Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: Effects of the Housing Shortage on Indigenous Peoples Across Canada, March 4, 2022

Logistics

Date: Friday, March 04, 2022

Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Videoconference (Zoom)

Subject: Effects of Housing Shortage on Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Witnesses from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

1. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister (appearing in person)
2. Daniel Quan-Watson, Deputy Minister
3. Serge Beaudoin, Assistant Deputy Minister, Northern Affairs
4. Kristi Carin, Acting Director General, Reconciliation Secretariat
5. Patrick Barthold, Director, Modern Treaty Management Central

Witnesses from Indigenous Services Canada

1. The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister
2. Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister
3. Joanne Wilkinson: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Regional Operations
4. Nelson Barbosa: A/DG Community Infrastructure Branch, Regional Operations

Witnesses from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

1. Patricia Roset-Zuppa, Vice-President, Policy Development
2. Benjamin Williams, Director, Indigenous and the North Housing Solutions

Context

INAN adopted the following motion on February 15, 2022:

"That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study on the effects of the housing shortage on Indigenous Peoples across Canada; that the committee invite the Minister of Indigenous Services, experts and government officials to examine this issue; that the committee hold a maximum of six meetings on this issue; that the study takes into consideration and builds on the evidence from the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities report entitled Indigenous Housing: The Direction Home (adopted on Thursday, May 6, 2021), the Parliamentary Budget Officer report on Urban, Rural and Northern Housing (Thursday, February 11, 2021); that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House; and that the committee request that the government table a comprehensive response to the report within a year."

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on March 4, 2022 and will be held via the web platform Zoom. While officials from Indigenous Services Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada, and XX, are appearing during the first hour, INAN has invited other witnesses to appear from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

All witnesses will be asked to connect to the meeting at 12:30 p.m. The Zoom link will be sent directly from the House of Commons to the witnesses.

The Chair will call the meeting to order and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. He will then introduce the witnesses and invite the Ministers deliver their opening remarks (speaking order TBC). Following the Ministers, officials from XX may also make opening statements. It is recommended that all speakers speak slowly and at an appropriate level to ensure they are heard by the interpreters. All witnesses are asked to mute their microphones unless they are speaking.

While simultaneous translation will be available, witnesses are asked to respond to questions in either English or French, but to limit switching back and forth between languages as this often creates technology/interpretation challenges. It is recommended that the speeches are made in one official language.

Following the opening remarks, there will be rounds of questions from Committee members (as listed below).

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)

The meeting can be watched via parlvu, however there may be an up to 70-second delay with the field. A real time audio line will be shared if one is provided for this meeting.

Speech for the Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Indigenous Services the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs the Effects of the Housing Shortage among Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

March 4, 2022

Kwe Kwe, Tansi, Unnusakkut, good morning, bonjour.

I'm speaking to you today from the Robinson-Superior Treaty territory area and the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg and the Métis.

Thank you for inviting me to speak before the committee today.

Reconciliation rests on many things, but adequate, safe and affordable housing is one of the fundamentals.

Unfortunately, Indigenous Peoples are more likely to experience poor housing conditions and overcrowding than the general population.

The 2016 Census of Population estimates that roughly half of Indigenous people live in a dwelling in need of some type of repair, while only one-third of the general population lives in a dwelling of similar conditions.

The Census also showed that Indigenous Peoples living on-reserve are about eight times more likely than non-Indigenous Peoples off reserve live in crowded conditions.

Living in inadequate housing results in children struggling with respiratory problems in overcrowded housing; parents with no space or privacy. COVID-19 has further highlighted the increased risk and poor health outcomes that come with insufficient housing.

As I begin to meet with Indigenous Leaders from coast to coast to coast I am hearing and seeing these struggles first hand and I have promised to move forward with equality, truth and self-determination.

We are collaborating with Indigenous Partners on long-term approaches to address current gaps and address housing challenges.

We are working together with First Nations partners and to co-develop the National First Nations Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy, which was endorsed in December 2018 at an Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly. We continue to work with the Assembly of First Nations toward the advancement and implementation of the Strategy.

