2025-26 Gender-based analysis plus
Table of contents
Institutional GBA Plus Capacity
Governance
The GBA Plus focal point unit for Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), also called the Responsibility Centre, was established at the end of 2020-21 within the Strategic Policy and Partnerships Sector.
ISC’s vision for GBA Plus, is rooted in the GBA Plus frameworks of Indigenous partners, and is supported by a working group comprised of ISC officials, National Indigenous Women's Organizations, and other Indigenous partners. Within ISC, GBA Plus is an essential policy integration tool, and is applied to the design, development, implementation and monitoring of ISC’s programs and services, as well as internal services, in order to meet the diverse needs of Indigenous Peoples and ensure no unintended barriers or inequities are created nor perpetuated.
ISC continues to have a senior executive level GBA Plus champion, who brings GBA Plus considerations to discussions at various management tables, ensuring that GBA Plus is considered as part of ISC decision-making. To facilitate senior management support across the department and advance GBA Plus implementation, a 5-year strategy was approved by ISC’s Senior Management Committee in Spring 2023. This was followed by an implementation strategy in Spring 2024, which includes a plan to measure the quality of analysis being conducted within the department and to increase capacity across all sectors to consistently apply GBA Plus to support decision-making.
The Responsibility Centre collects and reports annually to senior management data related to:
- the quality of GBA Plus integration in all policy, performance measurement, and funding initiatives;
- barriers to applying GBA Plus;
- how GBA Plus is being used in major initiatives; and
- data/evidence collection plans pertaining to GBA Plus.
These data represent key performance indicators that comprise ISC’s indicator framework to support the GBA Plus implementation Strategy, including directing capacity building activities.
ISC also has GBA Plus focal points in each sector that support competency development, and who ensure greater efficiency and timeliness of the department’s high quality GBA Plus challenge function. Finally, there is also an informal GBA Plus Community of Practice with over 200 representatives from across the department.
Capacity
In 2025-26, ISC’s GBA Plus Responsibility Centre will continue to advance the implementation of Culturally Competent GBA Plus (CCGBA Plus) throughout the department by:
- Continuing to advance its capacity building strategy (through trainings, tools, and resources) with attention to different levels of GBA Plus maturity, functional areas, and competency gaps;
- Continuing to assess capacity and implementation of GBA Plus as per the department’s GBA Plus theory of change;
- Bi-annual reporting to senior management on the quality of analysis being conducted in their sectors; and
- Continuing to work with the Evaluation Directorate on integrating GBA Plus in program evaluations, in order to gather lessons learned and assess capacity and program gaps in GBA Plus implementation.
ISC operates within a complex data landscape influenced by key factors such as, the department's mandate to advance the transfer of services, the need to reduce reporting burdens for Indigenous partners, and the department’s commitments to Indigenous Data Sovereignty more broadly. These factors can challenge the department’s ability to offer detailed descriptions of program impacts for diverse groups, particularly through disaggregated data and population level statistics that other departments may use. However, ISC recognizes the importance of applying GBA Plus as a critical tool in advancing reconciliation. By continuing to work closely with Indigenous partners and embedding GBA Plus within the program performance profiles, and data collection efforts, ISC ensures that the diverse sociocultural and economic needs and aspirations of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities are fully considered. Through its Departmental Data Strategy, and Transformational Approach to Indigenous Data Initiative, ISC integrates culturally competent GBA Plus into data collection efforts in order to increase capacity for GBA Plus implementation.
Human resources
In 2025-26, it is anticipated that ISC will have up to 10 FTEs supporting GBA Plus implementation within the Responsibility Centre.
Highlights of GBA Plus Results Reporting by Program
Core Responsibility: Indigenous Well-Being and Self-Determination
Important Note: In some instances, the following report is disaggregated to the sub-program level where necessary to ensure sufficient specificity and granularity. ISC is committed to transparent and specific GBA Plus reporting.
Service Area 1: Health
Public Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
Communicable Disease Control & Management
Communicable Disease Control & Management (CDCM) collects information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus), and reports on this information in the departmental results report.
The program is able to provide reporting on the burden of various communicable diseases and assist with evaluating the impact of its initiatives through highlighting differences in outcomes based on sex.
The CDCM Integrated Surveillance Data System project will support the development of an integrated and OCAP®-compliant case management, contact tracing and surveillance solution for use within ISC First Nations and Inuit Health Branch nursing stations and regional offices to facilitate communicable disease outbreak prevention, management and disease surveillance and reporting.
CDCM is compiling historical reports of communicable disease outcomes into a single data file that can be used to examine long-term and sex-disaggregated trends in communicable disease incidence among First Nations communities.
CDCM requested and received age group and sex-disaggregated population data for First Nations residing in the communities in 2023 to be used as denominators to derive communicable disease age group and sex-specific rates for comparison with respective rates in the general Canadian population in 2023 and onward.
