowance provided after twelve months of employment, from $3,250 to $9,750
  • triple the annual retention allowance, from $5,500 to $16,500
• Collective bargaining for the SV group of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, which includes Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs, classified as HS-PHS-07s), concluded in July 2023. Retention and recruitment allowances for LPNs working in remote and isolated communities were included in the new agreement and are currently being implemented. These allowances were based on the same allowances for NU-CHNs in the SH group collective agreement of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada and include:
  • An initial recruitment allowance of $2,150
  • A second recruitment allowance after twelve months of employment of $3,150
  • An annual retention allowance of $5,300
• Guided by the department's Nursing Health Human Resources Framework, regional recruiters were hired in 2023–24 to support active candidate sourcing. In addition, in response to findings in both the 2020 and 2023 Nursing Workforce Survey, the department has increasingly supported professional development by researching and drafting career pathways and enrolling 12 nurses in a recognized nurse leadership program
• The department continues to implement an interdisciplinary model of care, having introduced paramedics through contracted workforce sources in 2020, The complement of front-line Nurse Practitioners and Licensed Practical Nurses have also increased. The department continues to work with professional associations and regulators to allow for the continuity of high quality, interdisciplinary care services in communities.
• ISC is also working with the Canadian Council of Registered Nurse Regulators to explore cross-jurisdictional licensure to ease barriers to the movement of nurses between jurisdictions. This step aims to facilitate the deployment of nurses from one jurisdiction to another requiring surge support.
• Business Continuity Plans are under review to better respond to situations that could be caused by or result in a shortage of health care professionals. These plans are being revised to provide better guidance in the event of a nursing station closure. In addition, as part of a risk management strategy, the department is developing tools to guide decision making around service provision in the context of significant HHR shortages.
• The 2023 Nursing Workforce Survey demonstrated that the implementation of the Nursing Services Response Centre case management team for nurses who encounter challenge in I/T, Compensation and other work-related issues has had an impact. Satisfaction with IT-related issues has increased significantly since 2020. In addition, 84% of those who have used the NSRC have indicated satisfaction with 90% indicating they would recommend the service to their colleagues.
• The 2023 Nursing Workforce Survey has also demonstrated the value of the Occupational Critical Incident Stress Management (OCISM) program with 19% of nurses indicating that access to OCISM has increased their intention to stay.
• 2021 Canadian Census reported Indigenous people make up 5.0% of the overall Canadian population. Indigenous people make up 3.0% of the Registered Nursing workforce in Canada. In 2016 there were 9,695 Indigenous nurses in Canada.
• In a 2023 workforce survey of ISC nurses, 20% of respondents (21% in 2020) self-identified themselves as Indigenous.
• Canada continues to actively partner with Indigenous organizations, educational institutions, and health organizations to reduce barriers to healthcare program admission, improve Indigenous faculty recruitment and retention, support targeted measures and resources to address anti-racism, encourage cultural safety and humility, and promote trauma informed practices.

Key Messages

• In 2017-2018, the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) set a preliminary budget for the expansion of the health centre in Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek, formerly known as Grassy Narrows First Nation, at $9 million.
• The community successfully lobbied for a new health centre as opposed to the expansion of the existing one. In December 2022, the community advised the Department that it had awarded the contract to Jarnel Contracting Ltd. at an estimated cost of $18.25 million.
• The community began the project without full funding approval, with construction starting in late June 2023. To date, the Department has flowed $590,000 to the community for the project.

Background

• In September 2019, ISC and Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek officials held the first team meeting on the health centre renovation/expansion project.
• In the summer of 2022, the community lobbied for, and were granted, approval to advance the renovation/expansion of the existing centre or choose to build a new facility. The community opted to build a new facility and in December 2022, awarded the construction contract at an estimated cost of $18.25 million.
• In May 2023, the Minister met with the First Nation to discuss the health centre project, as well as the separate Mercury Care Home and a new water treatment plant project.
• In a May 24, 2023, follow-up letter to the meeting, the Minister wrote that "Given that the cost and design exceed existing financial and policy authorities, the Department will need to obtain additional authorities and funding", adding that "This work can take several months."
• The community proceeded with the project without full funding approval and held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 29, 2023. Work continues on the project, which the First Nation advised has a target completion date of June 2025.
• To date, ISC has flowed $590,000 (in 2020–2021) to the First Nation for the purpose of hiring a Professional Project Manager (PPM) and preparing a call for tender bids.

Current Status

• Construction on the health centre is underway.
• The Region continues its efforts to secure $9.3 million to cover the First Nation's shortfall.

Key Messages

• A 2018 feasibility study conducted by Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek, formerly known as Grassy Narrows First Nation, recommended the design and construction of a Mercury Care Home at an estimated cost of $19.8 million to meet the immediate and long-term health and wellness needs of its members as a result of the historical contamination of the English-Wabigoon River system.
• In April 2020, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the community signed the Mercury Care Home Framework Agreement, committing the Government of Canada to providing $19.5 million to the Mercury Care Home project.
• In 2022, the community submitted an updated proposal for a revised facility design with several additional specifications and increased costs that exceed the $19.5 million originally allocated for the detailed design and construction. The Department has not identified an available source of funding to satisfy the revised proposal.
• ISC is working collaboratively with Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek at the Mercury Care Working Group table to review and accept the community's Detailed Services Plan as per the Framework Agreement.

Background

• In 2018, Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek completed a Community Health Assessment Report, Functional Plan and Feasibility Study for a Mercury Care Home.
• The Community Health Assessment Report (Part 1 focused on adults, Part 2 focused on children) found that over 50 percent of members aged 50+ reported having mercury poisoning, as advised by a health professional. In addition, 55% of those who have been told that they have mercury poisoning reported at least four other chronic health conditions.
• The Functional Plan identified the health human resources that will be required in the care home along with key services.
• The Feasibility Study recommended the design and construction of a care home with a total estimated cost of $19.8 million, to which then-Minister Marc Miller agreed to in its entirety. It also determined that a new water treatment facility was required for the community to meet the water consumption needs created by the proposed mercury care home.
• On April 2, 2020, Minister Miller, on behalf of the Crown, signed a Mercury Care Home Framework Agreement with the community, committing up to $19.5 million for the detailed design and construction of a mercury care home in Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek.
• In Canada's Fall Economic Statement of November 2020, a federal commitment of $200.1 million was announced for the construction and operation of mercury care facilities in Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation and neighbouring Wabaseemoong Independent Nations. The investment also included funding for a new water treatment facility in Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek to ensure the system has the capacity to meet the water consumption needs of the community.
• On July 26, 2021, ISC and Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek signed an amendment to the Framework Agreement, committing $68.9 million to support the operations, maintenance and specialized service delivery of the mercury care home in the community.
• In September 2022, the community submitted an updated proposal for a revised facility design with several additional specifications and increased costs that exceed the $19.5 million originally allocated for the detailed design and construction. ISC remains committed to working with the community to advance this project in a timely way and to continue moving forward as quickly as possible.
• As per the Mercury Care Home Framework Agreement, the Department provided the First Nation with the following allocations towards the Mercury Care Home project:
  • 2020–2021: $2.5 million
  • 2021–2022: $2.5 million
  • 2022–2023: $9.5 million
• To date, the Department has provided the community with $14.5 million.

Current Status

• ISC continues to work with the community to advance the key commitments of the Mercury Care Home as per the Framework Agreement. In the last six months, ISC reviewed Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek's 33% and 66% Detailed Design of the Mercury Care Home. Additionally, ISC has supported Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek to develop a Detailed Services Plan for providing mercury care to community members.
• Next steps: ISC is working collaboratively with Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek at the Mercury Care Working Group table to review and accept the community's Detailed Services Plan as per the Framework Agreement. Additionally, ISC and Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek will finish negotiations on a 30-year contribution agreement for $68.9 million to support Mercury Care Home operations, maintenance and specialized health services delivery.

