Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B). Indigenous Services Canada. November 19, 2020

Logistics

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2020

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Videoconference (Zoom)

Subject: 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B)

Appearing(6:30-7:30):

• The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services

Supporting Witnesses from Indigenous Services Canada

• Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister
• Valerie Gideon, Associate Deputy Minister
• Philippe Thompson, Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer
• Mary-Luisa Kapelus, Assistant Deputy Minister, Education, and Social Development Programs and Partnerships Sector
• Chad Westmacott, Director General, Community Infrastructure Branch, Regional Operations

Appearing (7:30- 8:30):

• The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
• The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs

Supporting Witnesses from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

• Daniel Quan-Watson, Deputy Minister
• Annie Boudreau, Acting/Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Strategic Direction Sector
• Serge Beaudoin, Assistant Deputy Minister, Northern Affairs Organization
• Jean Francois Talbot, Acting/Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer

Context

Background

The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs previously heard from witnesses about the 2020-21 Main Estimates on March 12th, followed by the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) on June 16th. Ministers Miller, Bennett and Vandal and supporting officials appeared at both appearances.

During the June 16 appearance on the 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates (A) committee members asked several questions on the Government's response to COVID-19, including funding for the mining industry, airlines in the North, funding for Friendship Centres during the pandemic, and police interventions in communities in Quebec.

Most recently, Ministers appeared at INAN on October 27, 2020 on the COVID-19 Second Wave. A variety of questions were posed by the members. The Conservative members asked about boil water advisories, challenges facing tourism operators in the North, the deployment of GeneXpert instruments, and the First Nations Transparency Act. The Bloc Quebecois asked about connectivity in remote communities, Nunavik, northern air services, and staff shortages in long term care facilities. The NDP addressed housing, PPE, and lessons learned from the pandemic. The Liberals asked the Government to elaborate on what the Government is doing to flatten the curve, mental health investments, and UNDRIP.

Of note, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limited sessions in the spring for Parliament to study supply, the Standing Orders of the House of Commons were amended to extend the supply period until December, therefore Main Estimates are still under consideration by Parliament. INAN re-visited the 2020-21 Main Estimates for CIRNAC and ISC on October 27th : Pursuant to Standing Order 81(4), and the order made on Monday, April 20, 2020, the committee commenced consideration of the Main Estimates 2020-21: Vote 1 under Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Votes 1, 5, 10 and L15 under Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Votes 1, 5 and 10 under Department of Indigenous Services, referred to the committee on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Following a vote, 2020-21 Main Estimates were carried on division.

Below is a list of some of the specific issues raised by Members of the Committee during the most recent committee meetings, including Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A):

• MP Battiste (Lib)
  • Recent funding
  • Mental health
  • Jordan's Principle
  • Treaty Commissions
• MP Bérubé (BQ)
  • Sixties Scoop settlement / excluded claimants
  • Housing conditions in a community in Quebec
  • Jurisdictional issues
  • Nunavik
  • Urban Indigenous supports
  • Covid-19 Funding for housing
  • UNDRIP
  • Métis inclusion in pandemic planning
• MP Blaney (NDP), Critic of Veterans
  • MMIWG
  • Social assistance
  • Small business, and wage subsidies
  • Funding CFS (asked during QP)
  • Pandemic funding in communities
• MP McLeod (CPC), Critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations
  • MMIWG
  • Fiscal responsibility
  • Repatriation of Canadians from overseas
  • Production of PPE
  • Rapid Testing
  • Healthcare workers in the North/travel
• MP Melillo (CPC), Critic of Northern Affairs and Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
  • Connectivity in remote and northern communities
  • Food security in the north
  • Support for northern Ontario
  • Air services for the North
• MP Powlowski (Lib)
  • Evacuations in communities in Northern Ontario
  • Second Wave
• MP Vidal (CPC)
  • Timeliness of funding delivery
  • Child and Family Services applicants
  • How much of the $270 million for income assistance will be allocated for internal services.
  • The Departmental Plan's indicators, goals and the targets that have been lowered
  • whether Indigenous peoples are being well served by the Department
• MP Viersen (CPC)
  • Supports for Indigenous businesses Indigenous companies that have been awarded contracts
  • Contaminated masks
  • Sexual exploitation of Indigenous women / human traficking
• MP Van Koeverden (Lib)
  • Connectivity in remote and northern communities
  • Mental health programs for youth
• MP Zann (Lib)
  • Drug overdoses and addiction issues during pandemic
  • Connectivity
  • UNDRIP PPE stockpile
  • Systematic racism

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled to occur from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via the web platform Zoom. It should be noted that during the first hour of the meeting, Minister Miller and supporting officials will appear, and during the second hour, Minister Bennett, Minister Vandal and supporting officials will appear.

A Zoom link will be sent directly from the House of Commons to the witnesses along with instructions on when to join the call.

Witnesses are asked to use a wired headset. Witnesses will not be permitted to intervene should the audio quality be too poor

The first hour will see remarks delivered by Minister Miller (six minutes) followed by rounds of questions from Committee members.

The second hour will see remarks delivered by Minister Bennett and Minister Vandal (six minutes each) followed by rounds of questions from Committee members.

The meeting can be watched via Parlvu, however there is a 70-second delay.

While simultaneous translation will be available, witnesses are asked to respond to questions in either language but to limit switching back and forth between languages as this often creates technology/interpretation challenges.

The Chair will open the meeting and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. He will then introduce all witnesses. Ministers will deliver remarks as per standard practice. It is also recommended to speak slowly, and at an appropriate level, to ensure the interpreters can hear you, as well as to mute your phone when you are not speaking.

During this meeting, members will not be able to propose motions or challenge the Chair's rulings.

Committee members will pose their questions in the following order:

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

Speaking notes for The Honourable Marc Miller Minister of Indigenous Services At the Standing Committee on Indigenous Northern Affairs Supplementary Estimates B appearance

Ottawa, ON
November 19, 2020

Kwe, Unnusakkut, boohzoo, good evening, bonjour.

I am speaking to you this evening from the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin People.

Mr. Chair, members of the committee,  I am pleased to join you virtually today.

I also want to note the presence of Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister; Valerie Gideon, Associate Deputy Minister and senior officials from Indigenous Services Canada.

As of November 18, we can confirm 1,122 active cases of COVID-19 in on-reserve First Nations communities, for a total of 2,751 confirmed cases and, unfortunately, 21 deaths.

Given the alarming rise in cases across the country, including in Indigenous communities, we continue to be steadfast in our support and remain in close contact with Indigenous leadership across the country to ensure we they have what they need to respond to the virus and keep their communities safe.

I will now turn to the topic of today's hearing which is closely related to the pandemic response. These Supplementary Estimates include total authorities for Indigenous Services Canada in 2020-21 of $16.3 billion, a historical high in light of these unprecedented times.

They reflect a net increase of $1.8 billion. Of the 1.8 billion in new funding, $1.1 billion in both voted and statutory appropriations, or approximately 60 percent, is related to various COVID-19 response measures that have been integral to our response to date.

Key programs and initiatives included in these Estimates directly linked to addressing the impacts of COVID-19 include: 

• $305 million for the first wave of the Indigenous Community Support Fund which was allocated directly to Indigenous communities off-reserve or urban Indigenous service delivery organizations;
• $298.3 million to address the specific needs of Indigenous businesses impacted by the COVID-19 so that they could persist through this pandemic;
• $245.4 million in funding for a safe restart, reopening and health and safety measures for schools and child care centres on reserve;
• $105.9 million to support students and youth, primarily delivered through the Post-Secondary Education program and First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy;
• $82.5 million in support of surge capacity and adaptation of Indigenous mental wellness services; and
• $75 million for businesses in the tourism sector as well as First Nation, Inuit and Métis community and collective businesses and microbusinesses located in the provinces.

To continue our efforts to support children and families, $240.9 million has also been assigned to Child and Family Services in these supplementary estimates, as well as $74.7 million under Jordan's Principle.

I will close by saying that while our commitment to sustained attention and action to the challenges faced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis during this pandemic will be maintained over the course of the next several months, we are not losing sight of the broader need to advance on our Government's shared priorities with Indigenous leaders. This includes infrastructure, supports for children, women and families, health legislation and transformation, new fiscal relationships, economic development and the recent Universal Broadband Fund announcement, for which $50 million will be dedicated to mobile Internet projects that primarily benefit Indigenous peoples.

As COVID-19 continues to progress, we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure Indigenous peoples have all the supports they need to protect their health and safety… both in the immediate and in the long term. I am encouraged to say that tomorrow, tomorrow that along with the Prime Minister, we will be announcing additional support on this matter.

With that, I look forward to taking your questions.

Meegwetch. Nakurmiik [Nah-KOO-mick]. Marci. Thank you. Merci.

Supplementary Estimates

Supplementary Estimates present information to Parliament on Government of Canada spending requirements not sufficiently developed in time for inclusion in the Main Estimates.

Eligible items are:

• Requirements that are expected to be approved by Treasury Board in or before October 1, 2020;
• Transfers between Votes within the organization;
• Transfers between organizations. The organization receiving the transfer needs to have the mandate and policy coverage for the purpose of the funding;
• Increases to existing grants that are to be funded within the Vote; and
• Increases to vote-netted revenues.

Supplementary Estimates (B) is tabled on October 22, 2020. Supply is anticipated in December 2020.

Supplementary Estimates (B) is the second in a series of three Supplementary Estimates, the last being Supplementary Estimates (C) scheduled to be tabled in February and Supply to be received in March.

2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B)

The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B) reflect a net increase of $1.8 billion, which includes $1.8 billion in new funding less $1.0 million in net transfers with other government organizations.

The new funding includes $1.1 billion in related to various COVID-19  response measures ($329.5 million voted and $782.6 million statutory).

The total authorities for 2020-21 will be $16.3 billion.

Explanation of Requirements - By Vote and Key Initiatives

The net increase of $1.8 billion is comprised of:

• $260.4 million in Vote 1 Operating expenditures, primarily $227.5 million for Non-Insured Health Benefits as well as a transfer of $10.6 million for compensation adjustments;
• $740.0 million in Vote 10 Grants and Contributions, primarily $298.3 million to support Indigenous businesses impacted by the COVID-19, $240.9 million for Child and Family Services, $67.1 million for Jordan's Principle and $46.2 million for long-term care; and
• $783.6 million of statutory funding, of which $782.6 million are for various COVID-19 response measures.

Funding to support Indigenous businesses ($298.3 million)

Funding for the Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit ($255.8 million)

Funding for Child and Family Services ($240.9 million)

Funding for the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle ($74.7 million)

Funding to co-develop a new and more holistic long-term care strategy with First Nations and Inuit partners while supporting existing long-term care services ($46.7 million)

Funding for the Income Assistance Program (Budget 2019) ($39.2 million)

Funding to support students and youth (COVID-19)($15.9 million in Vote 10 and $90.0 million in Statutory)

Funding to support a safe restart in Indigenous communities (COVID-19) ($8.1 million in Vote 10 and $237.3 million in Statutory)

Funding for Income Assistance (COVID-19) ($7.2 million)

Funding for the removal of the 1951 cut-off which will eliminate sex-based inequities in Indian status registration ($7.9 million)

Funding for First Nations health facilities ($2.3 million)

Funding to promote access to public transportation following Greyhound Canada's 2018 service reductions ($1.5 million)

Funding for the Matrimonial Real Property Implementation Support Program (Budget 2019) ($1.6 million)

Funding for government advertising programs ($1.2 million)

Funding to increase the participation of Inuit firms in the bidding process for government contracts and business opportunities in the Nunavut Settlement Area ($1.1 million)

Annex A

Annex B

Items for inclusion in the Proposed Schedules to the Appropriation Bill for Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21

Indigenous Services Canada 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B)

• We are committed to supporting Indigenous communities to deliver services and programs, and address the unacceptable socio-economic conditions that persist today.
• The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B) totals $1.8 billion of which $1.1 billion is dedicated to helping First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities manage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• We will continue to focus on keeping children and families together, supporting quality education, building reliable infrastructure, and bolstering economic prosperity.
• We will also continue improving health outcomes which is particularly important in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding to support Indigenous businesses (COVID-19)

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $298.3 million to address the specific needs of Indigenous businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and to mitigate the impact on their short-term operational requirements.
• $75 million was also included in statutory funding to support First Nation, Inuit and Métis community and collective businesses and microbusinesses located in the provinces that are not able to access business supports from other federal departments, so that they may withstand the economic impacts of COVID-19.
• The ultimate outcome is that the number of Indigenous-owned and controlled businesses continue to increase in Canada.

Funding for the Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $255.8 million to continue to provide supplementary health benefits to eligible First Nations and Inuit.
• Funding will contribute to improve health outcomes through the provision of health benefits, such as medications, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling and medical transportation to access health services that are not available locally.

Funding for Child and Family Services

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $240.9 million to support the implementation of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) rulings received prior to September 2019.
• The re-profiled funds requested in Supplementary Estimates (B) will allow the program to continue supporting the payment of actual costs for First Nation delegated agencies.
• The funding will ensure that First Nation children and families are receiving the services they need.

Funding for the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $74.7 million to support the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle to ensure Canada's compliance with legal obligations under the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT).
• The number of approved individual and group requests under Jordan's Principle has been increasing each year since its implementation, with a corresponding increase in expenditures.
• From July 2016 to September 2020, more than 742,000 requested products, services, and supports have been approved.
• The re-profiled funds requested in Supplementary Estimates (B) will be used to support the continued growth under Jordan's Principle.

Funding to co-develop a new and more holistic long-term care strategy with First Nations and Inuit partners while supporting existing long-term care services

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $46.7 million to co-develop a new and holistic long-term care strategy with First Nations and Inuit partners and to address program pressures with the Assisted Living Program.
• The funding supports the engagement with First Nations and Inuit communities on co-development of a new and holistic long-term care strategy.
• The funding also addresses significant funding pressures to ensure that the Assisted Living Program is able to maintain existing essential social supports to First Nations clients who are among the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding for the Income Assistance Program (Budget 2019)

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $39.2 million as announced in Budget 2019 to continue case management and pre-employment supports to help clients and dependents transition to employment and education.
• This allows communities to maintain dedicated caseworkers or staff until March 31, 2021 in order to continue their work with Income Assistance clients.
• This investment would support 58 funding recipients, which includes 157 First Nation communities, across Canada.

Payments for measures in response to COVID-19 pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act

• Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $782.6 million in statutory funding to helping First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities manage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• $305 million is dedicated to help Indigenous communities and organizations to respond rapidly to the pandemic situation by protecting and supporting their community members, in accordance with public health recommendations and community pandemic plans.
• The health, safety and well-being of all people in Canada, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis, is and will remain a top priority for all.

If pressed on COVID-19 funding for schools

• Canada recognizes that First Nation, Inuit and Métis are among the most vulnerable.
• This is why $237.3 million will be used to support a safe restart in Indigenous communities for various areas such as: community infrastructure on reserve, education on reserve, Indigenous post-secondary education institutions and health and safety needs for Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare.
• Another $90 million will be used for post-secondary education and First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy.

If pressed on COVID-19 Mental Wellness funding

• We are ensuring Indigenous communities have the flexibility they need to address the specific needs identified by their members as they prepare for and react to the spread of COVID-19.
• This is why $82.5 million will be used to help Indigenous communities adapt and expand mental wellness services, improving access and addressing growing demand, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B) for all departments were tabled in the House of Commons by the President of Treasury Board on October 22, 2020.

It presents approved items totaling $1,784 million. The total appropriations for the Department will then be at $16.3 billion.

Key Messages

• We recognize that Indigenous businesses face unique challenges and may be disproportionately affected by this pandemic.
• The Supplementary Estimates (B) includes funding to address the specific needs of Indigenous businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and to mitigate the impact on their short-term operational requirements.
• This initiative will provide small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses with financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic that is similar to the Canada Emergency Business Account that the Government has previously launched.
• We are committed to helping Indigenous businesses through the pandemic and into recovery.

Background

The Government of Canada took immediate action to support businesses facing hardship as a result of COVID-19. The measures originally designed were useful for only a small number of Indigenous businesses because they face unique challenges at the best of times. The majority are smaller, often operating in rural or remote locations that are distant from supply chains. As a result, on April 18, 2020, the Government announced $306.8M in aid to support small and medium-sized Indigenous enterprises impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Of that amount, $240 million is available for Indigenous businesses. Each eligible business can receive up to $40,000 in interest-free loans (75%) and non-repayable contributions (25%). The measure taken, the COVID-19 Indigenous Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Initiative (COVID-ISI), is being made available through the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) with the network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs), and the Métis Capital Corporations (MCCs). The COVID-ISI is  designed to assist both Indigenous entrepreneurs, and the Indigenous institutions that support them, so that they can continue to operate through the pandemic and into the recovery phase.

As the institutions will keep monitoring and managing repayments for an additional 4 years, a re-profile of $8.5M of stream 3 - operational funding has been approved in order to respect the reconciliation of expenses, and support institutions in their payment recovering activities.  

The $306.8M COVID-ISI has been approved through Supplementary Estimates B, including the re-profile of $8.5M, which leaves a potential disbursement this fiscal year of $298.3M.

As further context, following the announcement of the COVID-ISI, the Indigenous Community Business Fund was launched, which is another emergency measure to meet the needs of Indigenous community businesses located in the provinces which are unable to access other federal business supports in response to the economic impacts of the pandemic, due to their structures and inability to take on debt.  It does not duplicate other federal business support measures, including the COIV-ISI.

The fund is needs-based and modelled on other federal business support measures, such as the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.  Those measures were introduced in the spring of 2020, and some are close to exhausting their funding.  The volume of unmet needs by Indigenous community businesses is still being assessed, particularly for collectively-owned businesses by the Métis.

Some of the funding is being transferred directly to communities and collectives to address their COVID-19 economic priorities including supporting micro-businesses that could not access other federal programs.  The balance of the funding is proposal-based for community or collectively-owned businesses.

As of October 22, 2020, a total of 584 First Nation and Inuit communities in the provinces have received funding transfers to address the economic impacts of the pandemic and 19 proposals by community-owned businesses have been funded. For the Métis portion of the fund, five funding agreements have been signed, or are in the process of being signed, with organizations selected by the Governing Members of the Métis National Council. Funding, which began to flow in November, will continue to be provided to Métis collectives and communities and to collectively-owned businesses over the coming weeks.

Funding for an additional 678 proposals to support Indigenous tourism is being provided through the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.

Key Messages

• Improving the health of First Nations and Inuit is a shared undertaking between federal, provincial and territorial governments, and First Nation and Inuit partners.
• The health and safety of First Nations and Inuit is a top priority for our Government and we are making important investments in this area. To this end, Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $255.8 million in additional funding for the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program in 2020-21.
• This increased funding will enable the NIHB Program to continue providing more than 887,000 eligible First Nation and Inuit individuals with coverage for a range of medically necessary health benefits, not otherwise provided through other private or provincial/territorial programs, including:
  • prescription and over-the-counter medications;
  • dental care;
  • vision care;
  • medical supplies and equipment;
  • mental health counselling; and,
  • medical transportation to access health services not available in the community of residence.
• The supplementary health benefits provided through the NIHB Program are an essential component of ongoing efforts to address the substantial health disparities faced by many First Nation and Inuit individuals compared to other Canadians.

