Details on Transfer Payment Programs

(S) Contributions related to the Canada Community-Building Fund (Keeping Canada's Economy and Jobs Growing Act)

(Previously titled: "(S) Contributions in connection with First Nations infrastructure (Keeping Canada's Economy and Jobs Growing Act)")

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples have reliable and sustainable infrastructure

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: As per the terms and conditions of the First Nations Infrastructure Fund, the Gas Tax Fund can be used to fund "other community infrastructure".

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GCInfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Other Community Infrastructure and Activities is expected to be completed in March 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: The Program Guide for First Nations Infrastructure funding, available online outlines the program and all application requirements. Ongoing, regular engagements occur with First Nation communities on the delivery of funding for infrastructure projects under the First Nations Infrastructure Fund.

Explanation of variances: The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for contributions related to the Canada Community-Building Fund pursuant to the Keeping Canada's Economy and Jobs Growing Act.

Contributions for emergency management assistance for activities on reserves

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates; (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples have reliable and sustainable infrastructure

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Emergency Management Assistance

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: ISC works collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples, Northerners, other federal departments and agencies, provinces, territories, and third-party organizations. Responsibilities include supporting First Nations partners to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency events, that threaten the health, safety, and holistic well-being of on-reserve First Nations communities.

Local authorities, third-party organizations, provincial and territorial governments are responsible for emergency management activities within their respective jurisdictions. Section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867 prescribes the legislative authority of the Government of Canada for "Indians, and Lands reserved for Indians". This authority is delegated to the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada. Under section 6 of the Emergency Management Act (2007), each federal minister is responsible for identifying risks that are within or related to his or her area of responsibility and for preparing, maintaining, testing and implementing emergency management plans to mitigate those risks. The department supports on-reserve First Nations partners with the four basic pillars of emergency management: (1) mitigation, (2) preparedness, (3) response and (4) recovery.

The department has, since the early 1970s, managed a framework for promoting and supporting First Nations partners with: emergency preparedness and non-structural mitigation within on-reserve communities; emergency response and evacuation during disasters; and remediation of infrastructure and houses after emergencies such as forest fires and floods. The department had specific Treasury Board authority for forest fire suppression (December 15,  1988), which expired in March 2005. This authority enabled the department to provide funding to provinces, bands or other emergency organizations for the delivery of fire suppression services. The authority was replaced by the Emergency Management Assistance Program (November 29, 2004), through which the department makes contributions for emergency management assistance for activities on reserve. The department also provides financial assistance to First Nations for search and recovery activities based on compassionate grounds. In 2017–18, the Building Back Better Strategy Guide was approved to increase the access and availability to culturally competent response and recovery supports for on-reserve First Nations partners.

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

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GCInfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of the Emergency Management Assistance Program is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: In 2021-22, ISC was in regular dialogue with applicants and recipients regarding engagements and transfer payments.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:
  • the Indigenous Community Support Fund (COVID-19); and
  • emergency response and recovery activities.
• the deferral of funding to future years for:
  • the Indigenous Community Support Fund (COVID-19);
  • emergency response and recovery activities; and
  • a comprehensible and sustainable approach to on-reserve emergency management.

These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purposes.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Health Infrastructure Support 

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates; (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental results: Indigenous Peoples and communities are healthier; Indigenous Peoples have reliable and sustainable infrastructure

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Health Planning; Quality Management and Systems Integration; Health Human Resources; Health Facilities; eHealth Infostructure; British-Columbia Tripartite Health Governance

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

Results achieved: In 2021-22, ISC continued to support First Nation health infrastructure through multiyear capital projects and high priority repairs.

• Since 2016, using Budgets 2016 and 2017 funding, ISC has supported 221 investments in health support infrastructure, including community health facilities, addictions treatment centres and Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve sites. 204 of these projects were completed by March 31, 2022.
• Since 2018, using Budget 2018 funding, ISC has supported infrastructure investments in treatment centres. Over 70% of all projects were completed by March 31, 2022.
• Norway House Cree Nation Health Centre of Excellence has received a total of $97 million to date in capital funding. The professional accommodations space is complete. Significant progress has been made in the construction of the Health Centre of Excellence despite the slowdowns that have been experienced for many capital projects across all First Nation communities in Canada. The Health centre is expected to attain substantial completion in January 2023.
• During 2021, ISC worked with communities to identify priorities and allocate funding announced in Budget 2021 to capital projects related to First Nation community infrastructure, midwifery, health professional accommodations and Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care, and to allocate much needed health infrastructure operations and maintenance funding. This includes 19 major capital projects for a total of $20.1 million to support the planning, design and construction of First Nation health facilities in support of First Nation community infrastructure.

To support COVID-19 response efforts in First Nation communities, during 2021-22, ISC supported more than 426 COVID-19 Surge Health Infrastructure initiatives, including funding the acquisition of more than 183 mobile structures, identifying more than 19 existing community spaces that could be upgraded, or re-tooled to provide additional protections to clients and staff, and funding more than 111 smaller building repair, upgrade and small site servicing projects to create safe and operational spaces.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Cluster Evaluation of Health Infrastructure Support for First Nations is underway and is expected to be completed in March 2023. This includes the following seven programs: Health Planning, Quality Management; Health Services Integration Fund; Quality Improvement and Accreditation Program; Health Facilities; e-Health Infostructure; Health Human Resources; British-Columbia Tripartite Health Governance.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC continued its collaboration with First Nations organizations in six Regions to deliver on virtual care work and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through the eHealth Infostructure Program. The partner organizations are:

• Atlantic Help Desk
• First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission
• KO eHealth (Keewaytinook Okimakanak)
• First Nations Health and Social Services Manitoba
• Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations
• Battle River Treaty Six Saskatchewan
• Saskatchewan Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority

The Health Facilities Program, delivered through the regions, consistently and regularly meet and work with funding recipients.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:
  • improving health outcomes in Indigenous communities (Budget 2021);
  • the operations and maintenance of infrastructure in First Nations communities on reserve (Budget 2021);
  • infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities; and
  • infrastructure in Indigenous communities (Budget 2021).
• an increase in allocation of funding:
  • from the New Fiscal Relationship grant due to lower than anticipated recipients number for the grant. The unused grant funding is returned to the programs to be made available to First Nations via other funding mechanisms; and
  • to meet departmental priorities.

The deferral of funding to future years to improve health outcomes in Indigenous communities (Budget 2021). These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purposes.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Primary Health Care

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates; (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental results: Quality and timely services are delivered directly to Indigenous Peoples; Health services delivered to Indigenous Peoples contribute to improved health outcomes; Indigenous Peoples and communities are healthier; Social Services respond to community needs

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Communicable Disease Control and Management; Healthy Child Development; Environmental Public Health; Mental Wellness; Jordan's Principle; Clinical and Client Care; Community Oral Health Services; Healthy Living; Home and Community Care

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

Results achieved: In 2021-22, ISC continued to implement the Nursing Recruitment and Retention Strategy. To this end, a framework articulating the following 5 commitments has been developed with a work plan articulating progress on individual initiatives within each commitment:

• Talent acquisition and management;
• Modernizing the practice environment;
• Ensure the wellbeing of our workforce;
• Become a labour workforce influencer; and
• Maintain a nimble and agile surge response.

While the initiatives are varied in type and timeline, progress is being made in each area. Similarly, a process evaluation is underway to examine the introduction of the new oral health treatment with Silver Diamine Fluoride.