In August 2021, the Assembly of First Nations shared a study it undertook on current and future housing needs in First Nation communities. Their analysis showed there is a need for 55,000 new units, and 81,000 renovations on reserve.

Through the implementation of the Strategy, we will increase First Nations' access to sustainable housing that addresses their unique needs and priorities, respects regional and cultural differences, and supports the transition to First Nations care, control and management of housing, based on their capacity and readiness.

While the responsibility for the actual provision and management of housing on reserve rests with First Nations, the federal government plays a critical role in funding and providing advisory services.

This federal support is offered through ISC and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Both organizations play complementary roles in addressing housing needs on reserves. ISC handles funding directed towards capital infrastructure, loan guarantees, housing innovation and capacity-building, while CMHC focuses on social housing and renovations.

We also work closely with other federal departments to ensure our approaches are aligned. For example, I work with the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations to support the implementation of the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy and the Métis Housing Sub- Accord. I also work with the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and the Minister of Northern Affairs on the co- development of a Northern, Urban and Rural Indigenous Housing Strategy.

Over the last six years, we have made a number of important investments in housing for Indigenous Peoples.

Since 2016 and as of September 30, 2021, ISC and CMHC have jointly supported the construction and repair of homes for First Nation households and communities on reserve. This includes 7,873 new homes, of which 61% or 4,827 are complete, and the repair of 15,421 homes, of which 76% or 11,754 are complete.

These figures do not include additional funding and units that are available and provided for through the National Housing Strategy and its programs.

In addition to new constructions and renovations, ISC is also acquiring and servicing 1,384 lots, of which 1,035 are complete and 349 in progress.

In the 2021 Budget, we announced new investments to improve infrastructure, including housing, through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund. This includes an additional $596 million over three years for on-reserve housing.

This additional funding is expected to result in an additional 800 new homes, renovations to 2,000 housing units and 500 additional lots being serviced.

We know these kinds of investments can make a huge difference in the lives of families and individuals.

This is just a start. The need is great and there is much more to do.

We will continue to make the necessary investments and do the work to support Indigenous housing throughout the country.

Meegwetch. Nakummek. Marci. Thank you. Merci.

Background

• In 2017, the Government of Canada introduced the National Housing Strategy, recognizing that housing is a fundamental need and all people in Canada should have access to adequate, safe and affordable housing.
• In 2018, the Government of Canada announced new funding for the co-development of distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
  • $600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being developed with First Nations;
  • $400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut, where additional funding was provided for Inuit housing; and
• $500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation's housing strategy.Since 2016, and as of September 30, 2021 1, the Government of Canada has supported the construction, renovation or retrofit of a total of 23,294 homes on reserve. 16,581 homes are complete, while work on an additional 6,713 homes is underway:
  • 10,652 homes in 517 First Nations communities under ISC funding:
    • 3,527 new unit constructions, 2,133 of which are complete;
    • 7,125 unit renovations and retrofits, 4,470 of which are complete.
  • 12,642 homes under CMHC funding including:
    • 4,346 new unit constructions, 2,694 of which are complete;
    • 8,296 unit renovations and retrofits, 7,284 of which are complete.
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples are still more likely to be in core housing need2 than non-Indigenous peoples (18.3% vs. 12.4%).
• COVID-19 has further highlighted and increased risk of poor health outcomes and death associated with overcrowding and insufficient housing.

Housing On-Reserve – Assessment of Current Housing Needs Report (Clatworthy Report)

