2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (Updated April 2026)

Departmental Action: Address poverty on reserves by providing essential support, including funding for basic needs like food, clothing, rent, and utilities allowance.

Assist with special needs, including essential household items, personal incidentals, and doctor-recommended diets.

Offer pre-employment and employment support, including life skills training and job training, to empower individuals towards self-sufficiency.

• Program: Income Assistance

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Low-income individuals and families living on reserve and Status First Nations in Yukon can receive support through the Income Assistance program as a last resort where all other sources of funds have been exhausted. The Program provides funds for First Nations to cover the essential living expenses of eligible individuals and their families (i.e., those ordinarily resident on reserve or status Indians who live in Yukon). This supports Canada's efforts by acting as a social safety net and providing these essential supports on reserve, providing a level of stability to participants with no other means, which also makes a clear correlation with UN Declaration article 21 and supports United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) Action Plan measure 2.14.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms
  • CIF Indicator: Poverty rate, as measured by Canada's official poverty line
  • GIF Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
  • GIF Target/SDG 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions
• Performance Indicator: Percentage of residents living on reserve who are supported through Income Assistance
  • Starting Point: 30% (2015-16)^{Footnote roman numeral 1i}
  • Target: 26% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral ii}

Departmental actions: Fund non-medical, social support services to seniors, adults with chronic illness, and children and adults with a disability (mental and physical) on-reserve to help them maintain their independence within their home communities.

• Program: Assisted Living

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

The Assisted Living program provides funding for in-home care, adult foster care, and institutional care for seniors, individuals living with chronic illness, or those with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. These supports are accessible to eligible low-income individuals to help maintain their independence for as long as possible. This program provides funding to First Nations who ordinarily reside on-reserve or Status First Nations in the Yukon Territory on an annual basis through negotiated funding agreements for non-medical social supports, as well as training and support for service delivery so that seniors and persons with disabilities can maintain functional independence within their home communities. The program supports Canada's efforts by providing essential services to clients with no other means, and is also clearly aligned with UNDRIP articles 21.1, 21.2, 22.1, and 24.2.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms
  • CIF Indicator 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
  • GIF Target/SDG 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions
• Performance Indicator: Percentage of cases where a resident on reserve was assessed for services from the Assisted Living Program and received those services
  • Starting Point: 39% (2018-19)^{Footnote roman numeral 3iii}
  • Target: 99% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 4iv}

Departmental Action: Support community-based nutrition education activities in isolated northern communities to increase knowledge of healthy eating and to develop skills in selecting and preparing healthy store-bought and traditional or country food, and to improve healthy food access.

• Program: Mental Wellness and Health Promotion

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

ISC's continued support of Nutrition North Canada contributes to ensuring community-based nutrition education activities are available in isolated northern communities to increase knowledge of healthy eating and skill development in selecting and preparing healthy store-bought and traditional or country foods, and to improve healthy food access. When communities deliver nutrition education initiatives or activities, they are helping to enhance Indigenous and northern food security.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians have access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food
  • GIF Target/SDG 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round
• Performance Indicator: Percentage of First Nations and Inuit communities offering nutrition education activities
  • Starting Point: 97% (2021-22)
  • Target: 100% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 5v}
• Performance Indicator: Number of participants taking part in nutrition education programs and activities
  • Starting Point: 32,528 (2021-22)
  • Target: 30,000 by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 6vi}

Departmental Actions: Continue to work closely with Indigenous partners to support distinctions-based, Indigenous-led, culturally-relevant and community-based approaches to mental wellness for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. This includes continuing to be guided by Indigenous-led frameworks such as the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework, Honouring Our Strengths, the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy and Pathfinding Towards a Flourishing Future Awareness and Advocacy Guide: Addressing the Need for Improved Services for Indigenous Children and Youth, Including 2SLGBTQQIA+ Young People.

• Program: Mental Wellness and Health Promotion

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Mental health and wellness is related to the overall health status of Indigenous individuals and communities. Indigenous Peoples in Canada experience inequities in mental wellness outcomes when compared to non-Indigenous people due to historical and ongoing impacts of colonization - that is, racism, discrimination, systemic violence, and intergenerational trauma. The Mental Wellness Program promotes Indigenous mental health and well-being by supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis-led approaches to mental health and wellness which can supplement and offset the lack of culturally safe, competent, and community-grounded components in prioritized mental wellness programs and services offered by Provinces and Territories.

ISC is active in bringing together Indigenous mental wellness experts and communities on the issue, such as through the National Summit on Indigenous Mental Wellness where best practices are shared with the goal to improve mental wellness services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canada prevents causes of premature death
  • GIF Target/SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being (3.4.2 Suicide mortality rate)
  • GIF Target/SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
• Performance Indicator: Percentage of First Nations and Inuit communities with access to mental wellness team services
  • Starting Point: 81% (2022-23)^{Footnote roman numeral 7vii}
  • Target: 81% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 8viii}

ISC's health programs aim to improve Indigenous well-being and contribute to SDG 3 by focusing on healthy living and eliminating tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat by 2030.

ISC works with Inuit partners, and provides ongoing support through Budget 2018 and Budget 2023 for tuberculosis elimination. The department supported Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, through the Inuit Public Health Task Group, to develop the Inuit Tuberculosis Elimination Framework, which guided the development of four Inuit-led regional action plans. ISC's Public Health Surge Team offers in-person and virtual support during tuberculosis outbreaks, including in Inuit Nunangat. Efforts are underway to address delays in accessing tuberculosis drugs not yet approved in Canada through alternative access pathways.

• Program: Public Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
  • CIF Ambition: Canada prevents causes of premature death
  • CIF Target 3.11: Eliminate tuberculosis across Inuit Nunangat by 2030, and reduce the incidence of active tuberculosis by at least 50% by 2025
  • CIF Indicator 3.11.1: Tuberculosis incidence per 100,000 population in Inuit Nunangat

Departmental Action: Sustain support for First Nations' educational autonomy, fostering high-quality, culturally relevant education on reserves. This involves collaborative initiatives, like regional education agreements, and partnerships with First Nations to address educational disparities between First Nations students and their Canadian counterparts.

