2023-24 Details on transfer payment programs

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

Start date: Ongoing

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 communities have sustainable land management and infrastructure

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Community Infrastructure

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: As per the terms and conditions of the First Nations Infrastructure Fund, the Canada Community-Building Fund can be used to fund Other Community Infrastructure.

Expected results: A portion of the Canada Community-Building Fund is allocated to on-reserve First Nations (excluding those in the Territories) on a per capita basis using on-reserve population data. This portion is sent to ISC where it is combined with other funding sources and delivered through the terms and conditions of the First Nation Infrastructure Fund. The expected allocations to First Nations in 2023-24 is $32.4 million.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2015-16 Evaluation of Education Facilities and Community Infrastructure

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2022-23 Evaluation of Other Community Infrastructure

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations on reserve recipients
• Government
• Academia and public institutions
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Ongoing collaboration on climate change-related initiatives, including adaptation and mitigation, with the Assembly of First Nations through the Joint Committee on Climate Action.

Contributions for emergency management assistance for activities on reserves

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities have sustainable land management and 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 (EMAP) (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.

Expected results: The most recent performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2016-17 Evaluation of the Emergency Management Assistance Program

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2023-24 Evaluation of Emergency Management and Assistance Program

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations
• Indigenous Organizations
• Government
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Recipients are typically engaged through Regional coordinators. ISC is committed to working with the provinces, territories, First Nation communities to establish service agreements ensuring services for emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation measures. The team has regular meetings with regional coordinators to maintain continuous communication and to discuss program and policy concerns.

In addition, regional coordinators reach out to First Nation communities to raise awareness on EMAP programs and to provide support in the application process. As applications for EMAP programs are ongoing through the year, regional coordinators are in communication with applicants throughout the fiscal year. Through this work, the regional coordinators support the needs of the communities EMAP serves and continue to build relationships.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Health Infrastructure Support

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental results:

• Indigenous Peoples are physically well
• Indigenous Peoples are mentally well
• Indigenous Peoples have access to quality federally-funded health services
• Indigenous communities have sustainable land management and infrastructure

Link to the department's Program Inventory:

• Health Systems Support
• Community Infrastructure
• Primary Health Care

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, renovation, repair and operations 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. Health Systems Support Program elements include Community Health Planning, the Health Services Integration Fund, the Health Transformation initiative, British Columbia Tripartite Health Governance, Accreditation, Health Human Resources, and funding for Indigenous-led health surveys. It also includes various short-term initiatives, such as the initiative to co-develop distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation, and distinctions-based collaboration with Indigenous Peoples to address anti-Indigenous racism in Canada's health systems.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2016-17 Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch's Health Planning and Quality Management Activities (2010-2011 to 2014-2015)
• 2019-20 Evaluation of Health Human Resources
• 2016-17 Evaluation of Health Canada's First Nations Health Facilities Program (2010-2011 to 2014-2015)
• 2016-17 Evaluation of the eHealth Infostructure Program (2011-2012 to 2015-2016)
• 2017-18 Evaluation of Health Canada's Role in Supporting British Columbia First Nations Health Authority as a Governance Partner

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2022-23 Cluster Evaluation of Health Infrastructure Support for First Nations

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations and Inuit recipients
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Government
• Academia and public institutions
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC engages with representatives of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) through the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch-Senior Management Committee, of which the AFN and ITK are members. This is consistent with the engagement protocols which guide the department's collaboration with the AFN and ITK. ISC also engages with ITK on issues related to primary care through the National Inuit Committee on Health and with the AFN through the Chiefs Committee on Health. Collaboration and joint planning also take place at regional partnership tables, which guide joint decision making on key issues including primary care.

The successful implementation of services and related projects, as well as policy development to improve the health and the health systems of First Nations and Inuit populations, depends on very close collaboration between the regional offices and Indigenous partners/organizations in communities. In general, engagement with recipients is led by ISC's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch through individual and/or multi-community regular bilateral planning sessions and calls for proposals are discussed and agreed upon.

Further, ISC's Management Operation Plan for Health sector is an important mechanism and a shared decision making tool to outline the health related priorities identified by Indigenous partners through such regular engagement sessions.

ISC will co-develop distinctions-based Indigenous health legislative options with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Intersectional partners as well as provinces and territories (where relevant) and ensure the work is guided by Joyce's Principle.

ISC will continue to be an active funding and governance partner to the First Nations Health Authority who assumed control over health programs and service delivery in 2013 in British Columbia from the Government of Canada. This work will include negotiating and implementing a renewed Canada Funding Agreement with the First Nations Health Authority.

Consultations with the First Nations Health Managers Association has contributed to the continued evolution of health planning tools and capacity supports with the delivery of training sessions, development of guidance pieces and partnership building with community health leaders.

ISC will continue to work with recipients, who are the First Nations organizations responsible for delivery of digital health/virtual care services within the regions such as the Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Digital Health Advisory and the National Indigenous Information Technology Alliance.

In 2023-24, ISC will continue to support First Nation health infrastructure through multi-year capital projects and high priority repairs and renovations. This includes continued funding and implementation of projects that are included under the:

• Social Infrastructure Fund announced as part of Budget 2017,
• Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund and other initiatives announced as part of Budget 2021, and
• Ventilation Improvement Initiative in relation to COVID-19 mitigation.

New, expanded, renovated, or repaired First Nation health infrastructure helps ensure Indigenous Peoples have reliable and sustainable infrastructure.

