2018-19 Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more

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

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017—2018

Link to department's Program Inventory: Education

Description: Elementary and secondary education is one of the essential services that is funded by Indigenous Services Canada for First Nation communities. The federal government has provided support to First Nation education for almost 140 years, addressing commitments in the numbered treaties and providing for the delivery of services authorized under the Indian Act and various policy decisions.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: An evaluation of First Nations Elementary/Secondary Education was completed in 2013. Additionally, a Review of Federally Managed Schools on Reserve in Ontario was completed in 2015–2016.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of the Elementary/Secondary Education is underway and due to be completed in September 2018.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Band councils
• Organizations designated by band councils, provincial ministries, school boards/districts, private education institutions, federal schools, recipient appointed advisor or third party funding agreement manager
• First Nations Regional Management Organizations (FNRMO)
• Not-for-profit organizations
• For-profit organizations
• Indigenous governments and organization
• First Nations School System or School Board with a governance agreement with Canada.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department will continue to implement the Education Information System that houses all reported education-related information to improve results-based program management and facilitate the tracking of education outcomes. The system is accessible by First Nations recipients and the Department's employees via an on-line portal.

In 2018–2019, the Department will engage with recipients and regional staff to continue to evolve the system as the education programs are transformed. Other proposal-based programs administered by the Department, including the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy, Cultural Education Centres Program, New Paths for Education Program, High-Cost Special Education Program, and Post-Secondary Partnerships Program will also operate within structures that maintain ongoing engagement through proposal applications, funding and reporting processes with ongoing communication and feedback cycles.

In 2018–2019, the Department will continue to work with First Nations and provincial partners to ensure that all First Nation students on reserve receive a quality education that respects the principle of First Nation control of First Nation education. This includes working with First Nations to implement funding agreements for First Nation education, following the return to Cabinet in 2018. Moreover, the Department will continue to work with Indigenous partners and other stakeholders to develop forward-looking student-centered recommendations to strengthen access to and success in post-secondary education for Indigenous learners.

Grants and Contributions to support First Nations and Inuit Post-Secondary Educational Advancement

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–2018

Link to department's Program Inventory: Education

Description: The purpose of these Terms and Conditions is to establish provisions for making grant and contribution payments to Registered Indian (First Nations and Innu) and Inuit students under Post-Secondary Education (PSE) Programs. The Department's suite of PSE initiatives consists of three program elements: the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), the University and College Entrance Preparation (UCEP) Program and the Post-Secondary Partnerships Program (PSPP).

Since the early 1960s, the federal government has sought incremental policy authorities to undertake a range of activities to support improvement in the socio-economic conditions and overall quality of life of Indigenous peoples in Canada. These activities include support for First Nations and Inuit access to and participation in PSE programs. They also include support for the inclusion of First Nations and Inuit content, perspectives and related research within Canada's post-secondary environment. The Department's involvement in post-secondary education is a matter of social policy.

Although there have been significant gains since the early 1970s, First Nations and Inuit participation and success in post-secondary education still lags behind that of other Canadians. Increasing First Nations and Inuit participation in, and achievement of, post-secondary education will support the strategic goal of individual, family and community well-being. Specifically, PSE programs will do so by fostering greater self-sufficiency, improved life chances and increased labour force participation.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The Summative Evaluation of the Post-Secondary Education Program was completed in 2012–2013.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of Post-Secondary Education is underway and due to be completed September 2018.

General targeted recipient groups:

Grant Funding:

• students of First Nations bands whose Band Councils choose to have the Department deliver PSSSP or UCEP initiatives on reserve;
• Registered Indian students who are on the regional General List of the Indian Register;
• Inuit students ordinarily resident in Canada but outside Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, Nunavut or the Inuvialuit Settlement Region in the Northwest Territories; and,
• Post-secondary education institutions in cases where a student recipient has signed an agreement authorizing the Department to transfer funds directly to the post-secondary institution to cover the cost of her or his tuition and compulsory fees.