• Program: Elementary and Secondary Education

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

In April 2019, Canada launched a new policy and funding approach co-developed with First Nations partners, to support elementary and secondary school education for students ordinarily resident on reserve with funding that is comparable to funding in provincial education systems, plus additional funding for language and culture, full-day kindergarten for children aged 4 and 5, before- and after-school programming, adult education and school food programming for students on reserve.

The number of First Nations signing transformative education agreements has been steadily increasing since Education Transformation began in 2019-2020, going from 177 to 207 in 2023-2024.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives
  • CIF Target 4.1.1: High school completion rate
  • GIF Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
  • GIF Target/SDG 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education
• Performance Indicator: Percentage of First Nations on reserve students who graduate from secondary school (On-Time and Extended-Time)
  • Starting Point:
    • On-Time: 26% (2022-23)
    • Extended-Time: 44% (2022-23)
  • Target (On-Time and Extended-Time):
    • Maintain or increase results year over-year.
• Performance Indicator: Number of First Nations under a transformative model^{Footnote roman numeral 9ix}
  • Starting Point: 206 (2022 to 2023)
  • Target: Maintain or increase results year-over-year^{Footnote roman numeral 10x}

Departmental Action: Enhance economic and infrastructure capacity by supporting Indigenous organization-led training and post-secondary success for students which will enable communities to excel in infrastructure planning, management, and green economy prospects.

• Program: Post-Secondary Education

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Post-secondary student success is a key element in closing the socio-economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and improving capacity in Indigenous communities to support and administer their economic, infrastructure and environmental needs.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives
  • CIF Target 4.2.1: Post-secondary education attainment rate
  • GIF Target/SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university
  • GIF Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
• Performance Indicator: Number of funded First Nations, Inuit and Métis students who graduate with a post-secondary degree/diploma/certificate
  • Starting Point:
    • First Nations: 1,664
    • Inuit: 277
    • Métis: 713 (2021-22)
  • Target:
    • First Nations: 4,110 by March 2027
    • Inuit: 50 by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 11xi}
    • Métis: Maintain or increase results year over year^{Footnote roman numeral 12xii}

Through the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program, ISC invests in education facilities in First Nations communities, including new constructions as well as additions, renovations and major repairs to existing schools in First Nations communities. 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. Schools are often the cornerstone of First Nations communities, providing students with a safe place to learn and grow, and acting as a gathering place for community events and cultural activities.

• Program: Community Infrastructure
• Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
  • GIF Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.

Departmental Action: Fund and support Indigenous women entrepreneurs through funding for the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association's (NACCA) Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative.

• Program: Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

ISC funds the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association's Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative under the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP). The Initiative supports Indigenous women in various stages of engagement with entrepreneurship and invests in their skills, employment, and leadership to address the barriers Indigenous women entrepreneurs face. The initiative also provides anti-bias training to Indigenous Financial Institutions and business support officers to ensure the services and environment are inclusive and supportive of women entrepreneurs. The aim is to increase women's participation in entrepreneurship and increase women's financial independence. This in turn will hopefully contribute to increased socio-economic security and gender equality in the long term, and to advancing economic reconciliation.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • CIF Ambition 5.2: Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision-making
  • CIF Target 5.2.1: Proportion of leadership roles held by women
  • GIF Target/SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
  • GIF Target/SDG 5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels
• Performance indicator: Number of micro-loans provided to Indigenous women entrepreneurs
  • Starting point: 0 (2021-22)^{Footnote roman numeral 13xiii}
  • Target: 200 micro-loans over the three years^{Footnote roman numeral 14xiv}
• Performance indicator: Percentage increase in number of Indigenous women entrepreneurs accessing financing through Indigenous financial institutions and Métis capital corporations
  • Starting point: 0% (or 310) (2020-21)^{Footnote roman numeral 15xv}
  • Target: Increase of 50% (or 465) by 2025^{Footnote roman numeral 15xvi}

Departmental Action: Collaborate with Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation on the implementation of the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative to support victims of violence.

• Program: Safety and Prevention Services

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

The Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative develops and funds shelters and transitional housing for those escaping gender-based violence including Indigenous women and their children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The Initiative will result in a minimum of 38 emergency shelters and 50 transition homes across Canada, including in urban areas and the North. This work supports the distinctions-based programming to safeguard Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQI+ people from gender-based violence as outlined in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Eliminate gender-based violence and harassment
  • GIF Target/SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
• Performance indicator: Percentage of Indigenous women who report being a victim of intimate partner violence in the previous 12 months
  • Starting point: 17% (2018-19)^{Footnote roman numeral 17xvii}
  • Target: 16% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 18xviii}
• Performance indicator: Percentage of requests for overnight residence in Indigenous Services Canada funded shelters by women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people that are met^{Footnote roman numeral 19xix}
  • Starting point: 78% (2020-21)
  • Target: 100% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 20xx}

Departmental Action: Support services for Indigenous communities, women, children, and families across Canada, including First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban, and gender diverse people through the Pathways Initiative, targeting the specific safety and well-being needs of the communities.

• Program: Safety and Prevention Services

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

The Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative develops and funds shelters and transitional housing for those escaping gender-based violence including Indigenous women and their children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative funds projects that support holistic Indigenous community safety and well-being initiatives that prioritize and address the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and girls.

Funding provided through the Pathways Initiative aims to:

• Support Indigenous-designed interventions and Indigenous definitions of safe, secure and resilient communities;
• Support programs, services and interventions that address existing and emerging needs relating to the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People; and address community safety and well-being needs that support reconciliation, resiliency, and capacity of Indigenous communities/organizations and their members, contribute to and promote a sense of belonging of community members.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Eliminate gender-based violence and harassment
  • GIF Target/SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
• Performance indicator: Percentage of recipient communities or organizations reporting that their project has improved community safety and well-being
  • Starting point: No baseline as this is a new program
  • Target: 90% by March 2026^{Footnote roman numeral 21xxi}

Departmental Action: Implement culturally competent GBA Plus (CCGBA Plus), an impacts-focused form of intersectional analysis that has reconciliation at the core and is informed by the work of National Indigenous Women's Organizations and Indigenous Peoples more broadly.

• Program: Internal Services

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Notable in the ISC context, GBA Plus goes beyond gender to think about all elements of individual and community identity. ISC's GBA Plus Responsibility Centre provides capacity building supports, advice, and challenge function/review of all ISC programs and internal services. This is meant to ensure ISC programs and services are inclusive for diverse subpopulations of Indigenous Peoples, that barriers to accessing programs or services are anticipated and mitigated, and to support inclusive advancement of the department's mandate and goals, including SDGs. ISC has recently convened a GBA Plus working group with Indigenous partners since June 2023 to further inform the department's approach to culturally competent GBA Plus (CCGBA Plus).