Environmental Public Health
The Environmental Public Health (EPH) Program supports First Nations communities on-reserve by preventing, identifying, and mitigating health risks from hazards in natural and built environments. Services, tailored to infrastructure types (e.g., wells, septic systems) and specific events (e.g., disease outbreaks, evacuations), are delivered at the community level in collaboration with local authorities. Priorities include assessing facilities such as schools and supported living homes where vulnerable populations—such as children, elders, and breastfeeding women—may be present. The program also funds community-based research and activities that enhance capacity in climate change adaptation, environmental contaminant exposure, and health impact monitoring, integrating Traditional Knowledge with scientific research and emphasizing inclusion of diverse sub-populations.
Key initiatives include the First Nations Baseline Assessment Program, which collects baseline data on health and environmental indicators, and the First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program, which ensures diverse voices (e.g., elders, youth, women) shape research and that methodologies address equity considerations. Similarly, the Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program requires youth and elder involvement in funded projects to reflect intergenerational perspectives. Additionally, EPH funds the Food, Environment, Health, and Nutrition of First Nations Children and Youth study, a cross-country project for assessing health in the 3–19 age group through community engagement, researcher training, and academic collaboration.
GBA Plus data collection plan
EPH is advancing work to collect information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
The First Nations Selection Committees, established to support Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program, review proposals from a GBA plus lens. Only proposals with meaningful participation and appropriate remuneration of children and youth are recommended for funding.
The Impact Assessment and Health Service stream is organizing workshops with communities/Tribal Councils and regional First Nations to gather perspectives and concerns. Results will be analyzed based on self-declared identity characteristics.
The EPH recruitment and retention strategy, supported by Health Human Resources Funding until 2027, will track the number of Indigenous people and women who are hired as, or are funded to enter a relevant program to become, an EPH Officer.
Healthy Child Development
GBA Plus data collection plan
Healthy Child Development (HCD) is advancing work to collect sufficient information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
Healthy Child Development continues to use the expertise and guidance of the Indigenous Women's Advisory Committee to help identify and work to mitigate barriers to access, and to develop programming that supports the needs of diverse subpopulations.
Co-developed results frameworks for Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care, led by Employment and Social Development Canada, and the associated data to be collected by Indigenous partners are anticipated by March 2025. This presents an opportunity for greater data disaggregation as determined by Indigenous partners.
Going forward, the program will continue to work with Indigenous partners, including the Indigenous Women’s Well-being Advisory Committee as well as through the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative, to ensure new programming and results frameworks are designed and guided by Indigenous Peoples, consistent with GBA Plus best practice.
The program will report on "percentage of communities with access to Indigenous midwifery services," disaggregated by distinction and region.
In addition, a spatial method for determining access is being developed. For the baseline, access was defined as proximity of the Indigenous midwifery practice to the community, as per the definition above.
Mental Wellness
The Mental Wellness Program works closely with Indigenous partners, organizations and communities to support mental wellness services that are Indigenous-led, culturally relevant, trauma-informed, community-based and inclusive. The program's efforts are strongly guided by Indigenous-led frameworks, which outline comprehensive, and culturally-grounded approaches to mental wellness, and which identify the need for tailored supports for specific populations at risk.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Mental Wellness is advancing work to collect qualitative and quantitative information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
The program will continue to engage Indigenous partners on how program effectiveness is measured, including by engaging with the First Nations Mental Wellness Data Group, supporting the Inuit Health Survey through funding for the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami-led National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy, and providing funding to support Métis data and indicator work.
The program prioritizes Indigenous-led data strategies that focus on distinctions and aggregate-level, outcomes-based reporting, supporting Indigenous communities' control over their data and storytelling. It is also exploring ways to integrate Indigenous-developed indicators and measurements into its reporting.
Home and Long Term Care
The Home and Long-Term Care program indirectly offers ongoing healthcare and social services in First Nations and Inuit communities to individuals with varying needs associated with decreasing independence, including for persons of all ages with complex care needs, disabilities, and those requiring supports with daily tasks to live independently. ISC supports are offered through two separate programs Assisted Living and First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care programs.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Home and Long Term Care is advancing work to collect sufficient information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
Both subprograms (Home and Community Care and Assisted Living) will be advancing work to develop new metrics and reporting requirements to assess the effectiveness and impact of our services and to enhance transparency and accountability. The new data strategies will be built on meaningful datasets and indicators that reflect Indigenous and Government of Canada priorities for Home and Long-Term Care. Ongoing Indigenous partner engagement activities and program analysis will contribute to inform the identification of relevant data sets, and any new data requirements, to improve the model's forecasting and predictive capabilities through data disaggregation, and to promote programmatic alignment with client needs while remaining careful to avoid undue burdens of reporting. Implementation of the new strategy is planned for 2025-2026.
