Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs on OAG Report 8: Emergency Management in First Nations Communities - Indigenous Services Canada, December 1, 2022

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)

Recent INAN studies, reports and government responses

• Bill C-29, An Act to provide for the establishment of a national council for reconciliation
• Government response to the "The Effects of the Housing Shortage on Indigenous Peoples in Canada" (Presented to the House: October 17, 2022)
• Arctic Sovereignty, Security and Emergency Preparedness of Indigenous Peoples
• Administration and Accessibility of Indigenous Peoples to the NIHB Program
• Government response to the "Barriers to Economic Development in Indigenous Communities" (Presented to the House: September 15, 2022)

The Committee's study of Arctic Sovereignty, Security and Emergency Preparedness of Indigenous Peoples began on June 3, 2022 and this will be the tenth meeting on the topic. The committee has heard from 38 witnesses including several First Nations, representatives of territorial governments, and on November 28, heard from the Auditor General of Canada regarding the report on Emergency Management in First Nations Communities. It is expected that this appearance will focus on the AG's report.

Recent INAN Motions

At the November 28, 2022 meeting of the INAN Committee, the following motions were moved:

• MP Zimmer moved a motion to compel the Ministers of Northern Affairs, Indigenous Services, and Crown-Indigenous Relations to appear before the Committee as soon as possible on Supplementary Estimates (B) 2022-2023. The motion was adopted by unanimous consent. INAN invitations for the three Ministers to appear on December 8 are in review with the respective MINOs.
• MP Vidal moved a motion to take evidence presented to the PACP Committee on November 25, 2022 into consideration by INAN in their own study. The motion was withdrawn and will be voted on instead at the December 1, 2022 meeting.
• MP Atwin moved a motion for INAN to commence a study into Bill S-219 (An Act respecting a National Ribbon Skirt Day) with witnesses appearing on December 5. The motion was adopted by unanimous consent. An invitation for CIRNAC officials to appear is anticipated.

In the Media

On November 15, 2022, various news outlets ran stories outlining the findings of the OAG Report, including the finding that the Government had not provided First Nations with appropriate supports to respond to emergencies.

• Feds failing First Nations in response to wildfires, floods: AG | CTV News
• Canada's auditor general to release reports on homelessness, cybersecurity - National | Globalnews.ca
• Politics Briefing: Auditor-General releases reports on Ottawa's performance in areas including Arctic defence and homelessness - The Globe and Mail

On November 16, 2022, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs released a statement in response to the OAG Report, arguing that "It is deeply concerning that this 2022 Auditor General of Canada's report to the Parliament of Canada on Emergency Management in First Nations outlines the same issues we have been advocating on for years… It is a devastatingly slow response time and an irresponsible funding model. We must advocate and lobby for a new way of delivering Emergency Management Services".

• The AMC calls out Canada for Inadequate Emergency Management Measures in First Nations – Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2022 from 3:30pm – 5:30pm (EST), and will be a hybrid meeting.

Witnesses who are appearing virtually will be asked to access the meeting prior to its start (3:00pm) to conduct sound/video/connectivity checks. The Zoom link will be sent directly from the House of Commons to the witnesses.

The Chair will call the meeting to order and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. He will then introduce the witnesses and invite the Minister to deliver opening remarks. The Minister and officials will then participate in a one-hour Q&A period with INAN members (details below). The Chair will suspend the meeting at the end of the Minister's and Deputy Minister's one-hour appearance. The meeting will resume and the Q&A session will resume with the Associate Deputy Minister and ISC officials for the second hour of meeting.

It is recommended that all speakers speak slowly and at an appropriate volume to ensure they are heard by the interpreters. All witnesses are asked to mute their microphones unless they are speaking.

While simultaneous translation will be available, witnesses appearing via Zoom are asked to respond to questions in either English or French, but to limit switching between languages mid-response as this may create technology/interpretation challenges.

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

Committee members will pose their questions in the following order:

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

The meeting can be watched via ParlvVU, however there may be an up to 70-second delay with the webcast.

Other information for appearing in person

• Witnesses should arrive early to allow time for security screening. Screening could take 30-minutes or more for those without a Hill pass.
• There is a maximum of 4 witnesses at the table (all departments) and 8 in the public gallery in total.

Self-determination

First Nations voices must come first when determining plans for their communities. We know, integrating traditional knowledge and First Nations-led solutions into emergency management planning is crucial.

I can point to Kashechewan First Nation's on-the-land initiative, a community-driven solution to protect their communities from the potential for flooding. We supported this community-led solution that best reflects their culture and in turn enabled families to stay together, fostered stronger connections to the land and the community and ensures their health, safety and well-being.

We have also made progress toward multilateral service agreements with First Nations organizations and provinces.

For example, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the First Nations Leadership Council have been working together through the current bilateral agreement and Memorandum of Understanding to develop a new emergency management multilateral agreement.

This will solidify First Nations' role in decisions affecting their communities and it will strengthen their capacity to prepare, mitigate, respond to and recover from future climate-related emergencies.

First signed in 2018 and renewed in February was the Collaborative Emergency Management Agreement between the Tŝilhqot'in National Government, the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia.

This agreement was the first of its kind in Canada and it works to build trust and strengthen relationships in the spirit of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In addition to this, other Government initiatives outline a shared path for a more climate resilient Canada through the National Adaptation Strategy. The strategy includes $1.6 billion in new federal funding commitments to help protect communities across the country including Indigenous communities.

We need to be truthful in acknowledging that there is still much to be done including on acting on the recommendations in the Auditory General's report, in signing agreements and building structural mitigation efforts.

As Minister, my role is to press for service excellence and transformation including additional investments needed to support better emergency management services for First Nations - and that is what I will continue to do.

Issue Summary

• The Emergency Management Assistance Program's (EMAP) response funding stream provides appropriate and necessary actions to manage the short-term consequences of an imminent or occurring emergency.
• EMAP has seen a notable increase in annual costs associated with response efforts Almost $500M has been reimbursed over the last ten years and $85M was reimbursed in fiscal year 2021-2022 for response efforts.

Key Messages

• The department provides timely response activities to First Nations that experience an emergency event, takes actions to prevent loss of life or injury and mitigate damages to infrastructure and environment.
• The department aims to provide response services to First Nations that are comparable to non-First Nation communities.
• The department has developed a Building Back Better Strategy Guide that supports risk reduction and community recovery. One of the key principles of this guide is to provide social, cultural and psychological support to aid community recovery.
• With increased pressures from climate change and a notable increase in the frequency and severity of emergency events, the EMAP's response pillar is essential in protecting the health and safety of on-reserve First Nations members and their infrastructure from hazards.
• The department continuously strives to meet the changing needs of First Nations communities. One recent initiative was the inclusion of Health Emergencies into EMAP Terms and Conditions (April 2022), which allows ISC to better support communities with their response to health emergencies.
• The department supports the resiliency of First Nation communities to respond to and recover from emergency events by encouraging collaborative partnerships, ensuring provincial comparability, and supporting cultural continuity.

Background

• The response pillar protects the health and safety of on-reserve First Nations members and their infrastructure from natural or accidental hazards.
• Eligible response activities may include measures to mitigate damages and protect people and infrastructure, actions that decrease the chance of evacuations or support evacuations when unavoidable, and actions associated with addressing health emergencies.
• A health emergency may include communicable, disease outbreaks, food and waste contamination, environmental health hazards and mental wellness emergencies.
• ISC works with provincial and territorial governments to ensure First Nation communities have access to comparable emergency assistance services available to other residents in their respective jurisdictions.
• In relation to evacuations, the response program aims to:
  • address the gap between the much higher likelihood of evacuation on reserve as compared to off reserve,
  • minimize the impacts of First Nations during evacuations.

Current Status

• Due to an increase in the frequency and severity of emergency events, the costs associated with response activities has increased over time.
• EMAP'S Response & Recovery A-Base funding of $29.3M has consistently not been sufficient and annual off-cycle requests are required to meet response needs.
• With Budget 2022, EMAP was able to access additional A-base funding of $85.7M per year over 3 years for Response and Recovery.
• On average, First Nation communities experience 54 flood emergencies, 32 wildland fires and 36 other emergencies, including public health emergencies annually.
• Over 144,000 First Nation community members living on reserve have been evacuated since 2009.

Issue Summary

• The Emergency Management Assistance Program's (EMAP) recovery funding stream supports measures taken after an emergency to repair and restore conditions to an acceptable level that existed prior to the emergency.
• EMAP has seen a notable increase in annual costs associated with recovery efforts. Over $400M has been reimbursed over the last ten years and over $67M was reimbursed in fiscal year 2021-2022 for recovery efforts.

Key Messages

• The department supports the resiliency of First Nation communities to recover from emergency events by returning evacuees to their communities as quickly and as safely as possible, by encouraging collaborative partnerships, ensuring provincial comparability, and supporting cultural continuity.
• The department has developed a Building Back Better Strategy Guide that supports the restoration of communities and assets in a manner that reduces the vulnerability of First Nation communities to disasters and strengthens the First Nations' community resilience. In consultation with impacted First Nations, a recovery project plan may include mitigation measures to improve its planning for future emergency events.
• With increased pressures from climate change and a notable increase in the frequency and severity of emergency events, the EMAP's recovery pillar is essential to assist First Nations with the remediation work required on impacted infrastructure and houses to restore them to pre-disaster conditions as rapidly as possible.
• The department continuously strives to meet the changing needs of First Nations communities. One recent initiative was the inclusion of Health Emergencies to EMAP Terms and Conditions (May 2022). This allows the department to better support communities with recovery activities in relation to health emergencies by providing holistic and culturally appropriate strategies to address health and social concerns following an emergency.

Background

• The recovery pillar involves efforts which serves those on reserve residents that have damages to their primary residence and community infrastructure.
• Recovery measures may commence during the response phase.
• First Nation residents are supported in the clean-up, restoration, repair, and replacement of basic and essential property through the recovery stream of EMAP.
• Building back better is a recovery framework that centres on supporting the restoration of communities and assets in a manner that achieves two goals:
  1. Reduces the vulnerability of First Nation communities to disasters
  2. Strengthens the First Nations' community resilience
• First Nations, tribal councils, provincial, territorial and other emergency service partners will be supported to adopt and implement activities that support the EMAP build back better goals.
• Mitigation enhancements undertaken within repair or reconstruction projects of damaged infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to future emergencies are considered for EMAP eligibility.