• For First Nations on reserves, housing needs are significant.
• In 2016, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) contracted Four Directions Project Consultants to assess housing needs on reserve. The Assessment of Current Housing Needs report, updated in 2019 with more recent program and Census data, and 2019 indicated that:
  • Nearly one-half of all Indigenous households living on reserve experienced one or more housing deficiencies;
  • About 40% of all Indigenous households occupied a dwelling requiring major repairs;
  • Roughly 20% of homes were overcrowded; and,
  • Approximately one in every six family households contained more than one family.
• The report recommended:
  • 14,372 new units to address the needs of doubled families (up from 14,217 units in 2011);
  • 6,684 new units to replace existing units which have deteriorated to the point where they cannot be renovated (up from 5,615 units in 2011);
  • the addition of 27,237 bedrooms (in 17,254 existing dwellings) to address the space requirements of overcrowded households (down from 27,243 bedrooms in 17,535 dwellings in 2011); and
  • the renovation of 22,922 to 40,650 existing dwellings which require major repairs (up from 20,387 to 39,997 dwellings in 2011).
  • In summary, this equates to 21,000 new builds and 58,000 major repairs.
• The Assessment of Current Housing Needs report also noted a number of other challenges, including that:
  • The development of repair needs (minor and/or major) on reserve occurs about 2.0 times more quickly among band-owned, as opposed to rented, dwellings and about 2.5 times more quickly than among owner-occupied dwellings;
  • The need for minor or major repairs was found to develop between 7 and 12 times more quickly on reserve than off reserve. Major repair needs were found to develop about 26 times more quickly on reserve. Repair needs were also found to develop more quickly among on-reserve than off-reserve dwellings.
  • In relation to other provinces/regions, repair requirements among reserve dwellings develop much more quickly in the Prairie region.

The First Nations National Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy

• Following robust engagement with First Nations partners, the 10-Year First Nations National Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy was co-developed by First Nations and federal partners.
• The Strategy outlines the path forward to transition the care, control and management of housing to First Nations.
• Based on First Nations identified priorities and housing needs, the Strategy is designed to increase First Nations' access to sustainable housing that addresses their unique needs and priorities, respects regional and cultural differences, and supports phases of action at a pace of transition suitable to First Nations based on their capacity and readiness.
• The Strategy outlines four key pillars:
  • Governance and Delivery – recommends key steps in the process of transitioning care, control and management to First Nations, including the creation of new systems, new housing institutions and new ways to deliver housing services to First Nations people;
  • Funding and Finance – recognizes that First Nations housing falls along a continuum of need, (e.g., shelters, social housing, housing for disabled community members, seniors' housing, rental units and rent to own, market based and private home ownership). It also highlights the need for new financial instruments and additional government funding if First Nations are to improve housing and living conditions and to close the current housing and related infrastructure gap;
  • Skills and Capacity – highlights the importance of investments in skills and capacity as well as the flexibility to direct where and how the funding can be used to better support home occupants, housing and related infrastructure personnel, and First Nations organizations who serve them; and,
  • First Nations Information Sessions – information for First Nations, communities, technical experts, regional organizations on the steps that can be taken now, during and after transition of housing services to First Nations care and control.
• In August 2021, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) shared a study that was undertaken in collaboration with the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy to assess current and future housing needs on reserve. This study was based on First Nations-owned data gathered between 2019 and 2021.
• Given that this study was led by the AFN, it is  best-placed to speak to the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs on the results, which estimate:
  • current on-reserve needs at $22.7B, including 55,319 new units and repairs to 80,646 units;
  • 78,000 additional units ($21B) are required to accommodate migration of First Nations members living off-reserve and seeking to move on-reserve; and,
  • future needs at $15.7B at 2021 prices by 2040 ($22.3B at then prices).

• The AFN requested $44B in their pre-Budget submission to begin addressing current on-reserve needs and migration.
  
• ISC officials have reviewed the study and are in agreement with the recommendations therein.

Supplemental Housing Information – Funding Profile

Context:

• ISC provides funding to First Nations for on-reserve housing needs through two key streams:
  • A-base: disbursed to First Nations on a formula basis (i.e., no applications required)
  • B-base: disbursed to First Nations on a project basis (i.e., applications required)
• Since April 2016, the Government of Canada has committed to investing $1.6 billion until 2023-24 through ISC to address housing needs on reserves.
  • Budget 2016 provided $416.6 million over two years to improve on-reserve housing conditions, reduce overcrowding and increase health and safety;
  • Budget 2017 provided an additional $600 million over three years, starting in 2018 - 2019, to support housing on reserves as part of a 10-year housing strategy developed with First Nations; and,
  • Budget 2021 provided $595.6 million over three years for shovel-ready housing projects, as prioritized by First Nations.
• Current B-base funding was approved through Budget 2021 for three years (2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24). Beyond that, no B-base funding is confirmed.