Contribution Funding:

• Band Councils of recognized First Nations bands as well as Inuit communities;
• Organizations designated by Band Councils (bands/settlements, tribal councils, education organizations, political/treaty organizations engaged by or on behalf of First Nations) or Inuit communities; and
• Self-governing First Nations in Yukon that have not yet assumed responsibility for Post-Secondary Education through a Programs and Services Transfer Agreement or through the terms of their self-government agreement.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department will continue to implement the Education Information System (EIS) that houses all reported education-related information to improve results-based program management and facilitate the tracking of education outcomes. The system is accessible by First Nations recipients and the Department's employees via an on-line portal.

The Department will engage with recipients to continue evolving the EIS as the education programs are transformed.

In 2018–2019, education programs administered by the Department, including the Post-Secondary Student Support Program and the proposal-based Post-Secondary Partnerships Program will also operate within structures that maintain ongoing engagement through proposal applications, funding and reporting processes with ongoing communication and feedback cycles.

Moreover, the Department will continue to work with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), in collaboration with Indigenous partners and other stakeholders, to develop forward-looking student-centered recommendations to strengthen access to and success in post-secondary education for Indigenous learners.

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

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–2018

Link to department's Program Inventory: Education

Description: The Department provides a number of special incentives to address the significantly lower rate of educational attainment within the Indigenous population and First Nation and Inuit under-representation in the Canadian workforce. These incentives serve to integrate culturally appropriate content within K-12 education, facilitate student transitions from secondary to post-secondary education and/or from school to the workplace and, ultimately, increase the number of skilled Indigenous youth in the workforce.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The Summative Evaluation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Program on Reserve and Summative Evaluation of the Post-Secondary Education Program were completed in 2012–2013. The ESDC-led Horizontal Summative Evaluation of the Youth Employment Strategy was completed in 2015–2016.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of Elementary and Secondary Education and an evaluation of Post-Secondary Education are underway and due to be completed in September 2018. An evaluation of ESDC-led Horizontal Evaluation of the Youth Employment Strategy is planned for completion in 2019–2020.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Inuit individuals
• Community-based Inuit cultural/education centers
• First Nations and Inuit communities, governments and organizations
• Not-for-profit associations
• Private sector employers
• Indspire
• First Nation or Inuit youth between the ages of 15–30 inclusive.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department will continue to implement the Education Information System that houses all reported education-related information to improve results-based program management and facilitate the tracking of education outcomes. The system is accessible by First Nations recipients via an on-line portal.

The Department will engage with recipients and regional staff to continue to evolve the system as the education programs are transformed.

In 2018–2019, education programs administered by the Department, including the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy and Cultural Education Centres, will also operate within structures that maintain ongoing engagement through proposal applications, funding and reporting processes with ongoing communication and feedback cycles.

The Department will also support the ESDC-led evaluation of the Horizontal Youth Employment Strategy and planned renewal exercise.

Grants and Contributions to provide income support to on-reserve residents

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Input to come

Link to department's Program Inventory: Income Assistance and Assisted Living

Description: Indigenous Services Canada provides funding for social services as a matter of policy.

• Grant and contribution funding for Income Assistance (IA), and Assisted Living (AL) is targeted to clients/beneficiaries who are ordinarily resident on reserve or who, for the purposes of these programs, are deemed to be ordinarily resident on reserve.
• Grants and contributions to eligible recipients under the Income Assistance program are intended to provide financial assistance to low-income on reserve residents to support their basic and special needs and to help them become more self-reliant, in alignment with the rate schedule and eligibility criteria of the reference province/territory.
• Grants and contributions under the Assisted Living program are intended to support the special needs of chronically ill and disabled persons for non-medical personal care services, for non-medical institutional care and for public education, awareness and service coordination.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The evaluation of Income Assistance was completed in 2017–2018 and is due to be approved in spring 2018. The Impact Evaluation of the Income Assistance, National Child Benefit Reinvestment and Assisted Living Programs was completed in 2009–2010.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: The next evaluation of Income Assistance is planned for completion in 2022–2023.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Chiefs and Councils of recognized First Nation bands
• Tribal councils (6)
• Provinces
• Yukon Territory
• Indigenous communities and organizations
• Political/treaty organizations
• Municipal governments or agencies, private business, organizations or agencies
• Volunteer, not-for-profit, or non-governmental organizations
• Educational institutions.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Through a series of workshops, the Income Assistance program is collaborating with the Assembly of First Nations and First Nations regional representatives to improve program data which will lead to better program outcomes.