Initiatives to engage with Métis partners:

ISC worked collaboratively with the Métis National Council on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of a Health Sub-Accord as part of the broader Métis-Canada Accord. The MOU was signed on December 13, 2022 by the Métis National Council and its Governing Members. The signing of this MOU re-affirms ISC's shared commitment to the health and wellness priority that is included in the 2017 Canada-Métis Nation Relationship Accord. The MOU will enable ISC and the Métis Nation to resume work towards a 10-year Canada - Métis Nation Health Sub-Accord aimed at improving health outcomes for Métis citizens.

ISC is also currently working collaboratively with the Manitoba Métis Federation on a draft MOU that will guide the development and implementation of a 10-year Red River Métis Community Health and Wellness Bilateral Agreement to support the health priorities identified in the 2017 Canada-Métis Nation Accord.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Primary Health Care

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental results:

• Indigenous Peoples are physically well
• Indigenous Peoples are mentally well
• Indigenous Peoples have access to quality federally-funded health services

Link to the department's Program Inventory:

• Public Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Jordan's Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative
• Primary Health Care
• Home and Long-Term 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.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2018-19 Case Studies on Jordan's Principle - A Child First Initiative
• 2018-19 Evaluation of Clinical and Client Care
• 2014-15 Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Communicable Disease Control and Management Programs (2008-2009 to 2013-2014)
• 2016-17 Evaluation of Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Environmental Public Health Program (2010-2011 to 2014-2015)
• Cluster Evaluation of the Healthy Living (2010-11 to 2012-13) and Healthy Child Development (2008-09 to 2012-13)
• 2019-20 Evaluation of Home and Community Care
• 2016-17 Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Mental Wellness Programs (2010-2011 to 2014-2015)
• 2022-23 Evaluation of Healthy Living

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2022-23 Evaluation of Healthy Child Development
• 2022-23 Evaluation of Environmental Public Health
• 2023-24 Evaluation of Communicable Disease Control and Management
• 2023-24 Evaluation of Clinical and Client Care
• 2023-24 Evaluation of Jordan's Principle
• 2023-24 Evaluation of Community Oral Health
• 2024-25 Evaluation of Home and Community Care
• 2026-27 Evaluation of Healthy Living

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations and Inuit recipients
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Government
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: As mentioned, ISC engages with representatives of the AFN and ITK through the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch-Senior Management Committee, of which the AFN and ITK are members. This is consistent with the engagement protocols which guide the department's collaboration with the AFN and ITK. ISC also engages with ITK on issues related to primary care through the National Inuit Committee on Health and with the AFN through the Chiefs Committee on Health. Collaboration and joint planning also take place at regional partnership tables, which guide joint decision making on key issues including primary care.

Engagement relating to tuberculosis, sexually-transmitted and blood borne infections, and immunizations also take place through ad hoc meetings at network meetings or in working group meetings which may be composed of various regional, stakeholder, and Indigenous partners to discuss various topics.

Regional offices have ongoing engagement with recipients to increase the number of block and New Fiscal Relationship funding types. These engagements allow for First Nations and Inuit design, delivery and evaluation of the for First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care Program.

ISC's Home and Community Care (HCC) program, in partnership with the AFN, is working to review areas of the Non-Insured Health Benefits program that carry an HCC component. This work requires engaging HCC representatives to develop meaningful recommendations.

Contributions for First Nations and Inuit Supplementary Health Benefits

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental results:

• Indigenous Peoples are physically well
• Indigenous Peoples are mentally well
• Indigenous Peoples have access to quality federally-funded health services

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 medically necessary 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.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2017-18 Evaluation of Supplementary Health Benefits Program (2009-10 to 2014-15)

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2023-24 Evaluation of Supplementary Health Benefits

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations and Inuit recipients
• Government
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC engages with representatives from the Assembly of First Nations and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami through the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch-Senior Management Committee. Since 2014, the Program has been working closely with the Assembly of First Nations on a comprehensive joint review of the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program to enhance client access to health benefits and streamline service delivery to be more responsive to First Nation client needs. ISC will continue the joint review this year with the review of the medical transportation benefit. ISC also engages with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami representatives and through the National Inuit Committee on Health to identify shared priorities for the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.

Contributions for Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative

Start date: 2021-22

End date: 2025-26; Amended to 2026-27 for the Community Development Wrap-Around Initiative (CDWAI)

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22; Amended in 2022-23 to include CDWAI under this authority

Link to departmental result:

• Indigenous Peoples are culturally safe and socially well
• Indigenous communities have governance capacity and support for self-determination

Link to the department's Program Inventory:

• Safety and Prevention Services
• Indigenous Governance and Capacity Supports

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Pathways Initiative is a five-year initiative starting in 2021-22 which 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 and organization identity specific safety and well-being initiatives;
• address community safety and well-being needs that support reconciliation, resiliency, and capacity of Indigenous communities and 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.

The Community Development Wrap-Around Initiative (CDWAI) stems from the investments announced in Budget 2021 of $151.4M over five years "to provide wrap-around supports for First Nations with the greatest community development needs." CDWAI will support 22 First Nation communities across Canada to implement their community-driven priorities. Once participating First Nations have identified the community development activities they choose to prioritize, CDWAI Support Teams will work with the community to identify potential partners to engage in discussions regarding available resources. Existing programs will be leveraged and any gaps or barriers to the implementation of the priority identified after leveraging other potential resources can be supported through flexible CDWAI funding. The overarching goal of CDWAI is to support the implementation of community-driven priorities through a First Nation led process. Alongside that, CDWAI will also identify opportunities that arise to discuss potential program reform between internal and external programs through horizontal collaboration.

Expected results:

Beyond these immediate parameters, intermediate outcomes will seek to address barriers to First Nation community development, while ultimate outcomes will seek to allow Indigenous communities to advance their governance capacity. Specified results performance parameters of both intermediate and ultimate outcomes have also been identified (performance indicators, baselines, targets, reporting, etc.)