Further, services related to COVID-19 response continued to be high priority in 2021-22. Some examples of achievements include policies related to travel and testing of the workforce that were developed and enforced within Regions; pharmacy policy guidance and monitoring provided with respect to evolving clinical therapies. Work is ongoing for a review and refresh of the nursing clinical practice guidelines/clinical care pathways with a work plan to have all pathways updated and loaded on to the new electronic platform. Work has advanced on the establishment of a Learning Management System for nurses, including acquisition and development activities for 2022-23. Significant work has been realized in the area of policy and awareness for safety and security of nurses in nursing stations, with a mapping of the reporting of incidents and next steps. Work is ongoing related to advancing service level agreements with Security and Emergency Services Directorate, as well as Occupational Health.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.
• Planned Audit of the Home and Community Care Program is expected to be completed in June 2023.
• Planned Audit of the Mental Wellness Program is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Healthy Living is underway and is expected to be completed in July 2022.
• Evaluation of Healthy Childhood Development is underway and is expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of Environmental Public Health is underway and expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of Home and Community Care is expected to be completed in March 2025.
• Evaluation of First Nation and Inuit Mental Wellness Programs is expected to be completed in March 2022.
• Evaluation of Clinical and Client Care is expected to be completed in March 2024.
• Evaluation of Jordan's Principle is expected to be completed in March 2024.
• Evaluation of Community Oral Health Services is expected to be completed in March 2024.
• Evaluation of Communicable Disease Control and Management was paused due to COVID-19, and is expected to continue in 2022-23.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: During the 2021-22 fiscal year, the Healthy Living unit at the National Office managed and administered two funding agreements with Indigenous organizations. Consultation and engagement with funding recipients throughout the year occurred at various intervals via virtual meetings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Generally, funding for Healthy Living programming is administered by FNIHB Regional Offices through contribution agreements to eligible recipients, including First Nations and Inuit communities. In the territories, the FNIHB Northern Region manages funding arrangements with the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Government of Nunavut, as well as with First Nations in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Consultation and engagement as well as reporting and accountability requirements vary depending on the type of funding agreement.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:
  • the continuation of public health responses in Indigenous communities (COVID-19);
  • the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle;
  • mental health and wellness (Budget 2021);
  • Indigenous trauma-informed health and cultural supports; and
  • supporting medical transportation in Nunavut.
• the deferral of funding to future years for:
  • the continued implementation of Jordan's Principle; and
  • the continuation of public health responses in Indigenous communities (COVID-19) (Budget 2021).

These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purposes.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Supplementary Health Benefits

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to departmental result: Quality and timely services are delivered directly to Indigenous Peoples

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Supplementary Health Benefits

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: ISC's Supplementary Health Benefits (also known as Non-Insured Health Benefits) Program is a national program that provides registered First Nations and recognized Inuit resident in Canada with coverage for a range of health related goods and services which are not otherwise available to them through other private plans or provincial or territorial health or social programs. Program benefits include prescription and over-the-counter medications, dental and vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling, and transportation to access medically required health services that are not available locally. Some benefits are delivered via contribution agreements with First Nations and Inuit organizations or with the territorial governments in Nunavut and Northwest Territories.

Results achieved: The Joint Review of the Non Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program with the Assembly of First Nations is ongoing, with the completion of comprehensive joint reviews of five NIHB benefit areas. The implementation of Joint Review recommendations are well underway in order to enhance client access to benefits, identify and address gaps in benefits, streamline service delivery to be more responsive to client needs, and increase program efficiencies. The medical transportation benefit review is underway and is anticipated to be completed in 2022-23.

ISC also continued to work collaboratively with the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami on Inuit specific priorities.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021-22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Supplementary Health Benefits is expected to be completed in July 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: The Non Insured Health Benefits Program continued to engage with First Nation and Inuit representatives in 2021-22 to share information and ensure the Program is responsive to the needs of its clients.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending reflects:

• an incremental funding through Supplementary Estimates for non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit; and
• lower demand for non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contributions for Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative

Start date / End date: 2021-22 to 2025-26

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples receive social services that respond to community needs

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Family Violence Prevention Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Pathways Initiative aims to fund services for Indigenous communities, women, children, and families across Canada – including First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban, and Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual + (2SLGBTQQIA+) people. Funding recipients provide Indigenous Peoples with community services that are developed and implemented through an Indigenous lens, targeting the specific safety and well-being needs of the communities. The intention of the program is to assist Indigenous individuals and communities to:

• support the development and delivery of culturally relevant and community/organization identity specific safety and well-being initiatives
• address community safety and well-being needs that support reconciliation, resiliency, and capacity of Indigenous communities/organizations and their members, contribute to and promote a sense of belonging of community members, address intergenerational trauma, address systemic barriers and biases within existing systems, recognize the impact of lived experiences 
• support Indigenous designed interventions and Indigenous definitions of safe, secure and resilient communities

Results achieved: The Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative was launched in Winter 2021-2022 after program authorities were approved. The Initiative funded six multi-year projects before the end of the fiscal year. This funding will support a range of activities, including the establishment of a women's security council by the Native Women's Association of Canada, a pilot to support First Nations' lawmaking capacity in Northern Manitoba from Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, and initiatives to help fulfill individual communities' community safety plans.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: During 2021-22, the Pathways to Safe Indigenous communities used existing departmental networks and other government departments to reach out to potential First Nations applicants for funding. Additionally, the program engaged with Inuit and Metis partners to discuss the program's distinctions-based funding.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative (Budget 2021); and
• the deferral of funding to future years for the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative (Budget 2021).

These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purpose.

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development   

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-15

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities advance their governance capacity

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity; Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Family Violence Prevention; Water and Wastewater; Housing

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The program is intended to be a vehicle for a wide range of engagements between the department and Indigenous Peoples for the development and implementation of departmental policy and programming. Eligible activities investigate, develop, propose, review, inform or consult on policy matters within the mandate of the department. Eligible activities include workshops, studies, meetings, and policy development - all of which relate to and are in support of the department's policies and programming. The funding supports the department as a whole to collaborate with Status Indians, Innu and Inuit on key policy issues.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available on GCInfobase.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.
• Planned Audit of Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management is expected to be completed in September 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Management is currently underway and is expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of the Family Violence Prevention program is expected to be completed in March 2024.
• Evaluation of Housing is expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity is expected to be completed in March 2024.
• Evaluation of the Survey of Indigenous Peoples is expected to be completed in March 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC did not enter into any engagement activities for 2021-22.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects a transfer from the Department of Justice to support the implementation of the British Columbia First Nations Justice Strategy.

Contributions to First Nations for the management of contaminated sites

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-15

Link to departmental result: Land and resources in Indigenous communities are sustainably managed

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Economic Development Capacity and Readiness

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The objective of this contribution program is to ensure the removal of known contamination from National Contaminated Sites Classification System Class 1 and Class 2 sites for which a Crown liability has been established and documented.

Class 1 sites are contaminated sites where available information (assessment) indicates that action is required to address existing concerns for public health and safety. Class 2 sites are those sites where available information (assessment) indicates that there is a high potential for adverse off-site impacts, although threat to human health and the environment (public health and safety) is generally not imminent and action is likely required.

The transfer payment plan also includes funding for the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative to develop sustainable solid waste management solutions on reserve. Investments in waste management help to protect the environment, reduce potential risks to health and safety, and reduce the number of future contaminated sites.

Results achieved: In 2021-22, the Contaminated Sites On Reserve Program assessed a total of 77 sites and supported remediation activities on 178 sites. The Program invested $3,212,872 in assessment activities and $40,662,544 for the remediation of sites.

The primary results indicator for the Waste Initiative is the percentage of First Nation communities with adequate solid waste management systems. On March 31, 2022, 34.6% of communities were considered to have adequate systems. This is slightly lower than our target of 37%. This difference can be explained by a recent increase in the number of community sites that were deemed to require an independent waste management solution.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.
• Planned Audit of Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management is expected to be completed in September 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22:

• Evaluation of the Contaminated Sites Program is underway and expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Management is underway and is expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of Economic Development and Capacity Readiness is underway and expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative was completed in June 2021. The formative evaluation confirmed the program's relevance and made a number of key recommendations to strengthen the delivery of the Initiative moving forward.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: The Contaminated Sites On Reserve Program's regional offices work directly and collaboratively with First Nations to manage contaminated sites located on reserve lands and any other lands under ISC's custodial responsibility. The management of contaminated sites are prioritized based on specific criteria including: human health and safety; impacts on the environment; legal and claims obligations; community readiness and others.

Regional officials regularly engage First Nation communities to understand their waste management needs and work collaboratively to implement comprehensive waste management solutions. The Waste Management Initiative has also established an Indigenous-led National Advisory Committee that provides advice on policy development, implementation, and long-term strategies related to the management of waste.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects an allocation of funding to meet departmental priorities.