CCGBA Plus requires consideration of real and potential barriers and impacts, and pushes for mitigation measures to ensure equitable access and benefit for and between diverse groups of individuals and communities.

Key activities include advice on collecting, using, and reporting on disaggregated data and qualitative evidence to assess and demonstrate impact on diverse subpopulations of Indigenous Peoples, capacity building activities to support programs and internal services throughout the department, and challenge function to advise on all major initiatives requiring senior executive approval.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision-making
  • GIF Target/SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
  • GIF Target/SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
  • GIF Target/SDG 5.5: Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life
  • GIF Target/SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences
  • GIF Target/SDG 5.A: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws
  • GIF Target/SDG 5.B: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women
  • GIF Target/SDG 5.C: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels
• Performance indicator: Increase quality and consistency of GBA Plus across all sectors and functional areas
  • Starting point: Inconsistent application and quality of CCGBA Plus across and between sectors and functional areas
  • Target: Increased quality of GBA Plus conducted across all policy documents, for all service areas (to be reported qualitatively).
  • Target: Increased application of GBA Plus in relevant functional areas (to be reported qualitatively).^{Footnote roman numeral 22xxii}

The vision for ISC's Quality Improvement and Accreditation program is that First Nations and Inuit individuals, families and communities access and manage accredited health services that meet their needs. It is a continuous process that facilitates access to culturally safe, high-quality health services that meet evidence-based standards and increases credibility and partnerships with regional health systems and peers.

Through investments in the Quality Improvement and Accreditation Program, ISC advances accreditation of health organizations, which can play a pivotal role in mitigating systemic barriers to gender equity by implementing standards that address the following issues identified in research findings:

• Multiple studies have indicated that individuals feel unsafe within the healthcare system due to anti-LGBTQI+ bias, resulting in delays in seeking necessary care and treatment.
• Many two-spirit and LGBTQ Indigenous Canadians have expressed concerns about discrimination based on factors such as HIV status, sexual orientation, or identity, which has deterred them from accessing healthcare services.
• Additionally, alarmingly high rates of lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among two-spirit and LGBTQ Aboriginal populations underscore the urgent need for action.
• Privacy and confidentiality concerns have been raised in small rural and on-reserve community health settings, particularly impacting two-spirit individuals.
• Finally, a Trans research project discovered that 61% of Indigenous respondents had unmet healthcare needs, emphasizing the importance of addressing these disparities through accreditation standards.

• Program: Health Systems Support
• Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
  • CIF Ambition 5.1: Eliminate gender-based violence and harassment
  • CIF Target 5.1: Fewer women are victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault
  • CIF Ambition 5.2: Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision-making
  • CIF Target 5.2: Greater representation of women in leadership roles
  • CIF Ambition 5.3: Canadians share responsibilities within households and families
  • CIF Target 5.3: Equal sharing of parenting roles and family responsibilities

Departmental Action: Work with First Nations to support the elimination of remaining long-term drinking water advisories on reserves and increase efforts to ensure that long-term investments and resources are in place to prevent future ones.

• Program: Community Infrastructure

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

ISC takes measures to support First Nations-led engagement processes, co-develop long-term strategies for sustainable drinking water and wastewater, and invest in water and wastewater assets, including their operation and maintenance. Ongoing support is provided to First Nations to lift all long-term drinking water advisories affecting on reserve public First Nations drinking water systems financially supported by ISC. The performance of public water systems on reserve is assessed annually and includes a risk assessment that evaluates an extensive set of factors that could lead to problems with the wastewater systems. Low risk ratings indicate that the systems operate with minor or no deficiencies.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians have access to drinking water and use it in a sustainable manner
  • CIF Target 6.1: All of the long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve are to be resolved
  • CIF Indicator 6.1.1: Number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
• Performance indicator: Percentage of on reserve public water systems financially supported by Indigenous Services Canada that have low risk ratings^{Footnote roman numeral 23xxiii}
  • Starting point: 57% (2019-20)
  • Target: 70% by March 2029^{Footnote roman numeral 24xxiv}

Departmental Action: Support all First Nations communities in ensuring they have ongoing access to a trained Community Based Drinking Water Quality Monitor or an Environmental Public Health Officer to sample and test the drinking water for potential bacteriological contamination in order to minimize potential negative health impacts.

• Program: Public Health and Disease Prevention / Community Infrastructure

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

The Environmental Health Officers and the Community-Based Water Monitors ensure proper sampling and testing procedures are undertaken in First Nations communities to determine whether or not water is suitable for consumption by identifying the presence of potential pathogens.

ISC works with First Nations communities and provides funding for community-based water monitoring. By ensuring technical support and expertise, potential concerns can be identified, and recommendations can be provided to the Chief and Council for action. ISC also assists First Nations in monitoring drinking water quality, providing advice on safety and wastewater disposal, and reviewing infrastructure project proposals from a public health perspective. These measures contribute to understanding drinking water quality issues and their resolution.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians have access to drinking water and use it in a sustainable manner
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
• Performance indicator: Percentage of First Nations drinking water systems that meet the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality
  • Starting point: 94% (2019-20)
  • Target: 97% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 25xxv}
• Performance indicator: Percentage of First Nations communities that have access to a Community-based Water Monitor or an Environmental Public Health Officer to sample and test drinking water quality at the tap
  • Starting point: 100% (2009-10)^{Footnote roman numeral 26xxvi}
  • Target: 100% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 27xxvii}

Departmental Action: Support First Nations communities to assume control and delivery of water and wastewater services, including by transferring water and wastewater services in communities to the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority.

• Program: Community Infrastructure

How the Departmental Action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

In alignment with Article 23 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, ISC is supporting First Nations and First Nations-led organizations to assume control of infrastructure service delivery.