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable, new program

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable, new program

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026-27

General beneficiary groups: First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In 2023-24, the Pathways Initiative plans to engage with funding recipients to understand project impacts and future needs. This feedback and assessment prior to project completion will support ongoing program improvement and future ISC Community Safety and Well-being program development. Given the diversity of projects funded, it is anticipated that engagement would be on an individual project basis.

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development

Start date: Ongoing

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 have governance capacity and support for self-determination
• Indigenous communities are progressing in their business and economic growth

Link to the department's Program Inventory:

• Indigenous Governance and Capacity Supports
• Community Economic Development

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.

Expected results: Research report(s) will be developed by expert Indigenous Organizations which will inform the development of ISC policies, program-design and funding formulas for the Indigenous Governance and Capacity Program.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2016-17 Evaluation of Governance and Institutions of Government

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2023-24 Indigenous Governance and Capacity Program
• 2025-26 Evaluation of the Survey of Indigenous People

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations communities and organizations
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: According to the Five-Year Departmental Evaluation Plan 2022-23 to 2026-27, the First Nations On-Reserve Housing Program evaluation is planned for 2022-23, which is expected to be tabled June 2023.

Contributions to First Nations for the management of contaminated sites

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities have sustainable land management and infrastructure

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Communities and The Environment

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, Class 2, and Class 3 contaminated sites for which a Crown liability has been established and documented.

Class 1 sites are contaminated sites where available information based on assessments indicates that action is required to address existing concerns for public health and safety. Class 2 sites are those sites where available information, based on assessments 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. Class 3 sites are those sites where available information indicates that the site is currently not a high concern.

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.

Expected results: The primary results indicator for the Contaminated Sites on Reserve Program is the percentage of high risk sites where remediation activities are occurring. On March 31, 2022, 34.9% of high risk sites had remediation occurring. This is lower than our target of 41%.

In 2021-22, due to a recent change expanding the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan eligibility guidelines, which now supports multiple sites in a community (low, medium and high risk) being addressed, the Contaminated Sites on Reserve Program was unable to concentrate all efforts and resources towards the remediation of only high-risk contaminated sites.

The target for the primary results indicator in 2022-23 will be 35%, based on recent changes to eligibility guidelines, which now supports multiple sites in a community (low, medium and high risk) being addressed. Expected result by March 2024 is 34.9% of high risk sites where remediation activities are occurring.

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%. Expected result by March 2024 is 40% of First Nation communities with adequate solid waste management systems.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2015-16 Evaluation of the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve (South of the 60th Parallel) Program
• 2018-19 Evaluation of Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (horizontal evaluation, led by ECCC)
• 2020-21 Evaluation of Solid Waste Management Initiative

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2022-23 Evaluation of the Contaminated Sites On-Reserve (South of the 60th Parallel) Program
• 2023-24 Evaluation of Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (horizontal evaluation, led by ECCC)
• 2026-27 Evaluation of Solid Waste Management Initiative

General beneficiary groups:

• Indigenous recipients
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Regional officials work directly with First Nation communities to identify, assess and remediate contaminated sites on reserve lands. They also regularly engage First Nation communities to understand their waste management needs and work collaboratively to implement comprehensive waste management solutions. Regional officials remain engaged on waste management projects through to completion which helps facilitate reporting on results.

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.

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

(Previously titled "Contributions to improve the safety and security of Indigenous women, children, families and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People")

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples are culturally safe and socially well

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Safety and Prevention Services

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, Indigenous urban and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2017-18 Evaluation of Family Violence Prevention

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2023-24 Evaluation of Family Violence Prevention

General beneficiary groups:

• Indigenous recipients
• Government
• Academia and public institutions
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC is actively engaging with a variety of applicants, recipients and Indigenous partners to support ongoing improvements to the Program's delivery. Some notable engagements include:

• Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and the National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence to ensure the program develops with the needs of distinctions-based groups, including First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban and 2SLGBTQQIA+.
• The 2SLGBTQQIA+ Working Group in direct response to the National Inquiry into MMIWG to ensure the need of 2SLGBTQQIA+ People are captured and reflected throughout the development of the Program and its enhanced scope.
• Current Shelter Directors in the network of ISC funded shelters to ensure the redevelopment of the Program's funding formula accurately reflects the needs of existing shelters. In addition, identify needs specific to the operation of transitional housing.

Contributions to Indian bands for registration administration

Start date: 1994

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities have governance capacity and support for self-determination

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

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 in-person application support resulting in entitled persons gaining access to benefits, and an up to date and accurate Indian Register for the department.

Expected results: Registration Administrators will continue to verify life events (e.g. births, marriages, deaths, divorces) that are recorded in the Indian Registration System and issuance of the Secure Certificate of Indian Status for the band(s) they represent. Guidance and support will be provided to entitled individuals to complete necessary forms to request a registration or an amendment to their personal information or to obtain a Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2021-22 Evaluation of Individual Affairs

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026-27 Evaluation of Individual Affairs

General beneficiary groups: Indigenous recipients

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC is expected to engage Registration Administrators on the design and delivery of Individual Affairs Programs. Timelines for this engagement are not yet determined.