Current Status

• Due to an increase in the frequency and severity of emergency events, the costs associated with recovery activities has increased over time.
• EMAP'S Response & Recovery A-Base funding of $29.3M has consistently been exceeded and annual off-cycle requests are required to meet response needs.
• With Budget 2022, EMAP was successful in accessing additional A-base funding of $85.7M per year over 3 years for Response and Recovery.

Issue Summary

• The Auditor General of Canada's report, Managing Emergencies in First Nations Communities, included a number of findings on the Department's mitigation and preparedness programs, notably that ISC's actions were more reactive than preventative and that ISC had not identified capacity needs of First Nations communities and highest-risk First Nations communities.
• ISC's Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) directly supports on-reserve communities through the Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness funding stream, FireSmart program and the Capacity Enhancement program. These program elements strengthen communities, build resilience and directly support:
  1. mitigation - activities and practices designed to avoid or minimize impacts of an emergency; and
  2. preparedness - planning and readiness measures to enable effective response to and recovery from an emergency.

Key Messages

• The department's Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness funding stream, and its FireSmart, and Capacity Enhancement programs are part of the proactive approach to emergency management and directly support First Nations across the country.
• In alignment with our mandate to transfer services, ISC's mitigation and preparedness programs support First Nation communities to identify needs and develop specific projects to address emergency events. This includes enhancement of emergency management capacity by increasing emergency coordinator positions in communities. ISC will continue to support these positions as requested by First Nations to ensure the sustainably of capacity to manage emergencies.
• ISC is committed to respecting First Nation and Tribal Council autonomy during all phases of emergency events and supports communities as they administer their own emergency services. As such, the department respects that Emergency Management plans are community owned and updated when the First Nation deems necessary.
• The Risk level of a community is considered by ISC regional offices during the proposal review process in conjunction with the First Nation Partner who has requested ISC funding. The Risk level is also taken into account by EMAP in the determination of regional allocations for the preparedness funding streams using the following criteria: cost of First Nation emergencies, population, number of community-reported Emergencies, remoteness, and number of First Nation bands.
• Funding for mitigation and preparedness proposals has increased over the last years due to increased visibility of ISC programs and an awareness of the benefits of mitigation and preparedness measures. However, we acknowledge that more needs to do be done, so we are continuing to expand our reach and support initiatives across the country in collaboration with First Nations, especially in high risk areas.

Background

• The Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness program ($69 million over 5 years, starting in FY 2019-2020) supports small-scale projects undertaken by First Nations communities on reserve to prepare for and mitigate emergencies caused by natural disasters. Programming includes emergency management plan development and testing, all-hazard risk assessments, flood mapping, and emergency management forums.
• The FireSmart program ($47.72 million over 5 years, starting in FY 2019-2020) enhances First Nation communities' wildfire management capacity by supporting wildland fire non-structural mitigation and preparedness initiatives. Programming includes training First Nations teams in wildfire suppression duties, wildfire risk assessments, as well as fuel management and vegetation clearing, which reduces the intensity and spread of wildfires.
• The Capacity Enhancement program ($43.6 million over 5 years, starting in FY 2019-2020; $12.9 million ongoing) supports community disaster resilience by providing funding for First Nations to hire emergency management coordinators.

Current Status

Proposals for the mitigation and preparedness programs are reviewed on an ongoing basis until funding is exhausted. The mitigation and preparedness programs stay flexible to adapt and answer needs identified by First Nation communities as they prepare for future potential emergencies.

Issue Summary

• British Columbia has seen a series of emergencies over the past five years, with devastating fire seasons in 2017, 2018 and 2021 and compounding impacts of fires and flooding due to an atmospheric river in 2021. Following the 2018 Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs report, From the Ashes (PDF), ISC negotiated a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with the First Nations Leadership Council and the Province of British Columbia to work collectively to advance meaningful recognition and enhanced capacity of First Nations within all pillars of emergency management. As a next step to the existing tripartite Memorandum of Understanding, and in response to increasingly intense and frequent emergency events, the parties are discussing the pathway to negotiate a new emergency management agreement with the Province of British Columbia and the First Nations Leadership Council to advance inclusion of First Nations in Emergency Management. The First Nations Leadership Council put forward resolutions at the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs and First Nations Summit Annual General Assemblies related to First Nations involvement in negotiations on a new tripartite agreement for Emergency Services Funding. British Columbia Chiefs directed the First Nations Leadership Council to engage with First Nations in British Columbia and provide possible negotiation models for First Nations consideration in order for First Nations to engage in negotiation with Canada and British Columbia on the new trilateral agreement. The First Nations Leadership Council will report back to the British Columbia Chiefs with a final negotiation model for consideration.

Key Messages

• There is a continued priority to implement the current tripartite Emergency Management Services Memorandum of Understanding with the First Nations Leadership Council and the province of British Columbia and establish a new trilateral relationship for First Nations Emergency Management in British Columbia.
• In recent months, there has been notable progress made in British Columbia towards creating a new pathway for Emergency Management in British Columbia, and investments have been made to support First Nation-led service delivery, which builds regional capacity.
• Canada is committed to true and lasting reconciliation with First Nations in British Columbia and will work to develop a new relationship that implements the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and respecting First Nation knowledge, laws, values and approaches to ensure the inclusion of First Nations within emergency management.
• A five-year extension to the Collaborative Emergency Management Agreement with the Tsilhqot'in National government was signed in May 2022, to advance a government-to-government framework for emergency and wildfire management. The agreement is the first of its kind, and the extension includes funding for implementation.
• The 2021 and 2022 wildfire season and the Atmospheric River Event resulted in complex and challenging recovery issues for First Nation communities across British Columbia. ISC recognizes the need for increased preparedness and mitigation for First Nations in British Columbia. We are working together with First Nations, Emergency Management British Columbia, the First Nations Emergency Services Society and the First Nations Health Authority with the goal to co-develop approaches for sustainable changes to improve emergency management.
• In addition to the funds provided through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program, ISC has committed over $66 million in recovery funding to support affected First Nation communities in British Columbia. ISC is working closely with First Nations and partners to support complex recovery efforts, including loss of reserve land, replacing critical infrastructure and mitigating land erosion.
• There is also significant recovery work with the Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council, which includes Lytton First Nation, which is rebuilding following wildfires in line with Commitment Letters signed by the Provincial and Federal governments to work collaboratively in new ways together.
• In 2022-2023, the department provided over $11 million to the First Nations Emergency Services Society to support their work in all four pillars of emergency management: Preparedness, Mitigation, Response and Recovery in support of First Nations communities in British Columbia. Transferring emergency management service delivery to First Nations organizations is a key part of the department's work to improve emergency management planning.

Background

Current Status

Issue Summary

• Alberta's efforts to support First Nation communities in preparing for, and responding to emergency events.

Key Messages

• Our program funds Alberta Emergency Management Agency to collaborate with First Nations to create and maintain disaster plans, focusing on future emergency events and how to prepare for them.
• We engage with First Nations to determine if additional resources, training and development are required in Wildfire prevention and protection, Emergency Preparedness, and Disaster Mitigation and fund eligible activities based on First Nations' priorities.
• Our Government continues to engage with Indigenous leaders to support emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery from emergency events, in collaboration with the province and non-governmental organizations.

Background

Current Status

• The agreement with Alberta Emergency Management Agency will expire in 2024, however, there is a possibly of an extension. Further, the wildfire agreement is set to expire in 2025. This agreement may also be extended.
• Engagement sessions with Indigenous communities in Alberta on the future of emergency management are ongoing. As of August 31, 2022, 14 First Nations, and one tribal council have participated in initial engagement discussions. The First Nations and tribal council will provide further comments on the future of emergency management in Alberta.
• The Dene Tha' First Nation is waiting for ISC to expand the annual funding limitations and secure additional emergency management funding. Once the limitations are expanded, and additional funding is secured, the First Nation will be eligible to receive a reimbursement for expenses incurred in responding to the disaster event.

Issue Summary

The Saskatchewan Region consists of 9 Tribal Councils and 70 First Nations (10 of which are Independent from a Tribal Council). The Region is susceptible to emergency events including wildfire, flood, severe weather, extended power outages and impacts to critical infrastructure resulting from natural disasters. The region is also susceptible to health and social emergencies, brought on by the lingering effects of the pandemic, inter-generational trauma, and gaps in community infrastructure.

As of April 1, 2022, the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) expanded its scope to better respond to all-hazard emergency situations within current authorities, including public health emergencies in First Nation communities. By working in partnership, Indigenous Services Canada is advancing reconciliation through an all-hazard emergency management approach that includes four phases: mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

The Emergency Management Assistance Program along with the Health Emergency Management/Communicable Disease Emergencies Program have developed processes to meet the needs of our First Nation partners. Moving forward, ISC will work to ensure the consistent delivery of EMAP (within current authorities) and its work to advance self-determination. The department is committed to continuing to engage and work with Indigenous partners to establish shared priorities as they relate to All Hazards Emergency Management working towards a more coordinated and inclusive approach to support all hazards preparedness, response, and recovery.

ISC encourages and supports the development of emergency response plans that includes a health component and in which community responsibilities and processes are consistent and efficient. This includes support for dedicated Emergency Management Coordinator positions at the community level to develop all-hazard emergency plans, community risk assessments and training.