If pressed

• Maintaining and improving the NIHB Program is fundamental to our Government's commitment to:
  • renew the nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples; and
  • support First Nation and Inuit health through a variety of investments and strategies that build a health system that is culturally safe and responsive to their needs.
• The NIHB Program regularly engages with the Assembly of First Nations and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to identify opportunities for Program improvements.

Background

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program provides supplementary health benefits to registered First Nation and recognized Inuit individuals regardless of their income or place of residence in Canada (i.e. both on and off-reserve).

In accordance with the NIHB Program's mandate, originally approved by Cabinet in 1997, eligible clients receive coverage for a range of medically necessary health benefits not otherwise provided through other private or provincial/territorial programs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medications, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling and medical transportation to access medically necessary services not available in the community of residence.

As with other public and private plans, the NIHB Program does not provide direct services to clients; rather, benefits are delivered through private sector health benefit providers (e.g., pharmacists and dentists), with benefit claims paid through the Program's national electronic claims processing system or regional offices. Some benefits (mostly medical transportation and mental health counselling) are also delivered via contribution agreements with First Nation and Inuit organizations or the territorial governments in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

Program Growth

Demand for NIHB Program benefits fluctuate each year based on the health needs of the eligible client population. Overall expenditures are also influenced by a number of factors that are beyond the Program's control, including cost drivers that are common to all public and private health insurance plans (e.g., increased costs for drugs and new therapies, rising demand for pharmaceutical care, aging client populations); and the geographic location of NIHB clients, who often live in remote and isolated communities with limited access to medically necessary services), and require medical transportation to access services.

Since 2009-10, the NIHB Program has experienced a 24.4% growth rate in its eligible client population, compared to 10.3% for the Canadian population more broadly. This growth was partly due to natural births but also compounded by a number of policy, legislative and legal decisions that enabled new individuals to claim or restore their status under the Indian Act. As of March 31, 2020, there were 887,518 clients eligible to receive benefits under the NIHB Program. Of these, 837,807 (94.4%) were First Nation and 49,711 (5.6%) were Inuit.  The NIHB Program is also experiencing growth due to increased demand/utilization across all benefit areas. Total Program benefit expenditures reached in excess of $1.5 billion in 2019-20.

Key Messages

• These seek to re-profile $240.9 million to support the implementation of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) rulings.
• This funding will allow the First Nations Child and Family Services Program to continue supporting the payment of actual costs for First Nation delegated agencies to ensure that First Nation children and families are receiving the services they need.
• ISC provides funding for the ongoing provision of culturally-appropriate prevention, protection and well-being services for First Nations children and families on reserve.

If pressed on why funding is being re-profiled

• The deadlines to submit claims were extended in 2019-20, which resulted in a surge of claims late in the 2019-20 fiscal year. Therefore, funding is being requested to be re-profiled so that payments can continue in 2020-21.
• ISC initially accessed an additional $468.2 million in the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) to meet the projected requirements for the 2020-21 fiscal year.
• Through these Supplementary Estimates (B), the Program's total budget for 2020-21 will be $1.9 billion, to ensure Canada continues to be compliant with the CHRT orders.

Background

At the very beginning of 2019-20, the Program's $1.2 billion funding envelope had already been committed or expended on existing obligations (e.g. existing funding agreements). Based on the cash-flow usage and the legally imposed timeframe to pay CHRT actual claims within 15 days, the Department could not wait for funding from the normal supply period (i.e. late-March 2020). While awaiting a decision on the off-cycle funding request submitted on July 2, 2019 for $462.8 million, ISC risk-managed these unavoidable expenditures from other available funding sources in the Department.

In the second quarter, based on previous quarters' expenditures and trends, as well as information collected from regional offices, it was expected that the Program would exceed its current Vote 10 authority (Main Estimates) by $634.9 million (i.e. $588.3 million for the Program and $46.6 million for the Infrastructure reimbursement from 2018-19). This represented an increase of $172.1 million when compared to the forecast presented in the first quarter (i.e. $462.8 million forecasted in Q1 vs. $634.9 million forecasted in Q2). With an improved methodology to predict CHRT actual claims to be received and more sound forecasts throughout the regions, the Program was also in a position to reduce its contingency from 30% to 10% (i.e. $86.8 million forecasted in Q1 vs. $31.1 million forecasted in Q2). On December 23, 2019, the Department of Finance granted the Program with $588.3 million in funding for 2019-20, which represented the entire request including contingency, except for the Infrastructure reimbursement from 2018-19, and $468.2 million for 2020-21. As of December 31, 2019, the Program was expecting to exceed its current Vote 10 authority (Main Estimates) by $588.3 million and the $46.6 million Infrastructure reimbursement from 2018-19 had since been absorbed departmentally.

The surge related to the December 31, 2019 deadline for retroactive claims took place as expected. However, with an increase of 101.7%. in the number of claims received when compared with 2018-19, the Program was experiencing challenges to verify their eligibility that would result in delays to issue payments. This resulted in a $240.9 million surplus at year-end and several CHRT claims being paid in 2020-21. In order to pay these claims in 2020-21, the Department is seeking to re-profile this surplus of $240.9 million from 2019-20 to 2020-21.

The funding sought through this re-profile request relates solely to estimable funding needs of our Department, irrespective of future orders of the CHRT. As the Department must manage these material funding shortfalls in a year with limited opportunity to access new funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department is seeking to access these funds now to both ensure that these services are effectively delivered to First Nations children, and to ensure that Canada remains compliant with the Tribunal orders. Delaying this request could put the Government at risk of non-compliance with the current orders.

Key Messages

• The funding requested in Supplementary Estimates (B) is to support the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle and to ensure First Nations children access the health, social and education products, services, and supports they need.
• $74.7 million of the additional funding that was allocated for 2019-20 will be reprofiled to 2020-21 to continue to meet the growing demand under Jordan's Principle.
• From July 2016 to September 2020, more than 742,000 requested products, services, and supports have been approved.
• Budget 2019 invested $1.2 billion over three years to support the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle.
• The Department will continue to work with First Nations partners to develop a long-term approach to improving services for First Nations children.

If pressed

• To meet the growing demand for products, services and supports under Jordan's Principle, the Government provided an additional $232 million in 2019-20 in addition to the Budget 2019 investments. $74.7 million of the additional funding for 2019-20 is allocated to 2020-21 to continue to meet the growing demand under Jordan's Principle.
• Jordan's Principle is entirely demand-driven. Annual financial forecasts are impacted by individual needs and service gaps.   

Background

Jordan's Principle is a legal requirement, not a policy or program, resulting from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) decision of January 2016, which ordered Canada to cease applying a narrow definition of Jordan's Principle and to take immediate measures to implement the full meaning of the principle. Since the initial 2016 CHRT decision, the CHRT has issued several subsequent remedial orders regarding how Jordan's Principle should be defined and implemented.

The number of approved requests (individual and group) under Jordan's Principle has been increasing each year since its implementation, with a corresponding increase in expenditures. As of September 30, 2020, 742,486 products and services were approved for First Nations children. Between April 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020, 170,245 products and services were approved for First Nations children.

Budget 2019 committed $1.2 billion over three years to Jordan's Principle to ensure that First Nations children receive access to the health, social and education products, services, and supports they need, while informing a longer term approach. To meet the growing demand for products, services and supports under Jordan's Principle, the Government of Canada provided an additional $232 million in each of 2019-20 and 2020-21, bringing the Government's overall commitment to Jordan's Principle over $2 billion since 2016.

Key Messages

• These Supplementary Estimates (B) include funding to co-develop a new and more holistic long-term care strategy with First Nations and Inuit partners and to address program pressures with the Assisted Living Program.
• The funding will support an Indigenous-led engagement on a holistic continuum of long-term care. The engagement is taking place over 2020-22 and is being adapted to take into consideration public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Assisted Living Program will be able to maintain existing essential social supports offered to First Nations clients who are among the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If pressed

• The populations served through the Assisted Living Programs are among those most at-risk to the COVID-19 pandemic considering their age and health conditions, including a predominance of chronic diseases.

Background

The 2018 Report of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs outlined many gaps in the continuum of care in Indigenous communities. Following this report, budget 2019 announced $8.5 million to conduct an engagement on the development of a holistic continuum of long-term care services in First Nation and Inuit communities.

The engagement was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is being adapted to take into consideration public health measures. The engagement seeks to understand long-term care gaps and needs in Indigenous communities and support the co-development of policy options. Engagement activities are designed and delivered by First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations in every region, targeting a broad range of people including seniors, persons with disabilities, caregivers, administrators, governments, leadership, and organizations.

The Assisted Living Program provides non-medical social services to eligible seniors, adults with chronic illness and persons with disabilities living on reserve to help them maintain their independence. The program is available to all individuals residing on reserve, regardless of status or age, and eligibility is means-tested where household resources are considered using a methodology comparable in the province or territory of residence. In 2018-19, the program provided home care services to 10,450 on-reserve residents, supported 1,013 persons in institutional care, and 102 persons in adult foster care. The program is currently funded at approximately $98 million per year, not including the $38.8 million for 2020-21 in program integrity funding received through Supplementary Estimates (B).

Key Messages

• The $39.2 million will provide case management and pre-employment supports to First Nation communities.
• This funding will allow communities to keep dedicated caseworkers on staff until March 31, 2021 so they can continue their work with Income Assistance clients.
• These caseworkers will help Income Assistance individuals develop personalized plans and access to multiple supports, to help address clients' barriers and needs as they move toward self-sufficiency.

Key Messages

• Funding for this initiative was provided under the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act until September 30, 2020.
  
• Out of $270 million COVID-19 funding received for the Income Assistance program, the Supplementary Estimates (B) includes the remaining $7.2 million for internal program administration that is expected to be spent by March 31, 2021.
  
• Ultimately, the additional funding helped individuals and families on reserve remain safe during the pandemic by providing additional supports.

Background (Budget 2019)

The Income Assistance program provides funding to assist eligible individuals and families living on reserve with: basic needs, special needs, employment and pre-employment measures designed to increase self-reliance, to improve life skills and to promote greater attachment to the work force.

Income assistance, in general, falls under provincial/territorial jurisdiction. Provincial/territorial governments set rates and eligibility criteria. The ISC Income Assistance program mirrors provincial/territorial rates and eligibility criteria.

Background (COVID-19)

The Income Assistance program provides funding to assist eligible individuals and families living on reserve with: basic needs, special needs, employment and pre-employment measures designed to increase self-reliance, to improve life skills and to promote greater attachment to the work force.

Income assistance, in general, falls under provincial/territorial jurisdiction. Provincial/territorial governments set rates and eligibility criteria. The ISC Income Assistance program mirrors provincial/territorial rates and eligibility criteria.

Out of $270M received for COVID-19, there remains $7.2M in Vote 1.

Key Messages

• The Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $105.9 million to support students and youth.
• These funding will be used to support two major initiatives:
  • Post-secondary education (PSE): will provide Indigenous post-secondary students with direct financial assistance to address increased costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (FNIYES): will provide First Nations and Inuit youth with skills development opportunities and work placements that will help them succeed in the labor market.

Background

Indigenous post-secondary students are facing unique challenges (e.g. financial instability and unplanned additional expenses) as a result of COVID-19. Colleges and universities have closed campuses for all non-essential services and students have had to transition to online learning. Financial instability is a primary concern as the measures meant to control the spread of the pandemic have further jeopardized students' financial situation (i.e. limited opportunities for summer employment).

On April 22, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a comprehensive support strategy for post-secondary students and recent graduates, which includes a one-time increase of $75.2 million in 2020-21.  In addition to the existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students, this investment will help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous PSE students to ensure they can continue to pursue and maintain their studies. Funds may be used to support students with expenses such as tuition for summer enrolment or additional academic terms, technology and equipment to support online course delivery, living expenses and child care.

This announcement also included additional investments in the Youth Employment and Skills program, delivered by a number of Government of Canada departments, including the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy funded through Indigenous Services Canada, will increase employment opportunities and supports for youth across the country who are impacted by the pandemic by:

• funding employers and non-profit organizations so that they can create additional youth employment opportunities in critical sectors and services that support vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19;
• creating training opportunities for youth to ensure they are ready to enter the workforce;
• provide other relevant supports, such as mentorship opportunities, access to computers, access to mental health and other emergency supports.

Key Messages

• The Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $245.4 million to support a safe restart in Indigenous communities
• This investment supports a safe restart in Indigenous communities for various areas such as: community infrastructure on reserve, education on reserve, Indigenous post-secondary education institutions and health and safety needs for Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare.
• This funding will support communities to undertake necessary retrofits to community infrastructure that will allow them to follow public health guidelines to help prevent and, should they occur, contain outbreaks.
• Funding will be used to implement measures such as:
  • having available additional cleaning supplies for frequent cleaning and disinfection of common touch surfaces;
  • having available appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. masks, gloves);
  • acquiring needed technology to expand online course offerings and facilitate the provision of student services electronically; and,
  • providing students access to culturally-safe counselling and culturally-supportive learning environment.

COVID-19 – Support for School Reopening

• Our Government's investment to support a safe return to school will provide First Nations with the flexibility to make decisions on re-opening based on what they feel is the safest option for their students and address immediate educational school and student needs, such as additional instructional personnel and adaptations of education programs and services (e.g. technology supports).
• We are currently working with First Nation communities and education authorities to amend funding agreements to ensure funding can flow to recipients as soon as possible.

COVID-19 – Support for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education Institutions

• Our Government recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact Indigenous post-secondary education institutions, who are facing unique challenges that are impeding their ability to support the needs of Indigenous learners.
• We are providing a one-time investment to alleviate the immediate pressures of Indigenous post-secondary education institutions, which have arisen as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• We will continue engaging provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, institutions and educators on how to improve the post-secondary education experience for Indigenous students and will continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic to consider additional supports during the second wave of COVID-19.

COVID-19 – Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care

• The safety and wellbeing of all children, including Indigenous children, is a key priority for this government.
• The Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve program supports the physical, developmental, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual well-being of children, with programming designed and delivered by communities.
• We are proposing, through Supps B, to support a safe restart in Indigenous communities for health and safety needs for Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare.
• I look forward to working with external partners and my colleagues to improve access to quality and culturally appropriate ELCC programs and services.

Background

On October 30, 2020, the Prime Minister announced over $200 million in new funding to provide support to Indigenous people and communities. The funding includes:

• $120.7 million to help Indigenous early learning and child care facilities safely operate during the pandemic. The investment is expected to support over 35,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation children who access culturally relevant Indigenous early learning and child care programs. This funding will be co-managed through existing early learning and child care partnerships. It will assist Indigenous communities in addressing their most critical needs, including implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, hiring additional staff, and offering training.
• $59 million for First Nations to adapt their on reserve community infrastructure. First Nations can use the funds to implement public health and safety measures in community buildings by adding hand washing stations, buying hand sanitizers, personal protective equipment for staff, and cleaning supplies, installing signage and barriers to promote physical distancing, and doing safety checks and upgrades to existing ventilation systems.
• $25.9 million to provide immediate support to Indigenous post-secondary institutions in 2020-21. The investment will help these institutions address increased costs and financial uncertainty resulting from the pandemic, including putting in place supports to retain staff, automating services to process student applications and registrations, adapting courses for online learning, and implementing public health and safety measures for in-person services.

Key Messages

• The removal of the 1951 cut-off eliminates all known sex-based inequities in the registration provisions of the Indian Act.
• Funding requested in Supplementary Estimates (B) will be used to process registration requests and to support the ongoing monitoring and engagement activities with First Nations.
• A total of $21.2 million in funding, which was included in part of the Supplementary Estimates (B), was allocated implement the provisions of S-3, an Act to amend the Indian Act in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux c. Canada (Procureur général) specific to the 1951 cut-off.

Background

In July 2016, the Government of Canada announced that it would introduce a staged approach in response to the Descheneaux decision that would include legislative amendments to the Indian Act eliminating known sex-based inequities in Indian registration.

Implementation Process

The removal of the 1951 cut-off eliminates all known sex-based inequities in the registration provisions of the Indian Act. A total of $21.2 million in funding was allocated implement the provisions of S-3, an Act to amend the Indian Act in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux c. Canada (Procureur général) specific to the 1951 cut-off. The amendments came fully into force on August 15, 2019. Since August 15, 2019, the Department has received approximately 6500 S-3 applications. In total, since 2017, the Department has received 27,000 S-3 applications.12,000 S-3 applications have been processed, resulting in approximately 10,000 newly eligible individuals. The Treasury Board submission for this initiative was approved on October 1, 2020.

Key Messages

• ISC is requesting a reprofile of $2.3 million in the Supplementary Estimates (B) to support the construction of health facilities in two First Nations communities, Cross Lake, Manitoba and Pikangikum, Ontario.
• The Pikangikum and Cross Lake health facilities will each include space for primary care, community programs and the necessary resident accommodations for transient and visiting health care professionals. These projects will address identified health service gaps in these communities.

Background

FNIHB's Health Facility Program drew down $29.1M in funding for these two capital projects via a Treasury Board Submission in 2018. In September 2020, HFP was informed that $26.8M was needed by the Department to support COVID-19 relief measures. This funding was needed to complete construction and is now being re-sought through the Emergency Management Submission. The remaining amount ($2.3M) is the purpose of this reprofile and is required due to it being tagged for capital projects.

The Pikangikum and Cross Lake projects were approved by Treasury Board Secretariat in April 2016 via Budget 2016 Social Infrastructure Investments – Funding for Health Canada (2016-17 to 2017-18): Health Facilities Program (Community Health Infrastructure for First Nations on Reserve) and funding was drawn down accordingly. These projects were approved by Treasury Board again in September 2018 as part of - Funding for First Nations Health Facilities.

Cross Lake Health Facility

The original scope of the Cross Lake project included planning, design, construction, and commissioning of a health facility (nursing station) to service a population of approximately 8,500. The total budget was approximately $40M and construction was expected to be completed by March 2020.

Additional requirements identified during the design phase expanded the project's scope to include a residential component to accommodate health care professionals while working in the community. An additional $15M commitment was made for the residence, at which point the project reached $55M (the project ceiling maximum) and the department has remained firm on these figures.

This project has been delayed for a variety of reasons including: changes in leadership, re-scoping the proposal (different types of housing accommodations single unit vs family units), environmental challenges (potential disturbance to bird migration patterns) and repeated requests by the community to increase the project ceiling maximum.

Pikangikum Health Facility

The original scope of the Pikangikum project included planning, design, construction, and commissioning of a health facility (nursing station) to service a population of approximately 3,000. The total budget was approximately $11M and construction was expected to be completed by March 2019.

Additional requirements were identified at the design phase, including the need for an improved and expanded health service delivery model and a residential component to accommodate transient and visiting health care professionals while they work in the community. This resulted in an additional cost of approximately $6.7M, which was approved by ISC.

Planning and design work for Pikangikum was completed in 2017-18 and the project proceeded to construction tender; however, all of the tender bids received exceeded the identified project funding envelope ($17.7M). As a result, a re-evaluation of the project was required to determine fair market value for the project. Following this, an additional $2.3M (new project ceiling of $20M) was added to the total cost. This project was expected to be completed in 2020-21, but for a number of reasons will likely be completed in 2022-23.

In compliance with the conditions placed on the Health Facilities Program by Treasury Board, FNIHB continues to adhere strictly to the cost ceilings for both of these projects. This has placed strains on the relationship with communities and has further stalled the projects.