Contributions to provide children, youth, young adults, families and communities with prevention and protection services

(Previously titled "Contributions to provide children and families with Protection and Prevention Services")

Start date: 1991

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental results: Indigenous Peoples are culturally safe and socially well

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program supports the safety and wellbeing of children and families by providing resources and funding to support the holistic and culturally appropriate delivery of prevention and protection services to meet the needs of children, youth young adults and families ordinarily resident on reserve or in the Yukon. Eligible recipients deliver prevention and protection services such as child protection, guardianship and support and child maintenance and care for children and families ordinarily resident on reserve or in the Yukon; as well as First Nations Representative Services. Services and services for youth and young adults again out of the child welfare system. Services account for First Nations' unique cultural, historical and geographical strengths, needs and circumstances, and are provided in a manner that accounts for the best interest of the child, as defined by First Nations.

Expected results: A reliable performance data collection, analysis and reporting methodology is being developed that will meet the respective needs of First Nations and service providers, the provinces and Yukon, and the department.

The methodology will be developed with the parties to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal complaint. Data will be collected using various methods and sources to ensure high-quality well-being indicator data collection and analysis at the First Nation, service provider, regional and national level and to inform best practices and improve federal child welfare policies, procedures, agreements and legislation over time. First Nations and service providers funded by the FNCFS program will be required to provide the department only the data required to demonstrate achievement of program outcomes.

Until the methodology is finalized and implemented, data will continue to be collected by First Nations and service providers using various methods and sources and will meet requirements set out in the reporting guide.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2014-15 Enhanced Prevention Approach for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Manitoba

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2024-25 Evaluation of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations and First Nation authorized service providers
• Provinces and Yukon partners
• First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies (including delegated and partially delegated)

Initiatives to engage First Nations, Service Providers, and Key Stakeholders:

• Ongoing engagement to support the implementation of a reformed funding methodology based on a final settlement agreement with key stakeholders including the Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the Caring Society.
• Ongoing negotiations with the Parties to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal complaint to reach a final settlement agreement regarding compensation and long-term reform of First Nations child and family services.
• Ongoing engagement and relationship building with provinces, and Yukon and First Nation partners.

Contributions to support Indigenous governments and institutions, and to build strong governance

(Previously titled "Contributions to supply public services in Indian Government Support and to build strong governance, administrative and accountability systems")

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023-24

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities have governance capacity and support for self-determination

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The involvement of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada 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 support and training in sound governance.

The program terms and conditions provide the framework which current and future department contribution programming can be administered 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).

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase under Indigenous Governance and Capacity Programs, Finances - Results.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2016-17 Evaluation of Governance and Institutions of Government
• 2013-14 Evaluation of Indian Moneys, Estates and Treaty Annuities
• 2020-21 Evaluation of Individual Affairs

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2023-24 Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity
• 2026-27 Evaluation of Individual Affairs

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations and Inuit recipients
• For-profit organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Indigenous Governments
• Other
• Individual or sole proprietorships
• Academia and public institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: No planned initiatives to engage applicants and recipients in 2023-24.

It is expected that ISC will engage Indigenous Organizations and First Nations governments on the design and structure of the Indigenous Governance and Capacity Program. Timelines for this engagement are not yet determined.

Estate management is a mandatory statutory requirement pursuant to the Indian Act. In support of this statutory requirement, funding may be available to First Nations to support transition and capacity initiatives. The department will launch an annual call for proposals for this funding in early spring 2023. An application will be provided along with guidelines on how to apply and what activities are eligible.

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

Start date: Ongoing

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 are culturally safe and socially well

Link to the department's Program Inventory: 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.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable, new program

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable, new program

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2024-25 Evaluation of the First Nations Child and Family Services

General beneficiary groups:

• Eligible First Nations recipients
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Continue work with the Consultation Committee on Child Welfare and the National Advisory Committee on First Nations Child and Family Services Program Reform on ongoing operations and implementation of Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders. Ongoing negotiations with the Parties to the Tribunal complaint to reach a global resolution to litigation regarding compensation and long-term reform of First Nations child and family services. Ongoing engagement and relationship building with provinces, territories and national First Nations partners where engagement occurs collectively.

Contributions to support Land Management and Economic Development

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to departmental results:

• Indigenous communities have sustainable land management and infrastructure
• Indigenous communities are progressing in their business and economic growth
• Indigenous communities have governance capacity and support for self-determination

Link to the department's Program Inventory:

• Communities and The Environment
• Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development
• Community Economic Development
• Indigenous Governance and Capacity Supports

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 and Framework Agreement First Nations with the capacities and processes for Land Code Development; 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 Indigenous community and to improve access to business opportunities;
  • establish, expand and diversify the network of Indigenous-owned and controlled financial institutions providing developmental capital in Canada, which are functionally complementary to the mainstream financial sector;
  • enhance access to capital for Indigenous businesses in Canada that have difficulty in obtaining conventional commercial financing;
  • enhance the capacity of Indigenous financial and business development organizations to provide financial services, business information, and developmental support services;
  • increase Indigenous participation in economic benefits from major resource development and energy investments; and
  • increase the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the economy through economic and employment opportunities.

Expected results:

Expected results of Lands and Economic Development Services Program, Community Opportunity Readiness Program and Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program are directly aligned with the "Community Economic Development" strategic outcome, the long-term objective of which is that Indigenous communities are progressing in their business and economic growth. Performance indicators that apply to these programs will be included in the Lands and Economic Development Programs Performance Measurement Strategy.

Community Opportunity Readiness Program measures the estimated number of permanent jobs created for every additional $1 million invested through the program (target of 15 jobs per project for 2023-24) and the value of investments leveraged from sources outside the department (target $1 ISC: $1.3 other sources for 2023-24).

Several initiatives are funded through contributions under the Access to Business Opportunities stream of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program to support Indigenous businesses/organizations to increase the number of viable businesses, initiatives include: Indigenous tourism, procurement modernization, Article 24 of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement, financial literacy, and green economy.