Contributions to improve the safety and security of Indigenous women, children, families and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

(Previously titled: "Contributions to improve the safety and security of Indigenous women, children and families")

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates, (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples receive social services that respond to community needs

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Family Violence Prevention Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Family Violence Prevention Program is intended to fund family violence services responsive to community needs. The primary objective is to support Indigenous women, children, families, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people living across Canada with family violence shelter services and transition homes through funding to core operations. The secondary objective is to support family violence prevention activities through funding to Indigenous communities and organizations, as directed within the program's Terms and Conditions. Third, the program supports Métis engagement on assessing shelter needs and community violence prevention activities focused on Métis women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Contribution funding supports Indigenous clients across the country, including First Nations (on and off reserve), Inuit, Métis, urban and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Results achieved: In June 2021, as part of the joint Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation-Indigenous Services Canada Shelter Initiative for Indigenous Women and Children,  the selected recipients of 12 new shelters across Canada for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping violence were announced. In November 2021, the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative was launched by the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation and Indigenous Services Canada to support the construction and operations of an additional 38 shelters and 50 transitional homes across Canada. Shelters and Transitional housing will be for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people facing gender-based violence.

In 2021-22, 14 Indigenous organizations and communities received funding to deliver family violence prevention projects. Results of these projects are being collected and may inform future initiatives that target family violence prevention. During the COVID-19 pandemic, shelters struggled to operate with very limited capacity and prioritized basic operations over violence prevention activities amidst lockdowns and safety requirements. To address the capacity needs in shelters, the Family Violence Prevention Program will be redeveloping its funding formula to better support shelter operations which allow them to set aside funding to undertake more violence prevention activities.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of the Family Violence Prevention program is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: Virtual meetings were held with Indigenous partners and recipients on the shelter initiative. In 2020-21, the Family Violence Prevention Program began engaging with Métis partners on Métis specific shelter needs and family violence prevention projects and this work is ongoing. Though delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous partners will be engaged to review the funding allocation formula and update the Data Collection Instrument as these initiatives are undertaken.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:
  • the construction and operation of shelters and transition houses for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people; and
  • ending violence against Indigenous women and girls.
• the deferral of funding to future years for:
  • responding to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Final Report: Reclaiming Power and Place; and
  • the construction and operation of shelters and transition houses for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purposes.

Contributions to Indian bands for registration administration

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to departmental result: Quality and timely services are delivered directly to Indigenous Peoples

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Individual Affairs

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To enable Indian Bands or their Tribal Councils to facilitate the administration of the Indian Registration System and maintenance of Band Lists, and increase the adoption of the Secure Certificate of Indian Status at the community level. The transfer payments will provide for local provision of Indian registration administration resulting in eligible Indians gaining status and attendant benefits, and an updated Indian Register held by ISC.

Results achieved: In support of promoting a greater role for administrators, concentrated efforts were made to grant limited access to the Departmental systems and provide direct technical support for new users.

In calendar year 2021, Registration Administrators assisted with 5,865 Secure Certificate of Indian Status and 646 applications for registration. These numbers are expected to increase as First Nation offices re-open.

In response to concerns heard through the evaluation, the Department piloted a trusted source program to designate organizations as trusted source partners to broaden access to the Secure Certificate of Indian Status and offer support about registration. This is the parallel program to the contributions to bands but in an urban context.

The focus is expanding the devolved service delivery model and partnering with urban organizations to better serve the off reserve population as well as individuals experiencing difficulties in accessing services outside of the 16 urban centres with Regional Offices. A key advantage of trusted source partnerships for applicants is that a guarantor declaration form is no longer required for complete applications submitted through a trusted source, similar to visiting a Regional Office. In calendar year 2021, approximately 5,000 Secure Certificate of Indian Status applications have been processed as a result of these partnerships.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: The Evaluation of Individual Affairs was completed in December 2021. The evaluation found that there was a continued need for the program, but that there were concerns around barriers to access for the program and its constituent service offerings. The evaluation observed:

• Clients face difficulties in accessing services in cities outside of the 16 urban centres with service kiosks;
• Data systems used to house program data are outdated and face the risk of data loss;
• There are potential pathways to eventual service devolution, including further supporting the capacity building of Indian Registration Administrators and expanding their role to register simple applications on reserve, certify documents, and potentially provide Estates support in their offices on-reserve.
• With the potential modernization of treaty annuity payments, heightened demand for services may be expected.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22:

Recipients are engaged through national training sessions on an annual basis delivered by the Certification unit at Headquarters in partnership with Regional Offices. This training is delivered remotely on an ongoing basis.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects an increase in allocation of funding:

• from the New Fiscal Relationship grant due to lower than anticipated recipients number for the grant. The unused grant funding is returned to the programs to be made available to First Nations via other funding mechanisms; and
• to meet departmental priorities.

Contributions to provide children and families with Protection and Prevention Services

(Previously titled: "Contributions to strengthen the safety and well-being of First Nations children and their families")

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples receive social services that respond to community needs

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: ISC provides funding for social services as a matter of policy. Contributions to eligible recipients under the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program is intended to ensure the safety and well-being of First Nations children ordinarily resident on reserve. The FNCFS Program supports the delivery of culturally appropriate prevention and protection services for First Nations children and families, in accordance with the legislation and standards of the province or territory of residence within program authorities. All children are protected by provincial or territorial child welfare legislation and by the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. Provinces and territories can delegate authority for child welfare to First Nations service providers and are responsible for ensuring that they comply with applicable legislation and standards.

Contribution funding for the FNCFS Program is targeted to service providers delivering child and family services to First Nations clients who are ordinarily resident on reserve or who, for the purposes of these programs, are deemed to be ordinarily resident on reserve in a province or the Yukon Territory.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GCInfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• First Nations Child and Family Services evaluation is expected to be completed in March 2025.
• Evaluation of the Family Violence Prevention program is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC continued to work to fully implement all orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal with regard to reforming child and family services and establishing a flexible, distinctions-based funding model.

On December, 31, 2021, the Government of Canada announced that Agreements-in-Principle had been reached on a global resolution related to achieving long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan's Principle, to ensure that no child faces discrimination again; including $20 billion in compensation for those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of First Nations child and family services.

ISC will continue to collaborate with the Parties and Indigenous leaders to design and implement these reforms through a variety of consultation mechanisms, including the Consultation Committee on Child Welfare and the National Advisory Committee on First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program Reform, which include representation from Indigenous Regional Authorities, First Nations political organizations, FNCFS agencies and provincial and territorial authorities.

ISC will also continue discussions with partners and refer to the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy's recommendations to help inform the creation of a new performance measurement framework and options for a new Program funding methodology.

To develop best practices and identify lessons learned related to the development and implementation of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, ISC is convening a series of community, regional and national distinctions-based discussions among Indigenous communities and organizations. These discussions will be organized in 2020-21 to provide in-depth conversations to explore issues in a detailed manner with experts in child and family services, elders, youth and those will lived experience and to understand their specific thoughts on the implementation of the Act.

Canada and the parties to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal complaint will continue to work together to reach a final settlement agreement on long-term reform and to better meet the needs of First Nations children, youth, and families and prevent Canada's discriminatory underfunding and narrow application of Jordan's Principle from recurring.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for First Nations Child and Family Services, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders implementation and non-compliance motion settlement.
• allocation of funding to meet departmental priorities;
• lower demand for child and family services due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
• the deferral of funding to future years for child and family services. These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purpose.

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

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities advance their governance capacity

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity; Individual Affairs

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The involvement of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and ISC in governance programming is a matter of social policy that includes the devolution of programs and services to First Nations and Inuit governments on a gradual basis. Strong governance and accountability of First Nations and Inuit governments and related institutions are fundamental to the prudent use of funds transferred from the federal government. These objectives are advanced by a series of measures:

• Employee pension and benefits plans to incent recruitment and retention of professional staff;
• The First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions that provide fiscal services and products to First Nations communities;
• Tribal councils that provide service and program delivery at an aggregated level to communities; and
• Governance capacity development programs that provide training in sound governance.

The program terms and conditions provide the framework which current and future department contribution programming can administer to facilitate capacity development in the Indigenous public service (the First Nations and Inuit elected leadership and entities that administer aggregate services and program delivery on behalf of or to First Nations and Inuit governments and communities).

Results achieved: ISC supported the three phase proposal from Resurgence LP which will asses the potential transfer and devolution of estates administration services.