Key Messages

• Everyone in Canada should have access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water.
• As of December 31, 2023, more than $3.82 billion of targeted funding has been invested to support 1,291 water and wastewater projects, of which 568 are now complete and 723 are ongoing. These projects will serve 471,000 people in 591 First Nations communities.
• Funding plays an important role in managing the systems that provide clean water and safely treat wastewater. The Fall Economic Statement 2023 announcement of more than $1.5 billion represents a renewal of the First Nations Water and Wastewater Enhanced Program for the next two years in order to ensure that water and wastewater projects continue without interruption.
• As of February 29, 2024, First Nations, with support from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), have lifted 144 long term drinking water advisories (LTDWAs) to date.
  • 271 short-term drinking water advisories were also addressed, preventing them from becoming long-term drinking water advisories.

Background

• Responsibility for safe drinking water on First Nations lands is shared between First Nation communities and the Government of Canada.
  • First Nations are the managers and operators of their water and wastewater systems and are responsible for issuing or rescinding drinking water advisories, generally based on the advice of an environmental public health officer. In Alberta, as a result of the province's laws and regulations, the Environmental Public Health Officers have this authority.
  • ISC provides advice and financial support to First Nations communities for their public water and wastewater systems and ensures that drinking water quality monitoring programs are in place.
• Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed $4.39 billion of targeted funds until 2023–2024 ($4.20 billion excluding funding for operating expenses related to ISC's administration of the targeted infrastructure investment portfolio). An additional $1.22 billion in new funding has been committed to support First Nations to operate and maintain their water and wastewater infrastructure, for a total commitment of $5.61 billion.

Current Status

• There are communities unable to lift LTDWAs due to capacity issues for operators. To ensure safe, clean and reliable drinking water on-reserve, it will be critical to ensure communities have resources to train, retain and certify water and wastewater operators on reserve.
• ISC has taken measures to monitor, assess, prevent, mitigate, and respond to risks as needed. First Nations, particularly in remote locations, faced supply issues, limited contractor availability, and market saturation which delay implementation.
• As per the joint CIRNAC and ISC 2023–24 to 2024–25 Risk-Based Audit Plan, a review of the First Nations Water and Wastewater Enhanced Program has begun as of January 2024.
• As of February 29, 2024, 28 LTDWAs remain in effect in 26 communities.

Key Messages

• Since 2018, Canada has been working directly with First Nation rights-holders, including Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations, through their own representative institutions and First Nation organizations, including the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), on legislative reform related to safe drinking water.
• Through ongoing engagement with First Nation rights-holders and First Nation organizations, key priorities for new proposed legislation were identified including: recognition of rights; sustainable funding for drinking water and wastewater services; source water protection; and the need for ongoing engagement on water issues that affect First Nations.
• Bill C-61, the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act, would aim to address key priorities expressed by First Nations by:
  • recognizing and affirming the inherent right of First Nations to self-government, including jurisdiction in relation to water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands;
  • strengthening funding commitments through best efforts to provide adequate and sustainable funding for water services on First Nation lands comparable to services received in non-First Nations communities;
  • establishing minimum national standards for the delivery of drinking water and wastewater services on First Nation lands, based on First Nation choice;
  • facilitating transboundary source water protection agreements; and
  • providing pathways for ongoing engagement, including through consultation and cooperation on federal regulations.

Background

• Everyone in Canada should have access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water.
• First Nations communities do not have legally enforceable safe drinking water protections similar to what is in place in provinces and territories.
• In 2013, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act was created to enable the development of federal regulations to support First Nations' access to clean, reliable drinking water and effective treatment of wastewater.
• However, First Nations shared several concerns with the 2013 Act, including: lack of adequate, predictable and sustainable funding; lack of recognition of Aboriginal rights; potential infringement of Aboriginal and treaty rights; lack of protection of source water; and insufficient engagement on issues that directly affect First Nations.
• In response to these concerns, and aligned with the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Class Action Settlement Agreement finalized in 2021, Canada formally repealed the 2013 Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act on June 23, 2022, through Budget Implementation Act, 2022, No. 1.
• As part of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Class Action Settlement Agreement finalized in 2021, Canada committed to making all reasonable efforts to develop and introduce proposed legislation, in consultation with First Nations, to replace the repealed 2013 Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act.
• Following repeal of the 2013 Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, Canada enhanced engagement by working directly with First Nation rights-holders, including Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations, and First Nation organizations, including the Assembly of First Nations and First Nations Advisory Committee on Safe Drinking Water, to advance development of new proposed legislation.
• Since summer 2022, hundreds of engagement sessions have taken place virtually or in-person, with groups of First Nations or individual First Nations, based on partner preferences. Two consultation drafts of a legislative proposal were also shared with all First Nations communities and posted online to support broad public review.
• Overall, key priorities expressed by First Nations included: recognition of rights; sustainable funding for drinking water and wastewater services; source water protection; and the need for ongoing engagement on water issues that affect First Nations.

Current Status

• On December 11, 2023, Bill C–61, the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act, was introduced in Parliament.
• Second reading of Bill C-61 started on February 5, 2024.
• Engagement is an ongoing process and Indigenous Services Canada continues to share information with First Nations rights-holders, First Nation organizations, provinces and territories to help support consideration of Bill C-61 and access to safe drinking water now and for future generations.

Key Messages

• In response to long-standing housing gaps in First Nations communities, since 2016 the Government of Canada has committed nearly $4 billion, through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), for on-reserve housing.
• Since 2016 and as of December 31, 2023, in partnership with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Indigenous Services Canada is supporting the construction, renovation and retrofit of 33,790 homes on reserve, of which 22,022 are complete.
• The Government of Canada will continue to work diligently with partners to ensure that Indigenous people across the country have access to safe and adequate housing.

Background

• First Nations led the co-development of a National First Nations Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy, endorsed by the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly on December 5, 2018.
• The Assembly of First Nations, Indigenous Services Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation meet regularly to advance the national strategy and plan for its implementation.
• This collaboration ensures that housing reforms target a long-term approach to support the transition to First Nations care, control and management of housing, in a way that respects regional differences and First Nations' readiness.
• However, the scale of need is tremendous. The Assembly of First Nations in its "Cost Analysis of current housing gaps and future housing needs in First Nations," projected the 2021 on-reserve infrastructure gap for housing to be about $43.7 billion - $22 billion in current on-reserve housing needs and $21.7 billion more for First Nations seeking to move on-reserve from off-reserve.
• Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed $3.93 billion, through 2026–2027, to support closing the housing gap in First Nations on-reserve. Of this, ISC has disbursed over $1.95 billion to First Nations to support their housing needs and priorities.
• Since 2017, the Government of Canada has provided $138.4 million (until 2025–2026) to support engagements and institution building related to transferring housing and infrastructure services.
• Most recently, this funding supported the establishment of an historic Framework Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq on the transfer of delivery of housing and infrastructure services.
• Indigenous Services Canada will also continue to support First Nations housing capacity enhancement efforts including project funding and the established Housing Managers Subsidy which assists with recruitment and retainment of skilled housing professionals.
• The Department is also working with First Nations and organizations to determine financial innovation tools and resources to increase homeownership on-reserve.
• The Auditor General began an audit on housing in First Nation communities in October 2022 which covers housing on reserves for the period from April 2018 to March 31, 2023. The audit involves Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and both have provided separate responses to the audit.
• The Government of Canada welcomes the recommendations set out in the Office of the Auditor General's Report on Housing in First Nations Communities, and the opportunity to highlight the housing challenges faced by First Nations communities.
• Indigenous Services Canada is currently developing a detailed action plan to address the recommendations of the Office of the Auditor General, which is required to be submitted to the Public Accounts Committee and the Office of the Auditor General 6 months after the tabling of an audit report.

Current Status

• Budget 2021 and 2022 investments will continue to support First Nations to increase the number of available homes and address critical housing needs.
• Budget 2022 provided an additional $66 million over 3 years beginning in 2024 to enhance housing management capacity on reserve through training and certification and the provision of technical services.
• $2 billion in housing funding, over 5 years, has been committed in the Agreement-in-Principle on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and Jordan's Principle. This funding began flowing to First Nations this fiscal year and will support First Nations with the purchase, construction, and/or renovation of housing units to meet the needs of children and families.