Assembly of First Nations hosted a National Income Assistance case managers' conference in February 2018 to promote best practices and improve delivery of pre-employment supports to Income Assistance recipients.

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

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Link to department's Program Inventory: First Nations Child and Family Services and the Family Violence Prevention Program

Description: The Department provides funding for social services as a matter of policy.

Contributions to eligible recipients under the:

• Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) are intended to fund family violence services responsive to community needs. The primary objective is to support women, children and families living on-reserve with family violence shelter services through funding to core shelter operations. The secondary objective is to support family violence prevention activities through funding to Aboriginal communities and organizations.
• First Nation Child and Family Services (FNCFS) are intended to ensure the safety and well-being of First Nations children ordinarily resident on-reserve. The FNCFS Program supports the delivery of culturally appropriate prevention and protection services for First Nations children and families, in accordance with the legislation and standards of the province or territory of residence within program authorities. All children are protected by provincial or territorial child welfare legislation as child and family services are matters of provincial or territorial jurisdiction. Provinces and territories can delegate authority for child welfare to service providers both on and off reserve and are responsible for ensuring that they comply with provincial legislation and standards.
  • Social Development Program Management Infrastructure Initiative (SDPMII) are intended to provide financial assistance to recipients to assist them to identify models of effective management and accountability for social development programs that will lead to more effective, cost-efficient and accountable social development programming.

Contribution funding for both FVPP and FNCFS is mainly targeted to clients who are ordinarily resident on reserve or who, for the purposes of these programs, are deemed to be ordinarily resident on-reserve in a province or Yukon Territory. FVPP also funds prevention and awareness activities for Aboriginal communities and organizations (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) off-reserve.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The evaluation of Enhanced Prevention Approach for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Manitoba was completed in 2014–2015. The Evaluation of Family Violence Prevention was completed in 2017–2018.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An Evaluation of the First Nations Child and Family Services is planned for completion in 2020–2021. An Evaluation of Family Violence Prevention is planned for completion in 2022–2023.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Chiefs and Councils of First Nation bands recognized by the Minister of ISC
• Tribal Councils
• Provinces
• Yukon Territory
• First Nations authority, board, committee or other entity approved by Chief and Council
• Incorporated shelters
• FNCFS Agencies or Societies
• Indigenous communities and organizations (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) off-reserve
• First Nations and First Nation organizations or organizations supported by First Nations who apply to deliver the capacity building activities under the Social Development Program Management Improvement Initiative
• Other delegated/designated Child and Family Service providers including provincially delegated/designated agencies and societies.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department is engaging with provinces/territories, First Nations representative organizations, and other partners and stakeholders to inform the reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program.

The Department will continue to work in partnership with First Nations to further refine and improve the federal approach to Jordan's Principle and to ensure First Nations Child and Family Services reforms are aligned with it.

Grants and Contributions to support Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–2018

Link to department's Program Inventory: Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

Description: The Government of Canada seeks to contribute towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through improved coordination, supporting coalitions, and the broadening and strengthening of programming by identifying and addressing local needs of all urban Indigenous peoples.

Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP), implemented by the Department, funds and supports activities that allow Indigenous organizations to serve clients, and to deliver effective culturally appropriate programs/services to urban Indigenous peoples as well as invest in local stakeholder coalitions across Canada. It also provides opportunities for greater federal coordination of programming and supports research and pilot projects to better understand the urban Indigenous context.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The Evaluation of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy was completed in 2016–2017.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An Evaluation of Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples is planned for completion in 2021–2022.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Not-for-Profit Indigenous organizations
• Indigenous organizations
• Municipal governments
• Education authorities and institutions, such as school board, foundations and associations
• Health authorities and institutions
• Non-Indigenous organizations
• Universities
• Research institutions and organizations
• Individuals

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Not Applicable

Grant for Band Support Funding

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity

Description: The purpose of the Band Support Funding (BSF) grant is to assist band councils to meet the costs of local government and administration of departmentally funded services. This support is intended to provide a stable funding base to facilitate effective community governance and the efficient delivery of services. BSF allows First Nation communities the flexibility to allocate funds according to their individual needs and priorities and be responsive in an environment of growing complexity and as they move toward self-determination.

BSF recipients under the block funding approach must continue to meet the terms and conditions of the BSF program authority. Also, even if there is no program reporting requirements attached to grant authorities, BSF recipients under block funding must submit an annual Audited Financial Statement, which covers all funding received through the block funding approach, to the Department. The additional requirement is counterbalanced by the fact that block funded BSF recipients have access to multi-year funding.

These terms and conditions are specifically targeted to First Nations.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The evaluation of Governance and Institutions of Government was completed in 2016–2017

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity is planned for completion in 2021–2022.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Indian bands as defined by the Indian Act, RSC, 1985
• Band councils of bands, as defined in the Indian Act, RSC, 1985
• The elected representatives of communities that have not yet been declared to be bands by order of the Minister

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Recipients are engaged through the General Assessment process, and, where appropriate, discussions on potential for longer-term agreements are ongoing.

Grant to the Miawpukek Indian Band to support designated programs

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity

Description:

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The evaluation of the Miawpukek First Nation Grant Agreement was completed in 2010–2011. The scope of the evaluation of Governance and Institutions of Government completed in 2016–2017 included the grant to the Miawpukek First Nations.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity is planned for completion in 2021–2022.

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nation communities
• Tribal councils
• First Nation and Inuit employers
• First Nation and Inuit individuals
• Other Indigenous recipients and organizations (e.g. Inuit, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.)
• Industry-related (e.g. for-profit businesses)
• Municipalities and local organizations (e.g. governments at municipal or regional level, cities)
• Non-profit organizations (e.g. charities, foundations, NGOs, universities, colleges and research institutions)
• Provinces and territories (e.g. governments at provincial or territorial level)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Input to come

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

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity

Description: The Department's involvement in governance programming is a matter of social policy that included the devolution of programs and services to First Nation and Inuit governments on a gradual basis. Strong governance and accountability of First Nations and Inuit governments and related institutions are fundamental to the prudent use of funds transferred from the federal government. These objectives are advanced by a series of measures: Employee pension and benefits plans to incent recruitment and retention of professional staff; the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions that provide fiscal services and products to First Nation communities; Tribal Councils that provide service and program delivery at an aggregated level to communities; and governance capacity development programs that provide training in sound governance.

The following terms and conditions provide the framework under which current and future Department contribution programming can be administered to facilitate capacity development in the Indigenous public service; the First Nation and Inuit elected leadership and entities that administer aggregate services and program delivery on behalf of or to First Nations and Inuit governments and their communities.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The evaluation of the sub-program Governance and Institutions of Government was completed on 2016–2017.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity is planned for completion in 2021–2022.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Agencies
• Associations/organizations (profit or non-profit)/institutions
• Bands/settlements
• Beneficiaries of the James Bay, the Northern Quebec and the North-Eastern Quebec Agreements
• Boards and commissions
• Child welfare agencies
• Cooperatives
• Corporations, including Crown corporations
• Cultural education centres
• District councils/chief councils
• Education authorities
• Employers
• First Nation, Inuit or Innu individuals
• Municipalities and local authorities
• Partnerships or groups (including special interest groups)
• Provincial/territorial governments and agencies
• Tribal councils; and
• Universities and colleges.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Recipients are engaged through the General Assessment process, and, where appropriate, discussions on potential for longer-term agreements are ongoing.