Eighteen First Nation proposals were funded in 2021-22 supporting estate activities through community seminars and workshops about the benefits of estate planning, information sessions on the importance of making wills, and for assistance with wills development.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: The Evaluation of Individual Affairs was completed in December 2021. The evaluation found that there was a continued need for the program, but that there were concerns around barriers to access for the program and its constituent service offerings. The evaluation observed:

• Clients face difficulties in accessing services in cities outside of the 16 urban centres with service kiosks;
• Data systems used to house program data are outdated and face the risk of data loss;
• There are potential pathways to eventual service devolution, including further supporting the capacity building of Indian Registration Administrators and expanding their role to register simple applications on reserve, certify documents, and potentially provide Estates support in their offices on-reserve.
• With the potential modernization of treaty annuity payments, heightened demand for services may be expected.

The Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC did not enter into any engagement activities in 2021-22.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for the modernization of Indigenous governance and capacity (Budget 2021).
• an increase in allocation of funding:
  • from the New Fiscal Relationship grant due to lower than anticipated recipients number for the grant. The unused grant funding is returned to the programs to be made available to First Nations via other funding mechanisms; and
  • to meet departmental priorities.
• the deferral of funding to future years to strengthen governance capacity and advance fiscal relationship reforms. These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purpose.

Contributions to support community well-being and jurisdiction initiatives for children and families

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples receive social services that respond to community needs

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Community Well-Being and Jurisdiction Initiatives Program provides funding to First Nations communities to lead, develop and deliver prevention programs and services that:

• are culturally appropriate;
• are in keeping with the best interests of the child, as determined by the community; and
• support First Nations capacity in child and family well-being.

The program enables multi-year projects that:

• expand the availability of prevention and well-being initiatives responsive to community needs;
• complement prevention programming provided by First Nations Child and Family Services agencies or provincial and territorial agencies;
• increase capacity of child and family services prevention programming; and
• support First Nations in developing and implementing jurisdictional models.

The program recognizes the importance of preventative, early intervention and least intrusive measures to prevent and respond to child maltreatment, while:

• supporting family preservation and well-being;
• maintaining family, cultural and linguistic connections for children and youth; and
• maintaining community wellness through a community-supported approach.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GCInfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of the Family Violence Prevention program is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC did not enter into any engagement activities in 2021-22.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:
  • First Nations Child and Family Services, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders implementation and non-compliance motion settlement; and
  • supporting the implementation of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families and the ongoing reform of the Indigenous Child and Family Services Program.
• an allocation of funding to meet departmental priorities.
• the deferral of funding to future years for:
  • First Nations Child and Family Services, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders implementation and non-compliance motion settlement; and
  • supporting the implementation of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families and the ongoing reform of the Indigenous Child and Family Services Program.

These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purposes.

Contributions to support Land Management and Economic Development

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates; (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to departmental results: Indigenous communities build economic prosperity; Land and resources in Indigenous communities are sustainably managed

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development; Economic Development Capacity and Readiness; Other Community Infrastructure and Activities; Individual Affairs

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The lands and economic development programs support increased participation of First Nations communities in the Canadian economy and enable First Nations peoples to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. The specific objectives of each program component are the following.

• Lands and Economic Development Services Program seeks to:
  • enable First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations they mandate to deliver community economic development services, which includes community economic development planning and capacity development initiatives, the development of proposals and levering of financial resources, and carrying out economic development activities (In some instances, recipients may decide to carry out these activities by hiring economic development officers);
  • enable First Nations to assume greater control over reserve land, resources and environment including land use planning, environmental management and compliance, on behalf of the Minister and pursuant to the Indian Act;
  • provide First Nations with modern land management tools and capacities. The initiative facilitates the transition from the Indian Act to the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management (FAFNLM) and its ratifying legislation the First Nations Land Management Act (FNLMA). It provides First Nations who are signatories to the FAFNLM with the capacities to effectively manage their land, including creating Land Codes, Individual Agreements, laws, land and environment management systems, and environmental agreements; and
  • enable the provision of lands, environmental and economic development support services to communities, to assist in achieving the program's objectives. This also includes services that prevent the contamination of reserve lands and other lands under ISC's custodial responsibility.
• Community Opportunity Readiness Program seeks to increase economic development by providing proposal based financial support to Aboriginal communities to assist in their pursuit of, and participation in, economic opportunities. ISC assesses proposals based on their community economic impacts, and supports projects with the best impacts.
• Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program seeks to:
  • increase the number of viable businesses in Canada owned and controlled by Aboriginal Canadians and to provide a supportive business environment for Aboriginal Canadians in all areas of Canada;
  • cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship in the Aboriginal community and to improve access to business opportunities;
  • establish, expand and diversify the network of Aboriginal-owned and controlled financial institutions providing developmental capital in Canada, which are functionally complementary to the mainstream financial sector;
  • enhance access to capital for Aboriginal businesses in Canada that have difficulty in obtaining conventional commercial financing;
  • enhance the capacity of Aboriginal financial and business development organizations to provide financial services, business information, and developmental support services;
  • increase Aboriginal participation in economic benefits from major resource development and energy investments; and
  • increase the participation of Aboriginal people in the economy through economic and employment opportunities.

The expected results of Lands and Economic Development Services Program, Community Opportunity Readiness Program and Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program are directly aligned with the "Community and Regional Development" strategic outcome, the long-term objective of which is to realize full participation of Aboriginal individuals and communities in the economy. Performance indicators that apply to these programs will be included in the Lands and Economic Development Programs Performance Measurement Strategy.

Results achieved: ISC delivered the second year of the $117 million Indigenous Community Business Fund, to support First Nation and Inuit communities to respond to their economic priorities during the pandemic and to assist community-owned businesses to recover operating losses. A total of 574 First Nation and Inuit communities and 111 community businesses were funded in 2021-22. Métis businesses also received support through five Métis Capital Corporations.

ISC supported the development of three First Nations' independent trusts which will receive transfers of all current and future capital moneys of the First Nations from the consolidated revenue fund to the established trust. In 2021-22, due to COVID-19, the Professional Land Management Certification Program training was delayed. A total of 197 land managers have now been certified through the program. 2021-22 saw the addition of 16 new signatories to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management. There are a total of 194 signatories to the Framework Agreement.

Several initiatives were supported through contributions under the Access to Business Opportunities stream of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program totaling approximately $4.2 million, that included support for Indigenous tourism, procurement modernization, financial literacy, and women and two-spirited entrepreneurs.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.
• Planned Audit of Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management is expected to be completed in September 2023.
• Planned Audit of Indigenous Businesses Initiative is expected to be completed in December 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22:

• The Evaluation of Individual Affairs was completed in December 2021. The evaluation found that there was a continued need for the program, but that there were concerns around barriers to access for the program and its constituent service offerings. The evaluation observed:
  • Clients face difficulties in accessing services in cities outside of the 16 urban centres with service kiosks;
  • Data systems used to house program data are outdated and face the risk of data loss;
  • There are potential pathways to eventual service devolution, including further supporting the capacity building of Indian Registration Administrators and expanding their role to register simple applications on reserve, certify documents, and potentially provide Estates support in their offices on-reserve.
  • With the potential modernization of treaty annuity payments, heightened demand for services may be expected.
• Evaluation of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Management is underway and is expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of Economic Development and Capacity Readiness is underway and expected to be completed in July 2022.
• Evaluation of Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development is underway and expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of Other Community Infrastructure Activities is expected to be completed in March 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC provides proposal based funding for First Nations working towards transfer arrangements of trust moneys from the Consolidated Revenue Funds to First Nations. Engagement is done via ISC Regions with First Nations interested in pursuing alternative trust moneys management options.

The engagement during this period was focused on providing pandemic support through the Indigenous Community Business Fund. Regions worked with communities to support their access to emergency funding and their development of proposals under the fund.

On a continuing basis, the Access to Business Opportunities team reaches out to national Indigenous organizations, such as National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Native Women's Association of Canada, and the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers to consult on what initiatives they suggest may best promote a culture of entrepreneurship, improve access to business opportunities, and to enhance the capacity of Indigenous businesses.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:
  • supporting Indigenous businesses (COVID-19) (Budget 2021); and
  • infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.
• a net decrease in allocation of funding:
  • from the New Fiscal Relationship grant due to lower than anticipated recipients number for the grant. The unused grant funding is returned to the programs to be made available to First Nations via other funding mechanisms; and
  • to meet departmental priorities.
• the deferral of funding to future years to support Indigenous businesses (COVID-19) (Budget 2021). These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purposes.

