Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development

On this page

1. Introduction
2. Legal and policy authority
3. Purpose, program objectives and expected results
4. Eligibility
5. Type and nature of eligible expenditures
6. Total Canadian government funding and stacking limits
7. Method for determining the amount of funding
8. Maximum amount payable
9. Basis on which payments will be made
10. Application requirements and assessment criteria
11. Due diligence and reporting
12. Official languages
13. Intellectual property
14. Repayable contributions
15. Redistribution of contributions
16. Other terms and conditions

1. Introduction

The purpose of "Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development" is to provide support to Indians, Inuit and Innu so that Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) may (consistent with Results for Canadians and Gathering Strength) obtain their input on all policy and program developments. CIRNAC will, in recognition of its priorities and consistent with its strategic outcomes, allocate these funds to its various programs and regions who will negotiate contributions to eligible recipients. These contributions are intended to enable recipients to provide input in relation to specific program and policy development initiatives of CIRNAC.

These terms and conditions are specifically targeted to Indigenous peoples.

2. Legal and policy authority

Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Act, S.C. 2019, c. 29, s. 337.

3. Purpose, program objectives and expected results

This funding authority furthers the departmental objective (i.e., improving the quality of life and fostering self-reliance for First Nations, Inuit and Northerners) by supporting Indians, Inuit and Innu to consult their communities and be in a position to provide input to the department on departmental priorities and strategic outcomes of: good governance and effective institutions; strengthened individual and family well-being; transferred land title, and sustainable use of lands and management of resources; and, increased participation in the economy, for and by First Nations, Inuit and Northerners

Through funding under this authority, Indians, Inuit and Innu will be consulted on key program and policy developments. Their input will be used to shape policy and programs, resulting in better, more effective, policies and programs that are easier to implement and respond to community needs and structures.

It is intended that contributions for consultation and policy development will achieve the following outcomes:

• Active engagement of status Indians, Innu and Inuit, their bands, communities and organizations in the development of the government's legislative and policy agendas for Indigenous peoples
• Better informed Indigenous organizations, their supporting members, elected officials, as their input to departmental staff
• Increased understanding by all stakeholders of the issues
• Broader understanding of the government's intentions towards Indigenous peoples
• Increased support and acceptance of government legislation and policy based on the input received from Indigenous communities and their organizations
• Improvement in the relations between status Indians, Inuit and Innu and the federal government

In the Program Activity Architecture, this authority is listed under: The Government/Governance and Institutions of Government; The Government/Co-operative Relationships; and The North/Northern Land and Resources.

4. Eligibility

The following recipients are eligible to receive contributions:

Indian/Inuit/Innu Class of Recipients:

• Indian, Inuit and Innu individuals, on or off reserve
• Indian Bands/Inuit settlements
• District Councils/Chiefs Councils
• Indian and Inuit associations/organizations
• Tribal Councils
• Other Indian/Inuit communities
• Indian and Inuit economic institutions/organizations/corporations
• Partnerships (or groups) of Indians/Inuit
• Beneficiaries of comprehensive land claims and/or self-government agreements with any group of Indians, Inuit or Innu
• Indian education authorities
• Indian child welfare agencies
• Cultural education centres
• Indian and Inuit co-operatives
• Boards and commissions

5. Type and nature of eligible expenditures

Activities that investigate, develop, propose, review, inform or consult on policy matters within the mandate of CIRNAC such as:

• workshops, conferences, and meetings between the recipient and the department on specific program-related topics or ranges of subject matter related to program services
• studies related to proposed new or improved program services
• meetings without departmental involvement to discuss matters of common concern to Indians, Innu and Inuit on specific program-related topics or ranges of subject matter related to program services
• policy development for on specific program-related topics or ranges of subject matter related to program services whose intended purpose or product will be of interest to the department in developing or modifying government policy

6. Total Canadian government funding and stacking limits

Proposals for funding from each recipient shall address the requirement for the recipient to declare any and all prospective sources of funding for the program or project, inclusive of all federal, provincial, territorial or municipal governments (total government assistance) and other sources that is expected to be received. Annual financial reporting shall show all sources of funding received. Provision for repayment shall be included in the funding arrangements. Maximum funding by CIRNAC and total maximum total government assistance is 100% for eligible programs and projects.

7. Method for determining the amount of funding

The method for determining the amount of funding is based on proposals received.

8. Maximum amount payable

The maximum amount payable to any one recipient per year for any one project will not exceed $5,000,000.

9. Basis on which payments will be made

Contributions are normally paid on the basis of achievement or performance objectives or as reimbursement of expenditures incurred. Payments are made based on a cash flow forecast from the recipient.

10. Application requirements and assessment criteria

In order for the department to consider entering into an agreement with a prospective recipient, the recipient will be required to meet such criteria as:

• provide proof of specialized experience or knowledge relevant to the department's mandate or a program normally made available by the department
• provide proof of technical or experiential qualifications pertinent to the proposed project
• present a proposal to, and reach agreement with, the department respecting the activities to be carried out, the objectives as they relate to the department's mandate, the total cost of the project, and the results to be achieved
• disclose/declare, in the proposal for funding, any and all prospective sources of funding for the program/project, inclusive of all federal, provincial or other government sources that is expected to be received
• annual financial reporting shall show all sources of funding received
• disclose the involvement of any former public servants and whether the Treasury Board post-employment guidelines apply

Continuing eligibility will depend on demonstrated performance.

Recipients who are former public office holders must respect and comply with the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders and the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for the Public Service (2003). Recipients who are former public servants must respect and comply with the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service. Where an applicant employs or has a major shareholder who is either a current or former (in the last 12 months) public office holder or public servant in the federal government, compliance with the Code(s) must be demonstrated.

11. Due diligence and reporting

The department has in place the appropriate systems, procedures and resources for ensuring due diligence in approving /verifying eligibility for the management and administration of the contribution.

The evaluation process or criteria to be used to assess the effectiveness of the contribution program may include, but is not limited to, program/initiative rationale, success, cost-effectiveness, and design and delivery, the results achieved and the nature of impacts and effects resulting from the implementation of programs.

Performance measurement strategies are being developed for all programs, consistent with the requirements in the Policy on Transfer Payments, as part of the phased-in approach to implement the renewed Policy on Transfer Payments.

12. Official languages

Where a program supports activities that may be delivered to members of either official language community, access to services from the recipient will be provided in both official languages where there is significant demand and Part IV of the Official Languages Act is applicable. In addition, the Department will ensure that the design and the delivery of programs respect the obligations of the Government of Canada as set out in Part VII of the Official Languages Act.

13. Intellectual property

Where a contribution is provided for the development of material in which copyright subsists, conditions for shared rights will be set out in the funding agreement.

14. Repayable contributions

Provisions for repayable contributions do not apply. Any contributions made to private firms under these programs are not intended to generate profits or to increase the value of a business.

15. Redistribution of contributions

Where a recipient delegates authority or further distributes contribution funding to an agency or a third party (such as an authority, board, committee, or other entity authorized to act on behalf of the recipient), the recipient shall remain liable to the department for the performance of its obligations under the funding agreement. Neither the objectives of the programs and services nor the expectations of transparent, fair and equitable services shall be compromised by any delegation or redistribution of contribution funding.

Recipients have full independence in the selection of such third parties and will not be acting as an agent of the government in making distributions.

16. Other terms and conditions

None.