Relation to housing

• Adequate fire protection is critical for the safety of First Nation individuals and provides protection for existing on-reserve assets, including housing.  
• Fire-related property damage is twice as likely in First Nation communities.
• Fire-related deaths are 10.4 times higher in First Nation communities – overcrowding, poor building construction and maintenance, and the use of wood fuel are contributing factors.
• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) supports the installation of smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, fire safety education campaigns, and home safety inspections. 

ISC Supports for Fire Protection

• ISC supports fire protection in on-reserve First Nations through the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program.
• Fire protection investments prioritize fire prevention, capacity development and, when communities can demonstrate readiness, capital investments. Examples of eligible expenditures include:
  • equipment, tools, and infrastructure (e.g., fire halls, fire detection systems, vehicles);
  • training (e.g. fire safety, fire protection, and fire prevention related skills, and training of community fire fighting/prevention members);
  • community fire safety assessments (to make informed decisions about the programs, services, and activities necessary to manage fire risk);
  • fire safety programming and services (e.g. fire protection and prevention programs, negotiation of fire protection agreements, development and enforcement of fire and safety guidelines and building codes, the operation of community awareness programs, and, inspections of buildings and other facilities to ensure compliance with fire and safety regulations).
• Annually, approximately $34 million flows to communities to support fire protection.
• Since 2016 and as of September 30, 2021, ISC has invested $58.5 million (excluding operating expenses) of targeted funding to support 184 fire protection projects, 138 of which are complete. These projects will benefit 247 communities serving approximately 260,000 people.

Building and Fire Codes

• While the Department requires assets supported with Capital facilities and maintenance program funding to adhere to relevant building and fire codes, there is no nationally-enforceable building or fire code for reserves.

Data collection / Incident data

• As part of a larger exercise to reduce reporting burden, fire incident data collection was eliminated in 2010. 
• ISC has established a new data collection process that will begin in 2022-23 to collect fire incident data and better understand communities fire protection capabilities.  
• ISC is also supporting the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council's National Incident Reporting system. 

What are we doing now?

• ISC is currently partnering with the Assembly of First Nations as well as other Indigenous representatives and professional fire protection organizations to develop a renewed fire protection strategy; this strategy could include mechanisms to increase the use of Fire and Building codes. 
• Since 2019, ISC has worked with the Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada (AFAC) toward the creation of an Indigenous Fire Marshal Office to promote fire safety and prevention, undertake public education, enforce local fire safety and building codes, and conduct building inspections in First Nations communities. As a response to feedback from their engagement activities, AFAC is now establishing a National Indigenous Fire Safety Council. The National Indigenous Fire Safety Council is now focusing on direct program delivery to First Nation communities, research, and prevention initiatives.

Background

The housing shortage affecting Indigenous People in Canada can result in health impacts due to overcrowding, trade-offs in the quality and design of housing, and a lack of access to a safe, affordable and stable homes. Housing is a key social determinant of health and can have impact on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of individual, family and community health. Research shows that the social determinants can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health. Addressing social determinants of health appropriately is fundamental for improving health and reducing longstanding inequities in health (World Health Organization). 

A lack of access to a safe, affordable and stable home causes financial and psychological stress. A lack of access may result in overcrowding existing homes. High housing costs result in less disposable income and inability to afford other basic needs such as health care and nutritious food. Unstable housing options can affect social well-being and community connection.      

A shortage of options across the housing continuum significantly affects individuals more at risk, including homeless, elderly, low-income, those with disabilities or medical needs, and those transitioning from institutions. These populations have specialized needs.

In 2018/2019, the Privy Council Office led a Deep Dive analysis on First Nations Housing On Reserve, and it identified a disconnect between infrastructure decisions and the health and social impacts of housing. It noted the significant cost to human health and financial costs to the health care system.

Health Impacts of Crowding

Occupancies exceeding that which the home is designed for can lead to:

• Increased humidity levels;
• Increased strain and deterioration of sanitation and hygiene conditions (e.g. use of laundry facilities);
• Inadequate space to accommodate sleeping for all individuals, resulting in "shift-sleeping";
• Inadequate space for children to complete school work and play activities;
• Increased distraction and disruption; and
• Inadequate space for traditional and cultural practices.