Contributions to support the Aboriginal Economic Development Strategic Partnerships Initiative

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities build economic prosperity

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Economic Development Capacity and Readiness

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The overall objective of the Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) is to increase economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities and businesses. SPI is a whole-of-government innovative program launched in 2010 to increase Indigenous participation in large, complex, multiyear economic opportunities that span a range of sectors.  It promotes partnerships between multiple federal partners (22 federal departments and agencies), provincial and territorial governments, and non-federal groups in key economic areas.

SPI contribution funding, includes:

• ongoing to support initiatives in key sectors of the Canadian economy such as tourism, mining, fisheries, forestry, agriculture and energy.
• support for the Own-Source Revenue (OSR) in Indigenous Communities Initiative (OSRICI) in order to partially offset the significant reduction by the COVID-19 pandemic declines in own-source revenues, so that First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities could continue providing core community services for a safe restart, including in the areas of education, health, housing, water and community infrastructure.
• support for regional initiatives in clean energy and support capacity for local, economically-sustainable clean energy projects in Indigenous communities. This investment plays a complementary and enabling role in the advancement of Canada's Indigenous Climate Leadership and Strengthened Climate Plan.
• support for the Arctic Gateway Group. As a result of an off-cycle funding request, Transport Canada provided $40 million over two fiscal years to SPI to provide funding towards the immediate, short-term operational needs and the repair and maintenance of the Hudson Bay Railway.
• support for the federal mandatory 5% Indigenous procurement target. Through the National Indigenous Procurement Initiative, Public Services and Procurement Canada is working with federal partners and Indigenous organizations to invest in capacity development and program specific opportunities.

SPI collaborative approach serves to address any gaps in existing programs that may limit or exclude Indigenous involvement in economic opportunities. In 2022-23, ISC will implement an investment framework focused on bringing together the interests of Indigenous Peoples, the federal government, and regional/provincial/territorial priorities.

Results achieved: In 2021-22, the Strategic Partnerships Initiative invested $26.9 million supporting 18 initiatives in key sectors across Canada to advance economic development for Indigenous communities.

The Own Source Revenue in Indigenous Communities Initiative provided $330 million to Indigenous communities to partially offset pandemic-related OSR declines, so that First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities could continue to provide important community programs and services to their members.

In the first fiscal year of Clean Energy funding, SPI was able to invest in two clean energy initiatives – one in British Columbia and one in Quebec – to support capacity for local, economically-sustainable clean energy projects in Indigenous communities

SPI supported the Arctic Gateway Group with $40 million over two fiscal years towards the immediate, short-term operational needs and the repair and maintenance of the Hudson Bay Railway.

Finally, SPI supported the federal mandatory 5% Indigenous procurement target through the National Indigenous Procurement Initiative (NIPI). Led by Public Services and Procurement Canada, NIPI worked with federal partners and Indigenous organizations to invest in capacity development and program specific opportunities.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.
• Planned Audit of Indigenous Businesses Initiative is expected to be completed in December 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Economic Development and Capacity Readiness is underway and expected to be completed in July 2022.
• Evaluation of the Strategic Partnerships Initiative is expected to be completed by March 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: The Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board is a member of the Directors General Investment Committee of the Strategic Partnerships Initiative and participates in decisions related which initiatives get approved.

Regional SPI Initiatives regularly engage with Indigenous partners, as they are part of their co-development, management, and implementation.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:

• Indigenous communities affected by disruptions to their revenues which are necessary to support programs and services (COVID-19);
• supporting Indigenous businesses (COVID-19) (Budget 2021);
• clean energy projects in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities (Budget 2021); and
• a transfer from the Department of Transport for the Arctic Gateway Initiative.

Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates; (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples have reliable and sustainable infrastructure

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Water and Wastewater; Education Facilities; Housing; Other Community Infrastructure and Activities; Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management

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

Infrastructure programs provide targeted funding for general community infrastructure projects on reserve. The programs support First Nations communities in their efforts to have reliable and sustainable infrastructure by providing funding to plan, design, construct, acquire, operate and maintain community infrastructure assets and facilities, as well as, coordinate training and undertake capacity-building activities in this area.

ISC funds many types of infrastructure including: education facilities, water and wastewater facilities, housing, roads and bridges, connectivity, culture and recreational facilities, fire protection, energy systems, planning and skills development, Band administration buildings, and structural mitigation.

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

Results achieved: Since 2016 and as of March 31, 2022, ISC has invested over $7.5 billion in 7,474 community infrastructure projects, such as water and wastewater, housing, education facilities, health facilities, solid waste management and other community infrastructure (energy systems, connectivity, fire protection, roads and bridges, structural mitigation against natural disasters, cultural and recreational facilities, band administrative buildings, planning and skills development).

In 2021-22, 25 Long-term Drinking Water Advisories and 34 Short-term Drinking Water Advisories were lifted. Since November 2015, 131 Long-term Drinking Water Advisories and 221 Short-term Drinking Water Advisories have been lifted. ISC and First Nations continue to work together to address the remaining advisories.

Since 2016, and as of March 31, 2022, ISC has invested:

• more than $2.68 billion to support 950 water and wastewater projects in First Nations communities, of which 464 are complete. These projects will benefit 586 communities serving approximately 466,000 people. These included projects related to new water and wastewater treatment plants and lagoons, renovations or upgrades to existing infrastructure, feasibility studies and design projects, and supporting projects and initiatives such as operator training and support, development of source water protection plans, and other water and wastewater related studies and assessments. Through this work, First Nations have replaced or renovated water and wastewater infrastructure, built capacity by training operators, lifted long-term drinking water advisories, and prevented short-term advisories from becoming long term.
• more than $1.22 billion to support over 3,200 housing projects benefitting 609 First Nations communities benefitting 609 First Nations communities and serving approximately 469,000 people. These included housing-related capacity development and innovation projects, including the creation and implementation of local housing authorities, as well as housing management training and certification.
• more than $1.53 billion of targeted funds to support 247 school-related infrastructure projects, 169 of which are complete. These projects will result in the construction or renovation of 195 schools, benefiting approximately 34,000 students. Investments in School Facilities support the creation of quality learning environments that are safe and healthy, promoting better educational outcomes for students living on reserves. These investments include new constructions as well as additions, renovations and major repairs to existing schools in First Nations communities.
• more than $1.61 billion of targeted funds to support 2,489 Other Community Infrastructure projects, 1,668 of which are complete. These projects will benefit 611 communities, serving approximately 469,000 people. Other Community Infrastructure is a foundational part of First Nations communities, including energy systems, connectivity, fire protection, roads and bridges, structural mitigation against natural disasters, culture and recreation, band administrative buildings and planning and skills development.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.
• Planned Audit of Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management is expected to be completed in September 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Housing is expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of Education Facilities program is expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of Other Community Infrastructure Activities is underway and expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Management is underway and is expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Evaluation of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure is expected to be completed in March 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC's regional offices work with First Nations through the annual First Nations Infrastructure Investment Plans planning process to address any identified repairs and maintenance work needed to preserve water and wastewater facilities. First Nations communities identify their priorities and needs in their First Nations Infrastructure Investment Plans and funding is then allocated for projects based on a national priority framework. Project proposals are submitted by the First Nations communities to the regional offices and evaluated at the national level to determine the priority projects to be funded. Funding is then dispersed to First Nations who own and operate their water and wastewater systems and design and construct facilities in accordance with established standards.

The Department engaged regularly with the Assembly of First Nations, and regional and sub-regional First Nations organizations, national and regional planning tables, as well as directly with First Nations, to realize First Nations housing aspirations for healthy sustainable housing, resulting in projects which enhanced capacity and skills development, developed alternate financing options, supported governance and delivery of local housing programs, and shared of information and promising practices in these areas.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:
  • infrastructure in Indigenous communities (Budget 2021);
  • the operations and maintenance of infrastructure in First Nations communities on reserve (Budget 2021); and
  • infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.
• an increase in allocation of funding:
  • from the New Fiscal Relationship grant due to lower than anticipated recipients number for the grant.  The unused grant funding is returned to the programs to be made available to First Nations via other funding mechanisms; and
  • to meet departmental priorities.
• the deferral of funding to future years for:
  • improving access to safe, clean drinking water in First Nation communities; and
  • infrastructure in Indigenous communities (Budget 2021).