Construction for both projects is currently projected to be completed by March 2023; however, timelines must account for community-led decision-making processes. These processes are largely outside of Program control and do not necessarily align with specific timelines for government fiscal cycles and funding allocations.

Both projects are owned and led by a community project team as per direction by the elected Chief and Council. Project teams consist of community members supplemented by a consultant and professional project management advisors, but ultimately, decisions are made by Chief and Council. To date, no construction contracts have been awarded for either project.

This funding is necessary to meet the Government of Canada's commitments for the construction of health facilities in these two First Nation communities. ISC is mandated to provide effective, sustainable, and culturally appropriate health programs and services that contribute to the reduction of gaps in health status between First Nations and Inuit and other Canadians. This funding will allow ISC to uphold the agreement to build infrastructure that will contribute to reducing the health gaps between First Nations and other Canadians.

Cross Lake Health Facility

To date, Cross Lake has received approximately $7M (of the $55M cost ceiling) which has allowed advancement of on-site preparation work, aggregate preparation, facility design, tender package preparation, and initial set-up of a 50-person work camp to accommodate the construction crew.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to providing up to $55M in summer 2020.

Recent ground level discussions with the community have been positive; however, the community has re-scoped the build ($55M) to only include the health facility alone and excludes accommodations which are estimated to be approximately $15M. The accommodations component of the build may be funded by the community – discussions with community are ongoing.

Pikangikum Health Facility

ISC has requested that the community revisit their design to bring the project costs in line with the available budget ($20M cost ceiling) and further discussions with the community will be held moving forward. To date, approximately $1.3M has been spent on planning and design work, including re-working the design to meet budget constraints.

The community has indicated through informal discussions that they require a significant increase in funding (approximately +$30M) and further discussions will need to be held with the community to discuss this matter.

Key Messages

• This funding will be used to promote awareness of the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act (the Act). It will provide individuals living on reserve with tools to understand and exercise the rights and protections available to them, including both the provisional federal rules and the First Nation law-making mechanism included in the Act.
• Working through the Centre of Excellence for Matrimonial Real Property, this funding support continued efforts to raise awareness of the Act and provide law-making support for First Nations communities.
• The funding will also be used for the training of law enforcement officers undertaken by the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association.

Background

• The Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act (the Act) came into full force in 2014 and fills a legislative gap to provide equal legal protections for all individuals and families living on reserves regarding matrimonial rights and interests during the breakdown of a marriage or common-law partnership.
• The Act has two main components:
  • A law-making authority that enables the First Nation to enact their own matrimonial real property laws, whose content is determined and approved by the members.
  • Provisional Federal Rules provide matrimonial real property rights and protections for residents living on reserves until a First Nation develops and enacts its own law.
• First Nations can also enact a matrimonial real property law pursuant to a land code enacted under the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management.

Key Messages

• The reprofiled funding requested through Supplementary Estimates (B) would allow us to provide continued support the Directive on Government Contracts, including Real Property Leases, in the Nunavut Settlement Area.
• This funding will support opportunities for training, capacity development, and business research to allow Inuit businesses to become bid-ready.
• The object of this effort is to help develop Inuit business capacity to bid on and win government procurement contracts.

Background

The reprofiled funding requested through Supplementary Estimates (B) will ensure sufficient time for the Government to effectively engage with the Inuit businesses and demonstrate results from federal departments in leveraging Government Contracts.

Current funding for 2020-21 fiscal year is fully allocated to Inuit development agencies representing each region of Nunavut to develop training and implement the same to build Inuit business capacity to bid on government procurement contracts and other more project specific capacity building.

The additional funding from Supplementary Estimates (B) will allow the Program to approve additional proposals. Two recent proposals, one from Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and another from a subsidiary, PanArctic Communications Inc, have helped ISC spend approximately $5.3 million out of a possible $5.625 million allotted to ISC over the next four years.

Key Messages

• The Supplementary Estimates (B) includes advertising funding of nearly $1.2 million to help raise awareness of Jordan's Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative (CFI).
• These efforts have been focused on reaching:
  • Parents, guardians and caregivers of First Nations children;
  • First Nations and non-First Nations youth; and
  • Indigenous and non-Indigenous health / social / educational professionals.
• Since 2018, ISC has been raising awareness of Jordan's Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative through various ongoing outreach activities including social media, co-developed public awareness materials, posters, and website campaigns.
• We are committed to the full implementation of Jordan's Principle and to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need.
• Budget 2019 invested $1.2 billion over three years to support the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle.

Background

Jordan's Principle is a legal requirement, not a policy or program, resulting from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) decision of January 2016, which ordered Canada to cease applying a narrow definition of Jordan's Principle and to take immediate measures to implement the full meaning of the principle. Since the initial 2016 CHRT decision, the CHRT has issued several subsequent remedial orders regarding how Jordan's Principle should be defined and implemented.

In May 2017, the CHRT ordered Canada to advertise Jordan's Principle in both official languages to inform First Nations families and stakeholders of the eligibility criteria and to ensure that First Nations children have access to the same health, education, and social services that are available to other children in Canada. Canada has advertised the program each year since 2017-18.

ISC is also working collaboratively with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to raise awareness about the Inuit Child First Initiative since it was announced on September 10, 2018. The government provided $220 million over five years to the Inuit Child First Initiative to address the immediate needs of Inuit children and to ensure they have access to the health, social and educational products, services and supports they need similar to First Nations's children under Jordan's Principle.

Since 2018, the Department conducts annual advertising and outreach activities for Jordan's Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative, including advertising activities on social and traditional media, updating websites, setting up posters and mailing materials.

  Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed over $2 billion, including a Budget 2019 investment of $1.2 billion over three years, to implement Jordan's Principle, ensuring that First Nations children receive access to the health, social and education products, services, and supports they need. The number of approved requests (individual and group) under Jordan's Principle has been increasing each year since its implementation, with a corresponding increase in expenditures. As of September 30, 2020, 742,486 products and services were approved for First Nations children. Between April 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020, 170,245 products and services were approved for First Nations children and 18,575 products and services were approved for Inuit children.

Key Messages:

• For 2020-21, Indigenous Services' Main Estimates is $12.8 billion, representing a net increase of about $538.7 million, or 4%, compared to last year's Main Estimates.
• Most of the decreases between the 2018-19 expenditures to the 2019-20 Main Estimates, shown in the Transfer Payment table, are due to a re-allocation of funding from annual contribution agreements with First Nation communities to the 10-year grant model.
• $1.5 billion in funding is set aside in 2020-21 for First Nations with these grant agreements, including 85 First Nation communities that moved to the grant model last fiscal year, and additional First Nation communities that will move to the grant in 2020-21.
• The 10-year grant is a key initiative of Indigenous Services Canada's ongoing commitment to establish a new fiscal relationship that moves towards flexible, predictable and sustained funding for First Nation communities.
• We are committed to continuing to work to ensure the continuity of programming and the delivery of services.

Background:

• Why Mains Estimates are still under consideration in Parliament?

  Response:

  Business of Supply

  Normal Supply Process

  The business of supply is "the process by which the government asks Parliament to appropriate the funds required to meet its financial obligations and to implement programs already approved by Parliament."

  In a normal fiscal year, there are five appropriation bills that are presented to Parliament. The first two bills relate to the funds sought in the Main Estimates. Appropriation Bill #1 (Interim Supply) is to provide authorities for the beginning of the fiscal year to ensure that the government has funds to spend up to the point in which Appropriation Bill #2 (Full Supply) receives royal assent in June.

  The final three appropriation bills support the Supplementary Estimates, which are usually tabled in the Spring, Fall and Winter periods. These appropriation bills seek Parliament's approval to authorize additional expenditures or reallocations not foreseen in the Main Estimates.

  Fiscal Year 2020-21

  The business of supply for the current fiscal year is significantly different from previous years, or what would be considered the normal supply process. The changes to the process are a direct result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

  One important difference was that the House of Commons approved temporary changes to Standing Order 81, which allowed the Main Estimates to be considered until December 2020.

  This resulted in the Government splitting up the Full Supply into three appropriation bills, of which the third has yet to be tabled. Therefore, organizations have still not received their full authorities included in the 2020-21 Main Estimates. If all else remains the same, the remainder of the Full Supply will be voted on later this fall with the Supplementary Estimates (B). The Supplementary Estimates (C) will most likely be tabled in 2021.

  Based on this, Parliament is still considering the Main Estimates and related information.

• For 2020-21, Indigenous Services' Main Estimates is $12.8 billion, representing a net increase of about $538.7 million, or 4%, compared to last year's Main Estimates.

  In addition to this increase in Main Estimates, ISC has received $1.7 billion through the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) and is requesting $1.8 billion through the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B).

  Why additional funding is required through the Supplementary Estimates process for ISC in 2020-21?

  Response:

  While the Main Estimates provide an overview of spending requirements for the upcoming fiscal year, Supplementary Estimates present information on additional spending requirements which were either not sufficiently developed in time for inclusion in the Main Estimates, or have subsequently been refined to account for developments in particular programs and services. For example, new funding provided through budget announcement after Main Estimates are tabled and urgent but unforeseen expenditures.

  ISC is requesting additional funding through the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates processes for the following major initiatives:

  • expenditures related COVID-19 pandemic;
  • increased requirements for key initiatives, e.g. Child and Family Services and Jordan's Principle;
  • accessing investments announced through the Economic and Fiscal Snapshot 2020, e.g. Assisted Living and Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit.

COVID-19 in Indigenous communities

Key Messages

• In light of the second wave, Indigenous Services Canada is actively working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to ensure necessary resources are in place to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19.
  
• In order to address the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 Indigenous Services Canada: 
  • Is working with provinces and territories to facilitate access for Indigenous communities and PHAC to seek an allocation of federally procured PPE for the ISC PPE stockpile. As of November 17, Indigenous Services Canada has processed 1,415 requests for Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Is expediting funding to support First Nations communities in their response to COVID-19.
  • Is redoubling efforts to increase flu and pneumococcal vaccine coverage and early use of antivirals for influenza.
  • Is working with Indigenous partners, PHAC and provinces and territories to ensure that Indigenous peoples are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccine, when approved and available in Canada
  • Is working closely with the National Microbiology Laboratory and provincial laboratories to provide rapid testing devices, tests, training, and a proficiency program.
• Additional funding supports throughout the pandemic have been significant in many areas including public health, education and safe return to school, mental wellness and post-secondary education.
• Through the Indigenous Community Support Fund, we continue to provide funding for emergency response and preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 
• Starting in the early days of the pandemic, guidance documents and tools (more than 40 to date) were developed and are being updated to support the continuation of health service delivery, ensuring the protection of health professionals and those to whom the services are delivered.

COVID-19: Funding supports for Indigenous Peoples

• We recognize that Indigenous communities face unique challenges in addressing COVID-19.
• That's why we acted quickly to provide $380 million through the Indigenous Community Support Fund and $285 million to support the public health response in Indigenous communities.
• We continue to support Indigenous peoples as the situation evolves. On August 12th, we announced an additional investment of $305 million through the Indigenous Community Support Fund.
• We continue to work in conjunction with provinces and territories to ensure essential supports and resources are in place.

General COVID-19 Response Funding

• Over $2 billion has been committed in specific support to Indigenous and northern communities and organizations, including $285 million for ongoing public health responses in Indigenous communities.
• Funding provided to date through the Indigenous Community Support Fund includes $323 million for on-reserve First Nations and self-governing communities, $67.5 million for Inuit regions; $45 million for Métis Nation Governing Members; and $90 million for regional, urban, and off-reserve Indigenous organizations.
• Additional needs-based funds will be available via application. Details on how to apply is forthcoming.

If Pressed on Indigenous Community Support Fund Funding

• Funding as announced on August 12th is flowing and all communities are expected to receive their allocations in the coming weeks.
• This fund provides Indigenous leadership with the flexibility needed to design and implement community-based solutions:
  • Support for Elders and vulnerable community members;
  • Measures to address food insecurity;
  • Educational and other support for children;
  • Mental health assistance and emergency response services; and,
  • Preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Family Violence & Shelters

• $10 million has been allocated for emergency family violence prevention shelters on-reserve and in Yukon to support women and children escaping violence.
• We are providing $44.8 million over five years to build 12 new shelters. This includes 10 in First Nations communities on reserve and two in the territories.
• An additional $40.8 million will be provided to support operational costs for these new shelters over the first five years and $10.2 million annually ongoing.
• A further $1 million each year, starting this year, will support engagement with Métis leaders and service providers on shelter provision and community-led violence prevention projects for Métis women, girls and LGBTQ and two-spirit people.

Northern

• We are providing supports for communities and businesses in the North including providing an additional $25 million to Nutrition North Canada to increase subsidies so families can afford much-needed personal hygiene products and nutritious food.

Indigenous Businesses

• We recognize that Indigenous businesses and their communities face unique challenges and are disproportionately affected by the current situation.
• That is why we are investing $439.8 million to support and ensure local Indigenous businesses and owners have access to the support they need to get through this challenging time.

If Pressed on Indigenous Businesses

• Of the $439.8 million, $306.8 million has been allocated to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses.
• Financial support for Indigenous businesses will be provided through Aboriginal Financial Institutions and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Métis capital corporations in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada.
• On June 11th an additional $133 million in funding was committed to help Indigenous businesses, including $16 million for the Indigenous tourism industry, through the pandemic and into recovery. 

If pressed on the wage subsidy

• We have confirmed that First Nation sole proprietors and incorporated businesses are able to access a wide range supports.
• However, we recognize that community-owned unincorporated businesses as well as microbusinesses with very low revenue are not able to access many of the announced measures such as the wage subsidy.
• The $117 million announced on June 11 addresses the gap.  The Indigenous Community Support Fund supports Indigenous community-owned businesses which are not eligible for existing business support measures to mitigate the hardships created by the pandemic.

Post-Secondary Education

• An additional $75.2 million will be provided in 2020-21 to increase existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education.
• Our Government is also providing $112 million to support a safe return to First Nations schools on reserve, in addition to the $2 billion that is being provided to the provinces and territories.
• We are currently working with First Nation communities and education authorities to amend funding agreements to ensure funding can flow to recipients as soon as possible.

On-Reserve Income Assistance Program

• $270 million was provided to supplement the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program to address increased demands on the program, which will help individuals and families meet their essential living expenses.
• This will also help hire additional staff to better serve First Nations communities and connect individuals to other government programs.

Overview of Investments related to the COVID-19

• Over $2.2 billion has been committed to support Indigenous and northern communities and organizations during the pandemic.

In Health:

• $285.1 million to support the ongoing public health response to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities. (ISC)
  • This funding can be used to provide surge capacity and additional support for community-based services in Inuit and Métis communities.
  • To date, $49.6 million has been invested in surge infrastructure including procurements, Blue Meds, retooling and renovations.
• $10 million to support Canada's initial response to COVID-19. (ISC)
  • To date, $11.9 million has been invested in ISC CARE, this includes some funding from the $285.1 million investment.
• $82.5 million in mental health and wellness supports to help Indigenous communities adapt and expand mental wellness services, improving access and addressing growing demand, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. (ISC)
• $72.6 million for health and social services support to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. (CIRNAC)
• $25 million for enhancement to the Nutrition North Canada Subsidy.(CIRNAC)

In Social:

• $685 million for the distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund (ISC), including:
  • $525.1 million provided directly to Indigenous communities and groups across the country to provide leadership with the flexibility needed to address immediate needs as a result of COVID-19 ($322.7 million for on-reserve First Nations and self-governing communities; $67.5 million for Inuit regions; $45 million for Metis Councils; and $90 million for regional, urban, and off-reserve Indigenous organizations); and,
  • $159.8 million additional, needs-based funding is also available through an application driven process.
  • This funding can be used to supporting Elders and vulnerable community members, addressing food security, mental health assistance and emergency responses services to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• $270 million to supplement the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program to address increased demand on the program, which will help individuals and families meet their essential living expenses. (ISC)
• $10 million for emergency family violence prevention shelters on reserve and in Yukon to support women and children fleeing violence. (ISC)
• $44.8 million over five years to build 12 new shelters, which will help protect and support Indigenous women and girls experiencing and fleeing violence. (CMHC)
• The Government of Canada will also provide $40.8 million to support operational costs for these new shelters over the first five years, and $10.2 million annually ongoing. (ISC) Starting this year, $1 million a year ongoing will also be provided to support engagement with Métis leaders and service providers on shelter provision and community-led violence prevention projects for Métis women, girls, LGBTQ and two-spirited people.(ISC)

In Economy:

• Up to $306.8 million in relief measures for small- and medium-sized Indigenous businesses in the form of interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions. (ISC)
• $117 million to support community-owned and micro-businesses through the Indigenous Community Business Fund (ISC)
• $59 million additional for minor capital as part of the safe restart in Indigenous community. (ISC)
• $16 million to support Indigenous tourism businesses through the COVID-19 Indigenous Tourism Stimulus Development Fund (ISC)
• $17.3 million in support for Northern Air Carriers.(CIRNAC)
• $34.3 million for territorial businesses, through CanNor's Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. (CanNor)
• $15 million for CanNor's Northern Business Relief Fund.(CanNor)

In Education:

• $120.7 million for Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care as part of the safe restart in Indigenous community.(ISC, PHAC,ESDC)
• $112 million to support a safe return to elementary and secondary schools for First Nations on reserves. (ISC)
  • This will provide funding to First Nations to support school reopening needs, which could include salaries for teachers, custodians and bus drivers (who may have to work additional hours during this period), access to technology, purchasing e-learning software and the development of take-home learning materials.
• $75.2 million in 2020-21 in distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education. (ISC)
• $25.9 million for Indigenous Post-secondary education institutions as part of the safe restart in Indigenous community. (ISC)

In addition, other approved investments that have not been announced:

• Additional funding to help improve access to food and increase food supply for Indigenous Peoples. (AAFC/ISC)

Key Messages

• In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, we have been actively evaluating and acquiring approved point-of-care tests and are prioritizing the needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, especially those in rural, remote and isolated areas.
  
• As of November 13th, 93 GeneXpert instruments had been deployed to First Nations and nearby service centres.  
  
• We will continue to work with partners to ensure that nursing stations and health centres in First Nations communities have the proper equipment and training procedures to administer these tests.

If pressed on Point of Care (GeneXpert) devices

• My Department continues to collaboratively work with partners to ensure that Indigenous peoples have access to rapid testing devices.
• Of the 93 GeneXpert instruments deployed, 55 devices are located directly in First Nations. The remaining devices are either in high impact locations where community members usually access health services or to be deployed from central locations.
• Depending on device availability, ISC and NML anticipates to have approximately 115 GeneXpert systems deployed by next spring. Their locations will be collaboratively determined by need and discussions with partners.

If pressed on safety of operations

• ISC continues to work with partners to ensure that health facilities in Indigenous communities have the proper equipment to support these tests, as well as the training procedures required to administer them.
• To date, 39 training sessions have been provided by the NML to both First Nations and ISC staff in locations implementing the GeneXpert system.
• ISC supports communities with GeneXpert systems, in providing PPE necessary for the implementation of the GeneXpert systems.

Key Messages

• Our top priority is the health and safety of all Canadians, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
• We are working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, provinces and territories, and Indigenous partners to support planning for a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Indigenous Services Canada is focused on specific needs of Indigenous communities including the elevated risk factors they may experience.
• We are advocating for the prioritization of the COVID-19 vaccine for Indigenous populations.