Key Messages

• ISC Saskatchewan Region has adopted an all-hazards approach to emergency management. Integrated emergency management is a shared responsibility between all levels of government and First Nations partners. Within Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Emergency Management (EM) and Health Emergency Management (HEM) are aligning themselves to work together when responding to on-reserve emergency events.
• In partnership with First Nations communities, provincial and non-government organizations, Indigenous Services Canada's Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) supports First Nation communities on reserve to access emergency assistance services comparable to services provided off-reserve.
• EMAP aims to be flexible, culturally sensitive, responsive to the unique strengths and customs of First Nation communities, and adaptive to the evolving challenges resulting from emergency events.
• This all hazards approach to Emergency Management supports the direction of Indigenous partners within Saskatchewan Region during emergency events to provide access to additional emergency supports in a streamlined manner. This approach also provides Indigenous partners with up to date information and communications on current status in community and creates an opportunity for partners to have direct access to updates and ISC supports.
• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Regional Emergency Management Program engages and has built relationships with First Nations, Tribal Councils, Indigenous organizations (Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management, Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority), and federal/provincial/agency partners (i.e., Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, Public Safety Canada, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Canadian Red Cross) to ensure a full spectrum of supports are in place to support First Nations during emergency events.
• ISC continues to engage closely with First Nations partners to establish shared priorities as they relate to Emergency Management.
• ISC Saskatchewan Region has developed a Critical Response Team (CRT) approach, working collaboratively with partners, to ensure regional coordination, program support and expertise during event response to support First Nations. This streamlined methodology aligns with the department's service excellence approach and provides partners a one window approach to emergency response.
• A recent emergency event that occurred in the Region that impacted a First Nation (James Smith Cree Nation) required extensive coordination and communication with the community's emergency management coordinator and leadership, as well as multiple Tribal Council emergency management coordinators and mental wellness providers to ensure community requests for supports were coordinated in a timely and effective manner.
• Throughout the event, ISC senior leadership, staff and partners remain fully engaged with First Nation leadership and representatives for situational awareness updates, requests for support, coordination of resources, communications with internal and external partners and ensuring essential services and supplies requested by the community were in place to support response.
• The Regional coordinated response supports First Nation natural disaster and health emergencies, implementing lessons learned from First Nation responses and investments into capacity development to manage emergency events and are supported through ISC's All Hazards Emergency Management Assistance Program.

Background

Current Status

• Regional Emergency Management continues to engage and work with First Nations, Tribal Councils, and federal/provincial partners to support First Nations capacity development on reserve through all pillars of emergency management. This includes identifying areas for additional resources and supports for planning, training, and human capacity to move forward in managing and decision-making.
• ISC Saskatchewan Region continues to support First Nations needs related to emergency management preparedness, response, and recovery as they are brought forward. At the request of the First Nation, the Regional Emergency Management Team coordinates and leverages program supports inclusive of health emergencies, impacts to infrastructure, and environmental hazards.
• ISC Saskatchewan Region continues to engage First Nation leadership on monthly calls where All Hazards Emergency response is discussed and direction is received from community leadership.

Issue Management

• Indigenous Service Canada's (ISC) Manitoba Region has a service agreement with the Canadian Red Cross to provide response services to First Nation communities during emergency events at the request of the Nation. This agreement expires on March 31, 2023. It is expected that this agreement will be extended for the next fiscal year.
• Multi-lateral relationships are being explored with Indigenous Organizations in Manitoba, to assist in supporting First Nations affected by emergency events.
• ISC-Manitoba Region maintains an annual agreement with the Province of Manitoba's Wildfire Services for wildfire suppression on-reserve.

Key Message

• The Government of Canada continues to engage with Indigenous leaders to support emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery from floods, in collaboration with provinces and non-governmental organizations.
• The department is committed to supporting First Nation communities requests for long-term plans and strategies to prepare for and mitigate against the increasing number of emergency events, which in turn reduces response activities.
• ISC's capacity enhancement funding provides support to all First Nations and Tribal Councils in Manitoba to enhance capacity by employing emergency coordinators.
• Spring and summer weather systems brought significant rain to southern Manitoba, causing overland flooding, loss of road access and evacuations. ISC worked directly with First Nations, the Province of Manitoba, and the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) to provide support to evacuated community members.
• As of November 16, 2022, 569 Peguis First Nation evacuees have been transitioned to long term evacuee supports through the Canadian Red Cross.
• ISC has provided advance payments in the amount of $7.5M. The Nation has provided one large submission totaling $8.9M that is currently under review by regional officials.
• ISC, Peguis First Nation and the Province of Manitoba will establish a working group to actively and comprehensively plan for long-term solutions.

Background

ISC established a 5-year service agreement with the CRC effective April 1, 2017, which provides preparedness and response services to First Nations in Manitoba during emergency situations as requested by the Nation. The agreement was renewed for an additional year, expiring March 31, 2023.

In emergencies such as wildfire and flood, First Nations in Manitoba can request the supports of the CRC, through ISC, to provide evacuee services. This may include emergency lodging and meals, reception, activities, personal services and family reunification services, financial assistance to address incremental costs of being out of their homes, the process of returning to their community once an emergency is over and it is safe to return.

Due to record levels of precipitation beginning in the spring and summer of 2022, widespread unprecedented overland flooding occurred throughout the central and southern portions of Manitoba.

ISC supported the following related to the 2022 spring and summer flooding:

• 27 First Nation communities requesting supports for flood mitigation and response activities;
• 8 First Nation communities declaring a state of local emergency;
• 7 First Nation communities experiencing partial evacuations due to road closures and flooding of houses and community infrastructure; and,
• 1 First Nation community experiencing a full evacuation.

Current Status

To date in 2022, two major events affected First Nations in Manitoba: spring and summer weather conditions (widespread flooding, extreme precipitation, over saturation of soils) and a 53,000ha wildfire in northwest Manitoba.

Due to flooding, the Peguis First Nation experienced a full evacuation, supported by the Canadian Red Cross beginning May 1, 2022.

Due to the wildfire and subsequent long-term hydro outage, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation experienced a full evacuation of 2,173 individuals, supported by ISC and the Canadian Red Cross, for a total of 45 days.

In 2022-23 (April 1 – October 31), the Regional Emergency Management team:

• Received 95 initial emergency calls to the ISC-RO 24/7 Duty Officer from 28 First Nations and 9 stakeholders.
• Responded to 18 severe weather events and three wildfires impacting 30 First Nations and 2 Nations experiencing issues with community safety.
• Supported the full evacuation of one Nation due to wildfire (2,173 evacuees).
• Supported partial evacuation of 12 First Nations (2384 evacuees) due to flooding and severe weather events.
• Supporting 15 Nations through post event recovery efforts.

Issue Summary

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) works closely with communities to support their response efforts, administering response and mitigation funding through the Emergency Management Assistance Program. First Nations communities along the James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts are disproportionately affected by flooding. During the 2022 flooding season, ISC introduced the Joint Command Approach to accelerate emergency management risk assessments and decision-making processes with key partners.

Currently, ISC and the Province of Ontario have a bilateral Emergency Management Service Agreement to ensure that First Nations on reserve receive emergency management services when needed. The department recognizes the opportunity to work with First Nations as full and equal partners in emergency management service agreements and response activities. To address this, the department is undertaking initiatives to develop and implement multilateral service agreements with Indigenous-led organizations across the province.

Key Messages

• Our Government continues to engage with Indigenous leaders as full and equal partners to support emergency preparedness, mitigation, and response and recovery efforts, in collaboration with provincial and non-governmental organizations.
• The Joint Command approach to emergency management was implemented during the 2022 spring flood season to ensure the full and equal participation of First Nations and Indigenous partners, streamline the processes for risk assessments, evacuation decision-making, and funding approvals so that partners could implement rapid responses.
• Given that there is no one-size-fits-all model, the department is advancing multilateral service agreements with Ontario and Indigenous-led organizations, while also prioritizing capacity building, so that First Nations are best equipped to manage emergencies in their communities.

Background

• Under the Emergency Management Assistance Program, ISC provides funding to First Nations, Tribal Councils, Indigenous Representative Organizations and other Indigenous-led organizations to mitigate and recover from emergencies. The Canadian Armed forces accepted the request for assistance to evacuate communities impacted by 2022 spring flooding along James Bay and Hudson Bay, including Kashechewan, Fort Albany and Attawapiskat. All persons evacuated have been repatriated back to their respective communities.
• The 2022 wildfire season saw significantly fewer fires (221) than the 10-year average of 825, and last year's peak of 1,198 total wildfires. Nevertheless, the department's commitment to build First Nation emergency response capacity and to build back better will help ensure Indigenous communities are prepared for future events.
• ISC funds a network of Emergency Management Coordinators, which include Indigenous subject matter experts who are able to deploy to First Nations in crisis. Funding support for coordinator positions are allocated to Indigenous organizations where most of the emergencies historically happen, aiding in rapid response efforts.
• The current 10-year bilateral agreement between ISC and Ontario expires in 2028, however work is underway to engage First Nations on the development of multilateral agreements that recognize First Nations as full and equal partners in decision-making processes and implementation mechanisms, supporting the right to self-determination, and building a foundation for the department's service transfer mandate.
• "Indigenous Services Canada funded a cost-effective community-driven initiative for evacuations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kashechewan First Nation is in northern Ontario on the western coast of James Bay. The on-reserve population in 2019 was 1,825 band members. Kashechewan is a fly-in community without an all-season road. The closest urban community is Timmins, about 460 kilometres away. Every year since 2012, the community has been evacuated because of flooding or as a precaution because of the risk of spring flooding. Typically, the community was evacuated to host communities in northern Ontario. In both 2020 and 2021, community members were evacuated because of the risk of flooding. Rather than staying in a host community, the First Nation requested and received funding from Indigenous Services Canada to remain on their land and move to higher ground on their traditional hunting camps. Each of these evacuations lasted about 6 weeks. While they were living on their land, members participated in safe and culturally relevant activities, such as traditional community food harvesting and gathering, intergenerational knowledge sharing, and Indigenous language education. The cost of the 2 evacuations in 2020 and 2021 was about $140 per person per day compared with about $235 per person per day to evacuate to host communities in 2018 and 2019."

