Placemat - Evaluation of the Inuit Child First Initiative

Current Status

Interim federal model under transition to a long-term co-developed Shared Responsibility Model.

Timeline

The evaluation examined 2018-2019 to 2022-2023.

Financial

Budget committed of  220M$ over a five-year period.

Evaluation Domains

Relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency, including the needs arising from COVID-19 and climate change.

Evaluation approach

• Relatively narrow scope and focuses on reporting on performance of the first five years and identifying lessons learned.
• Undertaken during the ongoing co-development with Inuit partners of a new shared responsibility model for the Inuit CFI. The evaluation team worked collaboratively with the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) and the Inuit CFI Strategic Policy team, and engagement with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) was done at various phases of the evaluation, including planning, preliminary findings, and reporting.

Methodology

• Primarily qualitative, mixed-methods approach focused on assessing performance.
• 46 key informant interviews were conducted with 62 participants, including 33 external interviews (25 service coordinators) and 13 internal interviews.
• Ten in-depth case studies across the four Inuit treaty regions and southern urban areas. These case studies were informed by three site visits in March 2024 to Inuit communities in Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and Nunavut.

Limitations

• Limited performance measurement data: Data is primarily collected on requests to the Inuit CFI and focuses on immediate outcomes, supplemented by qualitative data from interviews and case studies.
• Reliance on key informant interviews: Findings are mostly based on interviews, which limits generalization and conclusions, though a large number of interviews conducted with diverse stakeholders.
• Challenges in attributing impacts: Due to various factors influencing Inuit children's health, social, and education needs, it is difficult to specifically distinguish the impacts of Inuit CFI funding, though qualitative information provides partial insights.

Relevance

There is a need to improve timely access to educational, social and health products, services and supports for Inuit children in Canada. The Inuit CFI model is flexible in order to address a wide-range of needs based on the unique needs and circumstances of Inuit children.

• High cost of living and food insecurity significantly affect Inuit families, especially in remote communities.
• Climate change and COVID-19 have exacerbated access issues and increased the need for supports.
• The Inuit CFI aligns with the strategic priorities of ITK, ITOs, and the Government of Canada in improving child well-being.

Effectiveness

1. Since the implementation of Inuit CFI, there has been significant growth in the number of approved products, services and supports to meet the needs of Inuit children. The funding approved and provided through Inuit CFI is considered as a proxy measure for  improved access to products, services and supports for Inuit children.
   • Approved supports rose from 3,380 in 2019–2020 to 93,996 in 2023–2024, totaling 227,126. Economic, education, travel, and cultural supports were the most frequently funded categories.
   • Awareness is increasing, but outreach still relies heavily on word-of-mouth and local networks.
2. Immediate Outcome : The evaluation found determination through Inuit CFI did not meet the timeline targets. This is a proxy for timeliness of access to products, services and supports.
   • ISC did not meet service standards in most quarters between 2021–22 and 2023–24. Delays were most pronounced in Nunavut and Inuvialuit regions.
   • Delays negatively impacted children's access to urgent supports such as baby formula, groceries, and mental health care.
3. Inuit CFI funding disbursed during the evaluation coverage period has generated multiple, varied benefits for Inuit children, families and communities, including 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
   • Overall, the Inuit CFI has proven to be a critical support, meeting both urgent and immediate needs related to the well-being of Inuit children.
   • Improved food security and basic necessities: Supports included groceries, heating oil, clothing, diapers, and furniture—helping families meet urgent needs.
   • Case studies showed positive impacts on education, health, cultural preservation and identity. 
   • The Initiative reached diverse groups, including children with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.

Efficiency

The Inuit CFI model is complex to deliver and there are inherent challenges to its implementation.

• The surge in requests has led to significant staff workload at ISC.
• Service coordinators face administrative burdens, especially in coordinating medical travel.
• Coordination across jurisdictions and with other federal/provincial programs remains limited.