If pressed on COVID-19 Vaccine Planning

• Indigenous peoples are at increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 due to a range of factors including geography, social determinants of health and underlying health conditions.
• Various efforts are underway to ensure an integrated and coordinated approach to support the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine for First Nations and Inuit communities.
• Indigenous Services Canada will work with provinces and territories to ensure that health facilities in Indigenous communities have the necessary immunization supplies and additional personal protective equipment to deliver the vaccine when available.

If pressed on the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's Preliminary Guidance on Key Populations for Early COVID-19 Vaccination 

• ISC continues to ensure that Indigenous peoples' needs are taken into consideration in all measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including for vaccine development.
• ISC currently works with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to develop guidance on vaccine prioritization for First Nation, Inuit and Métis people.
• The National Advisory Committee on Immunization's guidelines were released on November 3, 2020. Based on this interim guidance, Indigenous populations, especially those in remote and isolated communities, have been identified as priority recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Background

The Government of Canada supports First Nations and Inuit communities in preparing for, monitoring and responding to COVID-19. Indigenous Services Canada works closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada, other Government of Canada departments, and provincial and territorial governments as well as Indigenous partners to protect the health and safety of Indigenous peoples.

Work is underway internationally to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. The Government of Canada is working with manufacturers to secure vaccine supply; however, there are anticipated supply challenges with this vaccine due to the significant international demand.

Indigenous Services Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch is developing strategic advice and direction on emerging issues related to COVID-19 vaccine considerations for Indigenous communities, including implementation, quality assurance, and prioritization. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization will define key populations for vaccine prioritization. Indigenous partners and Indigenous Services Canada have provided input into this guidance.

Health Community Infrastructure

• We recognize the infrastructure challenges faced by many First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.
• We are working with communities to identify and support them to temporarily re-tool existing community spaces or to purchase, stockpile, deliver, and install temporary mobile structures for screening/triage, isolation, and accommodation.
• We have been clear that supports for Indigenous communities are not limited by financial capacity.
• We will continue to work closely with individual communities and partners to coordinate resources and keep communities safe.

If pressed on temporary isolation structures:

• We are working directly with First Nations communities to assess health infrastructure needs and identify tailored solutions to best respond to COVID-19.
• As of November 4,107 community spaces were identified for re-tooling and 194 temporary mobile structures were funded.
• The Department is also ensuring that the temporary mobile infrastructures have the necessary supplies and equipment, wrap-around services, and physical distancing measures.
•  We will continue to work closely with individual communities and partners to coordinate resources and keep communities safe.

If pressed on COVID-19 and Drinking Water Advisories:

• During a Boil Water Advisory or Do Not Consume Advisory, tap water can still be used to wash hands with soap and water and for personal hygiene. 
• If a Do Not Use Advisory is in place, bottled water with soap or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be used to wash hands. 
• Letters have been sent to First Nations communities currently on a Drinking Water Advisory. For these communities, ISC provides supplies such as bottled water, and hand sanitizer where needed.

If pressed on Funding Announcement Aug 26 and Oct 30:

• First Nation communities need to be able to access necessary services even during the pandemic.
• This is why we are providing $71.5 million to First Nations to adapt their on reserve community infrastructure.
• This includes $12 million for schools on-reserve, which will allow them to invest in minor capital investments that support physical distancing and enhanced health and safety practices to keep students and education workers safe.
• It also includes $59.5 million for other First Nation community infrastructure to support the safe delivery of services, including daycare and long-term care, on reserve.

Background

Infrastructure Adaption Announcements:

Community infrastructure includes daycare centres, band offices and community buildings, fire halls, women's shelters, Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve sites, treatment centres, long-term care facilities, and National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program treatment centres.

The $71.5M will be used for minor capital investment based on the number of assets held in a given community, as well as additional needs-based minor capital investment (taking into consideration additional factors related to program and service requirements for communities re-opening and supporting on-going human health concerns). Funding will flow directly to communities and organizations through established funding agreements and through existing program authorities currently held by the Department. 

It should be noted that this funding is not intended to cover the construction of new building or other major capital expenditures (e.g. expanding existing space) and will be limited to minor capital investments only. Further, this funding does not preclude any additional public health measures or standards that may emerge moving forward.

COVID-19 Surge Health Infrastructure Response

Confirmed cases in Manitoba

• We are paying specific attention to the preparedness and response needs of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities.
• We are actively working with the communities where COVID-19 test positive cases have been confirmed to ensure necessary resources are in place.
• The health and safety of the individuals and the communities is a top priority and to respect the privacy of the individuals sick with COVID-19, we will not be commenting on the specifics of the cases.
• We will continue to support the communities and address surge capacity as needed.

COVID-19 outbreak in Opaskwayak Cree Nation

• The health and wellbeing of Opaskwayak Cree Nation community members remains our top priority.
• ISC continues to work with the Opaskwayak Cree Nation leadership, the Northern Regional Health Authority and the Pandemic Response and Coordination Team, to ensure that the community is supported in responding to the situation in McGillivray Personal Care Home.
• Widespread testing efforts at the Home and in the broader community is ongoing and additional nurses are being deployed to the community.
• We stand ready to deploy additional resources as needed.

If pressed on measures put in place 

• On November 15, I had discussions with Chief Sinclair and want to underline the great leadership the community has shown in addressing the outbreak.    
• Efforts continue in order to limit the spread of the disease in the community. Over the weekend, nurses were deployed to assist with testing and contact tracing, and a psychologist will be arriving today to provide assistance to staff and community members.
• We are also working with the community to assess isolation needs and remain in contact with them for any other needs that may arise. 

If pressed on surge supports in Manitoba

• We are cognizant of the statistics that Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, reflected in higher numbers requiring serious medical attention.
• ISC is working with First Nations across Manitoba to address surge capacity needs including access to testing, infrastructure support for isolation measures and additional frontline health care resources.   
• ISC is actively working in partnership with the First Nations Pandemic Response and Coordination Team, and community leadership, to support communities where COVID-19 cases have been confirmed and to limit community spread.

If pressed on collaboration with the Province of Manitoba

• Indigenous Services Canada is currently working closely with provincial and First Nation partners through formal Collaborative Tables designed to support planning and issue resolution. 
• The Province of Manitoba has also re-initiated its Incident Command Structure, and has invited Indigenous Services Canada to participate to reinforce our partnership and collaboration in maximizing our resources and mitigating further spread.

Background

Opaskwayak Cree Nation has been dealing with a large outbreak of cases since late October, including at the McGillivray Personal Care Home. OCN is adjacent to The Pas, Manitoba, which is also dealing with a large outbreak.  The community has a strong health team and has been very independent in managing the outbreak.

The McGillivray Personal Care Home implemented provincial guidelines for lockdown/red on the pandemic response system on October 14, when the first case was identified in community.  Since that time, residents have been restricted to their rooms, meals have been delivered and enhanced infection control measures, including use of PPE, have been implemented.

ISC is meeting daily with representatives of Opaskweyak Cree Nation, Northern Regional Health Authority (NRHA) and the Pandemic Response and Coordination Team (PRCT) to discuss the situation with the McGillivray Personal Care Home. The PRCT rapid response team (RRT) is deployed to the community and is completing tests on all personal care home residents.

As of November 15th, the rapid response team has confirmed that 29 staff tested positive.  An additional 32 staff still require testing. They continue to offering testing to the broader community.

The Northern Regional Health Authority has deployed two nurses to the health centre to assist public health with case and contact management.  An additional public health nurse will be deployed on November 16.

The community is working to staff the Personal Care Home to one and a half times their normal complement, as recommended by Dr. Anderson. They have reached out to nursing agencies to request additional nurses.  Agencies have requested a letter from an MOH granting an exemption to the requirement for self isolation.  Dr. Anderson has provided the community with the required information to support.  OCN had one nurse deployed November 15, expects one on November 16 and has secured two additional nurses to arrive in community the week of November 15. Additional housekeeping staff will be deployed to assist with infection and prevention control in the facility.

A psychologist will be arriving in community on November 16  to provide assistance to staff and community members.

The community identified that they will be providing support to surrounding communities who require assistance with isolation. Chief Sinclair has discussed this issue with Minister Miller the evening of November 15. They will be preparing a proposal for funding to meet this need and have identified that additional human resources will be required and they will be looking to the federal government to assist.  The community will be preparing the proposal and submitting in the next couple of days. 

The Northern Regional Health Authority shared that they have identified a case in a nearby personal home care off reserve.

Key Messages:

• As of October 22, 2020, the Department incurred $579K to equip employees to work from home since the beginning of the pandemic.
• Indigenous Services Canada has established a departmental Guidance on remote work expenses (July 22, 2020) for temporary remote work measures during unforeseeable circumstances, such as: pandemics, state of emergencies, inclement weather, etc. The departmental guidelines established to provisions such as:
  • Removal of equipment from the office to take them to their remote work location upon manager's approval, such as:
    • Laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice, foot rest and chairs (regular and ergonomic)
  • Work related supplies such as:
    • Paper, pens and sticky notes,
  • Work related long distance telephone calls (if the employee does not have a work phone)
  • Maximum reimbursement limit up to $300 for the purchase of either a chair or a desk; and up to $500 if both items are required to be purchased
• Any equipment for use at home by an employee that is provided, procured or reimbursed by the Department remains a departmental asset.
• As well, the guidance outlined the list of expenses that are not eligible for reimbursement to the employees, such as:
  • Costs of maintaining a safe remote work workplace (such as insurance, heat, hydro, cleaning, etc.)
  • Internet costs
  • Purchase of computing devices (computers, laptops, tablets), printers, scanners since computing devices must be requested from the
  • departmental IM/IT services.

Information:

• Main category of expenses for employees working from home (March 13, 2020 to October 22, 2020):
• In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous Services Canada provides support to employees to enable them to work from home. 
• Costs to the Department have been incurred in the following categories:
  • Technology resources, including computers, laptops, monitors, printers, and scanners and other associated hardware items (cables, toner, etc) – note: this does not include expenses related to annual IT life cycle management.
    • $487,000
  • Furniture to support work from home activities, primarily for chairs and desks.
    • $74,000
  • Telecommunications services, including items such as zoom subscription services and eligible cell phone fees
    • $18,000
  • Total
    • $579,000
• IT Deployment / Connecting Employees
  • Network connections
    • From: 2,000 GCSRA and 980 CITRIX connections
    • To: 6,500 GCSRA and 2,000 CITRIX connections
  • 983 laptops/tablets have been deployed since March (HQ only)
  • FNIHB IT deployed over 800 devices to date
  • Deployment of mobile devices (1,648 deployed since March 2020)
    • ISC = 1,330 (of which 771 were in FNIHB)
    • CIRNAC = 303
    • CANNOR = 15
  • MS Teams: 9,150 users have been on-boarded on MS Teams.

Key Messages

• The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations continues to support my colleague, the Honourable Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on advancing the Mi'kmaq's right to fish for a "moderate livelihood" and addressing the unrest in Nova Scotia.
• Concrete steps are being taken. On October 23, 2020, Allister Surette was appointment as Federal Special Representative to foster dialogue and find common ground between Indigenous and non-Indigenous harvesters to help reduce tensions. We look forward to how Mr. Surette's work may also inform longer-term approaches for implementing the moderate livelihood right. 
• Negotiations with our Indigenous partners on implementing their historic treaty right are still being pursued. My department continues to support upcoming meetings between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs.
• We are also working to ensure that all the Indigenous communities in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and the Gaspe region of Quebec, who also possess the treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood, remain engaged. 

If Pressed on RCMP

• The acts of violence in Nova Scotia cannot be tolerated.
• The Nova Scotia RCMP have increased their police presence in the affected area each day. Furthermore, the Minister of Public Safety has approved a request to enhance the presence of contracted RCMP resources in order to keep the peace.
• The Minister is aware that charges have been laid in regards to earlier acts of violence and property damage—including the assault of Chief Sack—and other investigations are ongoing.
• The RCMP in Nova Scotia continues to monitor the situation and take the actions necessary should there be criminal activities that pose a threat to the safety of individuals or property. Violence is criminal and will not be tolerated.
• The RCMP in Nova Scotia have and will take steps to ensure that those who unlawfully interfere with or threaten the safety of any person or property may be held accountable in accordance with the laws of Canada.

Background

The 1999 Supreme Court of Canada Marshall decision confirmed that theMi'kmaq, Wolastoqey (Maliseet), and Peskotomuhkati in Atlantic Canada have a treaty right to hunt, fish, gather and trade in pursuit of a "moderate livelihood" based on the 1760-61 Peace and Friendship Treaties.The Marshall decision impacts approximately 43,000 individuals, and 35 communities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the Gaspé region of Quebec. The courts encouraged parties to negotiate these rights.

In September 2020, tensions in southwest Nova Scotia between non-Indigenous and Mi'kmaq fishers escalated over Sipekne'katik's unilateral exercise of moderate livelihood lobster fisheries outside of the regulated season. Vandalism, threats, and intimidation towards Sipekne'katik fishers and their supporters ensued. In response and support, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Chiefs declared a State of Emergency.

The Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia are organized as the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs. The four Mi'kmaq communities not in section 35 negotiations are Sipekne'katik, Millbrook, Bear River, and Membertou. Most recently, Membertou publically announced their withdrawal from section 35 negotiations and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs on October 28, 2020.

Canada, led by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, is currently involved in discussions with Sipekne'katik First Nation and other various Nova Scotia communities on how to address the historic treaty right to fish for a "moderate livelihood". The parties are deliberating on how to proceed. Discussions with the other communities not involved in fisheries negotiations are also being pursued.

In an attempt to de-escalate rising tensions, on October 23, 2020 the Government of Canada appointed Allister Surette as the Federal Special Representative to help facilitate dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous fish harvesters and help inform longer-term solutions around implementing the right to fish for a moderate livelihood.

Urgent Meeting on Racism Experienced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada's Health Care Systems

• Canadians are rightfully outraged by the tragic death of Joyce Echaquan. But Joyce is not alone; she recorded something that many Indigenous people experience all across the country.
• We must address racism against Indigenous peoples within Canada's healthcare systems. This is a responsibility that must be recognized among all levels of government, healthcare organizations and providers.
• In October, we convened the first of many meetings, to bring together those within health systems that must be part of the change. 

If pressed on next steps:

• We are committed to working with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous governments and partners, and health care partners to develop an action plan to address anti-Indigenous racism in Canada's healthcare systems.
• We heard loud and clear at the Urgent Meeting that regulatory colleges, medical training institutions, and those responsible for the oversight of healthcare providers must be front and centre in these discussions.
• This meeting was the first step, but the lived experiences of Indigenous people must lead us in this work. These voices are central to change.

If pressed on work to date

• We have committed to addressing this issue. Over the past three years, new investments have been made to improve Indigenous patients' access to culturally responsive health care, including funding for navigators in NIHB, supports through Jordan's Principle, and funding to support culturally specific healing practices.
• ISC has also provided funding to develop a Cultural Safety and Humility standard, and supported a Forum in January 2020 on informed choice and consent in Indigenous women's sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Situation in Joliette Hospital - Manawan

• We are deeply concerned about the incident reported at the Joliette hospital, as well as the tragic loss of life of a community member from Manawan.
• The Government condemns any form of racism and discrimination and will do everything in our power to support those affected by the event and address it.
• ISC is working in collaboration with the community leadership as well as the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and social services Commission (FNQLHSSC) to provide any help and supports they need during these difficult times.

Background

On September 28, 2020, Joyce Echaquan, a 37 year old mother of seven children from the Atikamekw Nation of Manawan, a community 250 kms north of Montreal, died at the Joliette Hospital after suffering degrading insults from two hospital staff. Before her death, Ms. Echaquan captured this terrible interaction on her cell phone and posted a video on Facebook.

The Quebec Coroner's office confirmed on September 29 that they would be investigating the circumstances of Echaquan's death. The hearings are expected to begin in 2021. The local health authority, Centre Intégré de Santé et de Servivces Sociaux (CISS) de Lanaudière, also has launched its own investigation.

ISC has begun work to address anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare. Over the past 3 years, new investments in culturally responsive health supports include:

The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program hired navigators that directly assist clients in accessing benefits and services;

Through Jordan's Principle, Canada has invested $40 million to hire service coordinators to assist clients who are facing challenges in accessing services; and,

Budget 2017 invested $205 million to support culturally specific healing practices, including traditional Indigenous healers.

In February 2019, ISC created the Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women's Health and Wellbeing, providing an avenue for gender-based discussions on cultural safety and the specific experiences of Indigenous women.

In January 2020, the Department worked with the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health to facilitate a Forum on Informed Choice and Consent in Indigenous Women's Health.

Funding was provided to the First Nations Health Authority to develop a Cultural Safety and Humility standard to support health care organizations to identify gaps and challenges in their current system, which will go out for Public Review in Fall 2020. This assessment could be integrated into accreditation programs.

The Department has also recently contributed to the Canadian Quality and Patient Safety Framework for Health and Social Services with the Canadian Patient Safety Institute and Health Standards Organization to ensure cultural safety.

Water and Wastewater

• All Canadians should have access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water.
• As of June 30, 2020, more than $1.65 billion of targeted funding has been invested to support 626 water and wastewater projects, including 348 that are now completed. These projects will serve 462,000 people in 581 First Nation communities.
• Much work remains, but the results are encouraging with 96 long-term drinking water advisories lifted to date.

If pressed on COVID-19 and timelines for DWAs

• Much work remains, but the results are encouraging with 96 long-term drinking water advisories lifted to date.
• We are also providing sustainable investments to prevent short-term advisories, expand delivery systems, build capacity of and retain local water operators, and support regular monitoring and testing.
• To date, 168 short-term advisories have been prevented from becoming long-term through these investments.
• We remain committed and will continue to work in partnership with communities to end all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve.

COVID-19 and drinking water

• We are working with communities to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the continued provision of safe, clean drinking water.
• We remain in contact with all communities and back-up plans are in place to support continuity of water and wastewater service provision throughout the pandemic.
• Emergency support for system operation remains available to First Nations communities, including through the Circuit Rider Training Program. As well, Operations and Maintenance funding continues to flow to First Nations communities to support effective water operations.

If Pressed on COVID-19 and drinking water

• Environmental Public Health Officers continue to work directly with First Nations to assist them in monitoring drinking water quality, which includes providing advice and guidance from a public health perspective.
• This includes supporting the role of Community-based Water Monitors to ensure the health of their communities through the consistent monitoring of the drinking water supply and prompt notification of any unsatisfactory samples.
• We continue to work closely with individual communities and partners to coordinate resources and keep communities safe.

If pressed on COVID-19 and DWAs

• During a Boil Water Advisory or Do Not Consume Advisory, tap water can still be used to wash hands with soap and water and for personal hygiene.
• If a Do Not Use Advisory is in place, bottled water with soap or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be used to wash hands.
• Letters have been sent to First Nations communities currently on a Drinking Water Advisory. For these communities, ISC provides supplies such as bottled water, and hand sanitizer where needed.

Neskantaga First Nation – Water Shutdown

• Our Government is working to co-develop long-term solutions to ensure clean drinking water for all First Nation communities.
• Repairs to the water distribution system in Neskantaga First Nation are set to be completed by November 8th. Contractors and technical staff have assessed the distribution system in the community and established a community approved short- and long-term action plan.
• The First Nation has evacuated vulnerable community members to Thunder Bay and we are working with partners to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Background

ISC is working in full partnership with First Nation communities, including with First Nations technical advisors and leaders, to support sustainable First Nations-led approaches to ensure that on-reserve water systems are safe. This includes Technical Services Advisory Group in Alberta (TSAG), the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC), the Atlantic Policy Congress, and technical service delivery Hubs pilot projects in Ontario. ISC also works directly with First Nations to assist communities in monitoring drinking water quality in all water systems, which includes providing advice and guidance about drinking water safety and wastewater disposal, and reviewing infrastructure project proposals from a public health perspective.