Current Status

• ISC supports First Nations affected by emergencies with expedited response and recovery invoice reconciliation processes and funding. The department is also advancing funding for projects that prepare for and mitigate risks ahead of the 2023 flood season.
• ISC is continuing to make investments in Indigenous-led and culturally appropriate training at the community level such as: ISN Maskwa all female evacuation support specialty security training in Thunder Bay in March 2022; mental health first aid; evacuation support specialist protection training in 2021; basic security guard training including first aid and CPR; critical incident stress debriefing; and search and rescue.
• ISC is working with partners to develop a regional strategy for multilateral emergency management service agreements. A proposed approach has been circulated to guide discussions with First Nation partners, including Chiefs of Ontario and other Indigenous-led organizations, as well as the province of Ontario.
• The department has proposed the following phased approach:
  • Bolster First Nation Emergency Management leadership, which includes formalizing the Joint Command approach;
  • Identify First Nation partners;
  • Engage on the new Emergency Management paradigm;
  • Develop a Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding;
  • Co-develop the new paradigm with First Nation partners;
  • Develop Authority to Sign new agreements; and,
  • Implement Multilateral Service Agreements.
• Concurrently, ISC is working with the province and First Nation partners on a "lessons learned" process to evaluate and improve existing emergency management mitigation and response processes. Looking forward, to respond to concerns from the province of Ontario, ISC will work with partners to clarify roles and responsibilities associated with the communication and dissemination of timely and critical information, in addition to review options for safe and culturally appropriate evacuation facilities.
• A Wildfire Management Agreement was signed with the province in 1991. The agreement has no set termination date and continues to reimburse the province for costs incurred for wildfire suppression services on reserve.

Issue Summary

• Discussions with the Government of Quebec (between 2010 and 2019) resulted in an agreement to reimburse the Province of Quebec for response and recovery expenses only (it does not include the other pillars, i.e. prevention-mitigation and emergency preparedness).
• The agreement with Quebec remains fragile as; First Nations and Indigenous organizations were not consulted, the agreement excludes communities that are not considered on-reserve, and it does not consider emergency management in a holistic manner (public health and social crises are not considered).
• The province has asked Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to commit to updating the list of communities eligible for the EMAP. The interpretation of the eligibility of communities for EMAP will need to be clarified within ISC.

Key Messages

• Discussions with representatives of the Government of Quebec will be necessary in order to encourage the recognition of First Nations as partners in emergency management in Quebec, notably within multilateral agreements.
• Maintaining and growing the capacity of First Nations is a priority of ISC and the Quebec region and, as a result, initiatives are currently in place to support capacity building of Indigenous communities and organizations.
• The region is exploring, with Indigenous partners, possible actions to advance the assumption of emergency management services by them.

Background

Current Status

Issue Summary

• Emergency Management, regional overview and key events for First Nations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Key Messages

• The Atlantic region consists of 33 First Nations with reserve lands, and approximately 50 inhabited communities throughout four Atlantic provinces. The region is susceptible to emergency events that include hurricanes, overland flooding, severe weather events such as ice storms and failures of critical infrastructure.
• ISC Atlantic Emergency Management Assistance program staff engage regularly with regional emergency management partners including the provincial emergency measures organizations and Public Safety Canada. While dialogue is good, there is room for growth including formal multi-lateral agreements to support Indigenous partners being an equal player and decision maker at the table.
• Following Hurricane Fiona, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) received reports of flooding, erosion, downed trees, damages to infrastructure as a result of winds and power outages. Currently, the department is supporting recovery efforts in affected provinces.

Background

Current Status

• While significant accomplishments have been made in the Atlantic region on emergency preparedness, we recognize there is more work to be done – this includes additional planning, training and additional human capacity to focus on preparing for and responding to emergency events.
• The emergency management capacity positions established in the Atlantic region in fiscal year 2020-2021 are key to emergency preparedness and continue to provide valuable support and resources as they are active full time positions. These dedicated positions coordinate preparedness work and support their member communities during emergency response and through the recovery process. The positions were also fully involved with the COVID-19 pandemic response, coordinating supports during outbreaks that impacted First Nation communities.
• ISC's Atlantic region has been able to support eligible preparedness and non-structural mitigation projects as they are received. With no deadline for proposals, ISC Atlantic can respond to First Nations needs as they are brought forward, allowing flexible planning for First Nations. ISC Atlantic Emergency Management staff have also collaborated with First Nation and Inuit Health Branch programs to support First Nations emergency management projects and capacity positions.
• At this point in time, there are no formal multi-lateral emergency management service agreements in place between ISC, the four Atlantic provinces and First Nations. We recognize this is a gap and are working diligently with stakeholders on a path forward. With the relationships established between the parties, we hope to build on that and formalize multi-lateral services agreements.
• The bilateral service agreement between ISC and Prince Edward Island has been in place for over five years; it is renewed annually and there is a good relationship between the province, ISC and First Nations. Through this relationship, work is underway and negotiations continue on a multi-lateral service agreement to have First Nations at the table as full and equal partners.
• ISC have had initial discussions with one Tribal Council in New Brunswick on a multi-lateral service agreement and work is underway to engage the other two Tribal Councils. Through initial discussions with New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, they are supportive of a multi-lateral agreement and currently provides emergency management support to First Nations.
• Discussions of a multi-lateral agreement in Nova Scotia date back to 2013-14 and since COVID-19, discussions have stalled as the focus turned to COVID-19 response. The department is looking to reengage these discussions, particularly since Capacity positions have been established in the two Tribal Councils in Nova Scotia that represent all Frist Nations in the province.
• In Newfoundland and Labrador, no discussions on a multi-lateral service agreement have occurred to date. The provincial stance on the topic is emergency management for on-reserve is a Federal responsibility. Despite this, during the wildland fire in Newfoundland during the summer of 2022, First Nations and ISC work collaboratively with the province as well as neighbouring communities during the response.

Kashechewan First Nation

• In 2017 the Government of Canada and Kashechewan First Nation signed an agreement to explore options for relocating the community to higher ground. Beginning in 2020, Kashechewan First Nation began an On-The-Land Initiative where community members an estimated 1,400 residents from Kashechewan and 500 from neighbouring Fort Albany self-isolate in their traditional hunting camps for approximately one month.
• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) approved funding of up to $4.2 million through the Emergency Management Assistance Program to support the purchase of necessary provisions, supplies and equipment for the On-the-Land initiative, as well as for the transportation of residents to and from the hunting camps.

Peguis First Nation

• Peguis First Nation was relocated in 1907 to its current location at the flood-prone Fisher River delta. The community experiences flooding every 3-4 years on average.
• Peguis First Nation experiences recurring flooding and has had long term evacuees since 2011. Despite recurring flooding, the community has no permanent flood mitigation measures and relies on temporary measures such as sandbagging when flooding occurs.
• To support flood mitigation efforts during the 2022 floods, the Government of Canada provided Peguis First Nation with $2.5 million in funding.

Flood Insurance

• In light of the growing threat to the safety of Canadian communities due to climate change and continued urbanization in high-risk flood areas, the Government of Canada is moving forward with a number of measures to help Canadians reduce their financial and physical vulnerability to flooding.
• Public Safety Canada has been mandated to review and advance a flood risk plan for Canada; one of the plan's components includes establishing a national task force to review and develop options for a national affordable flood insurance program and measures for potential relocation. As part of that effort, Public Safety has recently released Adapting to Rising Flood Risk: An Analysis of Insurance Solutions for Canada which outlines options for bringing affordable flood insurance to Canadians.
• To ensure the considerations of First Nations on reserve are included in this work, ISC and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) co-lead a Steering Committee and a Technical Working Group on First Nations Home Flood Insurance Needs to gain a baseline understanding of flood insurance on-reserve and to capture on reserve needs through First Nation-led engagement.
• The Steering Committee on First Nations Home Flood Insurance Needs will provide an opportunity for First Nation communities to contribute their knowledge and lived experiences in preparing for and responding to flooding.
• Flood insurance can be purchased through insurance providers. Many First Nations communities face such an extreme risk of flooding that insurance firms are unwilling in offer flood insurance on those reserves. Uninsured properties on-reserve that suffer flooding damage are covered under ISC's Emergency Management Assistance Program's Response and Recovery funding.
• Residential insurance accessibility is limited on reserve as many insurance firms are hesitant to provide insurance on reserve. Insurance firm hesitation stems from a variety of factors such as lack of risk data/analysis, unclear liability, lack of accredited services on reserve (ex: firefighting), or high costs to insure.
• The cost of flood insurance is often unaffordable in First Nation communities that face a high risk of floods. This reality leaves ISC's Emergency Management Assistance Program as the only remaining option for financial compensation for flood damage on-reserve.

Flood Mapping

• ISC's Emergency Management Assistance Program provides funding through its Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness funding stream to support flood mapping activities on reserve. Some communities have conducted their own flood mapping project but the results of which are not recorded by ISC.
• Off reserve, flood mapping is largely conducted by provincial governments and its public accessibility varies by province. There is currently no publicly available national flood risk map.
• Public Safety Canada is exploring options of more comprehensive flood mapping to provide a better understanding of flood risk across Canada.

High Risk Areas

• First Nation communities, in aggregate, face some of the highest risk of flooding in the country.
• Due to a lack of available flood mapping data, the extent of flood risk faced by First Nation communities is not clear.
• ISC is working to support Public Safety Canada efforts to create more comprehensive and accurate flood mapping tools to ensure communities, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, are aware of the risks they face and are able to mitigate those risks.

Issue Summary

• Currently, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has eight bilateral agreements with provinces and territories (P/Ts) to deliver emergency management services to on-reserve First Nations.
• As First Nations were not included as signatories in these agreements, ISC is now moving towards establishing multilateral emergency management service agreements to include First Nations as full and equal partners.
• New agreements will ensure First Nations are at the forefront of decision making when it comes to building capacity and resiliency to better equip communities from the effects climate change and increases in emergencies.

Key Messages

• As First Nations are increasingly expressing a desire to be considered as partners in the delivery of emergency management services, the department is actively listening and working to develop new multilateral agreements. The department is also working to build capacity and engaging First Nations on approaches that are aligned with their vision.
• The department is taking steps to develop multilateral service agreements. This includes engaging and initiating conversations with all partners to identify the right tools. New regional strategies are being used to inform a cohesive national approach for the future of emergency management service delivery for all on-reserve First Nations.
• New initiatives, such as the signing of a Trilateral MOU in British Columbia and an innovative Joint Command Governance Model in Ontario, demonstrate the collaborative direction that we are moving towards which supports our service transfer mandate.
• Multilateral agreements will help advance the transfer and control over the development of emergency management services to First Nations and advance reconciliation.