These actions will strengthen local and regional capacity for water and sanitation management and contribute to the goal of safe and clean water for all Canadians.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians have access to drinking water and use it in a sustainable manner
  • CIF Indicator 6.b.1: Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
• Performance indicator: Number of co-developed service delivery models based on community engagements within three years of initial investments
  • Starting point: 0 (2021-22)^{Footnote roman numeral 18xxviii}
  • Target: 5 by March 2026^{Footnote roman numeral 19xxix}

Departmental Action: Implement the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations mandatory minimum effluent quality standards through secondary wastewater treatment and other federal activities.

Support First Nations to design, plan, construct, operate and maintain wastewater systems that meet Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations requirements on reserve.

• Program: Community Infrastructure

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Untreated and undertreated wastewater (sewage) in waterways is an environmental, human health and economic issue. The Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations include mandatory minimum effluent quality standards that can be achieved through secondary wastewater treatment and are intended to help keep water clean for both human consumption and animals that live in or near the water. By supporting First Nations to ensure that wastewater systems on reserve meet Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations, Indigenous Services Canada will contribute to the goal of ensuring that water is safe and clean for all Canadians.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
  • GIF Target/SDG 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
• Performance indicator: Percentage of on reserve public wastewater systems financially supported by Indigenous Services Canada that have low risk ratings
  • Starting point: 48% (2019-20)
  • Target: 55% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 30xxx}
• Performance indicator: Percentage of wastewater systems on reserve where effluent quality standards are achieved
  • Starting point: 59.8% (2021-22)
  • Target: 85% by March 2030

Departmental Action: Work with partners to advance the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda to support the clean energy transition for diesel-reliant remote and Indigenous communities, support capacity and development of economically sustainable clean energy projects.

• Program: Communities and the Environment

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

With this Clean Energy funding, the Strategic Partnerships Initiative has stood up clean energy initiatives in Atlantic, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia (renewal), as well as entered into a partnership with Indigenous Clean Energy social enterprise. Additional funding is needed to support the development of Clean Energy Regional Initiatives in Manitoba and Ontario.

This indicator captures new programming under the Strategic Partnerships Initiative from 2021 to 2024.

Budget 2024 renewed the Strategic Partnerships Initiative program's clean energy funding of $36 million over three years starting in 2024. This funding will help to build capacity for local, economically sustainable clean energy projects in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and support economic development opportunities. Additionally, the Community Opportunity Readiness Program has recently provided funding for First Nation and Inuit communities to invest in clean energy projects, as one of the eligible types of economic opportunities. The program funds a portion of the project budget for communities to plan and implement economic and business investments in development opportunities. These community-owned businesses generate jobs, own-source revenues, and provide goods and services to benefit their community members.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians reduce their energy consumption
  • GIF Target/SDG 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
  • GIF Target/SDG 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Performance indicator: Number of projects funded to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities' clean energy capacity and readiness
  • Starting point: 1 (2021-22)^{Footnote roman numeral 32xxxii}
  • Target: 5 by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 33xxxiii}

Departmental Action: Invest in clean and efficient energy projects in First Nations communities.

• Program: Community Infrastructure

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

ISC is supporting projects to facilitate First Nations efforts to transition from diesel to clean, reliable and affordable energy systems through a combination of alternative energy projects featuring solar, hydroelectric, wind and others. These projects aim to reduce communities' use of diesel for heat and power so that a greater proportion of their energy consumption comes from non-fossil fuel sources. Diesel can remain available as a backup power and heat generation source. The Department is also supporting First Nations communities to improve and optimize energy systems through upgrades and energy efficiency projects.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition 7.3: Canadians have access to clean and renewable energy
• Performance Indicator: Number of efficiency or clean energy related projects completed
  • Starting point: 32 (2020-21)^{Footnote roman numeral 34xxxiv}
  • Target: 82 by March 2028^{Footnote roman numeral 35xxxv}

Departmental Action: Collaborate with provinces and territories through Regional Energy and Resources Tables to implement a mines-to-mobility supply chain strategy, increase the labour market participation of Persons with Disabilities, and adopt a sector-specific approach to workforce support. Additionally, ISC will test community-based solutions for national and regional priorities.

• Program: Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

As part of our commitment to inclusivity and economic growth, we actively support the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP), which seeks to increase the number of viable businesses in Canada owned and controlled by Indigenous Peoples. The AEP funds a broad range of entrepreneurial pursuits and aims to build capacity, reduce barriers, and increase access to capital through strategic partnerships that will enhance economic opportunities for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.

The AEP provides $34.5 million in annual funding to support economic development for First Nations, Inuit and Métis entrepreneurs by offering non-repayable equity contributions to support entrepreneurs to start, expand or acquire a business, as well as diverse business services. It also supports loan interests, capacity building and training for Indigenous Financial Institutions. Budget 2024 also introduced additional funding of $319.9M (over 5 years) for Indigenous financial institutions and Métis Capital Corporations. Through collaboration with communities, Indigenous economic development organizations (such as the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association), and other internal and external partners, improvements are being made to accessing capital; promoting a climate of economic development within communities; and, ensuring full economic participation of Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs in the Canadian economy, according to community vision and needs.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition 8.1: Canadians have access to quality jobs
  • CIF Ambition 8.5: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth
  • CIF Indicator 8.5.1: Gross domestic product per capita
  • CIF Indicator 8.1.1: Unemployment rate
  • GIF Target/SDG 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
  • GIF Target/SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
  • GIF Target/SDG 8.10: Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all
• Performance Indicator: Number of Indigenous-owned and controlled businesses being created or expanded in Canada
  • Starting point: 914 (2021-22)
  • Target: 1,000 by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 36xxxvi}

ISC invests in connectivity infrastructure projects in First Nations communities through the First Nation Infrastructure Fund and collaborates with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on the Universal Broadband Fund. Ensuring that First Nations have access to internet speeds comparable to those of other Canadians is a major step towards delivering on key government priorities, such as reliable public infrastructure and reconciliation.

Reliable high-speed internet is an essential tool for everyone. Increased internet speeds will facilitate First Nations communities' participation in the modern digital economy, allow for effective operation and maintenance of vital community infrastructure, and enhance the delivery of important socio-economic services, such as healthcare, education, and emergency and public safety services.

• Program: Community Infrastructure
• Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure

The eHealth Infostructure Program aims to improve the efficiency of health care delivery to First Nations individuals, families, and communities through the use of digital health technologies. This facilitates data collection, communication, management, and utilization, and enables front-line care providers to better deliver health services. The eHealth Program supports and enables public health surveillance; health services delivery (primary and community care included); health reporting, planning and decision-making; and, integration/compatibility with other health service delivery partners.