As part of Budget 2016, the Government of Canada committed to end by March 2021 all long-term drinking water advisories affecting public systems on reserve. Phase 1 of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan supports this goal by providing an unprecedented $1.8 billion over five years for First Nation communities to significantly improve on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure, ensure proper facility operation and maintenance, and strengthen capacity by enhancing the training of water system operators. Budget 2016 also included $141.7 million over five years in new funding to the Department to improve drinking water monitoring and testing on reserve. In addition, Budget 2017 provided $49 million over 3 years to address advisories as part of the expanded scope which added 24 long-term drinking water advisories to the Government's commitment. Budget 2018 committed an additional $172.6 million over three years to support initiatives to accelerate, where possible, the pace of construction and renovation of affected water systems, support repairs to high-risk water systems and assist efforts to recruit, train and retain water operators. These funds will also support efforts to establish innovative First Nations-led service delivery models. Lastly, Budget 2019 commits an additional $739 million over five years, beginning in 2019-20, with $184.9 million per year ongoing. This investment will support ongoing efforts to eliminate and prevent long-term drinking water advisories by funding urgent repairs to vulnerable water systems and the operation and maintenance of water systems so that First Nations communities can effectively operate and maintain their public drinking water systems.

As of June 30, 2020, more than $1.65 billion of targeted funding has been invested to support 626 water and wastewater projects, including 348 that are now completed. These projects will serve 462,000 people in 581 First Nation communities.

It should be noted that Drinking water advisories (DWAs) are issued to protect the public from drinking water that is potentially unsafe, or confirmed to be unsafe, based on water quality testing. DWAs are issued by First Nations in their communities and off-reserve by provincial, territorial or municipal governments.

Communities may also choose to issue a DWA as a precautionary measure, such as when there are emergency repairs in the water distribution system or if a community does not have a trained Water System Operator or Community-Based Drinking Water Quality Monitor in place. Some DWAs are short-term to advise residents of a temporary water quality issue on a specific water system (e.g.: equipment failure).

The government is working closely with First Nations by providing sustainable investments, expanding delivery systems, building capacity of and retaining local water operators, as well as supporting regular monitoring and testing on all drinking water systems to prevent short-term and re-occurring advisories.

In 2014, the Tsuu T'ina Nation, the Sucker Creek First Nation, the Ermineskin Cree Nation and the Blood Tribe, with reserves located in Treaties 6, 7 and 8 territories, sued Canada alleging Canada created and sustained unsafe drinking water conditions on their reserves and throughout Canada. The First Nations claim declarations and damages for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of the Honour of the Crown, and breaches of sections 7 and 15(1) of the Charter. The Assembly of First Nations has passed resolutions supporting this litigation. This action has been stayed by the Federal Court on consent of the parties for one-year periods since the fall of 2015. During this timeframe, the parties entered into "without prejudice" meetings and discussions to resolve their concerns about safe drinking water in these First Nations' reserves, and to resolve the proceedings by agreement or by narrowing the issues out of court. The stay expired on September 19, 2019. As of June 26, 2020, all four First Nation plaintiffs agreed to seek a six-month stay of the litigation to pursue exploratory discussions, and the Court has granted approval of the six-month abeyance as of July 3, 2020.

The Okanagan Indian Band is also seeking declarations that Canada has breached its fiduciary duty, breached the Honour of the Crown, violated the Charter and breached its obligations under the Constitution by failing to create and sustain safe water conditions on First Nations' reserves. The Band seeks a declaration that Canada is obliged to remedy the unsafe drinking water conditions on reserve, with supervision of the Court, an order for damages and that Canada disgorge any savings made from failing to provide adequate water supplies to the Band. Canada's Statement of Defence was filed on September 8, 2020.

The Curve Lake First Nation and Chief Emily Whetung, on her own behalf and on behalf of all members of the First Nation, claim that Canada has failed to address the inadequacies of their access to potable water and the resulting human consequences. On May 29, 2020, the Curve Lake First Nation amended their Statement of Claim on the class proceeding to include the Neskantaga First Nation and Chief Christopher Moonias as plaintiffs. The Plaintiffs seek declarations that Canada has breached its fiduciary duty, breached the Honour of the Crown, violated the Charter and, breached its obligations under the Constitution by failing to address the inadequacies of their access to potable water. The Plaintiffs further seek the immediate construction of appropriate water systems; $1 billion for breaches of Charter rights; $1 billion for breaches of fiduciary duty, negligence and nuisance; and, $100 million in punitive damages. The Tataskweyak First Nation has filed a national class proceeding involving any First Nation band that has had a drinking water advisory lasting a year or more since 1995. The Band claims Canada breached its fiduciary duties, breached the Honour of the Crown, breached the Charter, section 36(1)(c) of the Constitution Act, and is liable for individual causes of action like nuisance and negligence. Both the Curve Lake/Neskantaga class action and the Tataskweyak Cree Nation class action have been certified with the consent of Canada. Discussions continue with Plaintiffs on the next steps.

Michael Daryl Isnardy (Toosey First Nation in BC), filed a proposed class action proceeding as an individual plaintiff in the Federal Court, representing aboriginal and First Nation persons unable to consume or use water from their community water systems on First Nation reserves. He claims the Crown created, sustained and allowed unsafe drinking water conditions, and is seeking declarations that Canada breached its fiduciary duty and duty of care to the community, violated sections 7 (life, liberty and security of the person) and 15(1) (equality right) of the Charter and, breached its obligations under paragraph 35(1) of the Constitution Act. The proposed class action proceeding was amended in early August 2020, to extend representation to all First Nations people (status and non-status), Inuit and Métis people living on and off reserve. The Court has been advised of the death of the plaintiff in this proposed class action.

Key Messages:

• Our Government is working to co-develop long-term solutions to ensure clean drinking water for all First Nation communities.
• Contractors and technical staff have restored water service to the community and are scheduled to initiate the 14 day performance testing of the new water treatment plant this week.
• The First Nation has evacuated vulnerable community members to Thunder Bay and we are working with partners to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Background

Approximately $25.5 million has been expended from 2001 to 2020 for Operations & Maintenance, capital, and minor capital on Neskantaga First Nation water and wastewater. ISC is providing over $16.44 million in funding for the water treatment plant project, which now includes repairs to the communities water distribution system and the wastewater collection system. Construction is substantially complete. Commissioning and performance testing started in December 2019, however maintenance issues arose with the wastewater. Work on the water treatment plant system was halted at the Chief's direction, with plans to resume commissioning and performance testing in February 2020, with the aim to resolve the long-term drinking water advisory by April 2020. Plans to work on the system have been further delayed in response to the community's COVID-19 access restrictions.

On October 16, 2020, Neskantaga Education Centre closed due to water flow issues. Leaks in the water distribution system were depleting the reservoir. The water treatment plant was being shut down at night to allow the reservoir to fill up and provide water during the day. Air locks from the system shutdowns limited the water flow to the school facility.

On October 19, 2020, ISC was made aware of issues with the First Nations water distribution system through posts to Twitter by Chief Moonias. ISC provided funding to Matawa for the purchase and delivery of bottled water for Neskantaga First Nation. ISC is working with the First Nation's project team to advance the work required to complete the water treatment plant project and the repairs to the wastewater system and water distribution system.

On October 19, 2020, the Matawa Water and Wastewater Hub mobilized to investigate a sheen on the water in the community's reservoir. The investigation included testing of the water to determine substance(s) that may being causing the sheen. Lab results indicated no traces of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene), which would signal harmful presence of gas, diesel, fuel oil, etc. However, elevated levels of hydrocarbons were detected, which could be traced to a refined mineral oil from the distribution pump.

On October 20, 2020, ISC received an official declaration of emergency from Neskantaga First Nation and was notified of their intent to self-evacuate residents to Thunder Bay.

On October 22, Chief and Council provided ISC with a list of conditions for the repatriation of Neskantaga community members. A response to the Chief's conditions was sent, however Chief Moonias has since identified additional conditions.

On October 26, an ISC engineer flew to Neskantaga First Nation with Chief Moonias, Council and Matawa technical experts to determine the next steps for water treatment plant.

An October 27, Neskantaga Technical Meeting, including Chief Moonias, agreed on a short-term plan to bring the new water treatment plant on line to restore water to the First Nation in November 2020, although the Drinking Water Advisory would stay in place.

ISC has approved funding for the Independent First Nation Alliance (IFNA) to deploy to the community to feed pets, heat homes, and maintain critical community infrastructure. The deployment of Canadian Rangers was also approved.

As of November 15, there are 260 registered evacuees, which includes 6 security staff from Sheshewaning in Thunder Bay. At the request of leadership and parents, a temporary school had been set up so that students have the instruction, space, and supplies that they need to continue their education while evacuated.  As of November 15, the school and all recreational activities have been suspended due to concerns related to COVID-19. The Department has deployed an Indigenous security team from Sheshegwaning First Nation and the Keepers of the Circle to deliver culturally appropriate security services.  ISC has approved funding for evacuees to purchase winter clothing and a  flu shot clinic has been organized for at the hotel for evacuees.

ISC is also providing support to the (redacted) remaining members in the community.  On November 13 Chief Moonias announced that a contractor working on reserve tested positive for COVID-19, with the risk of transmission to other on-reserve people being low.  On November 15, all 51 COVID tests for those who are and have been in the community have returned negative. All flights are suspended unless they have approval from the Chief.

The new target date for repatriation is December 4, with Matawa and Ontario Clean Water Agency working toward that date for clean, safe drinking water 24/7.

ISC is working directly with the leadership of Neskantaga First Nation, Matawa First Nations Management and the  Ontario Clean Water Agency to ensure that evacuees can return to the community.

Key Messages (Incident in Thompson RCMP Detachment Cells)

• The safety and security of everyone who is taken into RCMP custody is of paramount importance.
• The RCMP is committed to working with Indigenous leadership and communities to learn from them, to listen to, and to continue our journey of reconciliation. 
• While it was not a member of the RCMP who struck the Complainant, the RCMP is responsible to ensure the safety and security of everyone placed in their cells.
• In total, RCMP investigators had two direct interactions with the Complainant in which her complaint was discussed. At no time did any member of the RCMP pressure her to withdraw her complaint.
• On November 10, 2020, the Commanding Officer of the RCMP in Manitoba directed that an assessment be completed on all the training provided to the City of Thompson Community Safety Officers who have access to RCMP cells, and whether that training requires updating, particularly with regard to use of force.

Policing in Indigenous Communities

• Indigenous communities deserve equal access to policing services that are professional, dedicated and culturally appropriate. In order to effectively serve Indigenous communities, police services need the resources, the equipment and the facilities to get the job done.
• In early 2018, the Government announced an additional investment of over $291 million for policing in First Nations and Inuit communities over five years.
• This federal funding has improved officer safety and provided more competitive officer salaries and better policing equipment. It has also allowed for 110 additional police officer positions in communities currently served under the FNPP across Canada.
• The Minister of Public Safety is continuing conversations with Indigenous leaders to work together to co-develop a legislative framework that recognizes Indigenous policing as an essential service and better meets the needs of Indigenous communities.

Background:

First Nations Policing Program

A total of $167,479,342 in contributions funding is being sought in 2020-2021 through the Main Estimates for the First Nations Policing  Program (FNPP). The FNPP is a contribution program that provides funding to support the provision of policing services to First Nation and Inuit communities across Canada. FNPP policing agreements are cost-shared between the federal government (52%) and the Provincial/Territorial (PT) government (48%). The FNPP currently serves approximately 60% of First Nation and Inuit communities in Canada.

In 2018-2019, Public Safety Canada (PS) provided over $146 million under the FNPP to support 1,321 police officer positions in over 450 First Nation and Inuit communities in Canada. Funding under the FNPP is provided to support two main policing models:

• Self-Administered Police Service Agreements (SA): where a First Nation or Inuit police service is authorized or established by the PT government and provides primary (day-to-day) policing services to a First Nation or Inuit community. SAs account for 789 police officer positions; and,
• Community Tripartite Agreements (CTA): where a contingent of police officers from the RCMP provide dedicated policing to a First Nation or Inuit community that is intended to supplement the level of PT police services provided to that community. CTAs are made pursuant to bilateral Framework Agreements between Canada and the participating PT. CTAs account for 449.5 police officer positions. 

In addition to these two main policing models, the FNPP provides support to other policing agreements, with an additional 83.5 police officer positions.

The FNPP has had a significant and measurable positive impact on the safety of First Nation and Inuit communities funded under the program. Based on an analysis of FNPP-funded police detachments, there has been a 26% decrease in incidents of crime from 2004 to 2014, with a 25% reduction in incidents of violent crime.

In January 2018, the Government of Canada announced a federal investment of up to $291.2 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19, for policing in First Nation and Inuit communities. This additional funding was intended to address matters such as officer safety, police equipment purchases and salaries, as well as support 110 additional police officer positions in First Nation and Inuit communities currently served under the FNPP.

Protests across Canada and the United States against police brutality have compelled discussions about systemic racism and discrimination in Canadian institutions, including in the justice system. This has included conversations on the delivery of policing services across Canada, including in Indigenous communities. Members of Indigenous leadership, activists, academics and other stakeholders have proposed changes to the delivery of policing services in communities, including more robust civilian oversight and training on de-escalation training and unconscious bias.

Indigenous women and girls are disproportionately affected by all forms of violence. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) made the following Call for Justice (5.4) in its final report: "We call upon all governments to immediately and dramatically transform Indigenous policing from its current state as a mere delegation to an exercise in self-governance and self-determination over policing. To do this, the federal government's First Nations Policing Program must be replaced with a new legislative and funding framework, consistent with international and domestic policing best practices and standards, that must be developed by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments in partnership with Indigenous Peoples."

Similarly, the Speech from the Throne includes a commitment to: "accelerate work to co-develop a legislative framework for First Nations policing as an essential service."  This is in line with your mandate letter, currently states the following with respect to the way forward for Indigenous policing: "With the Minister of Indigenous Services, co-develop a legislative framework for First Nations policing, which recognizes First Nations policing as an essential service, and work with interested communities to expand the number of communities served by First Nations policing."

Funding for First Nation and Inuit Policing Facilities

A total of $17,100,000 in contributions funding is being sought in 2020-2021 through the Main Estimates for the First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities. In November 2018, the Government of Canada created a new program, Funding for First Nation and Inuit Policing Facilities, with an investment of $88.6 million in contributions funding over seven years, beginning in 2018-19, to support the repair, renovation and replacement of policing facilities in First Nation and Inuit communities. As with the FNPP, these investments are cost-shared at 52% federal – 48% provincial/territorial.

Nasogaluak Certification Hearing:

The certification hearing on this litigation is scheduled to take place before the Federal Court in January 2021.  A certification motion is a procedural step. Canada opposes certification on the basis that the conditions for certification are not met.  The merits of the claim will be addressed at a later date if the claim is certified as a class action.  Canada's factum was filed on November 9, 2020.

Nasogaluak Certification Hearing – This is a proposed class action that claims damages for systemic negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, and breaches of section 7 and 15 of the Charter, based on allegations of assaults committed by RCMP members against Indigenous persons in the three Northern Territories.  It seeks to have a class certified back to 1928.  The certification hearing is scheduled for January 25 to 29, 2020.  The Crown's factum was filed on November 9, 2020.

With respect to request for information on reforms:  We are working in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety on their co-development of a legislative framework for Indigenous policing.

Accomplishments: Indigenous Services Canada

• We are delivering on a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, working together to improve quality of life and advance self-determination.
• We have made significant new investments resulting in:
  • 130 school infrastructure projects completed; 
  • 348 water and wastewater infrastructure projects completed;
  • Approximately $8 billion is being used to support Indigenous community infrastructure until 2026–2027; and
  • More than 691,000 requests for products, services, and supports approved under Jordan's Principle.
• We will continue working together with Indigenous peoples towards closing the unacceptable socio-economic gaps.

If pressed on socio-economic gaps:

• Immense progress has been made to close socio-economic gaps in areas such as:
  • The lifting of long-term drinking water advisories;
  • The co-development of distinctions-based housing strategies;
  • The advancement of Indigenous-led healthcare delivery;
  • The recognition of jurisdiction in child and family services;
  • Providing additional income assistance supports; and,
  • A new fiscal relationship with communities.
• We know there is more to do, and we will continue this work in true partnership with Indigenous peoples. 

Youth:

• Every Indigenous child deserves the best start in life.
  • A new funding formula for K-12 education has resulted in regional funding increases of up to 39%;
  • The number of First Nation schools offering elementary full-day kindergarten programs has increased by up to 50%;
  • Funding for First Nations child and family services almost doubled to approximately $1.2 billion in 2018 19 with a focus on prevention;
  • An additional $75.2 million in 2020-21 was committed to increase existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education.
• We will not leave another generation of Indigenous children behind.

Key Messages

• Our Government has been clear – our goal is comprehensive, fair, and equitable compensation that will further healing for those impacted by the historic inequities in First Nations child welfare.
• We maintain there are substantive unresolved questions on the CHRT's jurisdiction.
• We remain committed to finding a fair way forward on compensation for First Nation children who may be outside of the CHRTs process.

If pressed further

• The over-representation of Indigenous children in care is a sad and dark part of our shared history that we must address.
• We have been clear – we intend to compensate First Nations children harmed by the discriminatory child and family service policies.
• Throughout this process, our focus remains advancing a plan that prioritizes the best interests of the individual child and puts the safety, well-being and security of that child at the forefront.
• We have worked closely with the Parties and found consensus on most of the key areas for a safe compensation process, as part of the joint Framework for the Payment of Compensation.

If pressed on compliance:

• We continue to work with the Parties to the complaint on issues arising from the CHRT rulings.
• Resources, including additional staffing and process review as part of Continuous Quality improvements to address CHRT orders, are ongoing.
• On Jordan's Principle we are improving supports to regional focal points, providing ongoing education, regular review of the operational guide, as well as efficient review of over 742,000 service requests since 2016. This allows products and services to be accessed by those requesting them as soon as possible.

If pressed on continuing with Judicial Review:

• Our government is committed to seeking an equitable, fair and comprehensive settlement to all proceedings that will ensure long-term benefits for individuals and families and enable community healing.
• We have brought the Judicial Review to obtain clarity on certain issues so that we can focus on what's really important – compensating those who have been wronged.

If pressed on the Moushoum/AFN consolidated class action:

• Our government has been clear that we intend to compensate First Nations children harmed by discriminatory government policies related to First Nations child and family services.
• We will continue to work with all parties as this important matter moves forward.

First Nations Child and Family Services Program – Reform Efforts To Date

• We've more than doubled funding for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program based on agencies' actual needs and with an emphasis on prevention – increasing from $681 million in 2015-2016 to $1.7 billion in 2019-2020.
• We passed co-developed legislation last year that enables Indigenous communities to assert jurisdiction over child and family services, and establishes minimum standards to ensure the best interests of Indigenous children.
• We are ensuring that there is an appropriate framework for Indigenous children to be cared for in the right way, with connections to their communities, cultures, and languages.