Background

• Eight bilateral agreements have been established across Canada. As some of these agreements are set to expire within the next few years, ISC is using this as an opportunity to transition its approach to move forward with multilateral agreements that include the department, provinces and territories or third parties, and First Nation communities as full and equal partners.
• To ensure the full engagement of First Nation partners, ISC is working to develop regional strategies that take into account each regional context.
• British Columbia has made notable progress towards developing a multilateral agreement by signing a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the province of British Columbia in 2017. This MOU established a process to advance meaningful recognition and enhance capacity in emergency management. This preliminary agreement outlines the ongoing commitment to incorporate Indigenous knowledge, Indigenous decision-making, and gives First Nations the capacity to prevent and respond to emergencies.
  • The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs and the First Nations Summit have put forward resolutions requesting approval to develop negotiation models for First Nations' consideration in order for them to engage in negotiation with Canada and British Columbia on the new multilateral agreement.
  • The FNLC has agreed to develop a framework agreement to support negotiations, modelled after other frameworks for Health, Education and modern treaties. Work is anticipated to begin in Fall 2022.
• Ontario has also made progress towards the development of a multilateral agreement. In 2022, a Joint Command Governance Model was developed between ISC, Indigenous partners and the province in advance of the wildfire and flood season to streamline the process from when a First Nation makes a request for help to the point of providing a coordinated emergency response.
  • As part of this Joint Command, ISC will help fund two First Nation-led proposals, which in turn help build capacity and emergency management models for First Nations to build from when establishing multilateral service agreements.
• In Manitoba, multiple First Nation-led partners that have expressed an interest in leading emergency management for First Nations in their region. Interested partners include, but are not limited to, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Southern Chiefs Organization, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., and individual First Nations.

Current Status

• Over the past 3 years, from 2019-20 to 2021-22, $1.37 million was made available to support First Nations-led engagement on emergency management services agreements. This provided an opportunity for First Nation communities to share their views on emergency management and articulate their vision for the future, however many of these engagements and discussions were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Now that the country is learning and adapting from the COVID-19 pandemic, a renewed approach is being sought between ISC and its partners to discuss multilateral service agreements particularly with one that integrates health emergency preparedness and preparing/adapting to climate change impacts.

Issue Summary

• Since the inception of the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) in 2014, which created a single-window approach for First Nations on-reserve to access emergency management supports, the emergency management landscape has evolved and become more complex.
• Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of emergencies, and First Nation partners are increasingly looking for autonomy in program development and delivery, and to be considered as partners in governance and decision making tables.
• Additionally, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) indicated that emergency management service agreements and wildfire agreements should include all First Nations.
• As a result, an emergency management transformation is needed to better meet the needs of First Nations and provide communities and organizations with the necessary supports to exercise self-determination and self-governance. EMAP is looking at meeting these challenges through creating more financial flexibility, specifically when dealing with mitigation and preparedness measures, moving forward.

Key Messages

• ISC is committed to developing a nation-to-nation relationship with First Nation partners, who are increasingly expressing a desire to be more involved in the development and delivery of emergency management services.
• The OAG has indicated that First Nations should be included in the establishment and implementation of service agreements.
• The department is actively working to develop new multilateral emergency management service agreements in each region with First Nation partners to create full and equal partnerships.
• Engaging Indigenous leaders, and implementing adaptation measures and new or innovative approaches is key to reducing impacts and increasing resiliency in communities. The Government will continue to work with communities to use their local knowledge.
• The Government is committed to enhancing First Nations community capacity and preparing for emergency events, especially in the context of climate change. It plans to do this through increasing financial flexibility, increasing access to funding for First Nation communities, and the freedom to use the funds in a manner best suited to their community.
• Following recommendations in the OAG Report, the department has put forward plans to update EMAP to allow for more proactive funding measures and increasing the program's ability to adapt to needs identified by First Nations. The department aims to make the program more flexible in order to better align with a true all-hazards approach to emergency management.

Background

• Since April 1, 2014, the Department has been providing emergency management services under four pillars – mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery – to on-reserve First Nation communities through the EMAP. Services were traditionally governed by emergency management service agreements between the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories.
• Budget 2019 provided $201 million over five years, starting in 2019-20, with $49.4 million per year ongoing to support increased resiliency and emergency management on-reserve, including health emergencies. This led to the establishment of key program streams, such as the implementation of Emergency Management Coordinators in on-reserve First Nation communities and the establishment of the FireSmart program.
• In April 2019, ISC signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on Emergency Management Services with the First Nation Leadership Council (FNLC) and the Province of British Columbia. This established a foundation with First Nation partners to create a relationship based on full and equal partnership and begins a shift from bilateral service agreements between ISC and the provinces and territories to establishing agreements with the full inclusion of First Nation partners.
• Further program evolution occurred in 2021 where EMAP's Treasury Board Submission served as a vehicle to permanently include health emergencies under the program to support a more holistic approach to emergency management response and recovery. Building on this success, ISC is now exploring forward looking program changes that could broaden the scope of EMAP and lead to improved service delivery in on-reserve First Nation communities.

Current Status

• ISC is developing a strategic path forward to develop a consistent approach to developing multilateral service agreements, focusing on financial flexibility, with First Nation partners and provincial and territorial counterparts. These plans are being informed through engagement with Regional Office colleagues and First Nation partners.
• ISC will build on 2019 investments and continue to target funding opportunities to expand EMAP and the department's ability to provide more timely, and higher-quality services to First Nation on-reserve communities.
• ISC will continue to engage First Nation partners and other partners on how to expand and enhance the EMAP program to better meet the needs of First Nation communities, and create an environment of First Nation-led service delivery.

Emergency Management Assistance Program

EMAP helps communities on reserve access emergency assistance services, including health emergencies. The program also provides funding to provinces, territories and non-government organizations to support on-reserve emergency management.

ISC partner programs within emergency management:

• First Nations & Inuit Health Branch: Health EM provides funding support for health emergency preparedness, capacity building and knowledge mobilization.
• Indigenous Community Support Fund: The "single window" funding approach that provided more than $1.8B to Indigenous leadership and organizations to prevent, prepare and respond to COVID-19.
• First Nation Infrastructure Fund (FNIF): Strategic investments in critical and permanent infrastructure support on-reserve communities by modifying hazards and making the design and construction of assets more resilient.
• Structural Fire Protection: core capital funding to First Nations on an annual basis that can be used for fire protection services as well as fire insurance.

Co-Chairs of Cabinet Committee on Safety, Security and Emergencies

"You will exercise leadership and coordinate efforts to strengthen emergency management in Canada, ensuring a strategic, integrated and proactive approach across all hazards, including public health emergencies."

"Work with First Nations and provincial and territorial government partners to strengthen the governance and service delivery for First Nations emergency preparedness, management and recovery."

Total over 5 years: $169 million (ISC) + $48 million (Fire Smart/Public Safety)

• $1.37 million over 3 years: Collaboration & Governance
  • to engage FNs across CA in development of trilateral emergency management service agreements
• $43.63 million: Capacity Building
  • For funding dedicated to EM notional positions in FNs (planning, training, response).
• $69 million over 5 years: Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness
  • Over 5 years for projects for preparedness & non-structural mitigation (e.g. training, planning, & exercises, etc.)
• $48 million over 4 years: Infrastructure/structural mitigation
  • In new costs over 5 years to support structural mitigation projects.
• $48 million over 5 years: FireSmart
  • for work over 5 years to prevent and prepare against wildland fires (e.g. fire mapping, training, fuel reduction, etc.)
• $7.2 million: 11 FTEs
  • For salaries and O&M for surge capacity & to increase ISC's capacity to deliver EM services related to natural disaster emergencies

Text alternative for: FN EM notional positions

Total nominal positions funded of Emergency Management coordinators in each province/territory:

• Yukon: 1
• Northwest Territories: 1
• British Columbia: 13
• Alberta: 10
• Saskatchewan: 15
• Manitoba: 22
• Ontario: 21
• Quebec: 6
• Atlantic provinces: 7

First Nations Emergency Management

• BC has three Indigenous Representative Organizations (BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs) who come together to work on common interests as the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC).
• There are 203 First Nations in BC, the majority of whom have never signed treaties with the Crown. As the rights and title holders, these First Nations must be consulted individually by Canada. They are not represented by the political organizations, tribal councils or the FNLC.
• In BC, the EM service agreement is with Emergency Management British Columbia (EMBC).
• Upon signing in 2017, BC First Nations objected under the principle of "nothing about us without us". As a result, following resolutions to negotiate from the three political assemblies, ISC, EMBC and the FNLC negotiated a Tripartite MOU on EM Services that was signed on April 27, 2019. The intent of the MOU is to ensure that First Nations are included as full partners in both the governance and operations of emergency management on-reserve. As a next step, Canada and BC have declared their desire to negotiate a new service agreement that includes First Nations.
• Through EMBC, ISC reimburses eligible response and recovery costs. In addition, EMAP supports First Nation partners in their efforts to increase community-based capacity and disaster resilience through mitigation and preparedness activities.
• ISC also has a service agreement with BC Wildfire Service to provide wildfire suppression support on reserve.

First Nations' Emergency Services Society (FNESS)

• FNESS evolved from the Society of Native Indian Fire Fighters of BC (est. 1986). Initial objectives were to help reduce the number of fire-related deaths on reserve, but changed emphasis to incorporate a greater spectrum of EM services. In 1994, the Society of Native Indian Fire Fighters of BC changed its name to FNESS to reflect its growing diversity of services provided.
• In BC, First Nations increasingly link EM to broader issues, including climate change and land use stewardship. First Nations and their political organizations are seeking to advance self determination and inherent jurisdiction within the context of EM.
• FNESS works closely with communities, EMBC, ISC and stakeholders, to support the implementation of EM activities with First Nations communities. FNESS supports First Nations in developing and sustaining safer and healthier communities and delivers EM focused programs and services.
• FNESS delivers approximately $2,364,678.67 per year under the Fire Smart program on behalf of ISC. In 2022-2023, ISC provided over $11M to FNESS to support their work in all four pillars of emergency management. This includes: $2.7M for community fire services; $2.6M for forest fuel management; and $5.8M to support emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery.
• The Province also recently provided a grant of $10M to support First Nation emergency response.
• FNLC has expressed their support for the FNESS and the need for increased capacity and funding. ISC is currently engaged with the FNLIC and the Province on implementing the current EM Services MOU and establishing a new trilateral relationship.
• FNESS is currently engaging with First Nations to determine the best governance structure to ensure that it represents all BC First Nations.