The program will continue to support 132 First Nations, in addition to any new entrants, to build land management capacity through the Reserve Land and Environment Program.

Through the Access to Capital stream of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program, the department's support to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) and Métis Capital Corporations (MCCs), is expected to help provide affordable financing through AFIs and MCCs, helping to establish or expand more than a thousand (1000+) Indigenous businesses. A larger proportion of Indigenous women businesses is also expected as $22 million was provided to NACCA in 2022 to deliver the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program, which tailors programming delivered by AFIs and MCCs to better support women entrepreneurs.

To measure the impact of business development and economic growth, the department will measure the percentage of First Nations communities where non-government revenues represent 25% or more of total revenues (target at least 40%).

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2013-14 Evaluation of Indian Moneys, Estates and Treaty Annuities
• 2015-16 Evaluation of Contaminated Sites South of 60 Program
• 2015-16 Evaluation of Business Capital and Support Services Program
• 2014-15 Evaluation of the Investment in Economic Opportunities

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2023-24 Evaluation of Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development
• 2022-23 Evaluation of Lands Management Sub-Programs
• 2023-24 Evaluation of Economic Development and Capacity Readiness

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations recipients and Inuit communities south of 60
• For-profit organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations and charities
• Government
• Academia and public institutions
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC engages with First Nations to discuss options for alternative management of Band trust moneys. This is done through regular communication and outreach. First Nations interested in pursuing a transfer of capital and/or revenue band moneys will be made aware of the options, the process and the funding available to support the process.

Engagement with participating First Nations is done on an ongoing basis for land management activities including the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program through the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association. Land Management capacity is provided through the Professional Land Management Certification program, and a bi-annual conference held by the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association. Regional land associations hold workshops and annual land conference for First Nations Land Managers.

ISC works closely with the NACCA and the five MCCs, to which the access to capital component of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program has been devolved. Currently, ISC is working in partnership with NACCA and MCCs on a 5 years evaluation of the AEP to improve the program's efficiency and accessibility, and to help guide an AEP redesign. The evaluation is expected to be completed by early summer 2023. As part of this evaluation, ISC is actively engaging with these partners, and will continue to engage through 2023-24 as part of the redesign.

ISC is also regularly engaging Indigenous partners to continue advancing the department's distinctions-based approach for the delivery of financing with the five MCCs. In addition, engagement is planned to develop a distinctions-based approach to support an Inuit-led AEP delivery. This work would align with current work being done with the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to support Inuit economic development, self-determination and economic reconciliation.

A research contract is underway with a consultant who is engaging with recipient communities to discuss alternative methods for reporting on the outcomes associated with the programs and to learn about their preferred reporting medium.

Contributions to support service transfer and transformation

Start date: 2022-23

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23

Link to departmental result:

• Indigenous communities have governance capacity and support for self-determination
• Indigenous Peoples are culturally safe and socially well

Link to the department's Program Inventory:

• Indigenous Governance and Capacity Supports
• Child and Family Services

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose is to: 1) advance broad level engagement, research and policy development with Indigenous partners for a more holistic approach to service delivery and transformation; and 2) undertake preparatory work, including pilot projects in service design and delivery, to prepare for a subsequent transfer of responsibility for services from Indigenous Services Canada to an Indigenous partner. Through funding under this authority, First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments and organizations, including non-status, off-reserve and other Indigenous groups will be engaged on key program and policy developments to support Indigenous capacity building and self-determination.

Funding also supports research, evaluation and analysis, including pilot/proof-of-concept projects that enable Indigenous-centered evidence for decision making and serve as the basis for long-term approaches to service transfer. As an enabling support mechanism, this authority will work in conjunction with funding approved through separate program authorities with pre-determined indicators and performance measurement strategies.

Expected results: It is intended that contributions to support service delivery will achieve the following outcomes:

• Indigenous partners are able to engage with the Department in a manner consistent with the Department's service delivery and transfer mandate, and respectful of partners' priorities (as measured by the number of agreements in place with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners and dollar value);
• Indigenous partners are able to facilitate innovative approaches to service design, development and delivery (as measured by the number of pilot projects or start-ups completed through this authority);
• Indigenous partners have the plans and/or governance required to co-develop service transfer agreements and move forward with an eventual transfer (as measured by the percentage of total First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities who have accessed this authority and have completed plans for proposed service delivery organizations).

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable, new program

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable, new program

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2023-24 Evaluation of the Grant to Support the New Fiscal Relationship for First Nations
• 2023-24 Evaluation of Jordan's Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative
• 2024-25 First Nations Child and Family Services

General beneficiary groups: Indigenous Governing Bodies

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: There are there no plans to engage applicants and recipients in 2023-24.

Contributions to support the Aboriginal Economic Development Strategic Partnerships Initiative

Start date: Ongoing

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 are progressing in their business and economic growth

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Community Economic Development

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 support for initiatives in key sectors of the Canadian economy such as tourism, mining, fisheries, forestry, agriculture and energy.
• 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 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.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2014-15 Evaluation of the Investment in Economic Opportunities
• 2014-15 Evaluation of Aboriginal Economic Development Strategic Partnerships Initiative

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2023-24 Evaluation of Economic Development and Capacity Readiness
• 2023-24 Evaluation of the Strategic Partnerships Initiative

General beneficiary groups:

• Indigenous communities
• Tribal Councils, self-governing First Nations, and local government of Inuit communities
• Government
• For-profit and Not-for-profit organizations
• Academia and public institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: No planned initiatives to engage applicants and recipients in 2023-24.

Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure

Start date: Ongoing

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 communities have sustainable land management and infrastructure

Link to the department's Program Inventory:

• Community Infrastructure
• Communities and The Environment

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, solid waste management, 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.

Expected results:

• Reach Substantial Completion on expansion school projects by September 2023: Atlantic 1 project, Québec 2 projects.
• Reach Substantial Completion on new construction school projects by March 2024: Ontario 4 projects, Alberta 3 projects.
• Provide funding and support to build, renovate and maintain sustainable other community infrastructure that includes roads and bridges, fire protection, connectivity, energy systems, cultural and recreational facilities, structural mitigation, planning and skills development and Band administrative buildings in First Nations.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2015-16 Evaluation of Education Facilities and Community Infrastructure
• 2016-17 Evaluation of On-Reserve Housing
• 2020-21 Evaluation of Water and Wastewater

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2022-23 Evaluation of Other Community Infrastructure
• 2022-23 Evaluation of Housing On-Reserve Program
• 2022-23 Evaluation of Lands Management Sub-Programs
• 2025-26 Evaluation of First Nations Water and Wastewater Activities On-Reserve

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations on reserve recipients
• Government
• Academia and public institutions
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC will continue to work closely with First Nations to identify new approaches for further improvement to school facilities and better services to First Nations students.

Contributions to support the Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy

Start date: 2019-20

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result: Indigenous students are progressing in their education

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Post-Secondary 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.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020-21 Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025-26 Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education

General beneficiary groups:

• Métis Nation recipients
• Academia and public institutions
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC will work with Métis Nation partners to advance and implement new distinctions-based post-secondary education strategies that respond to the different post-secondary education priorities of Métis Nation partners.

Grant for Band Support Funding

Start date: Ongoing

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 have governance capacity and support for self-determination

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

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 program authority.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase under Indigenous Governance and Capacity Programs, Finances - Results.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2016-17 Evaluation of Governance and Institutions of Government

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2023-24 Evaluation of Indigenous Governance and Capacity

General beneficiary groups: First Nations recipients

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: No planned initiatives to engage applicants and recipients in 2023-24.

Grant to implement the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management

Start date: Ongoing

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 have sustainable land management and infrastructure

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Communities and The Environment

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.

Expected results: It is estimated that between 15-20 First Nations communities will become operational in the 2023-24 fiscal year. The expected number can only be estimated, as it depends entirely on the First Nations own progress and the results of the community vote. Additional funding to support new First Nations to sign on to the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management is currently being confirmed through the Budget process.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2014-15 Evaluation of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Management
• 2015-16 Evaluation of Contaminated Sites South of 60 Program

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2022-23 Evaluation of Lands Management Sub-Programs

General beneficiary groups: Indigenous recipients

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In general, engagement with First Nations participating in First Nations Land Management is led by the Lands Advisory Board and Resource Centre, who represent the interests of more than 165 First Nations to Canada. The Board engages with First Nations who are signatories to the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management on strategic policy issues, particularly through their Annual General Meeting, during which time resolutions are considered and passed. The Board also engages with First Nations communities who are interested in becoming signatories through community presentations on the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management. The First Nations Land Management Resource Centre engages with participating First Nations on an on-going basis to provide technical and operational support for the development and implementation of lands, natural resources and environmental laws, policies and practices.

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

Start date: April 1, 2019

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 communities have governance capacity and support for self-determination

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

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.

Expected results: A key objective of the Grant is to increase First Nations' control over the design, delivery and management of services. ISC plans to increase the number of First Nations participating in the Grant from 130 in 2022-23 to 148 in 2023-24.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable, new program

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable, new program

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2023−24 Evaluation of the Grant to Support the New Fiscal Relationship for First Nations

General beneficiary groups: Eligible First Nations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC is examining the possibility of extending the Grant to organizations that provide services to multiple First Nations, notably tribal councils and health authorities, and plans to engage these organizations on options in 2023-24. As part of the evaluation planned for 2023-24, First Nations participating in the Grant will be engaged on how the design and implementation of the Grant could be improved to better serve the needs of First Nations.

Grant to the Miawpukek Indian Band to support designated programs

Start date: Ongoing

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 have governance capacity and support for self-determination

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

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.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2016-17 Evaluation of Governance and Institutions of Government (included the grant to the Miawpukek First Nations)

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2022-23 Evaluation of Grant to the Miawpukek Indian Band

General beneficiary groups: Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi 'Omi (Miawpukek First Nation)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Miawpukek 10 Year Grant and Block Funding Agreement both expire in March 2023. Miawpukek First Nation is participating in the 18-month Grant renewal process, with initial discussions started in September 2021. To support the renewal process, ISC is supporting the completion of an updated grant evaluation, reviewing the block funding general assessment and is providing a 2 year grant and funding agreement extension to allow sufficient time to complete the review of the funding arrangements. In addition, Miawpukek Band has participated in engagement initiatives on the jurisdiction of Indigenous Peoples over child and family services, and will be requested to participate in other engagement initiatives such as the Default Prevention and Management Policy co-development work, Institution building and any other anticipated changes to national policies or directives.

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

Start date: 1997

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental result: Indigenous students are progressing in their education

Link to the department's Program Inventory:

• Elementary and Secondary Education
• Post-Secondary 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.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2020-21 Evaluation of Elementary/Secondary Education
• 2020-21 Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2025-26 Evaluation of Education (Primary & Secondary)
• 2025-26 Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nation recipients
• Inuit recipients
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Academia and public institutions
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: No planned initiatives to engage applicants and recipients in 2023-24. ISC supports initiatives that provide First Nations youth living on reserve and Inuit youth living outside of their land-claim area with work experience, information about career options, and opportunities to develop skills to help gain employment.