First Nations Child and Family Services Program – Responding to needs created by the pandemic

• Since the pandemic began, Indigenous Services Canada has ensured that First Nations youth who reach the age of majority during this pandemic continue to receive the supports they need until at least March 31, 2021.
• We have also expanded eligible expenses to support First Nations agencies and communities in addressing emergency concerns. These include IT and communications equipment, salaries and costs for extra resources, personal protective equipment and temporary lodging. 
• The Department has also offered communities flexibility to use any unspent or soon to be received funds to address emerging needs.

Jordan's Principle – Specific Case (M.J.)

• We are working with partners to advance the well-being of Indigenous children.
• While we cannot comment on a specific case, we are committed to ensuring that no First Nations child faces barriers in receiving the support or service they need due to discrimination.
• Over 742,000 requests for supports and services have been approved for children since 2016.
• We will be continuing conversations with the Parties to the Tribunal to address any outstanding concerns.

Jordan's Principle-First Nations Identity

• On July 17, 2020, the CHRT issued a new ruling regarding the definition of "all First Nations children" in relation to Jordan's Principle to include First Nations children without Indian Act status who are recognized as citizens and/or members of their respective First Nation regardless of where they live, whether on or off-reserve.
• The Tribunal has asked the Parties to work collaboratively and report back to the Tribunal by October 19, 2020.
• The Government of Canada will continue to meet all its obligations and is committed to ensuring that First Nations children receive the care and services they need.

If pressed further on Jordan's Principle-First Nations Identity

• The Government of Canada is reviewing the CHRT ruling as it applies to eligibility criteria for First Nations children under Jordan's Principle
• The Government is already ensuring that First Nations children who are entitled to be registered under Bill S-3 amendments can receive Jordan's Principle services while their registration is pending.
• We are committed to working with partners and are close to reaching a consensus on how the order should be implemented.

If pressed on the Department's costs related to CFS legal challenges:

• Our commitment to compensate First Nations children harmed by discriminatory child and family services policies is firm. 
• Our goal remains a comprehensive, fair and equitable resolution to compensate Indigenous children harmed by discriminatory government policies.
• We continue to work with all Parties to move this important matter forward.
• We've more than doubled funding to child and family services agencies, based on actual needs and with an emphasis on prevention – increasing from $681 million in 2015-2016 to $1.7 billion in 2019-2020.

NAN Participation in Compensation Process 

• The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ordered us to enter into discussions with the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Caring Society to establish an independent process for compensation. 
• We have had productive discussions involving all of the parties to the CHRT litigation.
• We have consulted with NAN and the other interested Parties on various iterations of the framework, including the recent implementation of the expanded definition of First Nation child.

Compensation for parents of children who died in care 

• The Tribunal has provided guidance on this important issue.
• We have worked with the Parties to seek consensus on a number of key areas for the process for compensation, which are included in our joint submission.
• Negotiation, rather than litigation, remains this Government's preferred method of resolution.

Background

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)'s First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program provides funding to support the safety and well-being of First Nation children on reserve. Funding is provided to FNCFS agencies, provinces and the Yukon Territory to support the delivery of prevention and protection services on-reserve.  ISC does not deliver the services. These services are provided in accordance with the legislation and standards of the province or territory of residence and in a manner that is reasonably comparable to those available to other provincial residents in similar circumstances, within ISC's Program authorities. Funding under the FNCFS Program is provided according to a prevention-based funding model.

Jordan's Principle is a legal requirement that Canada has committed to uphold. Jordan's Principle ensures that First Nations children get the health, social and education services and supports that they require, when and where they need them.

In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) found Canada's FNCFS Program to be discriminatory and ordered Canada to immediately remedy the discrimination. The Tribunal also ordered Canada to cease applying a narrow definition of Jordan's Principle and to take immediate measures to implement the full meaning of the Principle.

Since this initial ruling, the Tribunal has issued a number of subsequent orders, including remedial or compliance orders, for both FNCFS and Jordan's Principle.

Jordan's Principle:

In 2016 and 2017, the Tribunal issued three remedial orders aimed at ensuing Canada fully implemented the full meaning and scope of Jordan's Principle. Most significantly, the 2017 order expanded the eligibility for Jordan's Principle to all First Nations children, regardless of residence, applied a lens of substantive equality when assessing requests, imposed stringent timelines for the approval of requests, and required the government to publicize Jordan's Principle.

On February 21, 2019, the CHRT addressed a new complaint regarding the definition of a First Nations child for the purposes of implementing Jordan's Principle, and issued an interim relief order stating that Canada "shall provide First Nations children living off reserve who have urgent and/or life threatening needs, but do not have (and are not eligible for) Indian Act status, with the services required to meet those urgent and/or life-threatening service needs, pursuant to Jordan's Principle". This interim definition was further expanded in the final order, issued July 17, 2020, by removing the requirement for urgent or life threatening needs.

FNCFS:

On February 1, 2018, the Tribunal added items to its previous order, including paying the actual costs of FNCFS agencies in prevention and other areas.  The Department is working closely with the parties to the complaint – the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski-Nation, the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International – to fully implement the various orders of the Tribunal.

In January 2018, the Government of Canada hosted an Emergency Meeting on Indigenous Child and Family Services, with national and regional Indigenous leadership, as well as federal, provincial and territorial governments, to discuss the causes that lead to the high rate of Indigenous children in care and how to work together towards systemic reform.  At that meeting, the Government announced its commitment to six points of action that included the potential for federal legislation, as called for in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #4; continuing to fully implement previous CHRT orders (from 2016 and prior to September 2019); reform First Nations child and family services including moving to a flexible funding model; and work with partners to shift the focus of programming to culturally-appropriate prevention, early intervention, and family reunification.

The Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (Act) was co-developed with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners and received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. The Act came into force on January 1, 2020.

On August 7, 2020, the Caring Society filed a motion of non-compliance against Canada, alleging that it has failed to provide sufficient funding for the provision of services to First Nations children and families where these services are delivered by provincial or Yukon agencies, and not by delegated FNCFS agencies. The Innu Nation has applied for, and been granted, interested party status in this motion. They will be permitted to file evidence and cross examine affiants, and make oral and written arguments.

On August 11, 2020 the CHRT ruled that substantive equality required that Canada continue to accept submissions and make reimbursements for Band Representative Services and Children and Youth's mental health services on an ongoing basis, without imposing an inflexible deadline.

Major capital and small agencies are issues that remain before the CHRT around which we await decisions. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ISC has expanded eligible expenses to support First Nations agencies and communities in addressing emergency concerns. Additionally, ISC recently introduced a national temporary measure to ensure that services already funded through the First Nations Child and Family Services Program are maintained for all First Nations youth who reach the age of majority or who are past the age of majority but are in special care arrangements, between at least March 9, 2020 and March 31, 2021. Partners were informed in March 2020.

Compensation:

On September 6, 2019, the CHRT released an Order on compensation. The Tribunal ordered Canada to pay the maximum amount of $40,000 ($20,000 for pain and suffering and $20,000 for willful and reckless conduct) per removed child and caregiving parent or grandparent, as well as for this children impacted by gaps, delays or denials under Jordan's Principle, and their caregiving parents or grandparents. In the ruling, Canada was instructed to work with CHRT parties to develop a framework to implement the compensation order. The date for submitting the framework was December 10, 2019, however that date was later extended to allow for clarification from the Tribunal on areas of divergence (e.g., payment to deceased individuals, children in care prior to Jan 1/06 and who remained in care as of that date). A failure to reach an agreement will result in the panel ordering one of its own creation.

On October 4, 2019 the Attorney General of Canada filed a Notice of Application for Judicial Review and a Motion to stay with the Federal Court. The motion to stay was heard in Federal Court in November 2019. On November 29, 2019, the judge ruled against Canada's motion to stay and ordered Canada to begin work with CHRT parties on the development of the compensation framework. A decision on the application for judicial review has not yet been rendered.

Key Messages

• Every First Nation child deserves the best start in life and support that enables them to reach their full potential.
• This is why we:
  • co-developed a new policy and funding framework with partners to transform the way education on reserve is funded;
  • are providing stable and predictable core funding to First Nations more comparable to provincial systems;
  • are ensuring that special education funding is more predictable in order to meet the needs of students;
  • are supporting full-day kindergarten programs in First Nation schools for children aged four and five; and
  • are investing in language and cultural programming.
• By working together with partners, First Nation students will receive a high quality and culturally appropriate education that responds to their needs.

If pressed on elementary and secondary education:

• The new co-developed approach supports First Nations control of First Nation education.
• Through this approach:
  • the number of full-day kindergarten programs offered at First Nation schools has increased by more than 50%
  • the implementation of transformation in 2019-2020 saw regional funding increases of up to 39%
• The funding formulas are based on up to date information, including 2019-2020 provincial rates and student enrolment.
• As of June 30, 2020, targeted funds have been invested to support 202 school-related infrastructure projects, benefiting 249 First Nations communities.

If pressed on annual increases to funding:

• The new co-developed funding approach for elementary and secondary education provides provincially comparable funding for on-reserve students.
• It also provides full-day kindergarten on reserve for children aged 4 and 5 years old and additional funding for language and culture programming.
• The elementary and secondary funding formulas are updated annually to account for a variety of factors, including student population growth and provincial funding rate changes.

If pressed on post-secondary education:

• Our Government is working in partnership to improve access to post-secondary education for Indigenous students.
• We are expanding financial assistance for First Nations students while supporting First Nations development of regional post-secondary education models.
• We are also supporting new Inuit and Métis Nation-led post-secondary education strategies, including direct funding for students.
• An additional $75.2 million will be provided in 2020-2021 to increase existing support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation post-secondary students.
• Our Government is providing access to post-secondary education for more than 23,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation students.
• Our Government recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact Indigenous post-secondary education institutions, who are facing unique challenges that are impeding their ability to support the needs of Indigenous learners.
• We are providing a one-time investment of $25.9 million to alleviate the immediate pressures of Indigenous post-secondary education institutions, which have arisen as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

Elementary and Secondary Education

The co-developed policy proposal to strengthen First Nations elementary and secondary education was endorsed by Chiefs-in Assembly in December 2017 and was used to establish a new policy framework for how the Government of Canada supports First Nation elementary and secondary education.

This new framework is aimed at fundamentally improving the way Indigenous Services Canada funds First Nations elementary and secondary education while supporting regional and local diversity and implementing the principle of First Nations control of First Nations education. On April 1, 2019, the Department began implementing a series of new formula-based regional funding models for elementary and secondary education to ensure that students attending First Nations schools are supported by predictable base funding that is more directly comparable to what students enrolled in provincial education systems receive. On top of this base funding, the Department provides additional funding for expanded language and cultural programming, full-time kindergarten, and other initiatives that respond to the unique needs of First Nation students and improve outcomes.

Under the new framework, the Department is also working with First Nations to develop regional education agreements that respond to the education goals and priorities set by First Nations. These agreements identify collaborative education service delivery strategies, and outline how the Government of Canada can best support First Nations schools, students, communities, and education organizations in ensuring that First Nations students receive a high quality, linguistically and culturally appropriate education that improves outcomes.

Post-Secondary Education

Budget 2017 announced a comprehensive and collaborative review with Indigenous partners of all current federal programs that support Indigenous students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. Between 2017 and 2018, Indigenous Services Canada held a series of discussions with Indigenous students, academic leaders and institutions to obtain a wide range of reflections on the Government of Canada's current post-secondary education programming for Indigenous students, and to discuss possible improvements. The department also engaged with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council on potential post-secondary education reforms. As part of this process, the three Indigenous Representative Organizations each developed distinctions-based policy proposals for transforming Indigenous post-secondary education.

Stakeholder feedback from the review and the National Indigenous Organization's policy proposals informed Budget 2019's total investment of $814.9 million over 10 years and $61.8 million ongoing to support distinctions-based Indigenous post-secondary education strategies. For First Nations, this includes $320 million over 5 years to renew and expand funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, and $7.5 million over 3 years to support engagement on the development of integrated First Nations regional post-secondary education models. In addition, Budget 2019 allocated $125.5 million over 10 years and $21.8 million ongoing for a new Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy, and $362 million over 10 years and $40 million ongoing for a new Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy. These strategies include direct funding assistance for students (including tuition, supplies and accommodation), complementary programs and services, and institutional and governance capacity to support service delivery.

Indigenous post-secondary students are facing unique challenges (e.g. financial instability and unplanned additional expenses) as a result of COVID-19. Colleges and universities have closed campuses for all non-essential services and students have had to transition to online learning. Financial instability is a primary concern as the measures meant to control the spread of the pandemic have further jeopardized students' financial situation (i.e. limited opportunities for summer employment).

On April 22, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a comprehensive support strategy for post-secondary students and recent graduates, which includes a one-time increase of $75.2 million in 2020-21. In addition to the existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation post-secondary students, this investment will help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous PSE students to ensure they can continue to pursue and maintain their studies.

Key Messages

• Our Government agrees with First Nations who have told us that the First Nations Financial Transparency Act needs to be replaced with a respectful approach that strengthens accountability.
• Everyone – including First Nation governments – supports transparency and accountability.
• This was a recommendation of the New Fiscal Relationship Report developed with the Assembly of First Nations.
• Instead of penalizing First Nations communities and imposing top-down solutions, our Government is working to build community capacity and governance, while investing to close the unacceptable socioeconomic gaps that exist.

Accountability issues with specific First Nations

• The majority of First Nations have effective governance.
• When challenges arise, instead of forcing solutions on communities, we want to work in partnership with First Nations to ensure that the accountability relationship between First Nations leaders and community members is strengthened by building financial management capacity.
• We are taking steps to replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy with a new, proactive approach that supports capacity development.

Accountability for 10-Year Grants

• To support the new fiscal relationship with First Nations, we have moved forward with the establishment of ten-year grants for qualified First Nations.
• Eligibility criteria and accountability provisions for the ten-year grants are based on proven practices co-developed with the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Financial Management Board.
• These measures will strengthen governance capacity, enhance accountability of First Nations to their citizens, and support a fiscal relationship that is truly nation-to-nation.

Reporting Requirements for First Nations

• Our Government is working with First Nations to ensure that the accountability relationship between First Nations leaders and community members is strengthened by focusing on outcomes.
• A new fiscal relationship, grounded in the recognition of rights and respect, will support First Nations on the path to self-determination and promote mutual accountability.

Background

On December 18, 2015, the Minister released a statement directing the Department to cease all discretionary measures related to the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. Following this commitment, the Department moved forward with an engagement approach designed to reach out primarily to First Nation leaders, communities and organizations, and gauge the general public's views towards First Nation transparency and accountability. First Nations financial management institutions have recommended that the Act be repealed entirely and replaced with a community sanctioned accountability policy where reporting is accountable to members and citizens.

First Nations report extensively to Canada on spending, not only under the Act but through reports required by specific programs. The Act does not cover actions by First Nations-owned enterprises.

Under the New Fiscal Relationship, Indigenous Services Canada is working with First Nations to introduce measures to strengthen accountability of First Nations governments to their citizens, and to enhance predictability and flexibility of funding. Under this initiative, First Nations that have demonstrated sound governance could qualify for 10-Year Grants, and First Nations are being encouraged to enact and implement their own Financial Administration Laws based on the standards of the First Nations Financial Management Board.  Such Financial Administration Laws include provisions for managing conflicts of interest and misuse of funds.

Key Messages

• We are working to close the gap in access to quality healthcare between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, by:
  • supporting 63 community-led mental wellness teams serving 344 communities;
  • approving more than 742,000 requests for products and services have been approved under Jordan's Principle since July 2016; and
  • providing coverage of health benefits to more than 887,500 First Nations and Inuit in 2019-20.
•    We are also working to ensure that Indigenous peoples are in the driver's seat when it comes to designing and delivering their healthcare programs and services.

If pressed on health services

• We remain focused on supporting long-term investments that will improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities.
  • By listening to Indigenous communities, we have advanced shared priorities such as:
  • Ensuring that 91% of mothers travelling for childbirth in 2019-20 were accompanied by at least one escort,
  • Completing 197 of the 208 health-related infrastructure projects underway since 2016,
• We will continue working with partners towards improved health services and programs for Indigenous peoples.

Remote First Nation Communities – Access to Health Services

• We know that the best success comes from Indigenous-led and delivered health systems.
• It is why our Government is working with provincial and First Nations partners to achieve system-wide health transformation in northern First Nation communities.
• We are advancing work with partners in Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan on health system transformation, with $71 million dedicated over three years to support this work.

Distinctions-based Indigenous Health Legislation

• In a country as prosperous as Canada, no one should go without the care they need, when and where they need it. 
• Indigenous Peoples have the right to high-quality health care and services that are adapted to their needs.
• We are committed to co-developing Indigenous Health legislation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis that responds to the realities of Indigenous communities and increases their control over the development and delivery of services.

If pressed on how distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation relates to COVID-19

• The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for strong mechanisms and adequate funding to ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have access to high-quality health and mental health services.
• Canada is committed to working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to co-develop distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation through an agreed upon, collaborative engagement process.
• Co-development provides an opportunity to advance shared health priorities post COVID-19.
• Improving the health and wellness of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis remains a priority for the Government of Canada.

Background

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high-quality services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Our vision is to support and empower Indigenous peoples to independently deliver services and address the socio-economic conditions in their communities.

The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch within ISC supports First Nations and Inuit in their aim to influence, manage, and control health programs and services that affect them.

The most advanced model of First Nations health transfer is in British Columbia where a tripartite Framework Agreement was signed in 2011 and led to the full devolution of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch's regional operations in 2013 to a newly established First Nations Health Authority.

Housing

• We recognize that there are unacceptable and longstanding housing gaps that exist in Indigenous communities.
• In response, our Government has committed over $1.7 billion in funding (in Budgets 2017 and 2018) for distinctions-based housing strategies.
• This funding and approach, focused on Indigenous-led delivery, is a significant step towards addressing the housing needs in Indigenous communities.
• We know there is more to do and we continue to work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation partners to co-develop and implement community-led housing strategies.

If pressed:

• Our Government is working with Indigenous partners each and every day to address the unacceptable housing gaps that exist across the country.
• For First Nations housing on-reserve, and in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, we have committed more than $1 billion with 20,096  homes being built and renovated since Budget 2016.
• We do know, that there is much more to be done and we continue to work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to implement community-led solutions.

Funding :

• Our Government has taken steps to meet Indigenous housing needs in Canada.
• Through Budget 2018 we invested $600 million over three years for First Nations housing; $500 million over 10 years for Métis Nation housing; and $400 million over 10 years for Inuit-led housing
• This is in addition to the $290 million over 10 years to support housing in Nunavut announced in Budget 2017.
• We are making the necessary investments where they are needed and we will continue to do the work to support Indigenous housing throughout the country.

Distinction-based First Nations Housing Strategy :

• First Nations have led the co-development of a National First Nations Housing Strategy to ensure housing reform is reflective of their needs, endorsed by the Special Chiefs Assembly on December 5, 2018.
• The Assembly of First Nations, Indigenous Services Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation meet regularly to advance the national strategy and plan for its implementation.
• This collaboration ensures that housing and infrastructure reforms target a long-term approach to support the transition to First Nations care, control and management of housing, in a way that respects regional differences and First Nations' readiness.