Primary Health Care
Clinical & Client Care
The Clinical and Client Care program is dedicated to providing essential health services to remote and isolated communities in regions where primary care is not available or delivered by provincial care systems. This includes preventative health, emergency, ambulatory, and outpatient care. The program supports diverse needs by providing culturally sensitive care across any age and medical conditions regardless of background, identity or circumstance while respecting traditions, addressing specific health impacts of intergenerational trauma, and addressing the unique needs of subpopulations. The review and update of Clinical Care Pathways (CCPs) (i.e., clinical practice guidelines) is an ongoing initiative to support primary care nurses working in remote and isolated communities. Sex and gender are considered in the development of CCPs, in terms of health conditions, outcomes and clinical assessment and management needs. The CCPs are tailored to reflect the realities of nursing in remote and isolated Indigenous communities, and help support nurses to provide culturally competent, client-centered and trauma-informed care.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Clinical & Client Care is advancing work to collect information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
Clinical and Client Care and eHealth are collaborating to develop an eHealth "Infostructure," with the objective of improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery to First Nations communities through the use of communications technologies. This information technology project will explore the possibility of aggregate electronic data-sharing arrangements with communities if electronic medical records are in place, and will include a GBA Plus component for aggregate analysis of services provided.
e-Health
To support the provision of primary health care service delivery, ISC’s e-Health program provides funding, advice, and expertise to First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations for the delivery of eHealth services and Virtual Care technologies. The program has integrated considerations for the specific health needs and health care system interactions of First Nations youth, women, men, the elderly, and gender diverse individuals into its design and delivery, including for digital health and electronic medical records.
Access to digital health is crucial to enhance access to health care for First Nations living in remote and isolated communities where access to in-person care is limited. Moreover, digital health technologies allow for greater access to care and reduce the need for medical travel for intersecting groups that experience added challenges in accessing in-person care, such as seniors and those with disabilities.
Health Systems Support
The Health Systems Support Program develops initiatives that work to transform health systems and move the department and Indigenous peoples towards service transfer and devolution. GBA Plus has been integrated into a funding formula that specifically addresses the needs of rural and remote communities serving vulnerable populations. Indigenous health outcomes are generally below the Canadian average, with particularly limited access to health services in remote and isolated areas. The program emphasizes support for these underserved communities, which face unique challenges and inequities.
Implementation of accreditation activities can help establish health service delivery standards for community health providers on the delivery of health services, which relate to GBA Plus by considering potential barriers for vulnerable populations and meeting their unique health needs. Accreditation Standards are clear in the identification and removal of barriers for distinct populations which experience limited access, including gender diverse, Two-Spirit and rural communities. The Public Health and Primary Care Standards are designed to be inclusive and provide directives in establishing equitable access to health services and supports for vulnerable populations such as Two-Spirit, Gender Diverse and rural/isolated/remote communities.
In British Columbia, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) promotes general equality goals through its health systems, as outlined in its Draft Multi-Year Health Plan 2022-23 to 2026-27. The FNHA’s vision and directives honor traditional matriarchs and support 2SLGBTQI+ leaders in decolonizing gender roles within First Nations cultures. Health Transformation funding is regionally administered and tailored to First Nations communities, considering factors like remoteness and cultural relevance. Ongoing policy work aims to address gaps, and improve implementation based on insights from the BC First Nations Health Authority's experience.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Health Systems Support is advancing work to collect information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
The Health Systems Support program funds Indigenous partners to develop and administer health surveys and collaborates with Statistics Canada to inform these surveys. The program works closely with the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) on the First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS), which gathers self-reported data on both Western and Traditional health perspectives from on-reserve communities. This collaboration helps identify gaps in health outcomes and barriers to services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, particularly those with diverse gender identities and across different age groups. The program will continue to explore how survey results can be disaggregated by factors such as community remoteness to enhance intersectional analysis of health outcomes and address challenges related to access to healthcare and Health Human Resources.
Supplementary Health Benefits
The NIHB Program offers coverage to eligible First Nation and Inuit clients nationwide, regardless of age, income, or geographic location, with benefits tailored to meet unique needs. This includes coverage for interventions related to gender affirmation or reassignment, ensuring that all clients receive the support they need.
Utilization patterns of the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program can vary based on sociodemographic factors such as gender. When demand falls short of expectations, the program collaborates with First Nation and Inuit partners to explore and address potential barriers to access. This process ensures that any issues impacting the uptake of benefits are identified and mitigated effectively.
The program also addresses variations in health service availability by providing medical transportation and contracted services in rural, remote, and isolated communities. Engagement with First Nation and Inuit partners is ongoing, contributing to continuous improvements in program delivery. Specific interventions include coverage for over-the-counter products often used by women, such as emergency contraception and prenatal vitamins. The program also provides travel escorts for clients requiring assistance, whether for prenatal care or other needs, and supports culturally relevant services like traditional healer services through First Nation and Inuit-led projects. Additionally, measures are in place to facilitate client access, including Navigators to help clients with services and benefits, direct billing options for service providers, and improvements to the Health Information and Claims Processing Services system for online claim submissions. Contribution agreements and training support are provided to First Nation and Inuit partners to enable them to deliver program benefits directly to their communities.
Supplementary Health Benefits program collects information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus), and reports on this information in the departmental results report.
Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative
Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative
Jordan’s Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative (ICFI) aim to ensure First Nations and Inuit children have equal access to the public services they need. The initiatives respond to unmet needs of First Nations and Inuit children and can help with a wide range of health, social, and educational products, services, and supports. The initiatives aim to center the needs, best interests, and distinct circumstances of the child, through a non-discriminatory request process that is simple to access, timely, and that minimizes the administrative burden on families.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Jordan’s Principle and the ICFI collects information to monitor and/or report on program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus), and reports on this information in the departmental results report.