Key Messages

• ISC recognizes that education infrastructure is often the cornerstone of First Nation communities, providing students with a safe place to learn and grow, acting as a gathering place for community events and cultural activities and, in some cases, serving as a temporary shelter during an emergency.
• Investments in Education Facilities support the creation of quality learning environments that are safe and healthy, promoting better educational outcomes for students living on reserves. These investments include new constructions as well as additions, renovations and major repairs to existing schools in First Nations communities.Canada acknowledges the infrastructure gap that exists and remains committed to work with partners to close this gap.

Background

• According to studies completed by the Department and the Assembly of First Nations, First Nation schools have been chronically underfunded. As a result, education facilities on reserve have aged prematurely and are often overcrowded.
• According to the Assembly of First Nations' Infrastructure Needs Assessment 2020 calculations, $2.14 billion in capital needs is required in the next five years for new school construction, additions, planning and design.

Current Status

• In addition to ongoing funding, since 2016 and as of December 31, 2023, Indigenous Services Canada has invested more than $2.07 billion in targeted funding to support 310 school-related infrastructure projects, 180 of which are complete. These projects will result in the construction or renovation of 224 schools, benefitting approximately 36,000 students.
• An update of the School Space Accommodations Standards was published on April 1, 2023. This policy update included: updating school planning and design horizons to be equitable with provincial standards and additional space allocations for gymnasiums, storage, community gatherings and emergency response.
• The performance target for this program is 60% of schools with a condition rating of "good" or "new" by 2025. Actual results from the 2022–2023 Departmental Results Reporting indicate the program has achieved 55% as of March 31, 2023.
• We recognize that there remains a large demand for long-term, sustainable and predictable infrastructure funding for new schools, renovations, and teacherages across the country to help close the education infrastructure gap, and the Department will continue to work with partners to address this need.

Program-Level Data

Key Messages

• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) monitors and financially supports the construction, operation and maintenance (O&M) of approximately 6,000 km of winter roads to 54 First Nations communities south of 60◦ in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta.
• Climate change is causing variable weather patterns and warmer temperatures that: jeopardize the integrity of winter roads; increase the safety risk to road users; delay delivery of food, construction material and fuel, resulting in increased costs.
• Winter roads are a shared responsibility. The Government of Canada works in partnership with provinces, First Nations, and stakeholders where communities rely on winter roads.

Background

• Winter roads are constructed over land and frozen water bodies (ice roads) and are typically open for 3 months each year (i.e. January–March).
• They are integral to most isolated First Nation communities in providing access to major goods and essential commodities and services such as: fuel (for heating and electricity); building materials (i.e. for schools, medical facilities, water systems, etc.); medical supplies; groceries/food
• They facilitate economic activities as well as social connections among nearby remote-northern communities.
• The seasonal length of the winter roads, starting when ice thickness is safe, depends on particular climatic factors, such as air temperature, precipitation, and wind.
• Ice thickness can be artificially enhanced by snow removal, surface flooding and spray-ice techniques.
• While winter roads are mainly supported by fixed contribution agreements between federal and provincial governments, ISC monitors winter roads and provides some targeted infrastructure funding for their construction and improvements.
• Since 2016 and as of December 31, 2023, ISC has invested a total of $88.3 million in winter roads, of which $12.6 million represents targeted infrastructure investments.
• In Ontario:
  • The Government of Canada provides over $7 million annually for 32 First Nations to construct and maintain approximately 3,200 kilometers of winter roads.
  • The Province of Ontario provides up to $6 million annually to First Nations for the construction, operation and maintenance of winter roads. First Nations can undertake the work themselves or contract out if they choose. Starting in 2023–2024, the Province of Ontario has launched a new program for winter road improvements at water crossings – bridges and culverts – at an amount of $5 million annually.
  • With the construction and maintenance funding and the new bridges and culverts program, the Province of Ontario now provides $11 million annually in support of winter roads.
  • In October 2023, CIRNAC and ISC supported Nishawbe Aski Nation (NAN) with the province, to bring together Indigenous leadership from 32 communities, community and technical experts, local builders and operators, fuel haulers, and provincial ministries. NAN is drafting a summary report (expected in 2024) that will outline common priorities, research gaps identified and recommendations. NAN expects that the gathering and final report should contain key information to inform strategic direction for at least the next 5 years for both provincial and federal departments
• In Manitoba:
  • 17 First Nations with a combined population of over 20,000 rely on 31 winter roads.
  • The winter road system consists of approximately 2,200 km of winter roads.
  • The Government of Canada provides $8 million annually for First Nations in Manitoba to construct and maintain winter roads to their communities.
• The Province of Saskatchewan constructs, maintains and operates winter roads.
  • While the Government of Canada does not fund the construction of winter roads, ISC actively monitors the status of winter roads supporting First Nations communities.
• In Alberta:
  • The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo manages the winter road to access Fort Chipewyan while the Athabasca Chipewyan and Mikisew Cree First Nations also have a north-bound road to Fort Smith through Wood Buffalo National Park that is managed by Parks Canada.
  • Little Red River Cree Nation builds and operates two winter access roads to their community: Peace River Ice bridge; and the Southern (secondary) Access. The community receives annual funding of $200,000 from ISC for the construction of the Peace River ice bridge.

Current Status

• Continue sharing data with federal partners: National Research Council, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and other Winter Roads Working Group members.
• Work with CIRNAC team responsible for the First Nation Adapt Program on organizing the Manitoba winter road summit led by First Nations in the Fall 2024.
• Contribute to planning ISC Minister's Roundtable on Climate Change by including winter roads component for discussion.
• Integrate winter road considerations into discussions about the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda being be led by Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) (Leaders' Summit planned for Spring/summer 2024)
• Continue to explore funding opportunities to maximize the winter road season, ensuring the integrity of the winter road network, and supporting First Nation communities in developing medium and longer term solutions.

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada has committed to closing the infrastructure gap in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities by 2030. Since 2016, ISC has committed more than $25 billion to support these efforts.
• As mandated through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada worked collaboratively with Indigenous organizations and communities to better understand the infrastructure needs of Indigenous communities.
• Indigenous Services Canada engaged with First Nations to identify their infrastructure needs. As of November 2023, 405 of the 564 First Nations submitted infrastructure needs lists, reflecting a response rate of 72%. The priority infrastructure needs identified by First Nations were community buildings, housing, transportation infrastructure, water, wastewater and utilities, and emergency services.

Background

• ISC engaged individual First Nations in spring 2022 to understand infrastructure needs and order of paramountcy. This exercise saw a response rate of 72% (405/564) and estimated the cost of closing the First Nations infrastructure gap by 2030 to be $120 billion at the time.
• ISC also worked with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), which estimates that $349.2 billion is needed to close the First Nations infrastructure gap by 2030. The report called for moving away from project-based investment approaches, guaranteeing reliable funding as well as the co development of a self-governed First Nation Infrastructure Bank, amongst others.
• ISC also worked with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) which engaged the four Inuit regional Land Claims Organizations and submitted a report outlining priority infrastructure projects in Inuit Nunangat. ITK estimated that $55.3 billion over 10 years and $793.7 million annually would be required to support priority projects to narrow the infrastructure gap in Inuit Nunangat.
• CIRNAC conducted engagement with the Métis National Council (MNC) and Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), which identified infrastructure needs in their pre-Budget submissions. The MNC identified immediate infrastructure investment needs of $2.41 billion over 6 years while the MMF identified immediate investment needs of $299.2 million over 10 years.

Current Status

• Starting in spring 2023, Indigenous Services Canada began further engagement with First Nations on ways to improve how infrastructure programs are delivered. Indigenous Services Canada will continue to work with partners to define a bold, new approach to how the Department funds First Nations infrastructure.

Key Messages

• ISC welcomes the Auditor General's report on Emergency Management in First Nations communities and is committed to advancing each of the report's seven recommendations.
• ISC is in the process of addressing each recommendation and has developed a comprehensive action plan to ensure gaps are addressed and First Nations have the tools and resources they need to prepare, prevent, mitigate, and respond to emergency events.
• In response to each recommendation, ISC is working closely with First Nation partners, having stood up a Steering Committee in partnership with the Assembly of First Nation, comprised of First Nation emergency management practitioners to inform and guide our efforts.
• While we advance that work, we will be there to support the immediate recovery efforts of communities in a way that reduces future vulnerability and strengthens resilience.