Distinction-based Inuit Housing Strategy:

• Improving Inuit housing is a priority for our Government.
• The Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, which was released in April 2019, was co-developed with Inuit and will be delivered by Inuit.
• The Strategy provides long-term vision and direction for Inuit housing premised on self-determination.
• Work is already well underway to deliver our Government's Inuit housing investments.
• This includes work facilitated directly by Inuit.
• We will continue our joint work to implement Inuit-led strategies to further address Inuit housing needs.

Distinction-based Métis Housing Strategy :

• Improving Métis housing outcomes is a priority for our Government.
• During summer 2018, leaders from the Métis Nation and Government of Canada signed the Canada-Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord, which will improve Métis access to – and control of – affordable and social housing.
• This Sub-Accord reflects a shared commitment to narrow the core housing need gap and further Indigenous self-determination in this important area of social policy.
• We will continue to close the unacceptable housing gap in a collaborative process that addresses the needs of communities – driven by each Métis Nation Governing Member.

Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative:

• Our Government knows that supporting Indigenous-led solutions is the only way to address the unacceptable socioeconomic gap.
• This $36 million fund is designed to support Indigenous-led, community-driven projects that could serve as blueprints for new approaches.
• The Indigenous Steering Committee has selected 24 Innovators, who will refine their ideas during the accelerator period, which began in January 2020. Projects meeting accelerator phase requirements will receive implementation funding.
• The Indigenous Taskforce of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada is participating as mentors, to support the Innovators throughout the accelerator period.

Insufficient COVID-19 Related Infrastructure:

• We recognize that poor housing conditions can contribute to the spread of COVID-19.
• We are working with communities to identify and support local surge health infrastructure needs to screen, triage, and isolate in case of an outbreak.
• Approaches include re-tooling existing community infrastructure, or purchasing and installing mobile structures.
• As of June 30th, 90 community spaces were identified for re-tooling and 148 mobile structures were funded.
• We will continue to work closely with partners to keep communities safe.

Background

As of June 30, 2020 , ISC and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) together reported a total of 20,096 housing units built, renovated  and retrofitted. Of that amount, ISC is responsible for 8,944 housing units divided as follows:

• 2,909 new unit constructions, 1,831 of which are completed
• 6, 035 unit renovations and upgrades, 3,811 of which are completed

CMHC is responsible for 11,152  homes divided as follows:

• 3,403 new unit constructions, 1,629 of which are completed 
• 7,749 unit renovations and retrofits, 6,888 of which are completed

ISC has been collaborating with the Assembly of First Nations and its Chiefs Committee on Housing and Infrastructure and federal partners to co-develop a National First Nations Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy, supported by $600 million over three years announced in Budget 2018. The Strategy was endorsed at the December 5, 2018 Special Chiefs Assembly, outlining the path forward to transition the care, control and management of housing to First Nations.

CIRNAC has worked in partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuit land claim governments and organizations, CMHC and Employment and Social Development Canada to develop the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, which was made public on April 4, 2019. The Strategy is premised on self-determination with Inuit recipients holding the responsibility, decision-making powers and capacity to meet housing needs at the regional level. Budget 2018 allocated $400 million over 10 years to support Inuit-led housing in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit, with an additional $290 million over 10 years for Nunavut from Budget 2017 through CMHC to the Government of Nunavut.

Canada and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017, with a number of year one priorities that parties agreed to collaborate on, including a Métis Nation Housing Strategy. On July 19, 2018, the Métis Housing Sub-Accord was finalized, outlining the design, delivery and administration of housing services undertaken by the Governing Members of the Métis Nation to address the purchase of new houses, the repair of existing houses and the provision of rent-supplements to families most in need. The Housing Sub-Accord, funded at $500 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2018, reflects a shared commitment to narrow the core housing needs gap and further Indigenous self-determination in this important area of social policy.

The Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative was launched on April 11, 2019, by the Minister of Indigenous Services and co-chairs of the Indigenous Steering Committee. 342 applications were received and 24 were selected by the Steering Committee as part of the Accelerator process. The Accelerator, launched January 20, 2020 provides Indigenous Innovators with funding and supports to further develop their idea into implementable proposals. The Initiative is being done in partnership with Infrastructure Canada's Smart Cities Challenge and addresses the Government of Canada's commitment to a process specific to Indigenous communities that reflects their unique realities and needs.

Key Messages

• The safety and security of all Canadians during these unprecedented times is our Government's top priority.
• The Department is supporting communities to implement or revise their emergency management plans where necessary.
• Indigenous Services Canada will continue to stay in close communication with communities to ensure the health and safety of First Nations on reserve in the event of a natural emergency.

If pressed on COVID-19 Response to Flooding and Emergency Events 

• COVID-19 makes evacuations related to emergency events such as a flood or wildfire more complex.
• ISC is working with other federal and provincial/territorial governments and First Nation partners to develop effective emergency planning and responses to ensure the health and safety of all community members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• First Nation communities work closely with provincial partners and ISC representatives to provide solutions to protect their communities while keeping their members safe.

If pressed on Climate Change – Disaster Mitigation Efforts

• We know that many Indigenous communities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change-related risks because of a variety of factors, which can include: remoteness, community size, socio-economic conditions or limited access to emergency management resources.
• This is why, through the Emergency Management Assistance Program, we are working with our partners to ensure the health and safety of First Nation residents from natural or accidental emergency events.
• Further, we continue to work towards formalizing emergency management agreements to support First Nations as full and equal partners.

If pressed on Emergency Management Assistance Program Enhancements

• We are focused on supporting First Nation efforts to enhance their community capacity and preparedness activities for emergency events, especially in the context of COVID-19.
• Beyond COVID-19 relevant considerations, we are ensuring that culturally competent responses are provided during evacuations and we are placing an emphasis on improved community planning during the recovery phase.
• This approach has resulted in communities that are more resilient to emergency events, evacuees returning home faster and the reduction of livelihood disruption.

Background

There are various funding arrangements or agreements between the Department, the provinces, territories and third party organizations for the delivery of emergency management services for on-reserve communities. These agreements provide First Nation communities' access to emergency assistance services. They also provide an assurance to the provinces and territories that the Department will provide funding to cover costs related to emergency assistance in First Nations so that responses can be implemented rapidly and without unnecessary delay.

The Emergency Management Assistance Program has an annual budget of $64.9M :

• $19.1M: preparedness and non-structural mitigation projects and service agreements
• $16.5M: wildfire management services agreements with provinces
• $29.3M: response and recovery activities.

Response and recovery costs have consistently exceeded existing funding of $29.3M requiring the Program to return to Treasury Board for additional funding. Budget 2019 announced $211M over five years of new spending for Emergency Management on-reserve; this will focus on:

• Enhancing EMAP's existing First Nation-led emergency preparedness and non-structural mitigation;
• First Nation-led engagement on emergency management service agreements; and
• First Nation emergency management capacity building.

COVID Support On Reserve

First Nation communities on reserve may need emergency assistance services that can be provided through the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP). The Indigenous Community Support Fund (ICSF) has provided $360.2 million for First Nations to design and implement community-based solutions to prepare for and react to the spread of COVD-19 within their communities and support the immediate COVID-19 health and safety response of First Nations.  EMAP will also be one of five program authorities that will administer $159.8 million in needs-based funding that is open to all distinctions-based groups. The Indigenous Community Support Fund was delivered using modified EMAP terms and conditions and has been playing a supporting role to the First Nations Inuit and Health Branch (FNIHB)-led pandemic response on reserve, dedicating financial resources to cover eligible expenses that FNIHB does not assume.

In response to the emergence of COVID-19, ISC is working with First Nation communities to ensure pandemic / emergency plans are in place and updated. We are supporting communities to put these in place and revising where needed.

Safety for Indigenous Women

• We know that Indigenous women face unique challenges such as accessing services and necessities that are linked to their safety and well-being, particularly during COVID-19.
• This is why we are making investments to address the social determinants of health, including housing, economic opportunities, and Indigenous-led healthcare systems.
• We are working to ensure the security and well-being of Indigenous women and girls by supporting and expanding a network of family violence prevention shelters for First Nations communities across the country, and in the territories.

If pressed on supports & services for Indigenous women in urban centres

• Indigenous women and their families living in urban centres, have unique needs and challenges.
• In response to COVID-19, we initially provided $90 million to support Indigenous peoples living in urban areas and First Nations off reserve. A portion of the additional funding announced in August could be used to provide services to this population.
• Budget 2019 invested $60 million to provide safe and accessible spaces for urban Indigenous peoples to receive services.
• More than 300 violence prevention projects are funded on and off reserve annually.

Background

The Family Violence Prevention Program

The goal of the Family Violence Prevention Program is to improve the safety and security of Indigenous women, children and families. It provides funding for the following components: day-to-day operations of emergency shelters that provide services for women and children ordinarily resident on reserve, and in the territories; community-driven prevention projects; reimbursement of Alberta and the Yukon for Indigenous women and families accessing shelters off reserve; support for shelter capacity; and, engagement and community prevention projects to raise awareness and target Métis women, girls, and LGBTQ2 people.

On May 29, 2020, funding of $44.8 million over five years was announced to build 12 new shelters: 10 shelters for First Nations communities across the country, and two in the territories. The government will also provide $40.8 million to support operational costs for these new shelters over the first five years, and then $10.2 million annually ongoing.

This funding is in addition to the $10 million previously announced in COVID-19 supports for First Nations shelters and to the $1 million per year ongoing to engage Métis leaders and service providers on assessing shelter needs and community-led violence prevention projects for Métis women, girls, LGBTQ, and Two-Spirit People.

Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

More than half of the Indigenous population in Canada lives in an urban centre. Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples is designed to assist First Nations, Inuit, and Métis living in or transitioning to urban centres, and aims to address challenges faced by some of the most at-risk community members, including Indigenous women. Funding is provided through four streams: Organizational Capacity, Programs and Services, Coalitions, and Research and Innovation. One of the key priority areas under Programs and Services is Women and this supports projects such as women-only day program, self empowerment and self care programs, healing program for women that escaped family violence, etc. Distinctions-based funding includes allocations for friendship centres, the Métis Nation, and the Inuit.

To address the immediate needs in First Nation, Inuit and Métis Nation communities due to COVID-19, the Indigenous Community Support Fund was created. In March 2020, $305 million was initially announced, but was increased to $380 million in May 2020 and includes $90 million to address needs of First Nations off reserve and Indigenous peoples in urban centres. An additional $305 million was announced August 12th with a portion of this funding going to support proposals from Indigenous organizations and communities providing services to First Nations living off reserve and urban Indigenous Peoples. This funding brings the total investments  in the Indigenous Community Support Fund to $685 million.

If pressed – 12 New Shelters

• In May 2020, we announced $44.8 million over five years to build 10 new shelters in First Nations communities and two in the territories to help protect Indigenous women and children fleeing domestic violence.
• $40.8 million over five years and $10.2 million ongoing is also being provided to support operational costs for these new shelters.
• Applications for these new shelters can be submitted until January 15, 2021.
• This funding is in addition to previously announced COVID-19 supports for Indigenous women and girls.

If pressed on shelters for Inuit women

• We understand that Inuit women face heightened challenges when seeking refuge from domestic violence.
• Our Government's announcement to build 2 new shelters in the Territories for Indigenous women and children escaping violence is a step in the right direction.
• Our Government recognizes that more support is needed for Inuit women experiencing and escaping violence.
• We will continue to work with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada and other Inuit partners on the construction of shelters and future supports for Inuit women.

Key Messages

• Forced and coerced sterilization is a deeply troubling violation of human rights.
• Individuals impacted by this issue requiring mental health or crisis support can contact the 24/7 Hope for Wellness Line.
• The  Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women's Wellbeing is guiding our response. The Committee is comprised of National Indigenous Organizations, including women's organizations.
• Collaboration is required between all orders of government, and health and social system professionals, to ensure culturally safe health services for all Indigenous women.

If pressed on forced and coerced sterilization:

• To improve cultural safety and quality of service, we are:
  
  • ensuring an expecting First Nation or Inuit mother knows she is entitled to a travel escort through the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program;
  • investing in services to support healthy pregnancies and births;
  • investing for the first time in midwifery in First Nation and Inuit communities; and
  • receiving guidance from the  Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women's  Wellbeing which will now advise a number of departments to extend the voices of Indigenous women across the federal system. 

If pressed further on actions being taken :

• Forced and coerced sterilization is evidence of racism and the need to improve cultural safety in health and social systems.
• Our government is working with Indigenous organizations to develop information products on culturally safe informed consent and hosted  a national forum on informed consent and choice  on January 28-29, 2020.
• Budget 2017 announced an additional $83.2M over five years to expand maternal and child health services for First Nations and Inuit families including $6M over five years to support culturally-safe midwifery in communities.

Background

Forced and coerced sterilization is a symptom of a broader systemic issue: the absence of cultural safety in health and social systems. Promoting cultural safety in health and social systems cannot be done in isolation. Health Canada has a lead role to play, in partnership with provinces and territories, regional health authorities and regulatory bodies.

The scale and scope of this issue is currently unknown. Health systems (with the exception of Saskatchewan) do not track patient ethnicity. However, since October 2017 a number of legal actions that name Canada as a defendant have been initiated by impacted women. Lawyers indicate they have been contacted by over 100 Indigenous women (including a case that occurred as recently as December 2018).International bodies and parliamentary committees have studied and drawn attention to the issue:

• The U.N. Committee against Torture called on Canada to criminalize, investigate, prevent and provide redress;
• The Third Universal Periodic Review by the U.N. Human Rights Council recommended that Canada investigate complaints, punish those responsible and assist impacted women;
• The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights requested specific information on how Canada is responding;
• The Standing Committee on Health focused on understanding the scope; making reparations to victims; prevention; and engaging with Indigenous women's organizations; and,

The final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls raised the issue. Calls to Justice include increasing the number of Indigenous health care professionals and providing cultural competency training to all health care professionals (Calls to Justice 7.6, 7.7, and 7.8).

In January 2020, Indigenous Services Canada supported a national forum on informed choice and consent in Indigenous women's health services. A forum report will be published shortly on the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health website and identifies the following actions for the federal government:

• ensure Indigenous women's voices and leadership are included in gender-based policy development and action (i.e. bring birth back to communities, provision of escorts, and funding for more midwifery care);
• ensure culturally safe health and social services provision in Indigenous communities;
• formulate policies to support Indigenous self-determination;
• provide guidance and support a coordinated approach to sexual and reproductive options across disciplines;
• address the broader determinants of health, including addressing the policies and funding levels that maintain inequitable access to education, employment, health and social services;
• address data and knowledge gaps relevant to informed choice and consent, including gender violence, forced sterilization, girls and women's health and violence (through CIHR); and,
• work with provincial and territorial ministries to support a coordinated approach to informed choice and consent.

Key Messages

• Our Government is committed to ending the ongoing national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
• We have responded to the Commission's Interim Report recommendation for additional health supports.
• Over three years, we provided $21.3 million in new funding to enable greater access to mental health, cultural and emotional supports for survivors and families. Funding for these services was recently extended until March 31, 2021.
• We remain committed to supporting survivors and families as they seek answers about the systemic and institutional failures that have led to this tragedy.

How services will be delivered:

• We are working with Indigenous partners who can deliver community-based cultural and emotional health supports.
• Emotional support workers will inform survivors and family members of available programs and services, and assist clients in accessing them.
• Cultural support providers and mental health professionals will also provide services, from traditional healing to individual and family counselling.
• We remain committed to supporting survivors and families as they seek answers about the systemic and institutional failures that have led to this tragedy.

Background

The November 2017 Interim Report from the Commission requested that the Government of Canada expand the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program and fund Indigenous community-based organizations to ensure that all those affected by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) have access to health and cultural support services for the remaining duration of the National Inquiry. In June 2018, the Government of Canada announced funding to support access to health supports for those impacted by the issue of MMIWG. Additional funding was announced in July 2020 to extend access to these health supports until March 31, 2021.

To access mental health, emotional and cultural support services, people affected by MMIWG are able to call Indigenous Services Canada's regional offices and the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia. Indigenous Services Canada is working with partners to ensure that information about how to access services is widely available. Individuals affected by MMIWG who are in distress and require immediate emotional assistance can call the National 24/7 MMIWG crisis line.

Key Messages

• We are committed to the full implementation of Jordan's Principle, and to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need.
• From July 2016 to September 2020, more than 742,000 requested products, services, and supports have been approved.
• Budget 2019 invested $1.2 billion over three years to support the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle.
• We have also invested $220 million over five years to address the immediate needs of Inuit children and to continue working with Inuit partners to improve local capacity to deliver services.

If pressed on Jordan's Principle:

• The Government continues to work with First Nations to ensure that Jordan's Principle is upheld.
• We are also working with First Nations, provinces and territories to better understand what service gaps exist and how to best address them.
• Our ultimate goal is to develop a long-term approach that will increase First Nations self-determination in addressing the needs and providing access to health, social, and education services for all First Nations children.

Inuit-Child First Initiative 

• The Inuit Child First Initiative helps Inuit children access the essential government funded health, social and educational products, services and supports they need, when they need them.
• Inuit CFI was jointly announced by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Indigenous Services Canada on September 10, 2018.
• Between April 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020 18,575 products and services were approved for Inuit children.
• We have co-developed public awareness materials with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to help raise awareness about the Inuit Child First Initiative.
• We will continue working with Inuit partners, provinces and territories to develop and finalize a framework for a long-term Inuit-specific approach to help better meet the needs of Inuit children.

Spirit Bear Plan:

• Closing the gaps in health, social services and education for First Nations children and families are of top priorities of the Government.
• We are committed to fully implementing the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal in this regard.
• We will continue to work with First Nations partners to advance reforms to child and family services, and to develop First Nations-led solutions that place the well-being of children first.

Background

Jordan's Principle is a legal requirement, not a policy or program, resulting from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) decision of January 2016, which ordered Canada to cease applying a narrow definition of Jordan's Principle and to take immediate measures to implement the full meaning of the principle. Since the initial 2016 CHRT decision, the CHRT has issued several subsequent remedial orders regarding how Jordan's Principle should be defined and implemented.

Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed more than $600 million to meet the needs of First Nation children through an interim approach to Jordan's Principle. Budget 2019 invested a further $1.2 billion over three years to support the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle. In addition, Budget 2019 invested $220 million over five years to address the immediate needs of Inuit children as this Government continues to work with Inuit and other government partners to improve local capacity to deliver services.

In implementing Jordan's Principle, Service Coordinators were made available in communities across Canada who are funded by the Government of Canada and staffed by local Tribal Councils, Regional Health Authorities, Indigenous Non-Governmental Organizations, etc. These service coordinators are the primary local contact for First Nations children and families. They work closely with the regional Jordan's Principle Focal Point contacts. In February 2018, a 24/7 Jordan's Principle National Call Centre was launched to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need.

The Spirit Bear Plan was developed by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and is recognized and supported by the CHRT. In December 2017, the Chiefs-in-Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations provided their support for the Spirit Bear Plan, which is designed to address all inequities in federally funded public services.

Key Messages

• We recognize that the current mental health needs of Indigenous communities are a result of social inequities and colonialist injustices that have spanned centuries.
• Our Government is taking concrete steps through investing $425 million annually for community-based services to address the mental wellness needs of First Nations and Inuit.
• We are continuing to work in partnership to advance Indigenous-led approaches to address the social determinants of health.