The Forecast spending for 2017–2018 column represents a partial year forecast, from November 30, 2017 to March 31, 2018, as Indigenous Services Canada was established on November 30, 2017.

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity

Description: The purpose of "Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development" is to provide support to First Nations, Inuit and Innu so that the Department may obtain their input on all policy and program developments. The Department will, in recognition of its priorities and consistent with its strategic outcomes, allocate these funds to its various programs and regions who will negotiate contributions to eligible recipients. These contributions are intended to enable recipients to provide input in relation to specific program and policy development initiatives of the Department.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The evaluation of the sub-program Governance and Institutions of Government was completed on 2016–2017.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation:

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nation, Inuit and Innu individuals, on or off reserve
• Bands/Inuit Settlements
• District Councils/Chiefs Councils
• Indigenous and Inuit Associations/Organizations
• Tribal Councils
• Other First Nation/Inuit Communities
• First Nation and Inuit Economic Institutions/Organizations/Corporations
• Partnerships (or Groups) of First Nations/Inuit
• Beneficiaries of comprehensive land claims and/or self-government agreements with any group of First Nations, Inuit or Innu
• First Nation Education Authorities
• First Nation Child Welfare Agencies
• Cultural Education Centres
• First Nation and Inuit Co-operatives; and
• Boards and Commissions.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Recipients are engaged through the General Assessment process, and, where appropriate, discussions on potential for longer-term agreements are ongoing.

Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2016–2017

Link to department's Program Inventory: Water and Wastewater; Education Facilities; Housing; and Other Community Infrastructure and Activities

Description: The provision of community infrastructure funding to First Nations is based on the Government of Canada's spending power as a matter of social policy. The Department's allocates funding for the construction and the maintenance of community infrastructure to First Nations at regional level through formula, proposal based project funding or as a combination of both.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The Evaluation of Education Facilities and Community Infrastructure was completed in 2015–2016. The Evaluation of the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan was completed in 2013–2014.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of Education Facilities and Community Infrastructure is planned for 2020–2021. An Evaluation of Water and Wastewater is planned for completion in 2018–2019.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Bands/Settlements (land, reserves, trusts)
• First Nations/Innu/Inuit governments referred to in a Self-Government or land claims Agreement
• District Councils/Chief Councils and Tribal Councils
• First Nation Students attending band or federally operated schools and their chaperon
• Societies (e.g., First Nation Emergency Services Society)
• Institutions , associations, corporations, and partnerships
• Universities, colleges and other training institutions
• Financial Institutions
• Public
• Provincial-Territorial Governments and Agencies including Provincial School Boards, municipalities, local authorities, boards and commissions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Engagements on housing in the 2017–2018 fiscal year have proven integral to advance the reform thinking. The engagements were designed to build on themes and findings of previous engagements, to address gaps and offer a range of opportunities for First Nations to contribute. The priority objectives mandated by Government are: to co-develop a First Nations Housing strategy and; thinking through a transition of federal housing programming to increased First Nations care, control and management of housing for the long term.

For the Water and Wastewater Program, in a revised approach to the Department-led engagement process started in spring 2017 on the review of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act the Department will work with the Assembly of First Nations. The Assembly of First Nations will now take the lead role in both the approach and process in engaging with affiliated First Nations communities. When requested by partner regional representative organizations, the Department will support regional engagement activities.

Contributions for emergency management assistance for activities on reserves

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2015

Link to department's Program Inventory: Emergency Management Assistance

Description: The Department works collaboratively with Indigenous peoples and Northerners, as well as with other federal departments and agencies, provinces and territories, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These responsibilities also include supporting the management of emergency events on reserve, which are unforeseen and extraordinary in nature and represent urgent issues for the Government of Canada with regard to the health and safety of on-reserve First Nations communities. The assistance, a transfer payment in the form of a contribution came into effect April 1, 2005.