Through investments in the eHealth Infostructure Program, ISC also aims to improve connectivity for healthcare facilities in remote First Nations communities. It aligns with Canada's Connectivity Strategy's objectives of "broadband speeds of at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload" and "mobile wireless coverage is available where Canadians live and work, and along major road corridors". The program funds broadband connectivity installations and works to increase and sustain better access to healthcare services in these communities.

Planned activities involve expanding connectivity deployments using newer technologies such as Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOs) where alternative means (e.g., fibre optics) are limited or not feasible.

• Program: Primary Health Care
• Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure

The Land Use Planning Initiative supports First Nations communities in building capacity for effective land management, including the development and implementation of a land use plan that defines a clear vision for the community based on their priorities and strategies for the use and development of their lands and resources in accordance with their aspirations, needs and interests. First Nations supported under this initiative are acknowledging the importance of integrating climate change considerations and effective infrastructure planning into their land use plans. For example, land use plans may include the construction of green energy infrastructure like wind and solar farms on reserves as well as policies designed to reduce or minimize greenhouse gas emissions in existing infrastructure and in construction, transportation, and industry activities on reserves.

• Program: Communities and the Environment
• Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure
  • GIF Indicator/SDG 9.1 and 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities

Departmental Action: Contribute to the development of indicators and targets towards the implementation of Action Plan measures for which ISC has accountability, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous partners, through Justice Canada's whole-of government, co-developed process, according to timelines and results to be co-determined. This includes measures related to the obligation to ensure bills and regulations are consistent with the UN Declaration.

Consult and cooperate with Indigenous Peoples on the review of and development of new/amended legislation, and regulations.

• Program: All

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

The department supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act by building foundational pieces to support community-led control of programs and services and through the ongoing co-design and transfer of programs and services. All of these are critical to advancing self-determination and increasing equity—key objectives of the Act and of the reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. The Action Plan released in June 2023 provides a roadmap of actions Canada needs to take in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to implement the principles and rights set out in the UN Declaration and to further advance reconciliation in a tangible way.

The Plan also commits to engage and consult with Indigenous partners to establish various implementation, monitoring and oversight processes.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced
  • GIF Target/SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
• Performance Indicator: Number of laws and regulations that have been reviewed, developed, or amended for consistency with the UN Declaration in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples
  • Starting point: New legislated obligation – June 2021
  • Target: 100% annually

Departmental Action: Provide financial support, business advisory services, mentorship, and training opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

• Program: Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development / Internal Services

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

ISC works in collaboration with First Nations to ensure an enabling regulatory and legislative environment for economic development on reserves. The department uses federal programming to advance economic opportunities in Indigenous communities, and increase economic capacity supports, including specialized training opportunities delivered by Indigenous-led organizations. By supporting a new Indigenous Tourism Fund, ISC aims to help the Indigenous tourism industry recover from the pandemic and position itself for long-term, sustainable growth. The department also aims to continue implementing the first Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy to support social purpose organizations – including Indigenous economic actors – to access flexible financing opportunities that enable them to grow and enhance their impacts.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced
  • CIF Indicator 10.1.1: Gini Coefficient
  • CIF Indicator 10.4.1: Median household after-tax income
  • GIF Target/SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
  • GIF Target/SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
• Performance Indicator: Percentage of the total value of federal contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses^{Footnote roman numeral 37xxxvii}
  • Starting point: 17.68% (2022-23)
  • Target: 5% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 38xxxviii}

Departmental Action: Continue to implement Additions to Reserves as they advance reconciliation, fulfill legal obligations, improve treaty relationships, and foster economic opportunities. Additions to Reserve also allow First Nations to leverage their lands to attract investment, create employment and generate own source revenue.

• Program: Communities and the Environment

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

An Addition to Reserve is a parcel of land added to the existing reserve land of a First Nation or that creates a new reserve. Additions to Reserve also allow First Nations to leverage their lands to attract investment, create employment and generate own source revenue.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition 10.4: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced
  • GIF Target/SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
• Performance Indicator: Number of Additions to Reserves completed annually
  • Starting point: 40 (2022-23)
  • Target: 70 by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 39xxxix}

Supporting the advancement of self-determination with Indigenous partners is essential to reducing socioeconomic inequalities.

Identifying and closing gaps requires capacity and expertise on the part of Indigenous governments, in areas such as strategic planning, results-based management, and the interpretation of socioeconomic data.

The Indigenous Governance and Capacity program provides funding for core operations of First Nation governments and supports governance capacity building initiatives. Planned reforms will look to ensure that these programs provide First Nation governments with sufficient, predictable and flexible funding to hire and retain the appropriate financial and administrative staff to support good governance, plan for the future, and advance their vision of self-determination.

Closing socio-economic gaps is a central goal of economic reconciliation (PDF).

• Program: Indigenous Governance and Capacity Supports / Community Economic Development / Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development
• Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
  • CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced
  • CIF Indicator 10.1.1: Gini Coefficient
  • GIF Target/SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard

ISC's will continue to advance shared health priorities through the full implementation of the Indigenous Health Equity Fund by supporting self-determined, distinctions-based approaches.^{Footnote roman numeral 41xli}

• Program: Health Systems Support
• Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced
  • CIF Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of the population reporting discrimination or unfair treatment
  • GIF Target/SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard

Building on the successes from Budget 2021, the Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism (AAIR) program was renewed through Budget 2024 for $167.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to continue addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health care and implementing Joyce's Principle. The program will help to ensure that Indigenous Peoples have access to high quality, culturally-informed health services and that health systems are free of racism and discrimination. The renewed funding will maintain support for direct health service delivery such as patient advocates, health system navigators, midwives, and birth support workers, as well as initiatives to increase Indigenous representation in health professions. ISC will continue to work closely with Indigenous and health system partners to ensure that the implementation of these investments are informed by the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples, and based on the recognition of Indigenous rights.

• Program: Health Systems Support
• Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced
  • CIF Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of the population reporting discrimination or unfair treatment
  • GIF Target/SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard

Jordan's Principle was established to ensure that First Nations children do not experience gaps or delays in accessing government services and that they are not denied government services because they identify as First Nations, whether they are resident on- or off-reserve. Modelled after Jordan's Principle, the Inuit Child First Initiative (Inuit CFI) ensures that Inuit children have equal access to the health, social and education products, services and supports they need, regardless of where they live in Canada.