Health impacts resulting from overcrowding may be direct or indirect, such as increased risk of:

• Infectious diseases
• Negative impact of mental health, and
• Impairment of education.

Health Impact of Housing Quality and Design

Poor construction and quality of houses results in physical hazards, water intrusion, dampness and mould, as well as poor indoor air quality and thermal discomfort. These deficiencies create substandard living conditions that have been associated with several negative health outcomes such as:

• physical injuries i.e. burns, cuts, bruises, sprains and fractures;
• cardiovascular conditions;
• respiratory illness i.e. tuberculosis, asthma and allergies;
• poor mental health;
• skin infections; and
• dehydration, breathing difficulties and suffocation.

Indigenous-led design of homes support maintaining or rebuilding cultural practices and community connection, such as:

• adequate space and facilities to prepare and store traditional foods;
• space to gather and conduct traditional and ceremonial practices; and
• safe storage of equipment and supplies, such as fire wood and fuel, outside the home to minimize health and safety risks generated within indoor spaces.

Health impacts of Limited Access

High housing costs relative to overall income leads to financial stress and less disposable income. A lack of stable housing affects social well-being and community connection. Specific impacts include:  

• inability to afford nutritious foods and other basic needs, leading to negative health outcomes related to food insecurity, general health and mental health; and
• concern for personal safety, fear of violence and impacts on mental well-being. 

Background

• The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health has noted that disparities in housing affect a range of other determinants including low socio-economic status, unemployment, poverty, and low levels of educational attainment.
• In particular, a lack of adequate housing in Indigenous communities poses significant challenges to community development, socio-economic growth, and sustainable economic development.
• Conversely, a lack of economic development opportunities can also have impacts on availability and adequacy of housing; a vicious cycle.
• In 2016, the National Indigenous Economic Development Board estimated that closing the productivity gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada would add approximately $27.7B to the Canadian economy.
• Investments in housing could create good jobs in communities and support increased parity of health, social and economic outcomes.

Direct Economic Development Opportunities

• A report from the Canadian Home Builders' Association indicates that building a house generates approximately 2.5 jobs and $155,000 in wages. Canada's residential construction industry was responsible for 1.24M jobs and $81.1B in wages in 2020. 58.4 per cent of jobs in the residential construction industry were in the renovation and repair sector -- an area that creates a multitude of opportunities for small, local businesses.
• Indigenous people are far more likely to be self-employed than non-Indigenous people and entrepreneurship rates are much higher. For example, the 2016 Census indicated that Indigenous entrepreneurs represent 11.8 per cent of the Indigenous labour force. By contrast, only 6.4 per cent of the general Canadian labour force is self-employed. Additionally, the number of Indigenous people who were self-employed grew by 99.4 per cent from 2001-2016, compared to 17.9 per cent of the general Canadian population.
• Indigenous peoples are well-represented in the construction industry. Indigenous entrepreneurs are more likely to own construction businesses than Canadian entrepreneurs in general (18 per cent vs. 13 per cent)^{Footnote 1}. Similarly, a 2015 survey indicated that 25 per cent of Indigenous Economic Development Corporations operated businesses in the construction sector.
• In particular, First Nations people are more likely to be employed in Trades, Transport and Equipment Operations and Related Occupations. In the 2016 Census, 36.4 per cent of First Nations males indicated that they were employed in these occupations, compared to 30.3 per cent of the Canadian male population. 3.8 per cent of First Nations females indicated that they were employed in these occupations, compared to 2.8 per cent of the total Canadian female population.

Indirect Economic Development Opportunities

• In a 2005 report, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (ACCA) noted the potential impact of housing investments on complementary industries. While obvious beneficiaries would include construction and home renovation/repair industries, other industries would see a boost as well, including home furnishing and appliance businesses, and, eventually, real estate agents, surveyors, notaries, and bankers.
• Regardless of how housing is financed, increasing the supply and quality of on-reserve housing boosts these industries whose products and services complement the housing sector, and has multiplier effects throughout the economy.