Local authorities, and provincial and territorial governments are responsible for emergency management activities within their respective jurisdictions. Section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867 prescribes the legislative authority of the Government of Canada for ‘Indians, and Lands reserved for Indians". This authority is delegated to the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada. Under section 6 of the Emergency Management Act (2007), each federal minister is responsible for identifying risks that are within or related to his or her area of responsibility, and for preparing, maintaining, testing and implementing emergency management plans to mitigate those risks. The Department supports the four basic pillars of emergency management — mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery — on First Nation reserves.

The Department has, since the early 1970s, exercised its responsibility by managing a framework for promoting and providing: emergency preparedness within First Nations communities; emergency response and evacuation during disasters; and remediation of infrastructure and houses after emergencies such as forest fires and floods. The Department had specific Treasury Board authority for forest fire suppression (December 15, 1988), which expired in March 2005. This authority enabled the Department to provide funding to provinces, Bands or other emergency organizations for the delivery of fire suppression services. The authority was replaced by the Emergency Management Assistance Program (November 29, 2004) through which the department makes contributions for emergency management assistance for activities on reserve. The Department also provides financial assistance to First Nations for search and recovery activities based on compassionate grounds.

The most common emergencies affecting First Nations are floods, fires, loss of essential services, severe weather, or failure of community infrastructure (i.e., winter roads, bridges, water sources, housing, etc.) due to natural disaster or accident.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The Evaluation of the Emergency Management Assistance Program was completed in 2016–2017.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An Evaluation of the Emergency Management Assistance is planned for completion in 2021–2022.

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nations, First Nations organizations and private firms contracted to administer funds jointly with or on behalf of the First Nation
• Provincial and territorial governments, their agencies, and Crown corporations
• Local authorities
• Non-governmental organizations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department is engaging with First Nation Bands, Tribal Councils, Technical Organizations, and First Nation Representative Organizations to discuss their priorities and perspectives to improve on-reserve Emergency Management through all four stages of emergency management.

The Department is continuing to engage with First Nation Representative Organizations, provinces, territories, and third-party service providers to negotiate trilateral Emergency Management Service Agreements to secure emergency services in the four pillars of emergency management.

(S) Contributions in connection with First Nations infrastructure

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2016–2017

Link to department's Program Inventory: Other Community Infrastructure and Activities

Description: The Other Community Infrastructure and Activities program is related to the Community and Regional Development Core Responsibility and contributes to the departmental result: Indigenous people have reliable and sustainable infrastructure.

The Other Community Infrastructure and Activities program provides targeted funding for general community infrastructure projects on reserve. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of life and the environment for First Nation communities. The program supports First Nation communities in their efforts to have reliable and sustainable infrastructure by providing funding to plan, design, construct, acquire, operate and maintain community infrastructure assets and facilities, as well as coordinate training and undertake capacity-building activities in this area.

The Department funds eight types of infrastructure through the Other Community Infrastructure program, including: roads and bridges, connectivity, culture and recreational facilities, fire protection, energy systems, planning and skills, and structural mitigation.

First Nation communities identify priorities and needs in their First Nations Infrastructure Investment Plans and funding is then allocated for projects based on a national priority assessment. Project proposals are submitted by the First Nations communities to the regional offices and evaluated at the national level to determine the priority projects to be funded.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The evaluation of the First Nations Infrastructure Fund was completed in 2013–2014.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of Other Community Infrastructure and Activities is planned for completion in 2020–2021.

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nations/Inuit governments
• Bands/settlements (land, reserves, trusts)
• District councils/chief councils and tribal councils
• Societies, institutions, corporations (where the major stakeholder is First Nation/Innu/Inuit), and partnerships (such as public-private)
• Associations, corporations
• Universities, colleges and training institutions
• Local authorities and municipalities
• Provincial and territorial governments and agencies

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Ongoing engagements in 2018–2019 regarding the reform of the federal infrastructure programming for First Nations, Inuit and Métis will build on engagements and policy decisions made by Cabinet and Indigenous partners. Engagements will include in-person, national, regional and focused technical discussions to discuss transition of federal programming to increased Indigenous peoples' care, control and management of infrastructure, including all 8 Other Community Infrastructure asset classes.