Background

• The scope of the AG's audit was emergency management on-reserve (the North was not included in this), covering topics such as mitigation and preparedness, structural mitigation, cultural competency, and service agreements. The audit period was from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2022.
• Emergency Management in First Nations communities was last audited in 2013. Many of the recommendations found in the 2013 audit share similarities with recommendations in the 2022 audit. The AG made note of the fact that progress had not been made on the recommendations from 2013.
• Each of the recommendations strongly encouraged ISC to work closely with First Nations and as such ISC and the Assembly of First Nations stood up a Steering Committee of emergency management practitioners from all regions who meet regularly to provide feedback that shapes ISC's responses.
• ISC appeared at several standing committees following the tabling of the report, including the Public Accounts (PACP) committee on November 25th, 2022, and March 20th, 2023, and INAN on December 1st, 2022.
• ISC developed an MRAP that was tabled at the PACP committee at their last appearance on March 20th, 2023.
• The department's appearances before INAN were part of its study on Arctic Security and Sovereignty, and the Emergency Preparedness of Indigenous Communities which was released in June of 2023. The Government of Canada tabled its response to that study on October 19th, 2023.
• INAN's study included 17 recommendations. Recommendations 1–10 focused on emergency management are similar to the AG's recommendations. The Government of Canada agreed with INAN's recommendations 1–9 and agreed in principle to recommendation 10.
• For recommendations 11-17, which focused on Arctic security and sovereignty of INAN's Report 10, ISC formulated the Government's Response based on input from ISC, CIRNAC, PSC, NRCan, ECCC, DFO/CCG, DND/CAF, GAC, and INFC.
• The AG's recommendations are:
  1. Risk-Based Approach:
     • ISC should work with First Nations to implement a risk-based approach to better inform planning and investment decisions that focus on preparedness and mitigation; and,
     • Through a risk-based approach, ISC will be better placed to maximize the support to communities, placing resources in the areas that need it the most.
  2. Unfunded Structural Mitigation Projects:
     • ISC should work with First Nation communities to address the backlogs of eligible but unfunded structural mitigation projects; and,
     • By allocating resources to these projects, it would reduce the impacts of emergencies in First Nation communities.
  3. Service Agreements:
     • ISC Should continue to work with First Nations and provincial/territorial governments to establish services and wildfire agreements in all jurisdictions that include First Nations; and,
     • Such agreements will better prepare First Nations who are dealing with emergency events and create service standards in areas where there are none.
  4. Emergency Management Coordinators:
     • ISC needs to continue to work with First Nations to determine how many emergency management positions are required, and allocate the proper funding to support these; and,
     • Emergency Management coordinators will help communities develop emergency management plans, and better prepared for future emergency events.
  5. Emergency Management Plans:
     • ISC needs to regularly update outdated and departmental emergency management plans, and develop new plans for the three regions that currently do not have one; and,
     • New emergency management plans should be used to inform decisions and actions when managing risks to First Nation communities.
  6. Performance Indicators:
     • ISC needs to develop performance indicators that will help in measuring departmental progress against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; and,
     • ISC should make publicly available any progress it makes.
  7. Comparable and Culturally Appropriate Emergency Management Services:
     • ISC should collaborate with First Nations and provincial and territorial governments to ensure that the services being provided to First Nation communities receive the emergency management services they need;
     • In providing emergency management services to First Nations, ISC must define what is meant by comparable services in relation to those that are provided in similar jurisdictions and identify any shortcomings by conducting lessons-learned exercises; and,
     • Ensure that all emergency management services are culturally appropriate and address the needs of marginalized groups.

Current Status

• ISC is working towards implementing each of the AG's seven recommendations by a specific deadline. The first deadlines are April of 2024 for the following recommendations; risk-based approach, emergency management coordinators, service agreements, emergency management plans, and comparable and culturally appropriate emergency management services. The recommendation to address the eligible but unfunded backlog of structural mitigation projects has a deadline of March 2028.
• ISC currently has Bilateral Wildfire Agreements in seven provinces and continues to meet with Provincial and Territorial partners.
• ISC will continue to meet regularly with First Nation and provincial and territorial partners in implementing its responses to the AG's recommendations.

Key Messages

• Emergency management includes four pillars: hazard mitigation and prevention, emergency preparedness, emergency response, and recovery activities.
• The First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) supports hazard mitigation and prevention projects to address the first pillar and works closely with ISC's Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) as they address non-structural mitigation and prevention, preparedness, response and recovery projects.
• Through the First Nation Infrastructure Fund, ISC works with First Nation communities on reserves to mitigate natural hazards and provides dedicated funding for climate resilience infrastructure through structural mitigation. This includes maintaining winter road integrity, building dikes, sea walls, nature-based infrastructure, fire breaks, erosion controls, culverts, and projects to protect schools and water and wastewater systems from a changing climate as well as floods, landslides, wildfires, permafrost thaw, and other natural disasters.
• Indigenous Services Canada is working on integrating climate change considerations throughout the life cycle management of assets to ensure infrastructure on reserve is resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Background

• Through the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) funds eight types of Other Community Infrastructure (roads and bridges, connectivity, cultural and recreational facilities, fire protection, energy systems, planning and skills, band administrative buildings and structural mitigation) and solid waste management projects.
• Structural mitigation projects are infrastructure projects that prevent and modify hazards, segregating hazards by keeping them away from people and assets, and altering the design and construction of assets to make them resilient to potential hazards.
• Although supporting resilient infrastructure on reserves is a priority for ISC, there is limited dedicated funding for mitigating natural disasters and climate adaptation. To support our partners, ISC works with various government departments that provide funding to First Nation recipients through a variety of programs, including:
  • Collaborating with Infrastructure Canada on the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund;
  • Working with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, responsible to support First Nation communities identify and assess climate risks through First Nations Adapt Program, and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on the development of the National Adaptation Strategy;
  • Participating, in partnership with other federal government departments, in the Joint Committee on Climate Action co-chaired by the Assembly of First Nations and Environment and Climate Change Canada whose objective is to advance climate change adaptation and mitigation measures for First Nations.
• Structural mitigation projects have dedicated funding under the First Nation Infrastructure Fund of $12 million per year from 2020–2021 to 2023–2024.
• Structural mitigation projects are eligible for additional funds under the First Nation Infrastructure Fund, but compete against other infrastructure priorities (such as roads and bridges and connectivity projects). From 2023–2024 to 2027–2028, there remains approximately $896.6 million in funding for the First Nation Infrastructure Fund.
• Project example:
  • A project to protect Skwah First Nation, Shxwhá:y Village and the City of Chilliwack against flooding from the Fraser River in British Columbia is an example of First Nations and Indigenous Services Canada leveraging other government department funding for a major project.
  • The new dike project received $45 million in funding from Infrastructure Canada's Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, $13 million from Indigenous Services Canada and $7 million from the City of Chilliwack. The Province of British Columbia is also investing $5 million in riprap erosion control measures for shoreline stabilization.
  • The project involves the construction of approximately six kilometers of new dikes along the Fraser River, a new flood gate structure crossing the Hope Slough and a new drainage pump station. Once complete, this work will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the three communities, improving public safety and protecting homes and businesses from water damage.

Current Status

• Since 2016 and as of December 31, 2023, ISC has invested $156.3 million of targeted funds (excluding operating expenses) to support 128 Structural Mitigation projects, 72 of which are complete. These projects will benefit 265 communities serving approximately 166,000 people.
• The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) reported that as of May 2022, ISC had 112 eligible structural mitigation projects that were identified as unfunded and 72 structural mitigation projects that were identified as unreviewed in the Integrated Capital Management System.
• As of January 2024, the number of eligible unfunded structural mitigation projects has been reduced to 50 with a current estimated project cost of approximately $96 million.
• This net change is a result of the work of Indigenous Services Canada in conjunction with First Nation communities. The work includes determining which eligible but unfunded structural mitigation projects on the Office of the Auditor General list remain a priority for communities and reviewing and updating the Integrated Capital Management System.
• The 50 structural mitigation projects remain unfunded not because of delays, but rather because of limited funds available for structural mitigation projects that help First Nations prepare for extreme weather events caused by climate change.
• To respond to the growing need to address climate change impacts and to close the gap between the funding that is available, additional funding for structural mitigation projects is required to address the eligible, unreviewed, and new projects identified by First Nation partners.