These initiatives prioritize the best interests of the child while recognizing the historical, geographical and cultural needs and circumstances of First Nations and Inuit children. Jordan's Principle and Inuit CFI support a substantial number of both individual and group requests for First Nation and Inuit children.

Through Jordan's Principle and Inuit CFI, the Government of Canada contributes to reducing inequalities by providing financial reimbursement to families for eligible health, education and social products, services and supports through a lens of substantive equality, cultural appropriateness and safeguarding the best interests of the child.

• Program: Jordan's Principle & the Inuit Child First Initiative
• Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced
  • CIF Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of the population reporting discrimination or unfair treatment
  • GIF Target/SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard

Departmental Action: Work to ensure long-term, sustainable and predictable funding to support housing and related infrastructure and accelerate work to close gaps in Indigenous housing and infrastructure.

• Program: Community Infrastructure

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

$281.5 million is being distributed to 74 projects across the country aimed at building more than 3800 housing units for Indigenous peoples in urban, rural and northern areas. This funding was provided to Indigenous Services Canada through Budget 2022 and was distributed by the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI), applying its "For Indigenous, By Indigenous" approach. NICHI brings together Indigenous-led housing, homelessness, and housing-related service delivery organizations to provide lasting solutions that address diverse housing inadequacies including homelessness for Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas.

This delivery of immediate funding will proceed on a separate but parallel track to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's co-development work towards an Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy and Housing Centre.

ISC is also working with First Nation partners to deliver $533.3 million over seven years (beginning in 2024-25) to support the housing needs of First Nation members living in urban, rural and Northern areas.

Access to safe and adequate housing and infrastructure is essential to developing healthier and more sustainable Indigenous communities. ISC will continue to support the construction and renovation of housing and infrastructure on-reserve, including supporting First Nations to eliminate all remaining long-term drinking water advisories on reserve. The department will also continue to support innovation and capacity-building in First Nations to support the gradual transfer of housing and infrastructure service delivery, aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Since 2016 and as of March 31, 2025, $15.55 billion in targeted funds have been invested, supporting 11,488 infrastructure projects in First Nations, including:

• 1,535 water and wastewater projects;
• construction, renovation or retrofit of 24,486 housing units;
• 337 schools projects, including 76 new schools;
• 708 health-related infrastructure ongoing projects, including construction or renovation of 104 health facilities; and,
• 2,089 projects to support other community infrastructure, including everything from roads and bridges to fire protection to cultural and recreational facilities.

A further $9.71 billion of targeted infrastructure funding will be invested from 2024-2025 onward.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition 11.1: Canadians have access to quality housing
  • CIF Target: Reduce chronic homelessness by at least 31% by March 2024
  • CIF Indicator 11.1.1: Growth rate of people experiencing chronic homelessness
  • GIF Target/SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
  • GIF Target/SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons
• Performance Indicator: Percentage of First Nations housing that is adequate as assessed and reported by First Nations communities
  • Starting point: 75% (2017-18)
  • Target: 75% by March 2028^{Footnote roman numeral 42xlii}

Departmental Action: Ensure construction project general contractors track and disclose the amount of construction and demolition waste generated, as well as the amount diverted from landfill.

• Program: Internal Services

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Actions that reduce the generation of constructions and demolition waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from landfill reduces landfill gas and transport hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition 12: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner
  • CIF Indicator 12.3.1: Total waste diversion per capita
  • GIF Target: 12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
• Performance indictor: Percentage by weight of construction and demolition waste diverted from landfill in Crown-owned buildings^{Footnote roman numeral 43xliii}
  • Starting point: 0% (2023-24)
  • Target: 100% by March 2028^{Footnote roman numeral 44xliv}

Departmental Action: Purchasing zero emission vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from conventional fleet operations.

• Program: Internal Services

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

ISC's annual vehicle procurement strategy is committed to sustainability, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Each year, all new purchases of light-duty fleet vehicles will be either zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) or hybrids. This commitment is part of our broader effort to significantly cut GHG emissions originating from our conventional light-duty fleet. Furthermore, we are actively collaborating with Natural Resources Canada to carry out a comprehensive Fleet Electrification Study, which will play a pivotal role in advancing our sustainable transportation initiatives.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition 12.1: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner
  • CIF Indicator 12.1.1: Proportion of new light duty vehicle registrations that are zero-emission vehicles
  • GIF Target/SDG 12.1: Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries
• Performance indicator: Percentage of annual new vehicle purchases that are ZEV or hybrid^{Footnote roman numeral 45xlv}
  • Starting point: 60% (2023-24)^{Footnote roman numeral 46xlvi}
  • Target: 100% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 47xlvii}
• Performance indicator: Percentage change in Scope 1 GHG emissions from conventional fleet, relative to fiscal year 2005-06 levels
  • Starting point: 2.247 kt CO2e (2005-06)^{Footnote roman numeral 48xlviii}
  • Target: 42% reduction by March 2027; 90% reduction by 2050^{Footnote roman numeral 49xlix}

Departmental Action: Ensure all procurement and materiel management specialists are trained in green procurement (such as, the Canada School of Public Service course on green procurement, or equivalent) within one year of being identified.

• Program: Internal Services

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner
  • CIF Indicator 12.2.1: Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices
  • GIF Target/SDG 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities
• Performance Indicator: Percentage of procurement and materiel management specialists trained in green procurement within one year of being identified
  • Starting point: 100% (2022-23)
  • Target: 100% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 50l}

Departmental Action: Improve the environmental condition on reserve lands by reducing contamination through remediation and risk management of contaminated sites.

• Program: Communities and the Environment

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

The Contaminated Sites on Reserve Program works directly with First Nations communities to assess and remediate contaminated sites for which a Crown liability has been established and documented. The Program reduces environmental impacts, makes previously unusable land available for community or economic development, and provides economic benefits and opportunities for First Nations.