The programs will make enhancements to existing analytic tools to monitor and report on trends observed from First Nations and Inuit children and youth applicants from a gender and diversity lens and based on meaningful engagement with First Nations and Inuit youth.
Service Area 2: Children and Families
Child and Family Services
An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families
Communities are best positioned to identify the needs of their members and create programs and services that enhance the lives of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. Capacity building funding enables Indigenous groups, communities, and governing bodies to explore readiness to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services and to develop Indigenous child and family services legislation, systems and programs suited to their own communities’ realities and needs prior to entering into coordination agreement discussions. Additionally, the department supports Indigenous Governing Bodies during coordination agreement discussions by providing funding and policy support to finalize agreements that directly or indirectly address diverse needs of child and families and reduce negative outcomes for children, youth and families.
GBA Plus data collection plan
ISC will support Indigenous governing bodies in developing their child and family services model including data collection planning. Indigenous communities seeking to exercise jurisdiction under the Act determine how they will monitor and evaluate their new child and family services models. Through implementation of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families better quality of services and outcomes are expected, including the advancement of co-developed, distinctions-based, multi-jurisdictional data strategies and approaches that respect Indigenous data sovereignty. As the department continues to support data capacity building, including approaches to GBA Plus, collaboration with partners will occur in the form of capacity building, pilot projects, and knowledge-exchange events, coordination agreement discussions and resource sharing.
An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Children, Youth, and Families collects information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus), and reports on this information in the departmental results report.
First Nations Child and Family Services
The objective of the First Nations Child and Family Services program is to support thriving children, youth, young adults, families and communities by funding eligible recipients, to deliver prevention and protection services such as child protection, guardianship and support and child maintenance and care for children and families ordinarily resident on reserve or in the Yukon.
Services under the First Nations Child and Family Services program will be provided in an inclusive and impartial manner based on substantive equality to address the specific needs and circumstances of First Nations children and families living on reserve or in the Yukon. Services may take into account First Nations' cultural, historical and geographical needs and circumstances, in a manner that accounts for the best interest of the child, as defined by First Nations.
GBA Plus data collection plan
First Nations Child and Family Services Program is advancing work to collect information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus). First Nations Child and Family Services Program Service providers, such as First Nations and delegated agencies, collect data for the reformed program and report disaggregated data, including gender, age and geography. This allows the assessment of the Program’s impacts on diverse populations using GBA Plus, addresses the unique needs within First Nations communities and ensures that the services provided are equitable and effective across diverse populations.
Income Assistance
The Income Assistance program provides funding for case management and pre-employment supports to enhance economic inclusion for Income Assistance individuals and their dependents. Tailored case management addresses specific needs and goals, offering access to personalized plans, culturally appropriate training, and life skills. This may include referrals to mental health services, adult education, or motivational courses. These supports aim to improve employability, increase economic participation, and reduce poverty, with potential positive impacts on community well-being and future generations.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The Program is advancing work to collect information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus). The current Data Collection Instrument (DCI) captures sex and age information, but expanding data collection would improve impact assessments.
The Program is exploring options to modernize their DCI by adding a third gender option. This addition will support more granular reporting as the DCI currently collects a number of indicators by age, gender, and location. Ongoing collaboration with First Nations partners will address data collection and reporting challenges as the Program adapts to better support transitions from income assistance to employment and education.
The Program will also implement disability income supports by 2025-26, aligning with provincial and Yukon rates. In 2024-25, the DCI was updated to collect disaggregated data on disability support recipients. The department will continue to work with First Nation partners to refine data disaggregation for these new supports.
Safety and Prevention Services
Family Violence Prevention Program
The Family Violence and Prevention program enhances the safety and security of Indigenous women, children, families, and 2SLGBTQI+ people across Canada through operations and capacity building for shelters and transitional (second-stage) housing; funding for the daily operations of emergency shelters and transitional homes (second stage housing); and funding for training, engagement and culturally-appropriate community-driven prevention projects to raise awareness of gender-based violence.
The Program's Terms and Conditions have been revised to expand eligibility and better represent all Indigenous groups, with a focus on distinctions-based and underrepresented populations. The 2024-25 Call For Proposals prioritized projects that address the following themes:
- outreach to Indigenous women, children, youth and 2SLGBTQI+ people on the prevention of family violence
- empowerment of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people to reduce the risk of vulnerability to family violence
- addressing the vulnerability to family violence associated with the transition to living in environments away from First Nations, Inuit or Métis traditional lands and communities
- service supports for Indigenous men and boys on the prevention of family violence
- services supports for survivors of family violence and reducing vulnerability to human trafficking and sexual exploitation
- wrap-around services and case management for survivors of family violence
GBA Plus data collection plan
The Program is advancing work to collect information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
The Program continues to work with its regions and Indigenous partners to collect, amalgamate and roll-out its Data Collection Instrument specific to the operations of emergency shelters and transitional housing and violence prevention projects. In 2023-24, 44% of support services and violence prevention activities incorporated distinctions-based or 2SLGBTQI+ components.
In addition, 77% of requests for overnight residence in ISC-funded shelters by women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people were met. Overall, 40% family violence prevention related activities were directed to community priorities and needs.
Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative
The Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative supports Indigenous Peoples across Canada by addressing various community safety challenges by providing flexible support for Indigenous-led safety and well-being programs, promoting reconciliation, resiliency, and capacity-building. It specifically aids Indigenous women and girls, who face disproportionately high rates of violence and over-representation in correctional services.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative is advancing work to collect sufficient information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
The initiative has developed a new Data Collection Instrument that allows funding recipients to self-identify any sub-populations their project has served. The subprogram will report on disaggregated indicators in future Departmental Results Reports.
Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples
The Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples program supports front-line Indigenous Service Delivery Organizations that provide programs and services to urban Indigenous Canadians. It is comprised of six program streams: Organizational Capacity, Programs and Services, Coalitions, and Research and Innovation, Infrastructure, and Housing.
The Organizational Capacity stream provides core funding to Indigenous organizations, including Friendship Centres that deliver programs and services to urban Indigenous peoples. The Programs and Services stream provides project funding to organizations for a range of programs and services that focus on six key areas: women, vulnerable populations (e.g. seniors), youth, transition services, outreach programs and community wellness.
The Coalitions stream supports local coalitions that bring together stakeholders to identify local priorities, and ensure efficient delivery of programs and services. The Research and Innovation stream provides funding to better understand the urban Indigenous reality, gather information on best practices, methodologies and programming approaches, as well as pilot innovative programs and services.
The Infrastructure stream provides funding for infrastructure projects that increase the physical capacity and improve the safety, security, and accessibility of urban and rural Indigenous service delivery organization's facilities to deliver new programming or to respond to increased demand for existing programs.
Housing, the most recent stream, aims to provide funding for Indigenous housing projects, including purchases, new construction, repairs, and renovations for urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing and service delivery organizations.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The Program is advancing work to collect sufficient information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
In 2024-25, the Program is co-developing its Data Collection Instrument as an extension of the co-development work on the program performance framework. The culmination of this work will be a framework and reporting tool that will facilitate understanding and reflect the values of Indigenous Peoples living in urban centers effectively. This will also allow the program to disaggregate and contextualize data for departmental reporting purposes.
Service Area 3: Education
Post-Secondary Education
Distinctions-based Post-Secondary Education strategies increase access to and support success in post-secondary education for eligible First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students. The strategies offer flexibility to Indigenous organizations and communities to allocate funding based on their unique needs, including providing wraparound supports, when possible, to mitigate barriers to Post-Secondary Education completion, enhancing access to higher-paying employment. Supports include:
- Mental health services
- Accessibility supports for students with disabilities
- Coverage for living expenses
- Childcare for students with dependents
- Culturally appropriate learning environments and community programming
GBA Plus data collection plan
The Post Secondary Education Program collects information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus), and reports on this information in the departmental results report.
The Post-Secondary Education Program collects data for each of the three distinctions-based Post-Secondary Education Strategies, as well as the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy. Through the Education Information System, the department measures performance indicators related to GBA Plus to inform ongoing program design considerations. The collection of indicator data provides insight into intersecting factors such as the provision of culturally and linguistically relevant programming and education attainment of diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation population groups, disaggregated by age, gender, and region.
Using these systems, the department can also collect and measure the activities undertaken and results achieved through the respective First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategies, including the number of students (by gender) who receive funding, and the number of funded students who graduate with a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree. Additionally, modifications have been made to the data collection instrument for First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy to not only streamline reporting, but to also include indicators such as gender, disability, remote region, and self-identification as 2SLGBTQI+.
Elementary and Secondary Education
The Elementary and Secondary Education Program supports elementary and secondary education for First Nations students, schools and communities by working in partnership with First Nations to help close the education outcome gaps between First Nations and other Canadians.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The Elementary and Secondary Education Program collects information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus), and reports on this information in the departmental results report.
Through the Education Information System and the Education Reports and Analysis Solution, the department measures performance indicators related to GBA Plus to inform ongoing program design considerations. The collection of indicator data provides insight into intersecting factors such as the provision of culturally and linguistically relevant programming and education attainment of diverse First Nations population groups, disaggregated by gender (including non-binary people where possible).
Using these systems, the department can also collect and measure activities undertaken and results achieved through the First Nations Elementary and Secondary Education Program, including graduation rate, instruction in a First Nations language, culturally-based curriculum and land-based learning services, and reading, writing, and numeracy.
Service Area 4: Infrastructure and Environments
Community Infrastructure Program
Housing
Housing is advancing work to collect sufficient information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
The sub-program is expanding housing capacity enhancement projects that include data collection on the impacts of housing delivery by gender and other identity factors, such as individuals with special needs and 2SLGBTQI+ people. In addition, a new indicator will be introduced for fiscal year 2024-25: Percentage of children in First Nations communities living in unsuitable housing. In addition, the housing team worked with the department's GBA Plus Responsibility Centre to establish a new indicator, which would report on the rate of change in crowded housing by First Nations communities' remoteness.
Education Facilities
GBA Plus has informed revisions to the School Space Accommodation Standards (SSAS) to include gender-neutral washrooms, in the design of an education facility, culturally appropriate spaces, and accommodations for Knowledge Keepers.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Education Facilities is advancing work to collect sufficient information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus). Some work has already been completed on disaggregating indicator data, such as condition of school facilities, by region and remoteness.