Market-Based Housing On-Reserve

• The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs recently heard that a lack of access to funding for market-based housing on-reserve was posing a barrier to economic development.
• Section 89(1) of the Indian Act prevents the seizure of real and personal property of First Nations bands and members on-reserve. This has greatly limited the ability of First Nations bands and members to secure access to financing and created dependency on federal transfers.
• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) can offer Ministerial Loan Guarantees to lenders who are financing housing loans on-reserve as a backstop; however, at present, approximately 80 per cent of loans backstopped by the MLG program are from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
• Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, in his recent presentation to the INAN committee, discussed the significant housing gaps on reserves and how innovative approaches to financing are critical to addressing them. Mr. Metatawabin recommended the creation of a $150-million Indigenous housing fund from which Indigenous financial institutions could leverage financing for individual community housing.
• This would leverage the proven knowledge, efficacy and breadth of the existing Indigenous Financial Institutions network to release pent-up demand on reserve for market-based housing.
• Over the last few years, ISC has been working with the Aboriginal Savings Corporation of Canada (ABSCAN), which has piloted an innovative approach focused on supporting prospective homeowners to access financing and establishing efficient housing markets within communities.
• With ABSCAN and NACCA, ISC is now looking at how to expand on this success, leveraging the breadth and experience of the existing Indigenous Financial Institutions that NACCA supports.
• The First Nations Market Housing Fund is another tool available to increase the availability of market-based housing on reserve. Led by a committed group of First Nations Trustees, a strategy has been developed to reform the Fund to make it stronger and revitalize it.

Emergency Services

• Crisis intervention counselling
• Case management
• Food, clothing, accommodation and incidentals
• Safety planning
• Danger assessment
• Emergency protection orders
• Sexual assault counselling
• 24 hour crisis line

Support Services

• Conflict and stress management
• Counselling
• Child support programs
• Violence prevention education
• Goal setting
• Skills and relationships workshops
• Therapeutic techniques
• Drop-in supports for non-resident clients
• Traditional teachings, cultural activities, and Elder services
• Assistance with employment and housing searches, financial support applications
• Advocacy and court accompaniment

Other Services

• Referrals to medical, legal, social services
• Distribute resource materials
• Transportation for service appointments
• Violence prevention programs
• Community outreach (gardening, traditional healing, cooking, crafts)
• Programming for men
• Youth workshops and awareness campaigns
• Recreational and social activities
• Literacy and nutritional programs
• Used clothing depot

Starting in 2021-2022, the Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy provides an additional investment of $136.7 million over five years and $38.2 million in ongoing funding for violence prevention activities. With this comes more flexibility in that regions may allocate funding directly to shelters for enhanced services and/or use the funds for proposal-driven violence prevention based on regional needs. The larger envelope is able to sustain longer-term violence prevention activities likely to have a greater impact and reduces the administrative burden on communities seeking to secure funds from multiple sources.

This component expands upon the existing activities of the FVPP to broaden the continuum of care delivered by its funding recipients. The expansion of activities includes violence prevention activities and wraparound services, which are a comprehensive, holistic approach to addressing client needs and challenges. Early interest in this new funding includes activities such as cultural training for non- Indigenous shelter staff to provide appropriate services for their Indigenous clients, mentorship programs for new shelters, research to assess shelter needs amongst distinctions-based groups that are developing capacity, and mobile wellness supports that can provide services to shelters and communities that lack dedicated resources. Funding will be provided for enhanced services, such as violence prevention activities, case management, programs to reduce the risk of sexual exploitation, as well as culturally appropriate mental health and addiction supports. Regions have the flexibility to adopt regionally-based approaches to implement violence prevention programming and adopted different approaches to allocate funding, including: direct allocations to communities or shelters; a proposal-based approach; or, support for aggregate organizations such as Tribal Councils or Indigenous organizations which may also disperse funds.