These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purposes.

Contributions to support the Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy           

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates, (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result: Indigenous students receive an inclusive and quality education

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Education

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: In 2019, the Government of Canada committed to the creation of the Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy to support Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education and foster lifelong learning and skills development. This new strategy includes direct financial support for Métis Nation students, complementary programs and services, and governance capacity to support service delivery. Funding for the Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy is provided through the following three main components:

• Student financial support: funding to students to support their pursuit of post-secondary education.
• Programs and Services: funding for activities that are determined based on local needs assessments with the aim of promoting students' pursuit of post-secondary education and the attainment of a credential.
• Governance capacity: funding to strengthen Métis Nation education governance capacity, including current post-secondary education course offerings and programs now being provided by the Métis Nation and further developing and strengthening post-secondary education partnerships and networks.

Results achieved: The Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy takes steps toward equity in post-secondary education by creating the conditions necessary to raise Métis Nation education attainment. Closing the education gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples in Canada will contribute to improved labour participation, economic prosperity, development of innovative practices, increased self-reliance for the Indigenous economy and the overall well-being of Indigenous individuals, families and communities. Investing in Métis Nation post-secondary education will benefit all of Canada and improve our national economy.

Despite the progress made under the Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy, the COVID-19 pandemic is anticipated to widen the post-secondary education attainment gap between Métis Nation and non-Indigenous Canadians in the post-pandemic area. To address this issue, Budget 2021 invested $7.2 million, in 2021-22, to support Métis Nation post-secondary students. The investment addressed challenges Indigenous students faced during the pandemic and offset the lost income that many Indigenous students rely on to pay for tuition, books, housing, and other living expenses.

The federal budget also announced $1.08 million, in 2021-22, to support Métis Nation post-secondary institutions and Métis Nation-directed community-based programming during COVID-19 through the Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy. This funding continued to support their operations, including supports to retain staff, automate core services such as processing student applications and registrations, continue adapting courses for online learning; and, implement public health and safety measures programs or services that would continued in-person.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.
• Planned Audit of the Elementary and Secondary Education Program is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education is expected in March 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC will work in collaboration with Métis Nation partners to advance distinctions-based post-secondary education strategies that respond to the different post-secondary education priorities of Métis Nation partners. The expected results are based on implementation strategies and objectives that have been co-developed between Indigenous Services Canada and the Métis Nation partners.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending reflects an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates to support students and youth (COVID-19) (Budget 2021) and safe restart in Indigenous communities (COVID-19) (Budget 2021).

Grant for Band Support Funding

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities advance their governance capacity

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To assist band councils to meet the costs of local government and administration of departmentally funded services. This support is intended to provide a stable funding base, facilitating effective community governance and the efficient delivery of services. Band Support Funding allows First Nations communities the flexibility to allocate funds according to their individual needs and priorities and be responsive in an environment of growing complexity and as they move toward self-determination.

Band Support Funding recipients under the block funding approach must continue to meet the terms and conditions of the BSF program authority.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GCInfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC did not enter into any engagement activities in 2021-22.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending reflects a net decrease in allocation of funding:

• from the New Fiscal Relationship grant due to lower than anticipated recipients number for the grant.  The unused grant funding is returned to the programs to be made available to First Nations via other funding mechanisms; and
• to meet departmental priorities.

Grant to implement the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities build economic prosperity

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose of this transfer payment program is to enable recipient First Nations to carry out and manage the lands and environmental management responsibilities set out in the negotiated Framework Agreement and its ratifying legislation the First Nations Land Management Act. As a form of sectoral self-government, First Nations operating under First Nations Land Management (FNLM) are better able to respond to community priorities related to lands, economic development opportunities, and improved administration of land interests and tenure.

FNLM is an opportunity for First Nations to opt-out of 44 sections of the Indian Act and determine how their lands should be managed. FNLM aligns with Canada's commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

An expected immediate outcome of FNLM is improved access to services and tools by First Nations to manage and develop their lands and resource. FNLM also contributes to the ultimate outcome of Indigenous Peoples and Northerners determining their political, economic, social, and cultural development.

Data collected to track results and delivery targets include:

• Annual reports from Indigenous Organizations and stakeholders;
• Internal program data collected in partnership with Indigenous Organizations; and
• Periodic departmental evaluations.

Results achieved: In 2021-22, the department saw the addition of 16 new signatories to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, as well as 3 more First Nations enacting their land codes to become operational. At the end of 2021-22, there were 194 signatories to the Framework Agreement, 100 operational communities, and three communities who have moved on to self-government agreements.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management is expected to be completed in September 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Management is underway and is expected to be completed in March 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: Engagement with First Nations participating in FNLM is led by the Lands Advisory Board (LAB) and Resource Centre, who represent the interests of more than 190 First Nations to Canada.

Engagement between the LAB and signatories to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management is ongoing for example, in 2021-22 the LAB Annual General Meeting provided a space for signatory First Nations to bring forward strategic policy issues and to consider and pass resolutions. The LAB also connected with First Nations communities who were interested in becoming signatories through community presentations on the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management. Additional ongoing technical and operational support for the development and implementation of lands, natural resources and environmental laws, policies and practices was made available to Developmental FNLM First Nations through the First Nation Land Management Resource Centre. 

Explanation of variances: The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending reflects an allocation of funding to meet departmental priorities.

Grant to support the new fiscal relationship for First Nations under the Indian Act

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019−20

Link to departmental results: Indigenous Peoples control the design, delivery and management of services; Indigenous self-determined services are improving outcomes for communities

Link to the department's Program Inventory: New Fiscal Relationship

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The grant is a funding mechanism intended to provide increased predictability and facilitate greater flexibility of First Nations to address local needs. This funding mechanism, typically with 10-year funding agreements, could have funding agreements of a shorter duration. The intention is to move away from contribution funding and program-based reporting for First Nations that have demonstrated sound governance and financial management. Under this model, First Nations members — not the department — will assess adequacy of services and hold their leadership accountable for management of services.

Results achieved: In 2021-22, an additional six First Nations joined the grant, for a total of 117 First Nations as of March 31, 2022.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021-22.

• Planned Audit of ISC's Processes to Support Participation in the 10-Year Grants is expected to be completed in September 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of the Grant to Support the New Fiscal Relationship for First Nations is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: Indigenous Services Canada worked with the First Nations Financial Management Board to assess eligibility and assist additional  First Nations enter into grant agreements. 

Grant to the Miawpukek Indian Band to support designated programs

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013

Link to departmental results: Indigenous communities advance their governance capacity

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: This 10-year grant agreement is unique among ISC funding arrangements with First Nations as it provides the Miawpukek First Nation with a high degree of control over the management, administration and operational functions of the community. The grant agreement allows the Miawpukek First Nation to identify and allocate funds to community priorities and enables it to manage its programs effectively while promoting creativity to seize opportunities and maximize efficiency. The grant covers a range of programming including land management and registration, membership management, education, social services, infrastructure, Indigenous government and band support funding, band employee benefits, and community economic development.

Results achieved: The 10-year grant agreement is set to expire on March 31, 2023. Eighteen months prior to the expiry of this agreement, a committee was established and composed by members of council and members appointed by Canada to draw up the terms of reference for the evaluation of this Agreement and to recommend a person or firm to carry out such evaluation. The evaluation was awarded and the process began in January 2022 with the final report due July 2022. In March 2022, Miawpukek opted into the Interim Regional Education Funding Formula.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity is expected to be completed in March 2024.
• Evaluation of Grant to the Miawpukek Indian Band is expected to be completed in September 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC met with Miawpukek First Nation on the Evaluation process for the renewal of their Grant on August 11, 2021, October 26, 2021, November 15, 2021 and January 12, 2022. In March 2022, the Education team engaged with the community to opt into the Interim Regional Education Funding Formula, followed by Miawpukek opting in. ISC regional officials met with Miawpukek First Nation on September 16, 2022 to discuss options and next steps for the future of their Grant that is expiring March 31, 2023. ISC will continue to hold regular discussions with Miawpukek First Nation in order to work together to determine the base funding formulas in each program area of the Grant. These technical tables will enable Miawpukek First Nation to make an informed decision on which option is best for the First Nation.