Key Messages

• ISC continues to work closely with First Nations, provincial and territorial partners and non-governmental organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross to plan, address and mitigate against wildland fire emergencies. First Nations are supported in leading efforts to address their current wildland fire incidents.
• The Department recognizes that Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by wildland fire incidents that can have devastating impacts on communities across the country.
• ISC will continue to work closely with partners so that information is shared in a timely manner, and preventative and mitigation measures are supported , so communities are well prepared for wildfires.
• The Emergency Management Assistance Program will continue to support First Nation communities and leadership recovering from the past wildland fire season, expediting support for eligible projects to mitigate future impacts.

Background

• Since 2018, First Nation communities experience an average of approximately 44 wildland fire emergencies annually. In 2023, this number increased to 160 wildland fire emergencies, demonstrating an increase of over 3.64 times in the number of events.
• The 2023 wildland fire season was record-breaking due to the significant increase in the number of emergencies impacting First Nation communities across Canada. The biggest impacts were seen in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. First Nations are particularly impacted by wildland fire events, due to remoteness and other disparities affecting on-reserve communities.
• Over 29,000 on-reserve First Nation community members were impacted during the 2023 wildland fire season, resulting in 161 events impacting 120 on-reserve First Nation communities. These events resulted in 90 evacuations from 77 on-reserve First Nation communities.
• Over 29,000 First Nation community members were evacuated during the 2023 wildland fire season. As well, over 61,000 on-reserve First Nation community members have been evacuated due to wildland fire since 2019. This represents a nearly 4 times increase in the average number of evacuees over the past several years.
• Due to the intensity of the wildland fire season, there was a significant increase in the number of events impacting First Nation communities, as well as the number of First Nation community members evacuated.
• The largest impacts occurred in British Columbia (60 events impacting First Nations), Alberta (37 events impacting First Nations), and Quebec (23 events impacting First Nations).
• The 2023 wildland fire season impacted First Nations in every province and territory of Canada this year, with the exception of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Emergency management teams with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) are actively working to support the repatriation of long-term evacuees still evacuated from wildland fires in 2023 and continue to distribute response and recovery funds to eligible recipients.

Current Status

• Currently, there remain approximately 1,193 First Nation community evacuees from the 2023 wildland fire season who are yet to be repatriated. These evacuees are from 3 First Nation communities: 2 in Alberta and 1 in British Columbia. ISC is actively coordinating with First Nation communities and emergency management practitioners to ensure the timely repatriation of these communities.
• The Emergency Management Assistance Program within Indigenous Services Canada continues to work to support First Nation communities impacted by the wildland fire season. The team is actively reviewing response and recovery claims submitted by First Nation recipients, to ensure that impacted communities can rebuild and recover as soon as reasonably possible.
• The team continues to coordinate and communicate with regional colleagues regarding the status of long-term evacuees and provides support as requested.
• As well, the team is actively seeking new and innovative methods for leveraging internal capacity to be better prepared for the 2024 wildland fire season.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

• Program/Investment
  • Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP)
    • Funding / Performance Indicator Data
      • In Fiscal Year 2022/23 EMAP spent a total of $266.6 million on response and recovery, $17.4 million on non-structural mitigation, $10.8 million on FireSmart, and $13.3 million on capacity enhancement
  • Other Community Infrastructure - Structural Mitigation
    • Funding / Performance Indicator Data
      • In Fiscal Year 2022/23 ISC spent a total of $26.5 million on structural mitigation

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nations, tribal councils and First Nations fire expert organizations to support fire protection on reserves.
• Recognizing that First Nations communities are disproportionately affected by fire incidents, which can have devastating impacts on families and communities, the Government of Canada supports First Nation communities to identify and address their fire safety prevention priorities.
• The Government of Canada has invested an average of $48.3 million annually to support the delivery of fire protection services on-reserve. In 2023–2024, an additional $10 million is being provided to support the objectives of the co-developed First Nations Fire Protection Strategy.

Background

• On reserves, fire protection is managed by the First Nation band council. Indigenous Services Canada provides funding for fire protection every year as part of each First Nation's core capital funding. The amount of funding provided is determined by regionally-based formulas.
• ISC supports fire protection in First Nation communities by funding:
  • Firefighting facilities and fire detection systems including fire halls, vehicles, and equipment; related facility services and early-warning systems; acquisition, servicing and testing of fire warning systems and firefighting equipment; and, pumper certifications (required annual certifications for firefighting vehicles to ensure they are operational).
  • Fire protection and prevention programs including the development and enforcement of fire and safety guidelines and building codes, the operation of community awareness programs (e.g., distributing educational materials on fire safety), community training programs (e.g., proper use of fire extinguisher, how to install smoke alarms, conducting fire drills, etc.), training of community firefighting/prevention staff and other community members, investigating/reporting of fires in First Nations communities, review of First Nation Infrastructure Investment Plans, and inspections of buildings and other facilities to ensure compliance with fire and safety regulations.
  • Municipal-Type Service Agreements for Fire Protection Services (i.e., contracting of fire protection services from nearby communities).
• In addition to core capital funding, from 2016–2017 to 2022–2023, ISC provided an average of $48.3 million annually for fire protection, including annual averages of:
  • $11.9 million for capital investments (fire trucks, fire halls, etc.),
  • $15.4 million for operations and maintenance of assets,
  • $4.9 million for firefighter training, and
  • $16.1 million in targeted funding from Budgets 2013, 2016, 2017, 2022 and the Canada Community-Building Fund
• In 2023-2024, an additional $10 million is being provided to support the objectives of the First Nations Fire Protection Strategy, including:
  • National, regional and community-led education and prevention initiatives;
  • Smoke / CO2 alarms and extinguisher installations;
  • Additional building Inspections;
  • Firefighter training; and
  • Upgrading telecommunications equipment, or supporting 911 service.
• Since 2016 and as of December 31, 2023, ISC has invested $120.1 million (excluding operating expenses) in targeted funding to support 326 Fire Protection projects, 220 of which are complete and 106 are currently ongoing. These projects will benefit 286 communities, serving approximately 313,000 people.

Current Status

• ISC will continue to provide First Nations communities with annual funding for fire protection services, with the goal of reducing the number of incidents nationally on an annual basis.
• The Department continues to work in partnership with these communities to determine service needs and develop suitable strategies, which may include increased fire prevention programming, potential enhancement of capacity building opportunities, and additional investment opportunities for fire protection assets and equipment.

Key Messages

• ISC continues to work closely with First Nations, provincial and territorial partners as well as non-governmental organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross to plan, address mitigate flooding. First Nations are supported in leading efforts to address their current flooding situations. ISC also works with similar programs such as CIRNAC's First Nations Adapt program to support proactive flood mapping activities in First Nations communities.
• ISC will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that information is always shared in a timely manner, and proper preventative and mitigation measures are in place so that communities are well prepared for floods.
• Through the Emergency Management Assistance Program ISC will continue to work with First Nations leadership in recovering from flood seasons, expediting support for projects to mitigate future impacts.
• The department supports all on-reserve First Nations communities that experience flooding by reimbursing costs associated with responding to and recovering from the event. If an evacuation of a community and its members is required, all eligible costs of the evacuation are supported.
• ISC is working with Public Safety Canada to support the development of a range of flood risk mitigation strategies and initiatives for communities both on and off-reserve. As a part of this work ISC is participating in Public Safety led engagement with First Nations and Indigenous communities to better understand their experiences with flooding and disaster supports.