The Family Violence Prevention Program supports community-driven violence prevention activities that focus on First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban or 2SLGBTQQIA+ people facing gender-based violence. Developed and led by Indigenous service providers, the intended audiences of these activities are Indigenous women, children, families, youth and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Violence prevention activities may include, but are not limited to:

• enhanced wrap-around services
• case management
• programs to reduce the risk of sexual exploitation
• culturally appropriate mental health and addiction supports
• public outreach and awareness
• conferences and workshops
• stress and anger management seminars
• support groups
• community needs assessments

Through its annual Call for Proposals in the National Capital Region, the Program establishes its selection criteria along several priority themes, which are informed by discussions with Indigenous partners and front line workers. This year's themes are:

1. outreach to Indigenous women, children, youth and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people on the prevention of family violence
2. empowerment of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people to reduce the risk of vulnerability to violence
3. vulnerability to violence associated with the transition between on reserve and off reserve living environments
4. engagement of Indigenous men and boys in the prevention of family violence
5. human trafficking and sexual exploitation
6. assessment of needs in prevention and protection against gender-based violence
7. wrap-around services and case management for survivors of gender-based violence

In addition to the national Call for Proposals, the Family Violence Prevention Program's Regional Offices across the country also provide focused funding to support community driven violence prevention activities, working bilaterally with Indigenous communities and organizations to identify needs and culturally-appropriate responses. Violence prevention activities funded through the regions are commonly grounded in traditional healing practices and culturally-appropriate teachings catered towards target audiences, including Indigenous women, children, families, youth, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. In 2021-2022, the Family Violence Prevention Project's Ontario Region funded the Men's Healing Program that would fill a gap within the provision of anti-family violence services. Through this project, a business case and program delivery model will be developed that communities or front line staff can use to address and break cycles of violence.

In addition, the Ontario Region also funded the Family Wellness Programs that deliver violence prevention projects to on and off reserve women, men, youth and children. The violence prevention activities focus on early recovery and relapse prevention, mental health awareness, self-esteem, stress management, yoga, meditation, resume writing, and many other valuable life lessons.

In Yukon Region, the Family Violence Prevention Program funded the Positive Choices, Positive Voices Program in two Indigenous communities. The program is a 14 day mobile treatment program to teach "tools-for-life" and has garnered positive responses from participants.

In 2020-2021, through its Saskatchewan Region, the Family Violence Prevention Program funded the development and facilitation of community outreach projects centered around traditional healing, cooking, crafts, and gardening; in addition to case management and violence prevention education.

The Saskatchewan Region also funded Walk the Good Road Program. The 8 week program is discussion-based and centered on subjects specific to domestic violence and its effects. Walk the Good Road addresses various issues such as suicide, gang, violence, family breakdown, addictions and cultural identity. Most importantly, cultural teachings the values and strengths of Indigenous people.

In Québec, the Family Violence Prevention Program provided funding to establish the Community Violence Prevention and Aboriginal Shelter Network. Through this network, shelter directors, coordinators and workers in Indigenous shelters in Québec are able to meet and discuss existing needs, supports, and best practices to support the existing network of shelters. The Network has been a key support for shelters through the COVID-19 pandemic.

In partnership with Alberta Health Services' Children's Services Youth Suicide Program, the Family Violence Prevention Program funded the facilitation of online training over the last two years. Indigenous communities were contacted well in advance to register students by the facilitators and were equipped with the materials necessary to partake in the online training sessions. Training was provided on the following subjects (but not limited to):

Holistic Wellness Curriculum:

1. Relationship violence and safety
2. Sexual safety
3. Sexual abuse and harassment
4. Assumptions
5. Leader/Follower

Expecting Respect – Junior High

1. Alcohol, other drugs and gambling
2. Tobacco – kicking butt trivia
3. Bullying – it's a jungle out there
4. Forming healthy Relationships
5. Media and Advertising
6. Self-Awareness and Discovery

Expecting Respect – Junior High

1. Get Real – reality of tobacco
2. Healthy Dating Relationships
3. Sexual Boundaries/ drawing the line
4. Sexual Harassment
5. Sexual health – Respect, Responsibility and reducing the risk.

Every First Nation in Alberta had been contacted to participate and by the end of March 2021, eight communities had participated. The project's sunset date was December 2021. Through its Atlantic Region, the Family Violence Prevention Program funded the LGBTQ and Two Spirit Family Violence Prevention and Support Program, which provided focused supports for 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Committee Member Biographies