United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals

2021-22 Planned initiatives

On Reserve Income Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income on reserve residents to support basic expenses of daily living.

Assisted Living Program ensures that eligible low-income individuals on reserves and in Yukon have access to in-home, group-home and institutional care supports in their home communities.

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms

Global target 1.3 – Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable

Global target 1.5 – By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters

Results

Engagement continued with First Nations partners on program reform the On Reserve Income Assistance Program to better meet the needs of individuals and families living on reserve.

ISC is engaging with First Nations and Inuit on a new continuum approach to the delivery of Assisted Living services related to long-term care and services for persons with disabilities.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

Continue to support Nutrition North Canada and the community-based nutrition education activities in isolated northern communities

Continue to participate in the Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food

Global target 2.1 – By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round

Results

ISC communicates plans and results relating to this SDG through the 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

Improving Indigenous health outcomes (including tuberculosis)

Mental health and wellness in First Nations and Inuit communities

Indigenous Community Support Fund

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Canada prevents causes of premature death

Canadian target 3.11 – Eliminate tuberculosis across Inuit Nunangat by 2030, and reduce the incidence of active tuberculosis by at least 50% from 2015 rates by 2025

Canadian indicator 3.11.1 – Tuberculosis incidence per 100,000 population in Inuit Nunangat

Global target 3.4 – By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

Global target 3.8 - Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all

Results

The 2021-22 results for active tuberculosis incidence rates among Inuit Nunangat ranged from 190.1 (2018-2020) to 247.3 (2017-2019). This reflects a three-year average rates from 2016-2020.

This latest tuberculosis data provided by the Canadian Tuberculosis Reporting System, Public Health Agency of Canada, covers the 2010-2020 period. The COVID-19 pandemic response delayed the release of more recent data and the capacity to undertake the data analysis. Canada.

Investments were made to develop distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategies with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis. This also included funding for mental health, cultural, and emotional support to Survivors of former Indian Residential and federal Day Schools students and their families as well as those affected by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Budget 2021 allocated $760 million for the Indigenous Community Support Fund to help Indigenous communities and organizations to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a combination of direct allocations and needs-based funding, Indigenous leadership and organizations were provided with the flexibility required to design and implement community based solutions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has facilitated the ability for needs be addressed in real-time.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

First Nations Elementary and Secondary Education Programs (Education Transformation)

Indigenous post-secondary education distinction based strategies

Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework (with ESDC)

First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (through ESDC's Youth Employment Skills Strategy)

Education Infrastructure

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives

Canadian target – 4.1.1 High school completion rate; 4.2.1 Post-secondary education attainment rate

Global target 4.1 – By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes

Global target 4.2 – By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education

Global target 4.4 – By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

Global target 4.a – Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all

Results

Funding for elementary and secondary education for First Nations students ordinarily resident on reserve has increased by over 50% between 2015-16 and 2021-22. Over 500 First Nations administered elementary and secondary education programming benefitting close to 109,000 First Nations students both on and off reserve.

As of March 2022, ISC has signed eight regional education agreements with First Nation partners, that support improved outcomes for approximately 17,000 students through the vision, goals and priorities for elementary and secondary education as set by First Nations for their specific regional or local context.

Investments of $150.6 million over two years through the Post-Secondary Student Support program supported Indigenous students in addressing challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and offset the lost income that many Indigenous students rely on to pay for tuition, books, housing, and other living expenses.

To support before- and after-school programming for First Nations children on reserve, Budget 2021 invested $515 million over five years and $112 million ongoing.

To advance adult education programming to help close the secondary school educational attainment gap, Budget 2021 invested $350 million over five years in adult education.

The 2020 Fall Economic Statement committed $80 million in additional funding for the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy. A one-year pilot project was created between ISC and ESDC's First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy programs to reach on-reserve youth between the ages of 18 and 30, and who are in receipt of Income Assistance, in order to help them transition to the workforce or return to school.

Since 2016 and as of March 31, 2022, more than $1.53 billion of targeted funds has been invested in 247 school-related infrastructure projects to support quality learning environments that are safe and healthy. This includes the construction or renovation of schools benefiting approximately 34,000 students.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls (MMIWG), and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan and Federal Pathway

National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association's Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative offers support to Indigenous women in various stages of engagement with entrepreneurship

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Eliminate gender-based violence and harassment

Global target 5.1 – End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere

Global Target 5.2 – Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation

Global target 5.c – Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels

Results

ISC confirmed its support and participation in the work led by CIRNAC, along with Indigenous partners, and provinces and territories, to implement the 2021 MMIWG National Action Plan and the Federal Pathway. These initiatives aim to improve and expand support and services to Indigenous children, families and communities based on their particular histories, cultures, and circumstances to keep them mentally, spiritually and physically well.

This work also responds to the issues identified in the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice as well as the Métis-specific Action Plan's Calls for Miskotahâ.

Budget 2021 provided $22 million over a three year period to support the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association's Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative by providing tools, services and resources to increase the number of Indigenous women entrepreneurs. This funding supports increasing the number of Indigenous women entrepreneurs who access financing through Indigenous Financial Institutions by 50 percent.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

Investing in water and wastewater infrastructure

Ending long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to drinking water and use it in a sustainable manner

Canadian target 6.1 – All of the long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve are to be resolved

Canadian indicator 6.1.1 – Number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves

Global target 6.1 – By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

Global target 6.3 – By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally

Global target 6.5 – By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate

Global target 6.b – Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

Results

As of March 31, 2022, ISC has invested more than $2.68 billion of targeted funding to support 950 water and wastewater projects, of which 464 are now complete. These projects will serve 466,000 people in 586 First Nations communities.