If pressed

• While there is more to do, we have seen success in supporting Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness, such as:
  • The increase of 52 new community-led mental wellness teams since 2015, for a total of 63 teams serving 344 communities;
  • The Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Choose Life Initiative that is benefiting more than 22,000 high-risk youth and children;
  • The implementation of the 24/7 Hope for Wellness Helpline;
  • The First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework; and
  • The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy.
• We continue to work in partnership to advance Indigenous-led approaches to address the social determinants of health.

If pressed COVID-19 & Mental Health Supports

• In August 2020, $82.5M was committed to support Indigenous communities during the next six months of the COVID-19 pandemic for surge capacity and adaptation of critical mental wellness services.
• Across the country, mental wellness funding is being used to support various initiatives such as: expanding virtual capacity of health services (counselling, etc.); connecting Indigenous youth to Elders using technology and social media, lowering barriers to access for community members to engage in ceremony, and facilitating access to culturally appropriate services such as on-the-land activities and substance misuse treatment services.
• We are working with partners to implement distance approaches to service delivery such as tele- and video-counselling for substance use services and other existing programs. The Hope for Wellness Help Line continues to offer crisis intervention services by telephone or chat, with surge capacity investments provided for additional counsellors.

Jordan's Principle & Hope for Wellness Line

• Last year, ISC also funded $172.1 million dollars for requests for mental health services for First Nations children through Jordan's Principle.
• We also fund the Hope for Wellness Help Line which offers crisis intervention services by telephone or chat. Since its creation until the end of  September 2020, there have been 42,563 calls and 6,540 chats reported.

If pressed on restricted access to First Nations communities during COVID-19:

• Supporting mental wellness during and after the COVID-19 pandemic is essential.
• Substance use treatment, prevention, and aftercare services are continuing where possible while respecting COVID-19 public health physical distancing measures.
• Counselling, cultural supports, and other forms of treatment are available through telehealth and on-line platforms.
• Treatment centres and community-based programs are also ensuring medication availability for opioid agonist therapy (OAT).
• We will continue to work with partners to ensure mental wellness supports are available for communities.

Background

In August 2020, $82.5M was committed to support Indigenous communities during the next six months of the COVID-19 pandemic for surge capacity and adaptation of critical mental wellness services. Examples of funded initiatives are listed below.

In Saskatchewan, the Region has accessed $8.13M for First Nations and $1.875M for Metis Nation to support this initiative including:

• Expanding access to culturally appropriate services such as on-the-land activities and community-based health supports (i.e. Mental Wellness Teams, Treatment centres, and Opioid Agonist Therapy Sites);
• Adapting mental health services using virtual technology to meet increased demand; and,
• Supporting Indigenous partners in developing innovative strategies to address substance misuse and to improve access to treatment services.

In Alberta, the Region working with First Nations to develop a guidance document with a focus on youth, Elders and social media access to virtual mental health resources and services. Mental wellness funding is also being used to connect Indigenous youth to Elders using technology and social media, lowering barriers to access for community members to engage in ceremony and access culturally appropriate support through virtual platforms, and developing innovative mobile public health practices to reach the most vulnerable community members.

In Ontario, through discussions at regional partnership tables, it was decided that the COVID-19 Mental Wellness funds be allocated to all First Nation communities through a formula based methodology in goal to meet community specific mental wellness needs. The anticipated community based activities to assist with the increased demand of mental wellness services due to COVID-19 include:

• Southern and Central Ontario communities will expand virtual capacity of health services (counselling, etc.);
• Mental Health Councillors to provide surge supports to communities who are experiencing mental health and addiction crisis; and,
• Adapting existing community mental wellness programs to the COVID -19 context.

In the Quebec, the Region worked with communities to ensure that they had the flexibility to use the funds to respond to their own health priorities following the principle of self-determination. Examples of ways this funding was used include:   

• Increasing human resources in the mental wellness teams;
• Offering specialized training of mental health for health staff of the community; and,
• Developing and offering a structured healing program in the territory, defray the costs of therapy in a private establishment for individuals to compensate for NNADAP centre shutdown and offering emotional and psychological support to psychosocial staff.

In the Northwest Territories, one way that the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation intends to use the Mental Wellness COVID-19 funding is to provide two rounds of on-the-land support, one at freeze up and the second in January. Funding will be provided at the household level to support families to go on-the-land. This approach aims to increase the connection to family, culture and the land for improved mental health and social distancing.

In the Atlantic, the Region received an allotment of $1.448M for Inuit and $3M for First Nations for a total of $4.448M. Many communities are still awaiting the funds before launching any specific initiatives. The funding will allow them the flexibility to prioritize according to their specific needs.

• The Inuit allocation has gone directly to the Nunatsiavut Government through a contribution agreement and is being utilized to address COVID-19 mental wellness priorities as identified by NG.
• The Atlantic First Nations Health Partnership met in September and directed that the $3M FN allocation be distributed to all 33 Atlantic FN communities, using a Modified Berger calculation, so that communities can use the resources to address their specific COVID-19 mental wellness priorities and needs.

In Manitoba, communities are directing mental wellness resources towards a wide range of activities in the community that support the holistic health of community members directly, as well as providing surge capacity for staff to help mitigate high workloads resulting from mental health and addiction challenges exacerbated by COVID-19 and community lockdowns.

Substance Use

• Our Government recognizes that substance use can have devastating effects on individuals, families and communities and their general health and well-being.
• We are currently investing $425 million annually for community-based services to address the mental wellness needs of First Nations and Inuit.
• This includes a recent investment of $200 million over five years to support prevention and treatment services for substance use.
• We remain focused on supporting long-term investments that improve the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

Government of NWT announcing new substance abuse funding:

• Our Government works closely with the Government of Northwest Territories to address public health issues that affect First Nations and Inuit, including substance misuse.
• Recognizing the complex factors that contribute to substance use, including alcohol, Indigenous Services Canada has provided the Government of the Northwest Territories with $250,000 in 2018-19 and $1 million over five years, starting in 2019-20, to support the territorial alcohol strategy.
• We remain committed to working with partners to explore innovative ways to collectively address substance misuse issues in the North.

If pressed on COVID-19 and substance use:

• We recognize that many Indigenous communities face unique challenges in addressing COVID-19, some of which can lead to increased stress and substance use.
• The funding announced for Indigenous communities as part of Canada's COVID-19 response can be used to support access to mental wellness services.
• We are working with partners to implement distance approaches to service delivery such as tele- and video-counselling for substance use services and other existing programs.
• The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers crisis intervention services by telephone or chat, with surge capacity investments provided for additional counsellors.
• We are also working with Indigenous partners to promote additional resources for Indigenous youth and to develop an online platform to support community-based mental wellness teams.

If pressed further on restricted access to First Nations communities during COVID-19

• Supporting mental wellness during and after the COVID-19 pandemic is essential. Substance use treatment, prevention, and aftercare services are continuing where possible while respecting COVID-19 public health physical distancing measures.
• Counselling, cultural supports, and other forms of treatment are available through telehealth and on-line platforms.
• Treatment centres and community-based programs are also ensuring medication availability for opioid agonist therapy (OAT).
• We will continue to work with partners to ensure mental wellness supports are available for communities.

If pressed COVID-19 & Mental Health Supports

• In August 2020, $82.5M was committed to support Indigenous communities during the next six months of the COVID-19 pandemic for surge capacity and adaptation of critical mental wellness services.
• We are working with partners to implement distance approaches to service delivery such as tele- and video-counselling for substance use services and other existing programs.
• The Hope for Wellness Help Line continues to offer crisis intervention services by telephone or chat, with surge capacity investments provided for additional counsellors.

Tracking Opioid Use:

• Our Government recognizes that the opioid crisis continues to have devastating impacts on Indigenous communities nationally, and that quality data is an important part of a comprehensive approach to drug control.
• We know there are significant data limitations on how Indigenous peoples are affected by this crisis and we are working with partners to overcome these limitations. 
• We will continue to work with First Nations and Inuit, provincial and territorial partners to explore ways to collectively address opioid-related issues.

Background

Indigenous communities across Canada are disproportionately impacted by the opioid public health crisis and in particular, First Nations in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. The Assembly of First Nations has reported that some First Nations communities are experiencing an epidemic, with as many as 43% to 85% of the communities' population addicted to opiates (Assembly of First Nations Resolution no. 82/2016 and no. 68/2017).  In spring 2017, the Department of Indigenous Services Canada started to track suspected opioid overdoses in 153 participating First Nations communities. The Department continues to work with partners from across the country to improve data collection and reporting, and to better understand how this crisis is affecting different populations

The Government of Canada has announced significant financial investments to help address the crisis. Budget 2018 is providing $200 million over five years (2018/19 to 2022-23) and $40 million per year ongoing to support new investments in substance use prevention and treatment services for First Nations and Inuit including funding to address the ongoing opioid crisis. The investment will support up to: an additional 25 opioid agonist therapy sites offering wraparound services; an additional 75 on the land activities; enhanced services across a network of 45 federally funded treatment centres; and major renovations at over 20 of these centres. Indigenous Services Canada allocated this fiscal year over $425 million towards culturally relevant and community-based mental wellness supports for First Nations and Inuit that aim to: provide treatment, reduce risk factors, promote protective factors and improve health outcomes associated with mental wellness.

Indigenous Services Canada provides several services along the drug misuse continuum.

1. Through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program, coverage is provided to registered First Nations and recognized Inuit for:

• Methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone (i.e. Suboxone and generics), slow release morphine and injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) for the treatment of opioid use disorder. To promote client safety, clients receiving these treatments are enrolled in the Client Safety Program;
• Naloxone, used to treat overdoses, both Injection and nasal spray (Narcan);
• Medical transportation benefits for clients to access supervised treatment for opioid use disorder (e.g. methadone, Suboxone).  The client's ongoing need for travel is reviewed every six months; and
• Up to 22 hours of professional mental health counseling every 12 months, with additional hours as required.

  2. In addition to coverage provided under the NIHB Program, in facilities where ISC provides primary care services in First Nations communities, naloxone injection is available for administration by health care professionals to reverse the effects of the overdose. There is also a limited supply of naloxone nasal spray (Narcan) in Nursing Stations that is available to community members at no charge. Injectable naloxone is listed in the Branch's Nursing Station Formulary as a "must stock" medication.

Key Messages

• The loss of life from suicide is a tragedy beyond measure. We must work with Indigenous communities, partners and experts to advance Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness.
• At the last Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly, the Minister is committed to working with groups like Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), and the federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) to support the strategies they bring forward.
• In December 2019, the Government committed $2.5 million for community-driven mental wellness services and prevention programming in Saskatchewan.
• We will continue to work in partnership to advance Indigenous-led approaches to address the social determinants of health.

If pressed on actions taken :

• We have seen success in supporting Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness:
  • 52 new community-led mental wellness teams since 2015, for a total of 63 teams.
  • Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Choose Life Initiative, benefiting more than 22,000 high-risk youth and children, the 24/7 Hope for Wellness Help Line and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy.
• However, we know that the roots of suicide in Indigenous communities also derive from a range of social inequities, and we continue to work to include wellness in all policies.

If pressed on COVID-19 and mental wellness

• We recognize that many Indigenous communities face unique challenges in addressing COVID-19, some of which can lead to increased stress.
• The funding announced for Indigenous communities as part of Canada's COVID-19 response can be used to access mental wellness services while respecting physical distancing.
• We are working with partners to implement distance approaches to service delivery such as tele- and video-counselling for substance use services and other existing programs. The Hope for Wellness Help Line continues to offer crisis intervention services by telephone or chat.

AFN National Youth Suicide Strategy 

• We are deeply concerned about the tragic loss of life from suicide in many Indigenous communities, especially among youth.
• As Minister Miller said at the last AFN's Special Chief's Assembly, he shares their goal of addressing mental wellness as an urgent priority.
• We will work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to advance Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness, as we did with NAN when they developed the successful Choose Life Initiative.

• We will be a willing partner for all those who are looking to develop solutions to this pressing issue.

Background

Indigenous people in Canada are at a greater risk of experiencing complex mental health and substance use issues due to a variety of factors, including the intergenerational effects of residential schools and other consequences of colonization. Suicide is a significant concern in some communities, particularly in the North and in remote areas. States of emergency have been declared in several communities due to mental health and social crises.

Addressing the root causes of high rates of Indigenous youth suicide requires a holistic, whole-of-government approach that supports individual, family and community healing; addresses the legacy of residential schools, the sixties' scoop and other devastating impacts of colonization; and supports access to the social determinants of health such as self-determination, employment, and housing.

The responsibility for delivering mental health services is shared by the federal and provincial/territorial and Indigenous governments. The federal government supports First Nations and Inuit community mental wellness through a number of programs and services. Specifically, through the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, ISC supports and funds mental wellness programs and services in five key areas: community based mental wellness services; the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program; the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program Mental Health Counselling Benefit; the Hope for Wellness Helpline; and Jordan's Principle – A Child First Initiative.

This fiscal, $425 million has been allocated to address the mental wellness needs of First Nations and Inuit. Since April 1, 2018, Jordan's Principle has spent $175.8M on Suicide Prevention (173.7M for Choose Life since 2016), and $358.3M on all Mental Wellness initiatives. Since its creation until the end of September 2020, there have been 42,563 calls and 6,540 chats reported.

Key Messages

• We are committed to addressing tuberculosis among Indigenous populations.
• This is why we are working with Indigenous partners and provincial and territorial governments to support innovative approaches and specific actions.
• We will continue to work with Indigenous partners to address rates of tuberculosis in a distinctions-based, and culturally safe way.

Inuit Nunangat

• Our Government is working with partners to eliminate tuberculosis across Inuit Nunangat by 2030, and reduce active tuberculosis by at least 50% by 2025.
• Budget 2018 announced $27.5 million over five years to support Inuit-specific approaches to tuberculosis elimination; in addition to $640 million over 10 years announced in Budgets 2017 and 2018 addressing Inuit Nunangat housing needs.
• We will continue to work with partners to support innovative and community led approaches to address the factors that contribute to tuberculosis.

Nunavut Screening

• In 2018-2019, our Government supported the Nunavut government's deployment of mobile tuberculosis screening clinics in three communities.
• All three clinics had community participation rates of more than 80%.
• Our Government will continue to work closely with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated through the Nunavut Partnership Table on Health regarding the support needed to conduct additional clinics and other efforts to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis in First Nation Populations

• Our Government is deeply concerned by the incidences of tuberculosis among First Nations.
• We are promoting access to equitable, culturally appropriate and timely diagnosis, treatment, and care for First Nations communities.
• We are also working to address specific social determinants of health, which are essential to the reduction of the incidence of tuberculosis, including housing, nutrition, and access to culturally safe health care.
• We will continue to work with Indigenous partners to address rates of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis diagnosis, treatment, and care for First Nations communities 

• Indigenous Services Canada works closely with Indigenous partners and provincial counterparts to address the high rates of tuberculosis in First Nations communities.
• We are implementing targeted screening initiatives to:
  • Increase access to technologies for tuberculosis elimination efforts in northern communities such as the use of portable digital x-rays and GeneXpert;
  • Fund community-based tuberculosis champions in Saskatchewan and Manitoba Regions; and,
  • Make rifapentine available for use in high tuberculosis incidence First Nations communities.

Background

The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that in 2017, the active tuberculosis rate among Inuit in Canada was the highest across all origin groups at 205.8 per 100,000 population; a 2.6% increase since 2016, and a rate that is over 400 times higher than the rate in the Canadian born non-Indigenous population and is over 40 times higher than for the general Canadian population. Indigenous Services Canada has taken multiple actions towards addressing high tuberculosis rates among Inuit. For example, the former Minister of Indigenous Services led Canada's delegation, which included Inuit partners, to the United Nations General Assembly first-ever high-level meeting on tuberculosis, on September 26, 2018, where she supported Inuit partners in highlighting the results of their important work towards a tuberculosis elimination framework.

In the North, primary health care, including tuberculosis control, is the responsibility of the territorial governments. Indigenous Services Canada supplements and supports territorial health programs for First Nations and Inuit, as it does in the provinces, in order to ensure access to health services, and to achieve a standard of health for First Nations and Inuit, which is comparable to that of other Canadians.

Finally, the Government of Canada recognizes that significant investments in programs that address specific social determinants of health are essential to further reduce the incidence and burden of diseases that are influenced by social and economic factors, including housing, nutrition, tobacco use, education, and access to culturally safe health care.

Budget 2019 announced $27.5 million over five years to support the Inuit-specific approach to tuberculosis elimination. This is in addition to the $640 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 and 2018 to address Inuit Nunangat housing needs.

Through the Nunavut Partnership Table on Health, Indigenous Services Canada continues to work closely with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to discuss the support required to conduct additional clinics and to support ongoing efforts towards the elimination of tuberculosis. These discussions will continue at the next Nunavut Partnership Table on Health meeting to be held February 11, 2020.

Departmental Indigenous Representation

• ISC and CIRNAC remain committed to a high representation of Indigenous employees, including in executive positions.
• The departments' human resources statistics rely on individuals to self-identify as Indigenous by completing a voluntary employment equity form. Some individuals choose not to self-identify, so the actual number of Indigenous employees may be higher than recorded.
• There is currently an awareness campaign underway within the executive group to encourage individuals to self-identify using the Executive Talent Management System for talent management purposes.
• As of September 2020, the Indigenous representation rate at CIRNAC is 15.5%, compared with 27.4% for ISC. Prior to the creation of CIRNAC and ISC in 2017, 26.5% of employees at the former INAC self-identified as Indigenous. 
• The decrease in the rate of Indigenous representation at CIRNAC after 2017 reflects the division of programs between CIRNAC and ISC, and the transfer of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch from Health Canada to ISC.
• This included a transfer of over 2,000 employees in November 2017 from the former INAC to ISC and the transfer of approximately another 1,000 employees in July 2019.
• ISC now has most of the regional programs and programs that work directly with Indigenous communities where Indigenous employee representation rates tend to be higher.
• ISC and CIRNAC are committed in becoming employers of choice for Indigenous peoples, and will continue to improve the recruitment and retention of Indigenous employees at all levels.
• In addition, the departments will continue to regularly administer employment equity awareness programs with employees and encourage them to self-identify where applicable.

Indigenous Recruitment and Retention

• The departments plan to do better and has taken steps to strengthen the recruitment and retention of Indigenous employees.
• In early 2020, under the Human Resources and Workplace Services Branch, a division was created and responsible for Indigenous programs, including the recruitment, retention and development of Indigenous employees.
• The departments continue to support developmental programs such as the Aboriginal Leadership Development Initiative as well as Indigenous cultural competency training for all employees.  It also provides support to Indigenous employees through the Indigenous employee secretariat.
• The departments also identified two Indigenous executive co-champions who facilitate a departmental working group to advance priorities of Indigenous employees, including Indigenous recruitment and retention.

Data Collection and Employment Equity

• The numbers of CIRNAC executives who have self-identified as Indigenous are too small when broken down by executive levels and therefore a further breakdown cannot be released in order to protect confidentiality.

Background

Source: PeopleSoft (MyGCHR) Human Resource Management System
Note(s):

• The data in this report on representation of employees in the Employment Equity Designated Groups is based on a self-identification form provided to all new employees. Employees may voluntarily self-identify as belonging to more than one of the designated groups.
• Employee population for the purpose of reporting Employment Equity includes indeterminate employees, employees with terms of three months or more, and seasonal employees (excluding those on leave without pay). Excluded are students and casual workers.
• The ISC counts post OIC include the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.