Background

• Flooding is the most expensive recurring natural hazard in Canada, the cost of which is consistently increasing.
• Indigenous Services Canada's (ISC) Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) provides on-reserve and other eligible First Nation communities with financial support in preparing for, mitigating against, responding to, and recovering from emergency events, including floods.
• In 2023, there were 35 flooding incidents impacting on-reserve First Nation communities, which resulted in the evacuation of over 2,500 evacuees from 10 communities across Canada. All evacuees impacted by the 2023 flooding season have returned home to their communities.
• Ahead of the 2024 flood season, ISC is working internally and with counterparts at Public Safety Canada to explore initiatives for flood risk reduction, preparedness, and mitigation.
• The 2023 flood season was considered less intense when compared to previous flood seasons and the 2023 wildland fire season. However, flooding emergencies remain a significant threat to on-reserve First Nation communities and likely will in future years to come.
• Since the 2019–20 fiscal year, there have been 319 flooding incidents impacting on-reserve First Nation communities, resulting in 85 evacuations of over 15,000 First Nation evacuees.
• At this time, there remains 524 long-term evacuees from flooding events. The majority of these evacuees are from Peguis First Nation, in Manitoba. The remaining long-term evacuees are from various First Nations in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.
• To assist First Nations in preparing for and mitigating against flood emergencies, ISC's Emergency Management Assistance Program supports the funding of various activities, including: ice breaking, snow removal, culvert and ditch clearing, sandbagging, and other eligible activities.
• Through the First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) ISC also supports structural mitigation projects to harden communities against natural hazards. Funded projects include fire resistance roofing, building retrofits, landslide and erosion mitigation, and building elevation.

Current Status

• Looking ahead to the 2024 flooding season, ISC will continue to identify opportunities to leverage internal capacity and funding mechanisms to support First Nations on-reserve.
• ISC will continue to work with external partners, including First Nation communities, Indigenous organizations, Provinces and Territories, and other Government departments (such as Public Safety Canada), to find opportunities to support on-reserve communities in preparing for and responding to flood emergencies.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

• Program/Investment
  • Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness
    • Funding / Performance Indicator Data
      • In Fiscal Year 2022/23 $17.4 million was spent on nonstructural mitigation and preparedness including flood prevention activities.
• Other Community Infrastructure – structural mitigation
  • Funding / Performance Indicator Data
    • In Fiscal Year 2022/23 ISC spent a total of $26.5 million on structural mitigation

Key Messages

• The Emergency Management Assistance Program supports First Nation communities and eligible recipients to access emergency assistance services and recovery support, especially in preparation for the forecasted challenging 2024 wildfire season.
• Canada faces a significant increase in the number, complexity, and intensity of emergency events straining the department's ability to support timely all-hazards emergency management services to First Nations. This highlights the importance of investing in mitigation and preparedness initiatives to enhance community resilience and decrease future recovery costs.
• In the 2023 Fall economic statement, support for Emergency Management Response and Recovery activities on reserve announced an additional $260 million for fiscal year 2023–2024 which is being requested through Supplementary Estimates C. This funding is essential to continue the support of response and recovery funding for First Nations communities.

Background

• The Emergency Management Assistance Program`s response and recovery funding stream supports on-reserve and eligible First Nation communities when local capacity has been exceeded. All eligible expenditures are fully reimbursed, helping communities in a timely, holistic recovery. In 2023, a record $499 million was reimbursed, due in large part to the record breaking 2023 wildfire season.
• For the first time in the program's history, due to significant funding pressures for expenses anticipated to be received in 2024–2025 for previous years events, costs are estimated to exceed the program's a-base, and this does not account for the costs to respond to events in 2024–2025.
• The department faces pressure to reimburse carryovers from the 2023–2024 fiscal year to First Nations. With a challenging forecast for the 2024 wildfire season, the department expects rapid spending of this year's response and recovery budget. Additional funding is essential to ensure timely emergency management services are provided and to ensure that recovery projects are not delayed.

Current Status

• Currently, the Department supports 568 First Nations communities during emergency events by enabling access to robust and effective emergency management services.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

• Program/Investment
  • Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP)
    • Funding / Performance Indicator Data
      • In Fiscal Year 2022/23 EMAP spent a total of $266.6 million on response and recovery, $17.4 million on non-structural mitigation, $10.8 million on FireSmart, and $13.3 million on capacity enhancement

Key Messages

• Our government is committed to addressing the inequities and broader reform issues in the registration and membership provisions of the Indian Act.
• Bill C–38's amendments were developed with the support of Indigenous partners and incorporates feedback from over 100 engagement sessions.
• Bill C–38 remedies enfranchisement and residual discrimination in the band membership provisions, such as allowing women to regain membership with their natal bands.
• On November 20, 2023, the Minister of Indigenous Services announced that an Indigenous Advisory Process was being established to inform the upcoming Collaborative Process on second-generation cut-off and section 10 vote thresholds. This process is the next step in the co-development of reforms to address registration inequities that remain within the Indian Act. This work is still underway.

Background

• The Minister of Indigenous Services is mandated to prioritize support for First Nations' self-determination with a view to a transition away from the Indian Act. In support of this mandate and in response to the Nicholas v AGC Charter challenge on enfranchisement-related inequities, the Government introduced Bill C-38, An Act to amend the Indian Act (new entitlement provisions), which was tabled on December 14, 2022. The bill is currently undergoing a second reading.
• In 2018–2019, following the Collaborative Process on Indian Registration, Band Membership and First Nations Citizenship, the Minister's Special Representative (MSR), Claudette Dumont-Smith's Final Report to Parliament on the Review of S-3 recommended addressing a broad suite of remaining inequities in the Indian Act, including enfranchisement, the second-generation cut-off, deregistration and cross-border issues.
• In March 2022, the Honorable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced an agreement with the Nicholas v AGC counsel to put the litigation in abeyance to allow the parties to seek a legislative solution for enfranchisement-related inequities. Under this agreement, Canada committed to a timely introduction of legislative remedies addressing enfranchisement.
• The issue of enfranchisement stems from the impacts of enfranchisement-related provisions introduced by Bill C–31, An Act to Amend the Indian Act in 1985. Despite the subsequent legislative amendments in Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Indian Act and Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Indian Act in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux c. Canada (Procureur général), which aimed at eliminating sex-based inequities, enfranchisement-related inequities still persist. Some individuals with family histories of enfranchisement continue to face challenges in transmitting entitlement to registration to subsequent generations, unlike individuals without such historical ties. Additionally, those who were enfranchised as part of a band or collective, along with their descendants, actively lack entitlement to registration.
• The content of Bill C-38, An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements) has been communicated through the departmental webpage, social media posts, web content and distribution of information through a third-party partner, Indigenous Link. Information on the availability of virtual engagement sessions was shared broadly through each platform.
• Action Plan Measure 7 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act commits to addressing the issue of enfranchisement through the implementation of Bill C-38, An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements). Additionally, Action Plan Measure 8 commits to co-developing a consultation process on broader reform issues in a manner that attains the high thresholds for cooperation and consultation with First Nations rights-holders, as defined in the UN Declaration Act.
• On July 14, 2023, the Government launched the Collaborative Process on the Second-Generation Cut-Off and Section 10 Voting Thresholds, a consultation process that will seek First Nations' recommendations on a legislative remedy to these issues. The Minister of Indigenous Services issued invitations welcoming 22 organizations to an Indigenous Advisory Process (IAP) as part of the co-development of the consultation process ahead. This proactive work is driven without the impetus of litigation and will continue to progress this year and into 2024.

Current Status

• On November 20, 2023, the Minister of Indigenous Services held a kick-off event with IAP partners and issued a public statement committing to identifying a solution to the second-generation cut-off.
• Information Kits as part of the Rights-holders Initiative were distributed in February 2024 providing every First Nation with community-specific data on how the second-generation cut-off impacts their members and Nation.
• Consultation events are expected to begin later in 2024.

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nations to support accountable, strong, and sustainable governments.
• ISC contributes to the costs of governance, administration and capacity development of Indigenous governments and institutions through the Indigenous Governance and Capacity sub-programs: Band Support Funding, Employee Benefits, Tribal Council Funding and Professional and Institutional Development.
• Supplementary Estimates B includes $76,251,945 for "Funding for Indigenous governance and capacity (Budget 2023)", in addition to the existing funding of $314,779,600. This funding is for 2023–24 to continue to support the governance capacity of First Nations governments and tribal councils delivering critical programs and services to their members. These funds are intended to cover full projected eligibility under the existing program funding formulas.