Steps have also been taken to include a GBA Plus lens at the forefront of Education Infrastructure processes. A Terms of Reference for Feasibility Studies was developed that includes a component on GBA Plus data collection and need considerations. For example, looking at impacts on different groups of children (children with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ people etc.) of not having a school facility that appropriately meets their unique needs. This element of the Feasibility Study will carry through into those needs being considered in the design of Education Facilities.
Water and Wastewater
The Water and Wastewater sub-program offers funding to support training coordination and capacity building for activities related to water and wastewater facilities. It helps identify infrastructure needs on reserves, develop capital plans for water and wastewater projects, and implement management practices for facility maintenance. The sub-program's goal is to assist First Nations in achieving reliable, sustainable water infrastructure that meets health and safety standards, ensuring service levels comparable to those in non-Indigenous communities. First Nations determine priorities and submit project proposals to the department.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Water and Wastewater is advancing work to improve the collection of information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
The sub-program is exploring ways to improve data collection that will allow for better assessment of the direct and indirect impacts of water and wastewater investments on all members of First Nations communities, as well as underrepresented and target sub-populations, on reserve. Considerations may include the feasibility of qualitative data collection, building on other studies, and reviewing existing data collection systems (e.g. Annual Performance Inspections in the Integrated Capital Management System (ICMS)), in order to better assess the impacts of water and wastewater sub-program funding in First Nations communities on reserve.
To support this, the sub-program has undertaken a review of its GBA Plus indicators and assessments, and is developing a plan to fill gaps and improve data collected from a gender-based and intersectionality perspective.
Communities and the Environment
Contaminated Sites on Reserve
The Contaminated Sites on Reserve (CSOR) sub-program is primarily implemented by First Nations through Grants and Contribution funding, with funding for contaminated site assessment and remediation flowing directly from ISC to First Nations via contribution agreements. This approach empowers communities to build capacity and advance self-determination.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Contaminated Sites On-Reserve (CSOR) is a community-level program that benefits all members of First Nation communities by addressing environmental contamination. The program collects and reports data that support understanding of its broader impacts, including disaggregation based on population and the remoteness of contaminated sites. This approach provides insights into how different sizes of communities or different regions benefit from the program’s activities.
Emergency Management Assistance
Aligned with the Gender Results Framework goal of Poverty Reduction, Health, and Well-Being, Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) is adaptable and responsive to the evolving challenges posed by emergencies, including climate change. The program aims to be flexible, culturally sensitive, and reduce barriers to access for First Nation communities.
GBA Plus data collection plan
EMAP is advancing work to collect sufficient information to monitor and report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus) through better disaggregation of performance indicators.
To do this, the program is working in partnership with First Nations and emergency management partners to establish comprehensive emergency management service agreements that will define monitoring and reporting components to identify and address shortcomings for continuous improvement.
First Nations Waste Management
The First Nations Waste Management Initiative aims to enhance waste management awareness and provide support to low-capacity communities, especially in remote areas.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The FNWMI collects information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus), and reports on this information in the departmental results report.
In 2023-24, the FNWMI co-hosted a GBA Plus information session with ISC’s GBA Plus Responsibility Centre for the benefit of our First Nations partners on the National Advisory Committee (NAC). The session resulted in gaining the interest of the NAC in co-developing a GBA Plus toolkit with the FNWMI for use in program design and delivery. Starting in 2023-24, the FNWMI began disaggregating existing indicators by community level factors such as population and remoteness in order to generate GBA Plus relevant indicators and results.
Service Area 5: Economic Development
Community Economic Development
Community Opportunity Readiness Program
Through this program, investments are made in community-owned businesses support First Nation and Inuit communities to achieve greater self-reliance and sustainable economic prosperity.
Proposal-based funding is available on a competitive basis for communities for a portion of the budget required to develop, acquire or expand a business, or create economic infrastructure for multiple businesses that will generate revenues and employment for the benefit of the community as a whole. Communities must demonstrate that they will obtain funding from other sources, including commercial lenders or their own capital.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The sub-program collects information to monitor and report program impacts by diversity (GBA Plus), and reports on this information in the departmental results report.
Internal analysis of administrative data is underway to identify the profile of communities which accessed funding over the past five years. This information will assist in understanding trends and potential barriers to accessing funding by communities, including from an intersectional perspective.
Analysis of impacts of Budget 2022 funding is underway, in particular in how the additional funding increased access by small, remote and isolated communities. Results and recommendations from these sources are expected to contribute to policy and program decisions.
The program is revising project assessment criteria for 2025-26 which will include community unemployment rates and remoteness in project selection, in order to reduce barriers to accessing funding by small, remote and isolated communities.
The program is undergoing an evaluation which will be completed by March 2025. GBA Plus is a thematic line of enquiry for this evaluation.
Strategic Partnerships Initiative
Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) initiatives are designed through regional engagement, allowing communities to express their specific needs. SPI’s Terms and Conditions ensure that communities from all distinction groups and regions are eligible. By addressing barriers to economic participation, SPI closes socio-economic gaps through job creation, business development, capacity building, and own-source revenue generation.