Remediation and risk management of contaminated sites contributes to source water protection by eliminating groundwater contamination pathways which could impact drinking water sources. This contributes to the sustainable management of lands the environment and safeguards human health and safety.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner
  • CIF Indicator 12.2.1: Proportion of businesses that adopted selected environmental protection activities and management practices
  • GIF Target/SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
• Performance Indicator: Percentage of high-risk contaminated sites on reserve where remediation activities are being undertaken
  • Starting point: 17.6% (2022-23)^{Footnote roman numeral 51li}
  • Target: 20% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 52lii}
• Performance indicator: Number of contaminated sites that have completed remediation/risk management activities
  • Starting point: 0 (2020-21)^{Footnote roman numeral 53liii}
  • Target: 60 by March 2030^{Footnote roman numeral 54liv}

Departmental Action: Support First Nations communities through the First Nations Waste Management Initiative in undertaking new waste diversion approaches that meet community needs.

• Program: Communities and the Environment

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Supporting First Nation communities to clean up, decommission and close waste sites and existing assets enables sustainable management of land and the environment. This allows the land to be utilized for future solid waste management systems or other land uses. Improved solid waste management helps protect the environment, safeguard human health and safety, and improves land management in communities. The First Nations Waste Management Initiative supports communities to undertake new waste diversion programs like recycling and composting. These efforts reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, thus lengthening the lifespan of these facilities.

While communities have had opportunities to access the First Nations Waste Management Initiative since 2016, there still remains a significant challenge in bringing some communities up to the waste management standards of comparable municipalities. Remote access, past substandard waste disposal, and lack of available services are still challenges that communities face. Supporting First Nation communities to clean up, decommission and close waste sites protects community water resources from contamination. This enables the sustainable management of land and the environment and safeguards human health and safety.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner
  • CIF Indicator 12.3.1: Total waste diversion per capita
  • GIF Target/SDG 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
• Performance Indicator: Number of waste sites cleaned up, decommissioned or closed
  • Starting point: 17 (2022-23)
  • Target: 60 by March 2028^{Footnote roman numeral 55lv}

Departmental Action: Work with First Nations to develop solid waste management approaches that meet individual community needs.

Activities will include:

1. supporting recycling, composting, and hazardous waste diversion programming, and
2. increasing community awareness.

• Program: Communities and the Environment

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Supporting First Nation communities to reduce waste through education, awareness and capacity building activities. Funding supports communities to divert various streams (including recycling, household hazardous waste, compost, scrap metal, e-waste, etc.), and utilize a properly constructed waste facility.

Adequate solid waste management is defined as the ability of a First Nation community to divert household hazardous waste, divert other waste streams (i.e. paper, plastic, tires, electronics, etc.) and ensure all remaining residual waste is disposed into a properly constructed, managed and maintained waste facility.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner
  • CIF Indicator 12.3.1: Total waste diversion per capita
  • GIF Target/SDG 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
• Performance Indicator: Number of First Nations communities with diversion programs (e.g. recycling, composting, waste reduction, etc.)
  • Starting point: 36 (2022-23)
  • Target: 60 by March 2028^{Footnote roman numeral 56lvi}
• Performance indicator: Percentage of First Nations communities with adequate solid waste management systems
  • Starting point: 23% (2019-20)^{Footnote roman numeral 57lvii}
  • Target: 65% by March 2028^{Footnote roman numeral 58lviii}

Departmental Action: Ensure all relevant employees are trained on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments, and developing adaptation actions within one year of being identified.

• Program: Internal Services

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Trained staff can identify risk to critical program delivery and develop responses to increase the resilience of operations to impacts of climate change.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition/Target 13.3: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change
  • CIF Indicator 13.3.1: Proportion of municipal organization who factored climate change adaptation into their decision-making process
  • GIF Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
  • GIF Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
• Performance indicator: Percentage of relevant employees involved in the management of facilities and conventional fleets trained on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments, and developing adaptation actions within one year of being identified
  • Starting point: 100% (2023-24)
  • Target: 100% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 59lix}

Departmental Action: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from departmental operational facilities.

• Program: Internal Services

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Actions that simplify the portfolio, share facilities, reduce the demand for energy or switch to lower carbon sources of energy will lead to reductions in GHGs from real property operations.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition: Canadians reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • CIF Indicator 13.1.1: Greenhouse gas emissions
  • GIF Target/SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
• Performance indicator: Percentage change in GHG emissions from real property from fiscal year 2005-2006
  • Starting point: 0.417 kt CO2e (2005-06)
  • Target: 42% reduction by March 2027; 90% reduction by 2050^{Footnote roman numeral 60lx}

Departmental Action: Assess the risk of climate change impacts at mission critical assets and where there are moderate to high risks, develop plans to reduce the risk.

• Program: Internal Services

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

By assessing the risks of climate change impacts at mission critical assets, and developing plans to reduce the risks, the risk of disruption of critical service delivery to Canadians is reduced.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition/Target 13.3: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change
  • CIF Indicator 13.3.1: Proportion of municipal organization who factored climate change adaptation into their decision-making process
  • GIF Target/SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
  • GIF Target/SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
  • GIF Target/SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
• Performance indicator: Percentage of mission critical assets where the risk of climate change impacts is assessed
  • Starting point: 0% (2022-23)
  • Target: 100% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 61lxi}

Departmental Action: Collaborate with programs and services across 6 Service Areas to proactively identify, prioritize, and manage climate risks, ensuring the resilience and delivery of critical services through the development of targeted Climate Risk Management Action Plans.

• Program: ISC Climate Policy Hub

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

By collaborating with vulnerable programs at risk of service disruption and developing program specific management options to strengthen operations, the department will be better equipped to ensure the delivery of high-quality services amidst increasing climate uncertainty.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition/Target 13.3: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change
  • GIF Target/SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
  • GIF Target/SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
• Performance indicator: Number of Climate Risk Management Action Plans developed and tailored for vulnerable programming and services
  • Starting point: 3 (2023-24)
  • Target: 23 by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 62lxii}

Departmental Action: EMAP (Emergency Management Assistance Program) actively works with First Nation partners, provincial/territorial governments, and other third-party service providers or non-governmental organizations to deliver comprehensive emergency management services to First Nation communities.

• Program: Emergency Management Assistance

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

EMAP directly supports First Nation communities in addressing the growing challenges posed by climate-related emergencies. As these events increase in frequency, severity, intensity and unpredictability, EMAP plays a critical role in supporting community-led efforts to enhance preparedness, improve response capabilities, and promote effective recovery. The program provides essential funding, coordination, and resources to strengthen capacity to ensure communities can manage emergencies efficiently and safely. The program enables First Nation individuals and communities to access comprehensive, culturally sensitive and holistic support to address their diverse needs, promoting timely recovery and reducing the length of emergency events.