The Program Guide, available online, outlines the program and all application requirements.

The fire poster competitions will be initiated by the Aboriginal Firefighter Association of Canada (AFAC), which will send a promotional package to all prospective school principals inviting them to participate. To ensure consistency, all participating schools and regions will be subject to the same set of guidelines for the competition. A maximum total of eight national prizes (first, second, third and five honorable mention) for each category ensures winners from each participating region win a prize thereby maximizing the fire protection promotional value of the competition. For the travel costs, travel claims for students and chaperons are submitted to AFAC for reimbursement.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Health Infrastructure Support

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013–2014

Link to department's Program Inventory: First Nations and Inuit Health Planning, Quality Management and Systems Integration, First Nations and Inuit Human Health Resources, First Nations and Inuit Health Facilities, First Nations and Inuit e-Health Infrastructure and BC Tripartite Health Governance.

Description: The Health Infrastructure Support Authority underpins the long-term vision of an integrated health system with greater First Nations and Inuit control by enhancing their capacity to design, manage, deliver and evaluate quality health programs and services. It provides the foundation to support the delivery of programs and services in First Nations communities and for individuals, and to promote innovation and partnerships in health care delivery to better meet the unique health needs of First Nations and Inuit. The funds are used for: planning and management for the delivery of quality health services; construction and maintenance of health facilities; research activities; encouraging Indigenous people to pursue health careers; investments in technologies to modernize health services; and integrating and realigning the governance of existing health services.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluations:

Evaluation of BC Tripartite Governance: 2017–2018
Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Health Human Resources Program: 2013–2014
Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch's Health Services Integration Fund: 2015–2016
Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch's Health Planning and Quality Management: 2016–2017
Evaluation of First Nations Health Facilities Program: 2016–2017
Evaluation of the e-Health Infostructure Program: 2016–2017

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation:

BC Tripartite Governance: 2022–2023
Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit e-Health Infostructure: 2021–2022
Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Health Facilities: 2021–2022
Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Human Health Resources: 2018–2019
Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Health Planning, Quality Management, and Systems Integration: 2021–2022

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nations in Canada (i.e., Communities, Bands, District, Tribal Councils and Associations)
• Inuit Associations, Councils and Hamlets
• Canadian National Indigenous Organizations
• Non-governmental and voluntary associations and organizations, including non-profit corporations
• Educational institutions
• Hospitals and treatment centres
• Municipal, provincial and territorial governments
• Health Authorities
• Health Agencies

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) Strategic Plan seeks to pursue better mechanisms for involving First Nations and Inuit in the Branch's planning and decision-making processes. This includes commitments to find more effective and culturally appropriate ways to collaborate with First Nation, Inuit, provincial and territorial partners, and support First Nations and Inuit participation in the development and management of health programs and services that affect them.

In 2018–2019, FNIHB will continue to advance collaborative efforts with provinces, territories, First Nations and Inuit to ensure quality service delivery, build partnerships to advance health service integration and increase First Nations and Inuit participation in the delivery of health services. The Department will engage with partners to advance demonstration projects with remote presence technologies to expand access to primary care services. FNIHB will also work with First Nations recipients to expand social infrastructure activities with the renovation and expansion of new and existing on-reserve health facilities. FNIHB will work with Indigenous partners to advance new health planning requirements and reduce administrative and reporting requirements for recipients.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Primary Health Care

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010–2011

Link to department's Program Inventory: First Nations and Inuit Child First Initiative – Jordan's Principle, First Nations and Inuit Clinical and Client Care, First Nations and Inuit Communicable Diseases Control and Management, First Nations and Inuit Environmental Public Health, First Nations and Inuit Healthy Child Development, First Nations and Inuit Healthy Living, First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care, and First Nations and Inuit Mental Wellness.