GBA Plus data collection plan
SPI is advancing work to collect sufficient information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
SPI has recently implemented the inclusion of a GBA Plus analysis within the proposal stage for initiatives. This analysis will ensure particular GBA Plus risks or barriers are identified before initiatives are launched and therefore enable proper mitigations and responses. In addition, SPI is currently undergoing a program evaluation and GBA Plus is a thematic line of enquiry in the evaluation. Evaluation findings are expected to be published in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program - Access to Capital
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) aims to increase access to capital for Indigenous businesses by addressing barriers through ongoing funding provided through Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) and Métis Capital Corporations (MCCs). The program supports Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses with non-repayable equity contributions and business services. AEP-Access to Capital also funds lenders to cover borrowing and operational costs, enhancing access to capital for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses.
The distinctions-based delivery of the program is facilitated through separate agreements with National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and the five MCCs.
This program also includes the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Initiative, which, as a result of the success of the pilot program and a historical $320 million investment to the AEP through Budget 2024 over five years, is expected to expand to reach more women, and additionally, youth entrepreneurs across Canada.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program - Access to Capital collects information to monitor and report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus), and reports on this information in the departmental results report.
Currently, partners collect data disaggregated by the gender binary (male/female). However, as a result of the most recent evaluation, work is underway to improve data collection as part of the modernization of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program.
While the research available has provided important information on certain groups of entrepreneurs, there are multiple data gaps on Indigenous entrepreneurs in general. This is especially true for disaggregated data such as, economic sectors or industries, geographical locations and on the detailed impacts of current financing and training for Indigenous women and youth entrepreneurs. In addition, data is often not broken down by Indigenous distinction group (First Nations, Métis and Inuit). There is also no data on Indigenous businesses owned by 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs or the barriers they face in accessing business financing. Ongoing discussions with partners are focusing on improvements to data collection that will help address some of these gaps based on the partner's priorities.
Service Area 6: Governance
Indigenous Governance and Capacity Supports
Indigenous Governance & Capacity
The Indigenous Governance & Capacity (IGC) sub-program supports governance and capacity development for Indigenous governments and communities across various governmental functions, such as leadership, law-making, financial management, planning and risk management, and community involvement. The sub-program’s design allows Indigenous governments to prioritize their funding and activities according to their unique needs and expertise. This flexibility empowers Indigenous communities to make informed decisions on how best to allocate resources to address their priorities.
To account for community-level differences the Band Support Funding (BSF) program determines eligible funding based on factors such as population, departmental service delivery, and a geographic index. Delivered as a grant, BSF enables First Nations to manage funds according to their distinct governance needs. The Employee Benefits (EB) program also supports First Nations by providing employer-contribution benefits, which are expected to increase pension contributions and enhance staff retention. The Tribal Council Funding (TCF) program contributes to governance and administrative support for program and service delivery through tribal councils, as agreed upon by member First Nations. Additionally, the Professional and Institutional Development (P&ID) program offers capacity-building support for First Nations and Inuit communities to advance their capacity across various governance functions.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The IGC sub-program is advancing work to collect information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus), and reports on this information in the departmental results report.
More work is required to better understand the impacts of the IGC sub-program by sub-group and community-level factors. For instance, in 2024-25, the department explored analysis involving factors such as population and remoteness. As well, a results workplan will continue to examine results planning and measurement opportunities, to better outline the impacts of governance capacity and development programs in relation to advancing self-determination, which will include the exploration of impacts by specific disaggregated individual identity and community-level factors.
Individual Affairs
Since December 2020, individuals applying for Indian registration or an Indian status card can choose between male (M), female (F), or a third gender option (X) on application forms. This inclusive approach, also being implemented in other Individual Affairs Branch program forms where gender is relevant, aims to support gender-diverse individuals and enhance personal safety by omitting gender fields where unnecessary or offering a third option when required. Additionally, Bill S-3 amendments to the Indian Act extend Indian status entitlement to descendants of women impacted by historical sex-based discrimination, potentially granting status to an estimated 270,000 to 450,000 newly entitled persons. Furthermore, over 57,000 individuals already registered but previously unable to pass on entitlement can now do so due to category amendments.
GBA Plus data collection plan
Individual Affairs collects information to monitor program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus), and reports on this information in the departmental results report.
The subprogram is analyzing options to determine the best options for new Estates Reporting System (ERS) development. The Estates Reporting System tracks information relevant to Dependent Adults under ISC’s jurisdiction, such as sex, marital status and residence on/off reserve.
To mirror changes made allowing for a third option "X" in fields pertaining to gender on forms for the registration process, work is underway to either remove fields pertaining to either gender or sex from estates, trust moneys, and treaty annuity forms where they are not required, and in instances where they are required, provide more inclusive terminology/options for filling out said fields.
New Fiscal Relationship Grant
The New Fiscal Relationship Grant is a unique funding mechanism intended to have community-level impacts for First Nations who have already moved or will move to the Grant, by providing them the flexibility to invest in and plan for services in a manner that reflects community priorities. Reporting to Canada is also significantly decreased as core funding levels are not recalculated annually. This Grant responds to a need for predictability that many First Nations have expressed as short term funding creates a lack of stability that does not allow for longer-term planning, and thus is inhibits to self-determination.