As part of Budget 2021, the Government of Canada invested $1.04 billion over two years for the First Nations Water and Wastewater Enhanced Program, which supports planning, procurement, construction, and commissioning of water and wastewater capital projects.

Between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022, 25 additional long term drinking water advisories have been lifted. In total since November 2015 and as of March 31, 2022, 131 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted by First Nations, with support from Indigenous Services Canada; 34 long-term drinking water advisories affecting public water system on reserve remain in place in 29 communities.

Environmental Public Health Services continued provide support for clean, safe and reliable drinking water to Indigenous communities through the regular monitoring all public drinking water systems.

As a key contributor to SDG 6, the 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy further outlines the department actions that contribute to sustainable water and wastewater systems.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

First Nations Community Infrastructure

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to clean and renewable energy

Global target 7.2 – By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

Results

ISC communicates plans and results relating to this SDG through the 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program

Strategic Partnerships Initiative

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to quality jobs

Global target 8.6 – By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training

Results

Budget 2021 funding of $42 million over three years was provided to the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program to expand its support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis entrepreneurs by creating access to affordable loans for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses.

Strategic Partnerships Initiative supports initiatives in key sectors across Canada to advance economic development for Indigenous communities.

• Own Source Revenues in Indigenous Communities Initiative funding to Indigenous communities to partially offset pandemic-related declines
• In the first fiscal year of Clean Energy funding, ISC 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
• Arctic Gateway Group was supported to address the immediate, short-term operational needs and the repair and maintenance of the Hudson Bay Railway
• Supported the federal mandatory 5% Indigenous procurement target through the National Indigenous Procurement Initiative

2021-22 Planned initiatives

First Nation Infrastructure Fund

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure

Global target 9.1 – Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

Global target 9.4 – By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities

Results

ISC communicates plans and results relating to this SDG through the 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

Annual Report to Parliament

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced

Global target 10.3 – Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard

Results

ISC prepared an Annual Report to Parliament on the socio-economic gaps between First Nations individuals, Inuit, Métis individuals and other Canadians and the measures taken by the department to reduce those gaps. It also outlines progress on the service transfer of departmental responsibilities to Indigenous organizations. The 2021 report was co-developed with Assembly of First Nations, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

First Nation On-Reserve Housing Program

First Nation Infrastructure Fund

Investing in Community Infrastructure

Emergency Management Assistance Program

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Canadians have access to quality housing

Global target 11.3 - By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries

Global target 11.4 - Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage

Global target 11.5 – By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations

Global target 11.6 – By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management

Global target 11.7 – By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities

Global target 11.a - Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, per-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning

Global target 11.b – By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels

Results

Housing adequacy rates (the proportion of homes that are not in need of major repairs) are consistently lower on among First Nations on reserve, than elsewhere in Canada. Through funding support for the construction and repair of housing in First Nations communities, and activities to advance the First Nations Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy, the rate of housing adequacy as reported by First Nations is expected to increase over time.

However, in 2021-22, the second year of the global COVID pandemic, the rate remained stagnant despite significant investment. This can be attributed to the ongoing impact of the limits of health measures aimed at preventing, controlling and containing COVID-19 in First Nations communities during which First Nations housing and health teams were focused on immediate shelter-related priorities to reduce in their communities. Planned construction and renovation was also frequently delayed as a result of the impact of COVID on the supply of labour and materials, and related services.

Since 2016, more than $1.24 billion has been invested to address immediate housing needs on reserve.

ISC communicates plans and results relating to this SDG for infrastructure, emergency management and land use through the 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

First Nations Waste Management Initiative

Contaminated Sites Management Program

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Global target 12.4 - By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment

Global target 12.5 – By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse

Global target 12.7 - Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities

Results

ISC communicates plans and results relating to this SDG through the 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program

First Nation Infrastructure Fund

Emergency Management Assistance Program

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition – Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change

Global target 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

Global target 13.2 – Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

Global target 13.3 – Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Results

ISC communicates plans and results relating to this SDG through the 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

2021-22 Planned initiatives

ISC collaborates with partners to implement measures to that take aim at systemic discrimination. This includes actions to address anti-Indigenous racism in health systems, informed by Joyce's Principle, and enhancing supports for culturally-sensitive policing and safety in Indigenous communities.

ISC is supporting the National Action Plan launched to address the Calls for Justice outlined in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. All these initiatives reflect the broader Government of Canada commitment to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and Canada's responsibilities under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

ISC is supporting the work led by Women and Gender Equality, along with Indigenous partners, and provinces and territories, to address gender-based violence.

The new Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Program will support holistic Indigenous community safety and well-being initiatives that prioritize and address the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and girls.

Associated domestic targets or "ambitions" and/or global targets

Canadian ambition - Canadians are safe and secure, in person and online

Global target 16.1 - Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

Global target 16.2 - End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children

Global target 16.3 - Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all

Results

Budget 2021 provided $126.7 million over three years, beginning in 2021-22, to begin to address anti-Indigenous racism in Canada's health systems. Activities, collaborations and partnerships funded to take aim at systemic discrimination include increased supports for Indigenous midwives and doulas to promote culturally safe pre- and post-natal care, the first Indigenous-led health ombudsperson office to address complaints and identify instances of racism in health systems, increased capacity for Indigenous health professional organizations to continue to lead anti-racism strategies across the country and build inclusive, effective and accountable health systems. A longer-term strategy will be developed to include a national data strategy ensuring appropriate data is being collected to drive system-level changes.

In June 2021, as part of the joint Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation – Indigenous Services Canada Shelter Initiative for Indigenous Women and Children, the selected recipients of the 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.

ISC continued support of the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The department worked with Public Safety Canada to provide resources for professional accommodation for First Nations on reserve policing.