Background

• First Nations are increasingly assuming responsibility for designing and delivering programs and services to their populations. The Indigenous Governance and Capacity programs contribute to the ongoing costs of First Nation governments and institutions, while also providing tools and support to help First Nations build on their capacity to govern. As a result, First Nations are able to assume greater responsibility for not only the vast majority of ISC programs but also a wide range of other responsibilities.
• In Budget 2018, the Government committed to undertaking a comprehensive and collaborative review of programs and funding that support First Nations governance and to determine current needs. That review is currently underway. Modernization of the Indigenous Governance and Capacity programs is currently being co-developed with First Nation partners.

Current Status

• ISC is continuing to work with Indigenous partners to conduct a comprehensive and collaborative review of Canada's funding and programs that support First Nation governance to understand current needs and potential options to modernize the supports for First Nation governance to support First Nations in having good governance, planning for the future and advancing their vision of self-determination.
• The $76,251,945 is an interim solution to maintain existing levels of governance capacity in First Nations while this joint work continues.

Key Messages

• We were very pleased that the Federal Court approved this historic, First Nations led and designed agreement, that will provide $23.34 billion to compensate those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and those impacted by the federal government's narrow definition of Jordan's Principle.
• Now that the Federal Court has approved the agreement, Canada is not leading this implementation. Design and implementation of the distribution protocol, which will set out how claimants will be compensated, is in the sole discretion of the AFN and class counsel, working with Deloitte, who was appointed by the Federal Court as the third party administrator.
• The timing around the claims process and the payments is complex. Before payments are made, the Federal Court must approve the claims process for each class, which will be done in phases. The first claims process surrounding the removed child and caregiver classes is expected to be submitted to the court for approval in 2024, and will launch about six months after the court grants approval.
• It should also be noted that Canada has a responsibility to ensure that claimants have access to health and cultural supports. As such, ISC is fully engaged in discussions with class counsel and Deloitte on how to deliver on these responsibilities ensuring claimants have access to proper supports for the duration of the claims process.

Background

A First Nations-led and designed final settlement agreement on compensation, the largest in Canadian history, was reached in April 2023 between Canada and the Assembly of First Nations and the plaintiffs in the Moushoom and Trout class actions. Called the First Nations Child and Family Services, Jordan's Principle and Trout Class Settlement Agreement, it provides $23.3 billion for:

• Children who were removed from their homes under the First Nations Child and Family Services Program between April 1, 1991 and March 31, 2022,
• First Nations children who were impacted by the government's narrow definition of Jordan's Principle between December 12, 2007 and November 2, 2017,
• First Nations children who did not receive or were delayed in receiving an essential public service or product between April 1, 1991 and December 11, 2007,
• First Nations individuals living on reserve or in the Yukon, while under the age of majority, who were, based on the involvement of a child welfare agency, sent off-reserve by a caregiving parent or caregiving grandparent to stay with a non-family member in a placement not funded by Indigenous Services Canada, between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022;

Some caregivers of the children above may also be eligible for compensation.

The Canadian Human Right Tribunal has confirmed that the final settlement agreement fully meets the Tribunal's 2019 orders on compensation and the Federal Court of Canada has also approved it.

Current Status

The first claims process surrounding the removed child and caregiver classes is expected to be submitted to the court for approval in 2024, and will launch about six months after the court grants approval.

Key Messages

• We are continuing to negotiate a final settlement agreement on the long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program, based on the Agreement-in-Principle reached with the parties in December 2022, to ensure that the discrimination found by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal never repeats itself.
• The Agreement-in-Principle dedicates $20 billion to a renewed program over five years providing First Nations children and families residing on-reserve with culturally-based and substantially equal family supports to help them stay together. There is also new funding for on-reserve housing for five years to support prevention initiatives.
• Since reaching that agreement, ISC has implemented early enhancements to the program, significantly increasing investments in funding for prevention programming, funding First Nations representative services in all provinces and the Yukon, and extending the eligibility of post-majority support services to young adults formerly in care until their 26th birthday.
• The reformed funding methodology agreed to in the Agreement-in-Principle contained several funding components that would be distributed once a final agreement was reached. Most recently, a decision was made for ISC to provide those remaining components now so that First Nations and agencies could immediately benefit from this funding.
• The Agreement-in-Principle also committed $2 billion over five years for housing to address the needs of children and families on reserve. ISC also flowed the first year of this $2 billion commit e t, amounting to $209 million.

Background

The Agreement-in-Principle on long-term reform, reached between Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, the Caring Society, the Chiefs of Ontario and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation in December 2022, included approximately $20 billion, over five years, for the long-term reform of the FNCFS Program.

Current Status

• Negotiations towards a final settlement agreement are on-going.
• Conditions in the Agreement-in-Principle that held back some of the funding for a renewed program have now been lifted and that funding has been released in the remainder of the 2023–24 fiscal year, including $209 million for housing that will support children in need.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Program/Investment

• Long-term reform of the FNCFS Program
  • Funding / Performance Indicator Data
    • $20 billion over five years

Key Messages

• Canada is committed to working with communities to take back jurisdiction, ensuring Indigenous governing bodies' inherent right of self-government over child and family services. Coordination agreements facilitate this crucial transition, and funding for them demonstrates Canada's commitment to empowering Indigenous communities, groups and people.
• Coordination agreements for these nine Indigenous governing bodies is in line with the Federal Act to affirm the Indigenous governing bodies' inherent right of self-government, which includes jurisdiction over their child and family services and provide a framework between Canada, the province or territory and the Indigenous governing body to coordinate and transition responsibilities to the Indigenous governing body.
• The funding allocated to Indigenous governing bodies after signing a coordination agreement supports the exercise of jurisdiction and delivery of child and family services to their communities, both on and off-reserve, in the case of First Nations. Hence, funding is negotiated with the three parties to address the specific needs of each group.
• Canada is grateful and appreciative of the Indigenous governing bodies' ongoing hard work on coordination agreements, and their commitment to the shared common goal of ensuring that Indigenous children and families are in the best position to be able to thrive.
• Canada is committed to working with partners and Provincial/Territorial governments to conclude these agreements, ensuring that Indigenous communities can fully exercise this inherent right and deliver child and family services that best meet the needs of their respective communities, families, youth and children. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to foster stronger, more resilient Indigenous communities across the country, for generations to come.

Background

• Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation gave Section 20(2) notice on April 19, 2023, and discussions commenced May 8, 2023. Their Nigig Nibi Ki-win Law will gain the force of federal law on April 20, 2024. Services will be delivered by 'Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik', the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation's not-for-profit delivery agent for child and family services.
• Cowichan Tribes is the largest First Nation in British Columbia, with a population of over 5000 members in seven traditional villages in the Cowichan Valley of lower Vancouver Island. Cowichan Tribes has been delivering child and family services since 1998 through its fully delegated agency, and they entered into a trilateral memorandum of understanding to assume jurisdiction over child and family services in 2019, prior to the Act coming into force. Cowichan Tribes submitted a section 20(2) request on October 19, 2020. *Redacted information*
• Driftpile Cree Nation provided their Notice of Intent on November 14, 2022 and trilateral meetings between Driftpile Cree Nation, Canada, and Alberta have been held regularly. Driftpile Cree Nation is located on the south shore of the Lesser Slave Lake, approximately 74 kilometers west of the town of Slave Lake and 50 kilometers east of High Prairie along primary Highway #2. The Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council, a Delegated First Nation Agency, provides child and family services to Driftpile Cree Nation members on-reserve
• Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations provided their Notice of Intent on January 21, 2021. Trilateral meetings with Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations, Canada, and British Columbia have been held on an ongoing basis over the last three years. The Gwa'sala and the 'Nakwaxda'xw were two independent Nations who were amalgamated and forcibly relocated to the Tsulquate reserve in the 1960s. This reserve is adjacent to the town of Port Hardy on the North-eastern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw members in British Columbia, both on and off-reserve, receive child and family services from British Columbia's Ministry of Children and Family Development.
• Huu-ay-aht First Nations submitted a request to enter into a coordination agreement under Section 20(2) of the Act on March 26, 2020. *Redacted information*
• On November 24, 2021, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation provided s. 20(2) notices under the Act to the Government of the Northwest Territories, Alberta, Yukon, and the federal government. In the spring of 2023, the IRC established Maligaksat, an agency tasked with implementing the Inuvialuit child and family services law.
• Okanese First Nation gave Section 20(2) notice on August 24, 2022, and discussions commenced on February 3, 2023. *Redacted information*
• Services will be delivered by Okanese Suh-Tah-Kun-Wayyee-Mah-Wuk Society, Okanese First Nation's delivery agent for child and family service.
• Sts'ailes submitted its Section 20(2) request to enter Coordination Agreement discussions on October 15, 2020, and a Coordination Agreement discussion table convened on January 22, 2021. Sts'ailes, Canada, and British Columbia have been in table discussions since that date. Sts'ailes' Child and Family Services law, Snowoyelh te Emi melh te Sts'ailes, came into force on-reserve April 1, 2023. It will come into force province-wide April 1, 2024.
• On June 9, 2022, Chief Ross Perley of Tobique First Nation (Neqotkuk) notified the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada and the Minister of Social Development for New Brunswick, of Neqotkuk's request to enter into Coordination Agreement discussions pursuant to Section 20(2) of the federal Act. *Redacted information*
• Neqotkuk has an existing child welfare law, supported by a June 8, 2022, Band Council Resolution. *Redacted information*