After action reports and priority actions

Joint Command Governance Model

When there is an emergency event in a first nation community, a request for help goes to a no wrong door approach. The request can go to IFNA, emergency services, emergency management coordinators, (tribal councils), Indigenous Services Canada duty officer, provincial emergency operation center, Missanabie Cree First Nation/ISN Maskwa duty officer, or the "stronger together" team. These groups come together in a joint command call to do a risk assessment, decision making and approval process. This call includes various levels such as federal, Ontario/provincial and Indigenous partners. As required, and at the request of the chief, other partners can be notified, including Indigenous partners, other First Nations leadership, host communities, health and social service providers, NGOs, provinces, and other federal departments. All partners that are notified then work together to produce a response to the emergency event.

Pathway To A New Multilateral Relationship In Ontario for Emergency Management

Joint Command Governance Model

When there is an emergency event in a first nation community, a request for help goes to a no wrong door approach. The request can go to IFNA, emergency services, emergency management coordinators, (tribal councils), Indigenous Services Canada duty officer, provincial emergency operation center, Missanabie Cree First Nation/ISN Maskwa duty officer, or the "stronger together" team. These groups come together in a joint command call to do a risk assessment, decision making and approval process. This call includes various levels such as federal, Ontario/provincial and Indigenous partners. As required, and at the request of the chief, other partners can be notified, including Indigenous partners, other First Nations leadership, host communities, health and social service providers, NGOs, provinces, and other federal departments. All partners that are notified then work together to produce a response to the emergency event.

Indigenous Partner Leads for 2022 season

Alberta

10-year bilateral agreement signed in 2014 between the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and Indigenous Services Canada

British Columbia

• 10-year bilateral agreement signed in 2017 with the Government of British Columbia
• Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2019 between the Government of British Columbia, the First Nation Leadership Council and Indigenous Services Canada
• A Collaborative Emergency Management Agreement was signed in 2018 between the Tsilhqot'in National Government and Indigenous Sberrvicietsicsahnacdaolumbia

Manitoba

5-year bilateral service agreement signed in 2017 between the Canadian Red Cross and Indigenous Services Canada, renewed on an ongoing basis

N.W.T.

Bilateral agreement signed in 2015 between the Government of the Northwest Territories and Indigenous Services Canada

Ontario

10-year bilateral agreement signed in 2018 between the Government of Ontario and Indigenous Services Canada

P.E.I.

5-year bilateral agreement signed in 2015 between the Government of Prince Edward Island and Indigenous Services Canada, renewed on an ongoing basis

Quebec

• 5-year bilateral agreement signed in 2019 between the Government of Quebec and Indigenous Services Canada
• 5-year bilateral agreement signed in 2017 between the Canadian Red Cross and Indigenous Services Canada for preparedness and training

Yukon

• 7-year bilateral agreement signed in 2016 between the Government of Yukon and Indigenous Services Canada

There are no signed service agreements in:

• Newfoundland & Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Saskatchewan
• Nunavut (as there are no First Nation reserves in the territory)

Issue Summary

• The Government of Canada recognizes that First Nation, Inuit and Métis Peoples are among the most at risk and face unique challenges in addressing COVID-19. During the COVID-19 crisis, the health and wellbeing of First Nation, Inuit and Métis, including those living in urban areas and off reserve, has been and will remain Indigenous Services Canada's (ISC) primary focus.
• The COVID-19 pandemic response in Canada has entered a transitionary phase, with jurisdictions easing restrictions, and the focus moving towards recovery. However, risks associated with COVID-19 remain, especially when considering the possibility of new Variants of Concern.
• It is within this evolving landscape, the need to balance a transition towards recovery while remaining flexible and diligent towards emerging and residual risks, that the Indigenous Community Support Fund advances into 2022-23. In close collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation, the Minister continues to deliver distinctions-based support in response to COVID-19.

Key Messages

• The Indigenous Community Support Fund was established as a no wrong-door approach to provide direct funding to Indigenous leadership and organizations to ensure Indigenous leadership and organizations have the flexibility required to design and implement community-based solutions to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the spread of COVID-19 in their communities.
• Since March 2020, more than $2 billion has been allocated to the Indigenous Community Support Fund.
• The Government of Canada continues to provide support to Indigenous communities as they face ongoing challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic as we transition to the wind-down of COVID-19-related funding.
• Funding has been disbursed via a combination of direct allocations, which provide flexibility to partners to identify and support their own priorities, and a needs-based process, to ensure continued access to funding for urgent needs.
• Budget 2022 invested an additional $190.5 million in 2022-23 to the Indigenous Community Support Fund. An additional $50 million in funding was announced on August 2, 2022, bringing the Government of Canada's total investment to the Indigenous Community Support Fund in 2022-23 to $240.5 million.
• Budget 2022 funding will be similarly implemented using a combination of direct allocations and needs-based funding processes.

Background

• The Indigenous Community Support Fund was introduced in March 2020 to provide funding to Indigenous communities and organizations to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been playing a supporting role to the First Nations Inuit and Health Branch-led pandemic response, dedicating financial resources to cover eligible expenses that First Nations Inuit and Health Branch does not assume. Since March 2020, the Government of Canada has allocated more than $2 billion to Indigenous Community Support Fund.
• The Indigenous Community Support Fund is delivered via the program authorities of three existing programs: the Emergency Management Assistance Program and the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program for First Nations on reserve, while funding to support off-reserve Indigenous organizations and communities, Inuit and Métis, Self-Governing and Modern Treaty Nations are allocated via the Urban Programming for Indigenous People. The temporary amendments to the Emergency Management Assistance Program and the Urban Programming for Indigenous People terms and conditions remain valid until March 31, 2023.
• The Indigenous Community Support Fund has utilized a combination of three delivery models to allocate funds to eligible recipients: direct allocations to First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation utilizing a funding formula methodology; a proposal needs-based approach for all distinctions-based groups; and, contingency funding allocations to respond rapidly to acute pressures, such as outbreaks. Commonly funded activities include: perimeter security, the purchase of personal protective equipment, measures to address food insecurity, incremental staff costs, mental wellness, cultural, and seniors supports, and preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Budget 2022 announced an additional $190.5 million in funding for the Indigenous Community Support Fund to continue to support Indigenous communities and organizations in their efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. On August 2, 2022, Finance Canada approved the transfer of an additional $50 million in funding, originally allocated towards the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Public Health envelope, to supplement the Indigenous Community Support Fund, bringing the total Indigenous Community Support Fund funding this year to $240.5 million. Funding will be distributed via a combination of direct allocations to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities based on previously used formulas, and through a needs-based process open to urban and off-reserve Indigenous communities and organizations.

Current Status

• The pandemic has underscored ongoing gaps and challenges within Indigenous communities, particularly for vulnerable community members. Communities and organizations have received significant supports in areas of food and perimeter security, which must be phased out cautiously and with careful consideration to avoid future funding gaps.
• As the pandemic has progressed, Indigenous needs have shifted to include vaccine roll out supports (e.g., public communications material), mobile clinics for urban/off reserve members), as well as mental health, elder and cultural supports. These activities have specifically targeted areas not traditionally covered by the COVID-19 Public Health Response Fund, including for urban and off reserve Indigenous communities and organizations.
• As the department shifts towards a recovery and winding down phase, the aforementioned needs are anticipated to remain a priority (e.g., mental health, elder, and cultural supports), in addition to activities including but not limited to recovery activities such as retrofitting or removing temporary COVID-19-related minor infrastructure, and updating community pandemic plans with lessons learned.
• Through two tranches in July and October 2022, a total of $200 million has been transferred to regional offices for distribution of direct allocations to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The distribution is the following:
  • $148.3M for First Nations on-reserve, Self-Governing and Modern Treaty Nations;
  • $31M for Inuit; and
  • $20.7M for the Métis Nation.
• $40.5M has been set aside for an ongoing needs-based request process open to urban and off-reserve Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Additionally, $57.6 million in re-profiled 2021-22 funding is set aside as a contingency fund to ensure funds are available for outbreaks and other unforeseen circumstances.
• First Nations and Inuit may also access funding to address their COVID-19 response needs, where applicable, through the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch's Public Health funding envelope.

Issue Summary

• ISC is responsible for 16 First Nation communities through the Emergency Management Assistance Program in Yukon and Northwest Territories. ISC does not have emergency management jurisdiction in Nunavut as there are no on reserve First Nation communities in the territory.
• First Nation partners in the North have expressed a desire to become involved in emergency management and decision-making processes.
• Responsibility for emergency management services in the North rests with the territorial governments. The territorial governments are responsible for providing emergency services to all residents throughout all communities in the territories. Each territorial government has an emergency management/measures act which outlines the roles and responsibilities of local authorities, the territorial government, and the federal government.

Key Messages

• When an emergency event occurs, such as the recent flooding this past summer, we have seen how all partners are able to mobilize and work closely together to respond to the needs of all communities.
• ISC maintains effective communications with the territorial governments and First Nation partners, which is crucial during an emergency and to ensure that First Nations are able to access the recovery supports needed.
• To prepare against the threat of climate change, First Nation partners are interested in strengthening their capacity, partly through the development of a new multilateral service agreement on emergency management.
• ISC is working closely with First Nation leaders and territorial governments to advance plans and initiatives that incorporate First Nations as full and equal partners in emergency management.
• ISC will also continue to work with First Nation leaders to provide culturally competent emergency services to First Nation communities in the North.