Explanation of variances: Not applicable.

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

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates, (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental result: Indigenous students receive an inclusive and quality education

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Education

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

Results achieved: The 2020 Fall Economic Statement committed $80 million in additional funding for 2021-22 for the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy.

From the additional program investments, a one-year pilot partnership was created between ISC's Income Assistance and First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy programs (the IA/FNYES Pilot). The objective of the pilot was to reach up to 2000 on-reserve youth between the ages of 18 and 30 who were receiving Income Assistance in order to help them transition to the workforce or return to school. The number of recipient organizations and youth reached will be updated in subsequent progress reports.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.
• Planned Audit of the Elementary and Secondary Education Program is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Education (Primary and Secondary) as well as the Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education are expected in March 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC continues to advance the process of modernizing the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy program to better promote access to skills and work experience for youth. This process will be informed by the results of engagement ISC will be leading in 2022-23.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and the transfer to the Department of Employment and Social Development for the Kativik Regional Government to streamline delivery of youth programming.

Grants and Contributions to provide income support to on-reserve residents and Status Indians in the Yukon Territory

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates, (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples receive social services that respond to community needs

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: ISC provides funding for social services as a matter of policy.

• Grant and contribution funding for Income Assistance, and Assisted Living is targeted to clients or beneficiaries who are ordinarily resident on reserve or who, for the purposes of these programs, are deemed to be ordinarily resident on reserve.
• Grants and contributions to eligible recipients under the Income Assistance program are intended to provide financial assistance to low-income on-reserve residents to support their basic and special needs and to help them become more self-reliant, in alignment with the rate schedule and eligibility criteria of the reference province or territory.
• Grants and contributions under the Assisted Living program are intended to provide funding for non-medical, social support services to seniors, adults with chronic illness, and children and adults with disabilities (mental and physical) on reserve to help them maintain their independence. There are three major components:
  • in-home care
  • adult foster care
  • institutional care (for those needing personal non-medical 24-hour care)

Results achieved: Budget 2021 invested $618.4 million over 2 years in Income Assistance to continue to address essential needs and increased program demand as a result of COVID-19, as well as to continue providing case management and support to help people find work.

The 2020 Fall Economic Statement invested an additional $38.8 million in the Assisted Living program in 2021-22 to support the cost of delivering additional in-home care, institutional care and adult foster care services.

In addition, the Supportive Care Initiative was announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement and consisted of $186.8 million in investments to address needs and gaps in supportive care facilities and provide additional home care in Indigenous communities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 31, 2022, $166.3 million (89% of total funding) was flowed to recipients. The remaining amounts will be reprofiled to 2022-23 to provide ongoing support to Emergency Public Health Officers and address needs and gaps in supportive care facilities and provide additional home care in Indigenous communities.

Through these investments, ISC provided additional funding to help First Nations individuals and families who rely on income assistance cover their essential living expenses, as well as to provide increased administration support to communities. The department also undertook a program reform process to co-develop policy options with First Nation partners, which  is presently underway, with completion expected by March 2023.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned audit of the Assisted Living Program is expected to be completed in March 2023.
• Planned Compliance Audit of the Terms and Conditions of the Income Assistance Program for COVID-19 Funding is expected to be completed in September 2022.
• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Income Assistance is expected in March 2024.
• Evaluation of Assisted Living is expected in March 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC did not enter into any engagement activities for 2021-22.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:
  • income assistance, case management, and pre-employment supports to individuals and families living on reserve (Budget 2021); and
  • supportive care in Indigenous communities (COVID-19).
• an increase in allocation of funding:
  • from the New Fiscal Relationship grant due to lower than anticipated recipients number for the grant.  The unused grant funding is returned to the programs to be made available to First Nations via other funding mechanisms; and
  • to meet departmental priorities.
• the deferral of funding to future years for supportive care in Indigenous communities (COVID-19). These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be re-profiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purpose.

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

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates, (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental result: Indigenous students receive an inclusive and quality education

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Education

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:  Elementary and secondary education is one of the essential services that is funded by ISC for First Nations communities. In 2019-20, ISC implemented a new policy and funding approach for First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve which was co-developed with First Nations partners. The funding approach supports First Nations education by providing predictable core funding comparable to funding in provincial education systems. The approach also includes full-day kindergarten for children ages 4 and 5 in First Nations schools and enhancements for language and culture programming.

The Education Partnerships Program also provides eligible First Nations and mandated First Nation education administration organizations with funding support for the service delivery costs of education programming and services on reserve, the related capacity development needs of the administrative organization, and for one-time start-up costs of education administration organizations. The program also supports the development and establishment of education-related partnerships and agreements to support the current needs of First Nation students and the overall education systems as well as ongoing and future needs related to service transfer toward devolution.

Results achieved: As of 2021-22, funding support for before-and-after-school programming, implementation of refinements to elementary and secondary funding as a result of Budget 2021 investments, and funding for menstrual products were included in Elementary and Secondary Education Program funding. 

ISC is actively engaged in advancing First Nation priorities in elementary and secondary education. This includes participation at regional technical tables and joint implementation tables, as well as undertaking ongoing refinements to the regional funding formulas to accurately meet provincial comparability and address the unique circumstances of First Nations communities.

As of March 2022, ISC has completed eight regional education agreements with First Nation partners; one was signed in British-Columbia (British-Columbia Tripartite Education Agreement); two in Alberta (Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority and the Sunchild Authority); four were signed in Saskatchewan (Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Treaty Education Alliance and Whitecap Dakota First Nation); and one in New Brunswick (Elsipogtog First Nation Education Authority).

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021-22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.
• Planned Audit of the Elementary and Secondary Education Program is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Education (Primary/Secondary) is expected for March 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC will continue to work with Indigenous partners to implement the co-developed policy framework for First Nations elementary and secondary education. ISC will continue to implement the interim regional funding formulas so 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. ISC and First Nations will continue to hold regular, formal discussions in order to inform the implementation of the interim regional funding formulas in each ISC region. These technical tables will enable First Nations to have a voice in the formula-based funding models, and to identify strategic areas for federal support.

ISC will also continue working with First Nations to develop and implement First Nations-led education models. This will include continued investments in institutional capacity building, research and innovation, as well as strengthening partnerships between First Nations and provincial and territorial education systems. ISC will continue to work with First Nation partners on regional education agreements  that respond to the education goals and priorities set by First Nations.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:
  • supporting a safe restart in Indigenous communities (COVID-19) (Budget 2021);
  • the core funding refinements of elementary and secondary education (Budget 2021); and
  • establishing a Canada-wide early learning and child care system (Budget 2021).
• a net increase in allocation of funding:
  • from the New Fiscal Relationship grant due to lower than anticipated recipients number for the grant. The unused grant funding is returned to the programs to be made available to First Nations via other funding mechanisms; and
  • to other Education related programs to meet departmental priorities.
• the deferral of funding to future years for the core funding refinements of elementary and secondary education (Budget 2021). These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purpose.

Grants and Contributions to support the First Nations Post-Secondary Education Strategy              

Start date /End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates, (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result: Indigenous students receive an inclusive and quality education

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Education

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Funding provided through the First Nations Post-Secondary Education Strategy supports access to and participation in post-secondary education. The suite of programming under the First Nations Post-Secondary Education Strategy consists of three components:

• The Post-Secondary Student Support Program provides non-repayable financial support for First Nations students to advance towards a recognized post-secondary education credential, as prioritized and directed by First Nations;

• The University and College Entrance Preparation Program provides non-repayable financial support for First Nations students who are enrolled in accepted university and college entrance preparation programs to enable them to attain the academic level required for entrance into degree and diploma credit programs, as prioritized and directed by First Nations; and,

• The Post-Secondary Partnerships Program provides funding to support to First Nations to define their own partnerships with institutions to increase the availability of post-secondary education programs tailored to First Nations cultural and educational needs. It is proposal-driven and provides funding to First Nations established post-secondary education institutions and First Nations-directed community-based programming.