Description: The Primary Health Care Authority funds a suite of programs, services and strategies provided primarily to First Nations and Inuit individuals, families, and communities living on reserve or in Inuit communities. It encompasses health promotion and disease prevention programs to improve health outcomes and reduce health risks; public health protection, including monitoring and surveillance, to prevent and/or mitigate human health risks associated with communicable diseases and exposure to environmental hazards, and health-related impacts of climate change; and primary care where individuals are provided diagnostic, curative, rehabilitative, supportive, palliative/end-of-life care, and referral services.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

Evaluation of Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Environmental Public Health Program: 2016–2017

Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Mental Wellness Programs: 2016–2017

Evaluation of the First Nations Clinical and Client Care Program: 2013–2014

Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care Program: 2013–2014

Evaluation of First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan: 2013–2014

Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Communicable Disease Control and Management Programs: 2014–2015

Evaluation of the Healthy Living and Healthy Child Development clusters: 2014–2015

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation:

Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Environmental Public Health: 2021–2022

Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Mental Wellness: 2020–2021

Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Communicable Disease Control and Management: 2019–2020

Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Healthy Living: 2019–2020

Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Healthy Child Development: 2019–2020

Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Clinical and Client Care: 2018–2019

Evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care: 2018–2019

Horizontal Evaluation (led by Health Canada) of Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada: 2018–2019

Evaluation of Jordan's Principle – A Child First Initiative: 2017–2018

First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan: 2018–2019.

General targeted recipient groups: One or more of the following recipient groups as established under the approved Terms and Conditions:

• First Nations and Inuit organizations or communities in Canada
• Non-government and voluntary associations and organizations
• Municipal, provincial and territorial governments
• Health Authorities
• Health Agencies

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) Strategic Plan seeks to pursue better mechanisms for involving First Nations and Inuit in the Branch's planning and decision-making processes. This includes commitments to find more effective and culturally appropriate ways to collaborate with First Nation, Inuit, provincial and territorial partners, and support First Nations and Inuit participation in the development and management of health programs and services that affect them.

In 2018–2019, FNIHB will continue to advance collaborative efforts with provinces/territories and First Nations and Inuit to ensure quality service delivery, build partnerships to advance health service integration and increase First Nations and Inuit participation in the delivery of health services. The department will engage with partners to advance demonstration projects with remote presence technologies to expand access to primary care services. FNIHB will also work with First Nations recipients to expand social infrastructure activities with the renovation and expansion of new and existing on reserve health facilities. FNIHB will work with Indigenous partners to advance new health planning requirements and reduce administrative and reporting requirements for recipients.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Supplementary Health Benefits

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013–2014

Link to department's Program Inventory: First Nations and Inuit Supplementary Health Benefits

Description: Indigenous Services Canada's Supplementary Health Benefits (also known as Non-Insured Health Benefits) Program is a national program that provides registered First Nations and recognized Inuit resident in Canada with coverage for a range of medically necessary health related goods and services which are not otherwise available to them through other private plans or provincial/territorial health or social programs. Program benefits include prescription and over-the-counter medications, dental and vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling, and transportation to access medically required health services that are not available on reserve or in the community of residence.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2017–2018.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of First Nations and Inuit Supplementary Health Benefits is planned for completion in 2022–2023.

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nations and Inuit organizations or communities in Canada (i.e., Communities, Bands, Tribal Councils and Associations)
• Hospitals and treatment centres
• Municipal, provincial and territorial governments
• Health Authorities.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) Strategic Plan seeks to pursue better mechanisms for involving First Nations and Inuit in the Branch's planning and decision-making processes. This includes commitments to find more effective and culturally appropriate ways to collaborate with First Nation, Inuit, provincial and territorial partners, and support First Nations and Inuit participation in the development and management of health programs and services that affect them.

The Supplementary Health Benefit Program will continue to work collaboratively with the Assembly of First Nations and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami on joint reviews of the Program in order to enhance client access to benefits, identify and address gaps in benefits, streamline service delivery to be more responsive to client needs, and increase program efficiencies.