The program provides eligible First Nations and First Nation organizations, provinces/territories, and non-governmental organizations with funding to deliver essential emergency services to support First Nation communities. This funding helps ensure that communities are appropriately supported and equipped to respond and recover from emergencies, promoting long-term resilience and reducing environmental harm. By supporting a wide range of initiatives, including training, emergency planning, hazard assessments, and fire prevention efforts, it contributes to stronger local capacity and enhanced emergency preparedness. By using a comprehensive approach it not only helps address immediate emergency needs but also advances long-term recovery and risk reduction. The key performance indicator of the program is the proportion of evacuees who are able to return to their communities within two months of an evacuation, reflecting both the timeliness and effectiveness of the support provided. A higher percentage signifies that the community's response and recovery mechanisms are efficient and well-equipped to handle the impacts of climate change-related emergencies.

By reducing service disruptions, protecting health and safety, and minimizing the long-term social and economic impacts, EMAP contributes to the creation of stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities. It supports First Nations to develop resilient, self-determined communities that meet the unique needs of their members while adapting to the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. The program is responsive to the specific needs and circumstances of First Nations, particularly those facing disproportionate risks, and aims to mitigate adverse environmental impacts while promoting community resilience. EMAP also strengthens emergency preparedness and response capacity across jurisdictions by fostering collaboration and resource-sharing among diverse partners. Through these combined efforts, the program promotes a proactive, community-driven approach to emergency management that enhances climate resilience and protects the well-being of current and future generations.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition/Target 13.2: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change
  • GIF Target/SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
• Performance indicator: Percentage of evacuees that have returned to their community within two months (60 days) after their evacuation
  • Starting point: 82% (2022-23)
  • Target: 90% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 63lxiii}

Departmental Action: Invest in structural mitigation projects to protect First Nations communities from natural disasters.

• Program: Community Infrastructure

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Through the First Nations Infrastructure Fund, ISC supports First Nations communities, band councils, tribal councils and Indigenous organizations in their efforts to implement structural mitigation projects, which will reduce the impacts of natural disasters and climate-related extreme weather on First Nations communities (e.g., through construction of dykes). Using funding from the First Nations Infrastructure Fund, First Nations communities can remove, reduce or eliminate hazards; segregate hazards by keeping them away from people and assets; and alter asset design and construction to make them resilient to potential hazards.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition 13.2: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change
• Performance indicator: Number of ongoing and completed structural mitigation projects
  • Starting point: 45 (2018-19)^{Footnote roman numeral 64lxiv}
  • Target: 200 by March 2028^{Footnote roman numeral 65lxv}

Departmental Action: Provide funding for community-driven projects in First Nations communities south of the 60th parallel, and northern First Nations and Inuit communities. Funding will support the development of adaptation plans and actions that identify and prioritize the health impacts of climate change.

• Program: Public Health and Disease Prevention

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Environmental Public Health Services also support SDG 13 – Climate action via the Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program which is designed to build capacity for climate change and health adaptation by funding First Nations and Inuit communities' efforts to identify, assess, and respond to the health impacts of climate change. First Nations and Inuit communities take action to minimize the health impacts of climate change.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change
  • CIF Indicator 13.3.1: Proportion of municipal organization who factored climate change adaptation into their decision-making process
  • GIF Target/SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
  • CIF Ambition/Target 13.2: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change
  • GIF Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
• Performance indicator: Percentage of First Nations and Inuit communities covered by climate change health adaptation funded projects
  • Starting point: 43% (2023-24)^{Footnote roman numeral 66lxvi}
  • Target: 61% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 67lxvii}

Departmental Action: In partnership with communities, review proposed projects on reserve and contribute as a federal authority to impact assessments of designated projects to ensure projects do not cause significant adverse environmental effects or adverse impacts on Indigenous Peoples' health social and economic conditions.

• Program: Community Economic Development, Communities and the Environment

How the Departmental Actions contribute to the FSDS goal and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs:

Designated Project Impact Assessments: Through the provision of specialist or expert information or knowledge related to ISC's mandate, in keeping with the requirements of the Impact Assessment Act, ISC supports the assessment of impacts to Indigenous Peoples' health, social, and economic conditions and the assessment of impacts to rights.

Environmental Reviews: The review of physical activities and works occurring on reserve lands ensures environmental law requirements are met and address community needs. When potential adverse effects are identified, the Environmental Review Process ensures that appropriate mitigation measures and best management practices are considered in order to eliminate or reduce impacts on lands, waters, and communities. Engaging Indigenous communities in these processes further supports this goal in a meaningful way.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition/Target 16.7: Canadians are supported by effective, accountable, and transparent institutions
  • CIF Indicator 16.7.1: Proportion of the population with high levels of confidence in selected institutions
  • GIF Target/SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
  • GIF Target/SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
• Performance indicator: Percentage of designated project impact assessments for which ISC provides input within established timelines
  • Starting point: 100% (2019-20)^{Footnote roman numeral 68lxviii}
  • Target: 100% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 69lxix}
• Performance indicator: Percentage of projects on reserve for which the required environmental review is complete
  • Starting point: 100% (2019-20)^{Footnote roman numeral 70lxx}
  • Target: 100% by March 2027^{Footnote roman numeral 71lxxi}

ISC supports CIRNAC in its role as horizontal lead to advance the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals' core theme of reconciliation by providing input for Canada's Sustainable Development Goals Annual Report.

ISC works collaboratively with CIRNAC on shared interests to advance reconciliation and renew relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis by providing policy and program advice through joint committees at the Director General-level, Assistant Deputy Minister-level and Deputy Minister-level. Joint committee work is focused on intersecting policy and program areas including: closing the infrastructure gap; negotiating and implementing regional education agreements; addressing Indigenous community health care and mental wellness; advancing economic reconciliation with Indigenous partners; working with Provinces and Territories to advance reconciliation; and the United Nations Declaration Act Action Plan.

• Program: All
• Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
  • CIF Ambition: Canada fosters collaboration and partnerships to advance the SDGs
  • CIF Indicator 17.2.1: Total official support for sustainable development
  • SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development