GBA Plus data collection plan
New Fiscal Relationship Grant is advancing work to collect sufficient information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
ISC is working to examine whether there are statistically significant correlations between Grant participation and factors that might be associated with barriers to meeting the Grant eligibility criteria, such as community size, remoteness, employment and income. Conducting this analysis will allow ISC to disaggregate indicators in relation to First Nations and First Nations-led service delivery entities joining the Grant, as well as meeting and maintaining the Grant eligibility criteria.
Elections and Governance Operations
Formally reported under "Statutory, Legislative & Policy Support to First Nations Governance"
This sub-program provides training and support to First Nations in the areas of leadership selection process conversion, elections training, Electoral Officer training, and overall governance support. Governance support and service delivery provided is consistent with Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples articles which advocate for Indigenous peoples asserting their autonomy in areas of governance, law making and administration of their own affairs. The sub-program seeks to consistently move more First Nations away from the Indian Act electoral provisions and provide support to First Nations in asserting more autonomy and independence over governance, leadership selection and law making.
GBA Plus data collection plan
We continually bring adjustments to our services delivery such as, leveraging technologies and platforms (i.e., Band Governance Management System (BGMS) for Elections and By-Laws and the First Nations Gazette Part roman numeral 2 for By-Laws). ISC works directly with First Nations who inform the department of the use of federal authorities and regulations in conducting their work in elections and by-law making. ISC will continue to take direction from First Nations on improvement of supports and service delivery. Variables like the population, geographic size and remoteness of communities in First Nations will continue to inform improvements in service delivery. Statutory, Legislative & Policy Support to First Nations Governance does not currently collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
Surveys on Indigenous Peoples
The Surveys on Indigenous Peoples (SIP) are designed to permit gender disaggregation, which is typically possible minimally at the national level. Examples of variables that are available disaggregated by gender include: the ability to speak an Indigenous language; parental, social, and school support systems; school environment; long term health problems; smoking status; food security; residential school attendance, and; the making of hand-crafted goods. To the greatest extent possible, gender-disaggregated data can be further broken down by GBA Plus-relevant factors such as age, region, distinctions group, education, and income levels. These surveys are intended to provide insights for programs and services for Indigenous Peoples.
GBA Plus data collection plan
The Surveys on Indigenous Peoples sub-program is advancing work to collect sufficient information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus), including reviews of survey questions and annual analytic plans to inform GBA Plus and decision-making.
Transformational Approach to Indigenous Data
The Transformational Approach to Indigenous Data (TAID) supports First Nations (on- and off-reserve), Inuit, and Métis Peoples with suitable age group, gender and geographic disaggregation. Disaggregated data and Indigenous-led, distinctions-based approaches are key to GBA Plus, where the "plus" acknowledges all individuals have multiple identity factors like race, ethnicity, age, etc., which intersect to shape their outcomes and lived experiences.
Indigenous Peoples have called for the Government of Canada to support Indigenous Data Sovereignty and to improve the visibility of Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s national statistics by producing data that are culturally relevant and robust enough to be broken down along multiple (intersectional) lines.
GBA Plus data collection plan
TAID is advancing work to collect information to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity (GBA Plus).
Gaps, data collection, indicators: Although the TAID initiative is primarily oriented to supporting Indigenous-led data strategies and data capacity, it also includes funds to increase the visibility of Indigenous Peoples in Canada's national statistics in the more immediate term. The department has allocated $5.6 million for 2023-24 and 2024-25 for data collection investments in support of distinctions-based (disaggregated) Indigenous data. These investments, through Statistics Canada's survey ecosystem, are informed by known data gaps and an assessment of priority areas for indicator development. They will allow better capacity to report on impacts of gender and diversity.
Data sharing: ISC's work to better facilitate data sharing with external partners has primarily focused on internal processes for data sharing, such as making improvements to the department’s approach to external data requests from Indigenous partners. ISC is engaging with Indigenous partners to develop a departmental Policy on External Data Sharing that will guide how the department responds to data requests, aligned with Indigenous partners needs and expectations. To ensure that diverse groups of peoples within Indigenous communities as well as those living off-reserve are also adequately represented in the engagement, the Department invited a number of representational organizations to engage on the Policy (including organizations that represent Indigenous women, urban Indigenous Peoples, and key organizations identified in consultation with ISC’s GBA Plus Responsibility Centre). By improving ISC’s internal practices for responding to data requests in a manner that aligns with Indigenous partner feedback, we hope to see an increase in data requests to the department representing diverse groups.
Co-creation, data strategies, data governance: As Indigenous delivery partners develop data strategies and the data capacities they require, ISC will collaborate with them to help articulate their own understandings and visions of GBA Plus for the statistical institutions/functions that will be formed under the initiative, including consideration for the populations they will serve.
Under the TAID initiative, Statistics Canada is working with Indigenous Partners and other Indigenous Organizations on co-developed projects related to Indigenous data governance. These codeveloped projects provide an opportunity to produce culturally relevant data and research, while exploring governance approaches to inform future plans for how the new institutions would participate in and inform Canada’s national statistical system.