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

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to departmental result:

• Indigenous Peoples are physically well
• Indigenous Peoples are mentally well
• Indigenous Peoples have access to quality federally-funded health services
• Indigenous Peoples are culturally safe and socially well

Link to the department's Program Inventory:

• Income Assistance
• Home and Long-Term Care

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).

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2018-19 Evaluation of On-Reserve Income Assistance
• 2019-20 Evaluation of Assisted Living Program

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2023-24 Evaluation of Income Assistance
• 2024-25 Evaluation of Assisted Living

General beneficiary groups:

• Indigenous recipients
• Government
• Academia and public institutions
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• Budget 2019 provided $8.5 million for ISC to work with First Nations and Inuit communities on developing a new and more holistic long-term and continuing care strategy that could cover the full spectrum of services from supports for people living with disabilities, to aging in place approaches, to improvements to facility-based care, and could include services for those previously served under Jordan's Principle.
• In an effort to better address the long-term and continuing care needs in First Nations and Inuit communities, so that individuals can remain at home and in their communities longer, an engagement process was developed to help identify areas of innovation within community-led long-term care services. This is a joint initiative between Indigenous Services Canada's Assisted Living and First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care programs.
• The engagement will aim to identify and address the key challenges communities are facing to provide long term and continuing care services that are without large gaps. Engagement discussions will help support a change in policy direction that moves away from the current model of a siloed approach to better support a continuum of holistic long term and continuing care service provision. Results from the engagement will inform new co-development of options for a holistic and culturally safe distinctions-based First Nations and Inuit-led continuum of long-term and continuing care services. The outcomes of these discussions will provide advice and guidance on adjusting how services will be delivered, and lay the foundation for potential future investments.
• The Assisted Living Disabilities Initiative will provide funding for projects and activities that increase awareness of disability issues and available supports; and/or improve the coordination and accessibility to these programs and supports among Indigenous individuals with disabilities living on reserve and in Yukon. Funding support will be directed to projects and activities implemented by Indigenous organization that increase awareness of disability issues and available supports; and/or improve the coordination and accessibility to these programs and supports among Indigenous individuals with disabilities living on reserve and in Yukon.
• Following up on the feedback received as part of the First Nations-led Income Assistance engagement process throughout 2018 to 2020, ISC will continue to work in collaboration with First Nations partners to co-develop options to inform the implementation of future program changes and funding requirements in order to better meet the needs of individuals and families living on reserve, meet community-specific needs, and lead to self-determination through employment and education opportunities starting in 2023-24.

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

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22

Link to departmental result: Indigenous students are progressing in their education

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Elementary and Secondary 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 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.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020-21 Summative Evaluation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Program on Reserve

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025-26 Evaluation of Education (Elementary & Secondary)

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations recipients (including First Nations education organizations designated by a First Nation)
• Academia and public institutions
• Not-for-profit and for-profit organizations
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC continues to work directly with First Nations across the country to advance the transformation of First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve. In support of First Nations control of First Nations education, ongoing refinements to the interim regional funding formulas and the development of regional education agreements to address the specific needs and priorities of First Nations communities, schools and students continues through regional technical tables, joint implementation tables with self-governing and modern treaty First Nations, and policy co-development with partners such as the Assembly of First Nations.

Through the Education Partnerships Program, the department continues to provide First Nations partners with capacity development and operational funding for on-reserve First Nations education administration organizations who are responsible for delivering elementary, secondary, and student attainment support programs in communities.

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

Start date: 2019−20

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result: Indigenous students are progressing in their education

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Post-Secondary 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 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.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020-21 Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025-26 Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education

General beneficiary groups:

• First Nations recipients
• Academia and public institutions
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC received a mandate to support the development of regional First Nations post-secondary education models through Budget 2019, which are intended to help enable First Nations to transition from the current suite of post-secondary programs to holistic approaches that are more responsive to First Nations' local priorities and needs. While First Nations have led engagement for the development of their education models, ISC has worked collaboratively to advance work to obtain the policy authorities necessary for concluding and implementing First Nations regional post-secondary education models. To help ensure the co-development process was inclusive of First Nations needs and priorities, ISC worked with the Assembly of First Nations and also conducted outreach with First Nations that signaled a preference for bilateral discussions with the Department. ISC is committed to advancing forthcoming First Nations' regional post-secondary education models and continues to seek additional funding to support the implementation of the models.

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

Start date: 2019−20

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result: Indigenous students are progressing in their education

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Post-Secondary 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.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020-21 Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025-26 Evaluation of Post-Secondary Education

General beneficiary groups:

• Inuit recipients
• Academia and public institutions
• Other

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC will work with Inuit partners to advance and implement new distinctions-based post-secondary education strategies that respond to the different post-secondary education priorities of Inuit partners.

Grants and Contributions to support Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

Start date: 2017-18

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples are culturally safe and socially well

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.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2016-17 Evaluation of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2023-24 Evaluation of Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

General beneficiary groups:

• Not-for-profit organizations
• Urban Indigenous recipients
• Other
• Academia and public institutions
• Government

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP) evaluation will be piloting a hybrid evaluation framework developed in partnership with Johnston Research. While continuing to adhere to the mandates of the Financial Administration Act and the Policy on results, this framework strives to overcome colonial underpinnings of prevailing Western evaluation models by framing evaluation questions, methodological choices and data analysis strategies at the intersections of five guiding pillars of spirit, relationships, process, governance and outcomes and the temporal periods of past, present, transition and future. The framework as well as the guiding pillars were established by Johnston Research through a series of think tanks with eleven intellectual supporters, Indigenous and non-Indigenous evaluators, an Elder, and Indigenous community members. The evaluation will involve active collaboration, consultation and engagement with a variety of Indigenous partners through a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) which will investigate areas of interest not only to ISC, but also to partners and program recipients.