Background

• Emergency management in the North (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) functions similarly to the rest of Canada. Each territorial government has its own emergency management/measures act, which outlines how local authorities, the territorial government and federal government respond to an emergency.
• Many Indigenous communities have their own emergency management plans and will often work in collaboration with territorial governments to conduct emergency management activities. The territorial governments will provide funding and resources to communities for emergency planning and response.
• When an emergency impacts an Indigenous community, it is the responsibility of local authorities to respond. If the emergency response exceeds the capacity of local authorities, then the territorial government will be requested to assist. If the capacity of the territorial government is exhausted, then the federal government will be asked to step in.
• Public Safety Canada is responsible for the coordination of emergency management across the federal government, and monitors emergency events in all three territories. Public Safety only provides support at the request of the territorial government, and once all resources have been exhausted.
• Although many Indigenous communities in the North are considered low-risk for emergencies, many emergencies require intervention from the federal government. This is largely due to a lack of resources and funding available at the territorial level.
• The Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) at ISC supports on reserve First Nation communities. The Program works in partnership with First Nation partners and provincial and territorial governments.
• EMAP does not have operations in Nunavut as there are no on reserve First Nation communities in the territory and residents of the territory are supported by the Nunavut Emergency Management Organization. However, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC) programs such as the Climate Change Preparedness in the North indirectly contribute to emergency capacity building in Indigenous communities.
• There are only two on reserve First Nation communities in the Northwest Territories and 14 First Nation communities in the Yukon, 11 of which are self-governing. There are no reserves as defined by the Indian Act in the Yukon, instead, First Nation communities are classified as "lands set aside".

Current Status

Issue Summary

• Increasing complexity and intensity of emergency events requires alignment and collaboration between different levels of government, First Nations and emergency management practitioners.

Key Messages

• Emergency management in Canada is a shared responsibility between federal, provincial and territorial governments and their partners, including First Nation partners, where each level of government has their own set of emergency management laws and governance models within their respective jurisdictions.
• ISC is responsible for providing advice and support (when requested) to the affected First Nation, province, or territory during an emergency event. Following an emergency event, ISC is responsible for reimbursing the province, territory, First Nation or service delivery partner for eligible costs associated with emergency response and recovery.
• Provincial and territorial governments are responsible for the provision of emergency services to communities during an emergency event under their respective provincial or territorial emergency management systems.
• First Nation communities are responsible for identifying imminent or emerging threats to the community and using all available local resources to respond to the threat. They are also responsible for notifying ISC and provincial or territorial emergency management officials if a threat is beyond their community's response capacity.
• First Nation community members are responsible for taking all available measures to protect their own health, safety and personal property during emergency events.

Background

• Emergency management in Canada is a shared responsibility between federal, provincial and territorial governments and their partners, including First Nation partners, where each level of government has their own set of emergency management laws and governance models within their respective jurisdictions.
• As part of ISC's obligations under the Emergency Management Act and delegated authority as per the Indian Act, the Minister of ISC has responsibility to support First Nations on reserves in emergency management.
• ISC funding is primarily provided under ISC's Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP), which is eligible to communities on reserves who have been impacted by an emergency event, or where a proposed project directly supports a First Nation on reserve.
• EMAP also provides funding to First Nations communities so they can build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and respond to them using the 4 pillars of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. As of April 1, 2022, EMAP has been expanded to help ISC better respond to health emergencies, including public health outbreaks and crisis.
• In an emergency, the first response is almost always by the local authorities or at the provincial or territorial level because disasters occur most often locally. Should a provincial or territorial government require resources beyond their capacity to cope in an emergency or disaster, the federal government responds rapidly to any request for assistance by a provincial or territorial government.
• ISC works with provincial and territorial governments to ensure First Nations have access to comparable emergency assistance services available to other residents in their respective jurisdiction.
• To ensure that First Nation communities on-reserve have access to emergency assistance services comparable to those available to other residents in their respective jurisdiction, ISC works with provincial and territorial governments through negotiated service agreements to deliver emergency management services to First Nation communities.
• These agreements also detail the division of roles and responsibilities of the parties to the agreement.
• ISC strongly encourages First Nation communities to develop and implement emergency management plans and to build resiliency through activities and initiatives that build mitigation and preparedness. Project funding is available for First Nations to develop their own emergency management plans and other preparedness and non-structural mitigation initiatives and can apply through EMAP.

Current Status

• In recognition of First Nation peoples' right to self-determination, ISC is exploring opportunities to transition to new multilateral approaches where First Nations are included in emergency management as full and equal partners.
• ISC is currently working with the BC and Ontario regions to develop a new multilateral service agreement that will include First Nation communities as full and equal partners in emergency management, ensuring that they have their own distinct roles and responsibilities in the emergency management framework.
• To support response coordination ISC works with various partners including provincial/territorial governments, other federal departments such as Public Safety Canada, and third party providers (e.g., Canadian Red Cross). In the event that responsibilities are unclear, ISC works with all partners to clarify roles and support response coordination.

Issue Summary

• ISC's Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) has significantly evolved to incorporate all four pillars of emergency management since its inception and adopted an all-hazards approach.
• In 2019, the program secured funds ($211 million over 5 years) to support First Nation communities with preparedness and mitigation activities through a newly formed Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness fund, Capacity Enhancement program, and FireSmart program.
• EMAP uses multiple indicators to measures its work, including the percentage of long-term and short-term evacuees repatriated within a given timeframe.
  • Regarding the "percentage of evacuees that have returned to their community within three months". Results for this indicator have remained high over the last few fiscal years, and in 2021-2022 the result was 97.9%.
• ISC is currently in the process of renewing its Departmental Results Framework for the upcoming fiscal year. As a result, many programs, including EMAP, will be consolidated and realigned under new service areas with more targeted indicators.
• The program also measures its performance by reporting annually on the outcomes and results of its program indicators, transfer payment programs, GBA+ data collection and on progress made towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
• EMAP is committed to addressing ongoing reporting and performance management issues while also identifying opportunities to increase funding for mitigation and preparedness activities.

Key Messages

• ISC's Emergency Management Assistance Program was originally developed to support response and recovery activities on reserve. Since its inception, the program has significantly expanded in scope and scale, now supporting mitigation and preparedness activities.
• As the number of climate emergencies continue to rise on a yearly basis, the program continues to provide much of its funding to response and recovery activities. For ISC to evolve and further proactive spending, additional prevention and mitigation funding will be needed.
• As the Emergency Management Assistance Program continues to evolve, ISC will work to find innovative ways to improve on reporting and performance measurement mechanisms.

Background

• When EMAP was conceptualized in 2013, the program's scope primarily focused on the response and recovery with a fixed budget of $29 million, an amount that was often quickly exceeded and required the department to secure additional funds.
• Since 2013, the program significantly expanded in scale and scope to include all four pillars of emergency management and now offers funding for mitigation and preparedness projects and initiatives. In 2022-2023, the program Service Agreements, Non-Structural Mitigation Preparedness, Capacity Building and FireSmart exceeds $70 million, and has secured response and recovery funding for over $127 million. Despite this increase, funds are depleted annually.
• Over the past 10 years, the EMAP has reimbursed more than $536 million in response costs and over $396 million in recovery costs to First Nation communities.
• The program has also has funded over $137 million in non-structural mitigation and preparedness projects since 2012, an average of $13.7 million in funded projects annually.
• In addition, EMAP has been making significant strides to incorporate First Nations as full and equal partners in emergency management. The program is actively working to develop multilateral service agreements with First Nation partners and provincial and territorial governments. These type of agreements help pave the way for service transfer while also leveraging strengths, incorporating First Nation local knowledge and expertise into emergency management.
• In 2018, ISC signed the Collaborative Agreement on Emergency Management with the Tsilhqot'in National Government and the Province of British Columbia, and renewed it in 2022 for 5 years. This agreement builds the capacity of TNG communities in emergency management, as well as the 2019 Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on Emergency Management Services with the First Nations Leadership Council and the Province of British Columbia.

Current Status

• ISC is currently examining how to better improve performance management capabilities and how to address ongoing program concerns. Moving forward, EMAP will review its program indicators and consider revising how they measure progress against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• The review process will involve the program analyzing both the federal and departmental sustainable development strategies as well as the Sustainable Development Goals targets to understand how the program could best measure progress and to identify which performance indicators should be utilized to do so.
• In addition, the program will implement a risk-based approach to inform funding decisions. Targeted investments by the department will consider, as it has to date, the communities' willingness, readiness and interest in undertaking emergency preparedness activities by empowering First Nations to take the lead in preparing for and managing emergencies.
• ISC is committed to support First Nations in their endeavors to identify their unique communities' level of risk and priorities to seek funding from the department to enhance emergency preparedness.

The Hon. Marc Garneau, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, QC INAN Chair

Biographical Information

Born in Quebec City, Quebec, the Honourable Marc Garneau was first elected to the House of Commons in 2008, and re-elected in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2021.

Mr. Garneau graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in engineering physics and began his career in the Canadian Forces Maritime Command. In 1973 he received a PhD in electrical engineering from the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London, England.

From 1982 to 1983, he attended the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto. While there, he was promoted to the rank of commander and was subsequently promoted to captain(N). Mr. Garneau retired from the Canadian Forces in 1989.

Mr. Garneau was also one of the first six Canadian Astronauts and he became the first Canadian in outer space in October 1984. In February 2001, he was appointed executive vice-president of the Canadian Space Agency and became its president in November 2001.

Mr. Garneau was Minister of Transport from 2015-2021 and Minister of Foreign Affairs January-October 2021. Mr. Garneau is currently not in Cabinet.

Jamie Schmale, Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON
Critic for Indigenous Services; Vice-Chair INAN

Biographical Information

Born in Brampton, ON, Jamie Schmale was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in 2015, and re-elected in 2019 and 2021.

Prior to his election, Mr. Schmale served as the executive assistant and campaign manager for former Conservative MP Barry Devolin (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, Ontario). He graduated from the Radio Broadcasting program at Loyalist College in Ontario and started his career as a news anchor. He later became a news director for CHUM media.

Mr. Schmale was the critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations in the 43rd Parliament. In the 42nd Parliament, Mr. Schmale served as the opposition critic for Northern Economic Development, and Deputy Critic for Natural Resources. He was a member of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2015-2017) and the Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2017-2019).

Currently, Mr. Schmale serves as the critic for Indigenous Services.