Current Status

• Ongoing efforts to finalize coordination agreements are progressing well, with continued dedication from all parties involved, including Indigenous governing bodies and the relevant provinces and territories.
• We continue to navigate standard parliamentary processes to secure the required funding.
• Once funding is secured, we will swiftly finalize budgets and proceed with signing the coordination agreements accordingly.

Key Messages

• The Government welcomes the Supreme Court's decision that the Act is, as a whole, constitutionally valid.
• Indigenous groups, communities and Peoples will continue to be able to use the framework established by the Act to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services in accordance with their unique vision for the delivery of culturally-appropriate services.
• Our government will continue to work to help ensure that Indigenous children have the opportunity to stay immersed in their cultures and remain with their families.

Background

• On Friday, February 9, 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered its decision that An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (the Act) is, as a whole, constitutionally valid as an exercise of Parliament's jurisdiction under s. 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867.
• This was an appeal from the Quebec Court of Appeal, which had held in February 2019 that the Act is constitutional, except for ss. 21 and 22(3).
• According to the Supreme Court, the correctness of the position stated by Parliament with respect to the scope of s. 35 does not have to be determined to answer the question before it.
• The Supreme Court found that the essential matter addressed by the Act involves protecting the well-being of Indigenous children, youth and families by promoting the delivery of culturally appropriate child and family services, and in so doing, advancing the process of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
• The Supreme Court held that the Act binds the federal Crown in relation to the affirmation of the right of self-government in s. 18(1), and observed that it follows from sections 7 and 18(1) "that the Crown must take a broad approach to the interpretation of this right and must act diligently to implement it."
• In its reasons, the Supreme Court confirmed that through s. 7 of the Act, the Act not only binds the federal Crown but also the provincial Crown, noting that it is well-established that Parliament can bind the Crown in right of provinces, but only within areas of federal jurisdiction.
• The Supreme Court observed, in the midst of its analysis, that providing Indigenous child welfare services "is the responsibility of both levels of government, which must act in a concerted fashion".

Current Status

• The Government of Canada is conducting a thorough analysis of the decision and its implications.
• Implementation of the Act is proceeding.

Program-Level Data (If Applicable)

Key Messages

• The Ring of Fire development opportunity continues to be strategically important to the Government of Canada, particularly in the areas of securing critical mineral supply chains, economic recovery, transitioning to a net-zero carbon future, and to advancing Indigenous economic reconciliation and prosperity.
• The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario and Indigenous Services Canada have long supported First Nations communities within the Ring of Fire area, particularly around comprehensive community planning; business development; and community and regional infrastructure development.
• Indigenous Services Canada is committed to working collaboratively with all partners in advancing this important economic development opportunity to support First Nations in fully benefiting from these developments and in how development proceeds in their traditional territories.

Background

• Since 2011, the federal government has approached the Ring of Fire as a catalyst for regional socio-economic development for First Nations.
• Through a whole-of-government approach co-led by ISC and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario , Canada has coordinated and prioritized over $190 million in programming investments, as well as over $50 million in direct investments via the federal Strategic Partnerships Initiative program to Matawa First Nations to support mining and employment readiness, as well as wellbeing activities that support individual and community readiness.
• On May 10, 2022, the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy: From Mines To Manufacturing For The Green and Digitalized Economy was approved by the Cabinet Committee Economy, Inclusion, and Climate.
• The Minister of Natural Resources Canada, has been leading the work on the Strategy through regional approaches, stakeholder engagement, Indigenous consultations, and by establishing a number of governance committees, and a Deputy Minister Task Team to advance a coordinated strategic plan for the Ring of Fire.
• Budget 2022 committed $3.8 billion over nine years to implement the Strategy, which is intended to boost the supply of critical minerals needed to grow the domestic and global value chains for the net-zero and digital economy.
• The Strategy is built on six pillars and includes targeted investments to advance economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples ($25 million) and build sustainable infrastructure with benefits for local communities ($1.5 billion Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund). The latter will initially be targeted towards the Ring of Fire mineral region in Northern Ontario (per Budget 2022 instructions from the Minister of Finance).

Current Status

• On May 17, 2023, Minister Wilkinson sent letters to Matawa, Mushkegowuk and Weenusk First Nations and Ontario Ministers committing to provide up to $40 million to support pre-development work, such as feasibility studies, Indigenous capacity initiatives, and economic development, from sources including the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund. Ontario has confirmed interest in participating in a Canada-Ontario joint working group, as well as to match Canada's funding commitment.
  • First Nations have indicated their interest in working directly with the Government of Canada and the Province in a manner that considers their environmental, social and economic priorities.
  • From a federal perspective, establishing a multilateral forum to explore potential development in the Ring of Fire mineral region, inclusive of First Nations, Ontario and Canada, is an important step in the context of reconciliation, however, the Province of Ontario has yet to commit to a multilateral forum inclusive of all parties.
• Minister Wilkinson has endeavoured to engage with Premier Ford to explore a broader approach to collaboration in the region. To build on this, senior officials of the Federal government have been working to leverage networks and engage in discussions with senior officials of the Ontario government to advance collaboration for large scale mineral development in the region.
• Natural Resources Canada Deputy Minister Vandergrift met with Ontario Deputy Minister Fuller on September 20, 2023 to discuss next steps for operationalizing the joint working group, and Deputy Minister Vandergrift will continue to engage with Deputy Minister Fuller to confirm the approach to collaboration and identify eligible activities for the joint federal-provincial $80 million funding commitment.
• Deputy Ministers from Natural Resources Canada, ISC, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario met February 6, 2024 to ensure alignment of federal interests during engagements with Ontario and collaboration to advance the proposed multilateral working group.

Key Messages

• UNDA Action Plan Measure 74 seeks to advance economic reconciliation and address persistent economic barriers faced by Indigenous communities. An Economic Reconciliation Framework is a key tool to meet these goals.
• Indigenous Services Canada is supporting an Indigenous-led, government-supported policy development process with the objective of supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in realizing their economic visions for the future.
• An economy that works for everyone is a prosperous one. The Government of Canada is committed to offer valuable tools, remove barriers, and create the conditions for Indigenous Peoples to pursue prosperity.

Background

• UNDA Action Plan Measure 74: Building on the work from the National Indigenous Economic Development Board Report on Economic Reconciliation, as well as the First Nations Financial Management Board's Roadmap Project and the National Indigenous Economic Strategy, advance economic reconciliation through engagement on key aspects for Indigenous economic development such as initiating discussions on an Indigenous-led investment and financial asset management regime, and address persistent economic barriers for Indigenous businesses and communities, including the impacts of colonization and inequitable policies.
• Budget 2023 included a $5 million investment in 2023–24 to co-develop an Economic Reconciliation Framework with Indigenous partners.
• Indigenous Services Canada is in the process of developing a framework in partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council, and a group of First Nations institutions and organizations.

Current Status

• Contribution agreements with the Indigenous Policy Leads were prepared this fiscal year and the engagement and policy development processes have begun.
• Our shared goal is to produce an Economic Reconciliation Framework before the end of the 2024–25 fiscal year.