During the ongoing assembly of the TAC, the program and Indigenous Services Canada prioritized UPIP recipients, Inuit, Métis, First Nations, national representation, ISC, and the program, ensuring each funding stream is represented. Some organizations such as, but not limited to, the National Association of Friendship Centres, the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, National Urban Indigenous Coalition Council, and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, have been engaged as a member of the TAC. In consultation, the committee aims to advise, guide, and provide feedback on the evaluation design and process including the Terms of Reference, methodology, findings, and reporting. The ISC Evaluation Team is committed to actively implementing the recommendations of the TAC involving this committee at all stages of the evaluation.

During the course of the evaluation, the program intends to engaged with key partners to establish a performance framework, grounded in Indigenous measures of success while ensuring that it remains in compliance with the TBS Policy on Results. The program has engaged with the National Association of Friendship Centres in November 2022 in preliminary discussions in regards to the performance framework, with the next intended discussion to occur in January 2023. Additionally, the program intends to leverage the evaluation's TAC in this process.

Grants for the Operation Return Home claims settlements

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021–22

Link to departmental result: Indigenous communities have sustainable land management and infrastructure

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Community Infrastructure

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The objective is to allow the payment of settlements to address claims related to flooding of the Dauphin River, Little Saskatchewan, Lake St. Martin are resolved with finality in a faster and more transparent way. Pinaymootang First Nations settlement has been finalized.

Expected results: Performance results for this transfer payment program will be available on GC Infobase.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2015-16 Evaluation of Education Facilities and Community Infrastructure
• 2020-21 Evaluation of Water Wastewater
• 2016-17 Evaluation of On-Reserve Housing

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• 2022-23 Evaluation of Education Facilities
• 2022-23 Evaluation of Other Community Infrastructure
• 2022-23 Evaluation of Housing
• 2025-26 Evaluation of Water Wastewater

General beneficiary groups:

• Lake St Martin First Nation
• Dauphin River First Nation
• Little Saskatchewan First Nation

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ISC is engaged in ongoing discussions with the three First Nations.

Grants to support child and family services coordination agreements and related fiscal arrangements

Start date: 2022-23

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23

Link to departmental result: Indigenous Peoples are culturally safe and socially well

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose of this grant program is to fund and support activities that will allow "early adopter" Indigenous communities to implement their child and family services legislation, under An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, as established through coordination agreements and supporting fiscal arrangements (where applicable), until new program terms and conditions to implement the Act are co-developed with Indigenous partners.

The grant provides funding for sectoral self-government, specifically in the domain of child and family services. The community will therefore define indicators and report on results that it deems valuable.

There will be an annual report to its citizens that Canada will be able to access upon request. It will include an audit of finances, done according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Specific reporting requirements are to be negotiated in individual financial relationship agreements; therefore, Canada needs to provide a rationale that is persuasive to the Indigenous group, for example, reporting Child and Family Services data in order to measure whether preventive care measures are reducing the number of children removed from their homes.

Expected results: Expected results of the implementation of coordination agreements include the timely transfer of funding in accordance with fiscal arrangements, timely support for Indigenous communities in the operationalization of their child and family services laws, and the safety and well-being of Indigenous children.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable, new program

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable, new program

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2024-25 Evaluation of the Implementation of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families

General beneficiary groups: Indigenous Governing Bodies

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Indigenous communities determine their own interest, willingness and desire to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services.

(S) Indian Annuities Treaty payments (Indian Act)

Start date: Ongoing

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 have governance capacity and support for self-determination

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

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

Expected results: The Statutory fund – Indian Annuities Treaty Payments (Indian Act) is used to pay treaty annuities pursuant to the Historic Treaties (eleven Numbered Treaties and the Robinson Treaties).

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2013-14 Evaluation of Indian Moneys, Estates and Treaty Annuities
• 2017-18 Evaluation of 1.1.2 - Implementation and Enforcement Supports for the Family Homes On Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act
• 2020-21 Evaluation of Individual Affairs

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Statutory, Legislative and Policy Support to First Nations Governance is exempt from Evaluation.

General beneficiary groups: First Nations bands in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Northwest Territories that signed one of the Historic Treaties (Numbered Treaties (1-11), Robinson-Huron Treaty or Robinson-Superior Treaty) with the Crown

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: No planned initiatives to engage applicants and recipients in 2023-24. Payments of annuities are a legal and Constitutional obligation stemming from Treaty Agreements signed between 1850 and 1921. Payments are made through in-person treaty payment events and through applications sent to the Department via mail or electronically.

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

Start date: 1927 – Practice that had commenced to pay non-treaty bands in British Columbia in lieu of treaty annuity payments.

1965 – A grant was created to regularize the practice established in 1927, entitled: Grants to British Columbia Indian bands in lieu of a per capita annuity

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 have governance capacity and support for self-determination

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

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

Expected results: The grant is accurately allocated to each entitled First Nation based on a per capita basis in a timely manner (within first quarter of the Fiscal Year).

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020-21 Evaluation of Individual Affairs

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Statutory, Legislative and Policy Support to First Nations Governance is exempt from Evaluation

General beneficiary groups: First Nations recipients (First Nations bands in British Columbia that did not sign one of the Numbered Treaties or a modern treaty with the Crown)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: No planned initiatives to engage applicants and recipients in 2023-24. A calculation is applied to the total grant amount of $300,000 based on registered population to the First Nations bands in British Columbia that did not sign one of the Numbered Treaties.