Marilène Gill, Manicouagan, QC Critic Indigenous and Northern Affairs; Vice-Chair INAN

Biographical Information

Born in Sorel, QC, Marilène Gill was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015, and was re-elected in 2019 and 2021.

Prior to her election, Mrs. Gill was teaching at the college level and pursuing doctoral studies in literature. Her background also includes roles as a unionist, development officer, coordinator of the Table de concertation en condition feminine de la Côte-Nord. She is also involved in the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ). She has also acted as literary director for Éditions Trois-Pistoles, and has published personal works there for which she has received several awards and grants. Mrs. Gill was also political attaché to Michel Guimond, former member and chief whip of the Bloc Québécois.

Mrs. Gill is deputy whip, chair of the Young Families Caucus and critic for Indigenous and Northern Affairs for the Bloc Québécois.

Jenica Atwin, Fredericton, NB

Biographical Information

Jenica Atwin grew up in Oromocto, NB. She was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019 as a Member of the Green Party before joining the Liberal Party in June 2021.

Mrs. Atwin completed a Master's in Education at the University of New Brunswick.

Prior to being elected, she was an education consultant and researcher at a First Nations Education Centre. In 2016, she co-organized a spin-off of We Day focused on introducing First Nations youth to one another and helping those who have recently moved off of reserves.

She is a new member of INAN. She previously served on the COVID-19 Pandemic Committee.

Jaime Battiste, Sydney—Victoria, NS Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Biographical Information

Born on the Eskasoni First Nation, NS, Jaime Battiste was elected to the House of Commons in 2019 and re-elected in 2021. He is the first Mi'kmaw Member of Parliament in Canada.

Mr. Battiste graduated from Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University in 2004. He has held positions as a Professor, Senior Advisor, Citizenship Coordinator, and as a Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations.

Mr. Battiste's volunteer work over the years involves athletics, youth advocacy, community events, and advocacy for the Mi'kmaq Nation. He is a member of the Aboriginal Sport Circle and a part owner of the Eskasoni Junior B Eagles.

Mr. Battiste served as a representative to the Assembly of First Nation's National Youth Council from 2001-2006. In 2005, the National Aboriginal Healing Organization named him as one of the "National Aboriginal Role Models in Canada." In 2006, as the Chair of the Assembly of First Nations Youth Council, he was one of the founding members of the Mi'kmaw Maliseet Atlantic Youth Council (MMAYC), an organization that represents and advocates for Mi'kmaw and Maliseet youth within the Atlantic region. In 2018, Mr. Battiste was recognized with the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, which is a Canadian decoration to honour volunteers who have made significant and continual contributions to their community.

Mr. Battiste was named Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations in December 2021.

He has been a member of INAN since February 2020 and has previously been a member of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.

Michael V. Mcleod, Northwest Territories, NWT

Biographical Information

Born in Fort Providence, NWT, Michael Mcleod was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021.

Prior to entering federal politics, Mr. McLeod served Northwest Territories residents as a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1999-2011 and advised clients in the tourism industry as Tourism Development Officer for the Government of the Northwest Territories. He also previously served as mayor of Fort Providence, president of his Métis Local, and vice-president of Deh Cho Regional Council.

Mr. McLeod earned a diploma in Management Studies from Arctic College and began his career as a self-employed contractor. He has been a member of the Northwest Territories Tourism, NWT Public Utilities, and Mackenzie Valley Environment Impact Review Boards. The latter's mission, conducting fair and timely environmental assessments, remains a key interest.

Mr. McLeod was previously a member of INAN 2016-2017 and has served as a member of the Standing Committee on Finance and as Chair of the Arctic and Northern Caucus.

Marcus Powlowski, Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON

Biographical Information

Born in Fort William, ON, Marcus Powlowski was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019 and re-elected in 2021.

Prior to being elected, Mr. Powlowski served as a physician in the Emergency Room at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre. In addition to being a medical doctor, he has two law degrees - LL.B, LL.M from the universities of Toronto and Georgetown, respectively. He also attended Harvard University and obtained a Masters of Public Health in Health Law and Policy.

Mr. Powlowski worked as a doctor for two years in northern First Nations communities, and for seven years practicing medicine in several developing countries in Africa and Oceania. For several years, he worked as a consultant in health legislation for the World Health Organization. He also volunteered on a medical project in Ethiopia.

Mr. Powlowski has been a member of INAN since February 2020 and has also sat on the COVID-19 Pandemic Committee and the Standing Committee on Health.

Patrick Weiler, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC

Biographical Information

Born in West Vancouver, BC, Patrick Weiler was first elected to Parliament in 2019 and re-elected in 2021.

Prior to his election, Mr. Weiler was an advocate for safeguarding the environment as an environmental and natural resource management lawyer, representing First Nations, small businesses, municipalities, and non-profit organizations in Canada and internationally. Mr. Weiler has also worked in partnership with the United Nations and international development agencies, with a mission to improve the governance of natural resources and management of aquatic ecosystems.

Mr. Weiler completed a Bachelor of Arts at McGill University and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Law.

Mr. Weiler served on the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, and the bi-partisan Climate Caucus and Tourism Caucus.

Gary Vidal, Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK Critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations

Biographical Information

Gary was born and raised in Meadow Lake in the Desnethé – Missinippi – Churchill River district. He has lived, worked, played, volunteered, and served there his entire life. He graduated from Carpenter High School in 1983 and went on to study at the University of Saskatchewan and Briercrest Bible College. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and was a partner in the accounting firm Pliska Vidal & Co.

Gary was elected Mayor of the City of Meadow Lake in September of 2011 where he served his community until his resignation in March of 2019. He was elected ViceChair of the Saskatchewan City Mayors Caucus from 2016-2018. He was appointed to the SaskWater Board of Directors in 2008 where he served nearly a decade until 2017. During that time, he held various roles including Chair of the Government and Corporate Responsibility Committee, Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee and finally, Chair of the Board from 2015-2017.

Over the years, Gary has volunteered in a variety of leadership capacities in his local church as well as on the board of Bethel Gospel Camp, an interdenominational children's bible camp. Other volunteer activities include coaching and managing minor hockey, baseball, and soccer teams.

In 2012 he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Mr. Vidal previously served as the critic for Indigenous Services, and is currently the critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations. He has been a member of INAN since February 2020 and also sat on the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic during the last Parliament (2019-2021).

Bob Zimmer, Prince George – Peace River – Northern Rockies, BC

Biographical information

Bob was born in Dawson Creek, BC and raised in Fort St. John, BC. Bob began his career working for his father's family carpentry business where he learned the values of honesty, integrity, and hard work. Through these fundamentals, Bob obtained his Red Seal Journeyman Carpentry Certification and went on to own his own construction business.

He received an undergraduate degree from Trinity Western University in human kinetics and history/political science. Bob also obtained a bachelor's of education degree from the University of British Columbia. He worked his way through University as the head coach for Langley's TWU varsity rugby team. After graduating from the University of British Columbia, Bob moved back to St. John where he taught for seven years and continued to work in construction building several homes.

Bob was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Prince George – Peace River in 2011 and then re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Prince George – Peace River – Northern Rockies in 2015 and again in 2019.

Bob serves as the Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus and was Shadow for Minister for Northern Affairs and Northern Economic Development Agency from November 2019 to September 2020.

Since coming into office, Bob has sat on several committees including the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Standing Committee for Natural Resources, Standing Committee for Veterans Affairs, and the Standing Committee for Procedure and House Affairs. He has also served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics, Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, Critic for Asia-Pacific Gateway, Chair of the BC/Yukon Conservative Caucus, and Chair of the National Prayer Breakfast.

Bob is a long-time member of the Fort St. John Sunrise Rotary Club, volunteers for many local events and organizations, and well as volunteers and attends his local church with his wife Val and their four children Kristian, David, Tim, and Bobbie

Eric Melillo, Kenora, ON

Biographical information

Eric Melillo is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Kenora. He was elected in the 2019 and 2021 general elections.

Prior to entering politics, he worked as an Associate within a business consulting firm, and as a Policy Research Analyst for a non-partisan think tank. Eric also served as a political staffer while he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Lakehead University.

Since being elected to Parliament, Eric has been working to deliver positive changes to northwestern Ontario. By standing up to support critical infrastructure projects, meaningful supports for Indigenous communities, and creating better economic opportunities for all. Eric has been a strong representative for the people of the Kenora riding.

Eric was born and raised in Kenora, where he lives with his wife Danaka and their dog Oakley.

Lori Idlout, Nunavut, NV Critic – Northern Affairs; Critic – Indigenous Services; Critic – Crown-Indigenous Relations

Biographical Information

Born in Igloolik, NU, Lori Idlout was first elected to the House of Commons in 2021.

Prior to her election Ms. Idlout practiced law in Iqaluit with her own firm, Qusugaq Law. She represented the group protesting against the Baffinland Iron Mine's expansion, as well as serving as the technical adviser for the Ikajutit Hunters and Trappers Organization during a public hearing on the issue. Between 2004 and 2011, Ms. Idlout served as the executive director of the Nunavut Embrace Life Council, a not-for-profit organization committed to suicide prevention. She had previously worked for Nunavut's Department of Health and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as a policy analyst, and was the founder of Coalition of Nunavut DEAs as a director of the Iqaluit District Education Authority in order to advocate for educational services.

Ms. Idlout received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Lakehead University in 1997, and a doctorate in law from the University of Ottawa (2018).

She is a new member of INAN and the NDP critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and Indigenous Services.

Topics of Meeting

Examine the constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples - Briefings on Indigenous Affairs and Follow up on the Cannabis Act

Members in Attendance

Witnesses

Follow-up Items

No follow-up items, but the Chair noted this would be the last meeting as part of the Cannabis Act follow-up.

Transcript

The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples - Evidence

Topic of Meeting

Report 8, Emergency Management in First Nations Communities – Indigenous Services Canada, of the 2022 Reports 5 to 8 of the Auditor General of Canada

Members in Attendance

Witnesses

Follow-up Items

1. Date of the most recent discussion between Department officials and Kashechewan First Nation regarding permanent relocation of the community.

Transcript

Standing Committee on Public Accounts - Evidence