Results achieved: Performance results for this program are available in GCInfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.
• Planned Audit of the Elementary and Secondary Education Program is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education is expected in March 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: Budget 2019 invested $7.5 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, to support First Nations in their development of comprehensive, integrated, First Nations regional post-secondary education models. In 2021-22, First Nations received $2.5 million of this investment to continue their engagement. Many First Nations partners were unable to complete their planned engagement activities and report on the results due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Provincial and territorial governments put in place public health measures (e.g., isolation, locking down of communities, travel restrictions, and physical distancing) to protect their populations from the high risks associated with COVID-19. These public health measures hindered the completion of planned engagement activities for First Nations partners, including in-person meetings.

With many provincial and territorial governments easing public health measures, the Department anticipates that First Nations partners will be able to embark on their planned engagement activities. The Department will continue to support and engage with First Nations on the development of regional post-secondary education models.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:
  • supporting students and youth (COVID-19) (Budget 2021); and
  • supporting a safe restart in Indigenous communities  (COVID-19) (Budget 2021).
• an increase in allocation of funding:
  • from the New Fiscal Relationship grant due to lower than anticipated recipients number for the grant. The unused grant funding is returned to the programs to be made available to First Nations via other funding mechanisms; and
  • from other Education related programs to meet departmental priorities.

Grants and Contributions to support the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates, (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result: Indigenous students receive an inclusive and quality education

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Education

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: In 2019, the Government of Canada committed to the creation of the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy to support Inuit students pursuing post-secondary education and foster lifelong learning and skills development. The strategy reflects the Government's commitment to a renewed relationship with Inuit, one that is framed by principles of reconciliation, including recognitions of rights, respect, cooperation, partnership, and self-determination. This transformational approach includes direct financial support for Inuit students, complementary programs and services, and governance capacity to support service delivery. Funding for the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy is provided through the following four eligible components:

• Student financial support: funding to students to support their pursuit of post-secondary education;

• Programs and Services: funding for activities that are determined based on local needs assessments with the aim of promoting students' pursuit of post-secondary education and the attainment of a credential;

• Community Engagement: funding for community-level activities on the benefits of post-secondary accreditation and for preparing students leaving for post-secondary education for their experience; and

• Governance/National Coordination: funding for the human, information and physical infrastructure necessary to meet local and regional needs.

Results achieved: The Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy takes steps toward equity in post-secondary education by creating the conditions necessary to raise Inuit education attainment. Closing the education gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada will contribute to improved labour participation, economic prosperity, development of innovative practices, increased self-reliance for the Indigenous economy and the overall well-being of Indigenous individuals, families and communities. Investing in Inuit post-secondary education will benefit all of Canada and improve our national economy.

Despite the progress made under the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy, the COVID-19 pandemic is anticipated to widen the post-secondary education attainment gap between Inuit and non-Indigenous Canadians in the post-pandemic area. To address this issue, Budget 2021 invested $2.5 million in 2021-22 to support Inuit post-secondary students. The investment addressed challenges Indigenous students faced during the pandemic and offset the lost income that many Indigenous students rely on to pay for tuition, books, housing, and other living expenses.

The federal budget also announced $0.7 million, in 2021-22, to support Inuit post-secondary institutions and Inuit-directed community-based programming during COVID-19 through the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy. This funding continued to support their operations, including supports to retain staff, automate core services such as processing student applications and registrations, continue adapting courses for online learning, and implement public health and safety measures programs or services that would continued in-person. Data for fiscal year 2021-22 is not yet available as the Strategy reporting has not met the minimum threshold required to publish results.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.
• Planned Audit of the Elementary and Secondary Education Program is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluation was completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education is expected in March 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC will work in collaboration with Inuit partners to advance distinctions-based post-secondary education strategies that respond to the post-secondary education priorities of Inuit partners. The expected results are based on implementation strategies and objectives that have been co-developed between ISC and Inuit partners.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates to support students and youth (COVID-19) (Budget 2021) and safe restart in indigenous communities (COVID-19) (Budget 2021); and
• an allocation of funding from other Education related programs to meet departmental priorities.

Grants and Contributions to support Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates, (S) Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act (statutory authority)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples receive essential social services

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Government of Canada seeks to contribute towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through improved coordination, supporting coalitions, and the broadening and strengthening of programming by identifying and addressing local needs of all urban Indigenous Peoples.

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

Results achieved: Indigenous Peoples received essential social services through the delivery of Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples funding. 

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021–22.

• Planned Audit of the Monitoring and Oversight of the Contribution Agreements Process is expected to be completed in June 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: No evaluations were completed in 2021-22.

• Evaluation of Urban Programming for Indigenous People is expected to be completed in August 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: The program reached out to some stakeholders to better suit urban Indigenous Peoples needs for the "revamping" of the program that sunset in March 2022.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending primarily reflects:

• an incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for the Indigenous Community Support Fund (COVID-19) (Budget 2021);
• an allocation of funding to meet departmental priorities; and
• the deferral of funding to future years for infrastructure in urban programming for Indigenous Peoples service providers (Budget 2019). These funds could not be spent in 2021-22 and are expected to be reprofiled to future years when it would be available for the intended purpose.                                   

Grants to British Columbia Indian bands in lieu of a per capita annuity

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013-14

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities advance their governance capacity

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Statutory, Legislative and Policy Support to First Nations Governance; Individual Affairs

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The grant to First Nation bands in British Columbia in lieu of a per capita annuity provides $300,000 to be split among the First Nation bands in British Columbia that did not sign one of the Numbered Treaties with the Crown based on a per capita basis.

The grant is paid into the First Nations Band Funds held in trust by Canada on a per capita basis to provide additional services in lieu of treaties or annuities.

Results achieved:  In 2021-22, $300,000 was distributed on a per capita basis to all First Nations bands in British Columbia that were not signatory to one of the Numbered or Modern Treaties with the Crown.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021-22. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: The Evaluation of Individual Affairs was completed in December 2021. The evaluation found that there was a continued need for the program, but that there were concerns around barriers to access for the program and its constituent service offerings. The evaluation observed:

• Clients face difficulties in accessing services in  cities outside of the 16 urban centres with service kiosks;
• Data systems used to house program data are outdated and face the risk of data loss;
• There are potential pathways to eventual service devolution, including further supporting the capacity building of Indian Registration Administrators and expanding their role to register simple applications on reserve, certify documents, and potentially provide Estates support in their offices on-reserve.
• With the potential modernization of treaty annuity payments, heightened demand for services may be expected.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: ISC did not enter into any engagement activities for 2021-22.

Explanation of variances: Not applicable.

(S) Indian Annuities Treaty payments (Indian Act)

Start date / End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities advance their governance capacity

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Statutory, Legislative and Policy Support to First Nations Governance; Individual Affairs

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Please refer to section 72 of the Indian Act.

Results achieved: Due to the pandemic, in-person treaty payment events were not held. ISC supported First Nations interested in self-administering payments and facilitated payments through application forms.

There were 16,437 individual payments made and 223 First Nation Band payments made (Ammunition and twine provisions), for a total of $562,255.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22: An audit was not completed in 2021-22. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22: Statutory, Legislative and Policy Support to First Nations Governance is exempt from Evaluation.

The Evaluation of Individual Affairs was completed in December 2021. The evaluation found that there was a continued need for the program, but that there were concerns around barriers to access for the program and its constituent service offerings. The evaluation observed:

• Clients face difficulties in accessing services in  cities outside of the 16 urban centres with service kiosks;
• Data systems used to house program data are outdated and face the risk of data loss;
• There are potential pathways to eventual service devolution, including further supporting the capacity building of Indian Registration Administrators and expanding their role to register simple applications on reserve, certify documents, and potentially provide Estates support in their offices on-reserve.
• With the potential modernization of treaty annuity payments, heightened demand for services may be expected.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22: Due to the pandemic, in-person treaty payment events were not held. ISC reached out to all 306 Treaty First Nations under the Numbered Treaties and Robinson Treaties in 2020-21 and 2021-22 and collaborated to develop alternatives to traditional in-person treaty payment events. These options include application requests, First Nation self-administered payments, ceremonial payment with limited participants, and a deferral to the next year. Uncollected annuities accrue for the First Nation bands and individuals to whom they are owed.

Explanation of variances:

The difference between 2021-22 Planned Spending and Actual Spending reflects lower than anticipated expenditures for Indian Annuities Treaty payments.