Archived - Audit of On-Reserve Housing - Follow-up Report Status Update as of March 31, 2011

• To support key Departmental objectives of devolution and empowerment for First Nations, ESDPP recommends that communities party to the 1996 housing policy continue to receive block funding. The 220 communities who remain part of the targeted subsidy program will continue to receive project-specific funding.

NOTE: Work that is still to be completed, is to be changed over from ESDPP to RO as of April 1st, 2011.

AES:
Due to recent departmental re-organisation that brings the responsibility for On-Reserve Housing from ESDPP to Regional Operations, a thorough update could not be provided at this time. AES expects a comprehensive update in September 2011 from Regional Operations.

• Regional Operations (RO) will assess the housing program for compliance with the new standardized departmental approach to First Nation funding agreements, specifically the new Transfer Payment Policy which takes into account First Nations' capacity in terms of the community development continuum.

• In response to the new Transfer Payment Policy, ESDPP, in collaboration with the CFO, RO and Regional Offices will explore options to enhance the methodology and process for allocating CFM Program funding (core and non-core) from HQ to regions.

NOTE: Work that is still to be completed, is to be changed over from ESDPP to RO as of April 1st, 2011.

AES:
Due to recent departmental re-organisation that brings the responsibility for On-Reserve Housing from ESDPP to Regional Operations, a thorough update could not be provided at this time. AES expects a comprehensive update in September 2011 from Regional Operations.

• ESDPP, in partnership with RO, will participate in a minor capital working group with Regions to review minor capital processes and develop strengthened procedures for managing minor capital funding.

• ESDPP, with the support of RO, will ensure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for housing align more closely with the program design and INAC's roles and responsibilities.

Update/Rationale:
As of 31/03/2011:

AES: Close - Fully Implemented

• ESDPP, in partnership with RO, is working to implement the Performance Management Strategy and Risk Management Framework, which detail oversight and quality assurance functions for Headquarters and Regions for the CFM Program.
• ESDPP, in partnership with RO, will work with CFO to develop mechanisms to improve the monitoring of minor capital and operations and maintenance expenditures relevant to housing that are realistic, efficient and based on program and recipient risk.

NOTE: Work that is still to be completed, is to be changed over from ESDPP to RO as of April 1st, 2011.

AES:
Due to recent departmental re-organisation that brings the responsibility for On-Reserve Housing from ESDPP to Regional Operations, a thorough update could not be provided at this time. AES expects a comprehensive update in September 2011 from Regional Operations.

• For First Nations in BC Region under the housing subsidy program, the submission of inspection reports from a building inspector confirming that homes have been built or renovated to code will continue to be a requirement for First Nations to remain eligible for future INAC funding.

• The housing portion of the CFMP includes minor capital funding for First Nations covered by the 1996 Housing Policy and Direct Proposal driven housing subsidies for First Nations that did not adopt the 1996 Policy. A practical guidelines document on key housing policy and implementation issues will be developed and disseminated.

NOTE: Work that is still to be completed, is to be changed over from ESDPP to RO as of April 1st, 2011.

AES:
Due to recent departmental re-organisation that brings the responsibility for On-Reserve Housing from ESDPP to Regional Operations, a thorough update could not be provided at this time. AES expects a comprehensive update in September 2011 from Regional Operations.

• In addition to the CFMP, Ministerial Loan Guarantees (MLGs) are an essential component in facilitating the building of social housing (CMHC Section 95) on reserve. Given their importance and the need for consistency in implementation, priority was given to the revision and clarification of MLG policy and the development of the National MLG Manual.

• INAC has already taken significant measures to mitigate this risk by conducting workshops in Regions and with First Nations on how to successfully implement the Conversion to Market Based Housing element of CEAP. This included providing template samples of transfer documents for use by First Nations.

Update/Rationale:
As of 31/03/2011:

Monitoring conducted but no Regions have identified need for a risk management plan.

AES: Close – Fully Implemented

• RO staff actively monitors issues linked to the market based housing element.

• ESDPP and RO will continue to monitor and develop a risk management plan as required.

• INAC's new Management Control Framework (MCF) clarifies roles, responsibilities and approval processes in parallel with CEAP implementation. RO continues to work with Regions to fully implement the MCF and will communicate feedback from Regions to ESDPP for consideration in future revisions.

Update/Rationale:
As of 31/03/2011:

New MCF to be provided to Ops Committee scheduled for, April 2011.

AES: Closed with confirmation of date and approval of Operations Committee.

• ESDPP and RO are documenting lessons learned from CEAP projects in order to be fully prepared if new project based funding program opportunities occur.