Evaluation of Shelter Allowance as it Relates to On-Reserve Housing - Follow-up Report Status Update as of December 31, 2013
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Action Plan Implementation Status Update Report to the Evaluation, Performance Measurement and Review Committee - As of December 31, 2013
EDUCATION & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
| Project Recommendations | Action Plan | Expected Completion Date | Program Response |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Review the National Shelter Allowance policy, including the objectives and eligibility criteria to:
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Social Policy and Programs Branch (SPPD) is in the process of developing a strategy to address the shelter allowance issues as part of the Income Assistance reform process. SPPB has initiated discussions with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada's (AANDC) Community Infrastructure Branch and regional offices, as well as Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to identify issues and provincial comparability. A work plan is being developed targeting Fall 2011 to identify options for the renewal of the policy. A Working Group (including, AANDC's Community Infrastructure, Regional offices, Income Assistance Program and CMHCis in the process of being established. Its mandate will consist of:
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Completion Date Fall 2011 Work plan Policy Revisions |
Status: Request to Close (Completed) Update/rationale: As of 30/06/2013 Social Policy and Programs Branch, through a Working Group (involving Community Infrastructure Branch, Regional Operations, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) has conducted a review of the Income Assistance Program's shelter allowance component. The review determined that there are considerable inconsistencies in practices across regions and fundamental challenges with comparability between on-reserve and off-reserve regimes (e.g. ownership and maintenance constructs). The Branch is adopting an incremental approach, focusing on potential links with the Income Assistance reform initiative, and promoting short-term pilots that may yield better alignment of regional and on/off-reserve regimes. The Assembly of First Nations is also being engaged through the annual workplan. A more comprehensive action plan will need to await a subsequent phase of the Income Assistance reform and the availability of additional resources. AES: Closed – Fully Implemented ESDPP has put in place the structures to address issues of scope and consistency, particularly through aligning work with Income Assistance Reform, and pilots to promote better alignment across regions. |
| 2. Clarify AANDC's role and responsibilities with regard to monitoring the implementation of Shelter Allowance in First Nation communities. | The Working Group will facilitate discussions with SPPB, AANDC's regional offices and Community Infrastructure Branch, CMHCand other stakeholders.
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Spring 2012 | Status: Recommend to Close Update/Rationale: As of 30/09/2012 Social Policy Programs Branch has clarified the roles and responsibilities with regions, Community Infrastructure Branch, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Health Canada and other partners. These roles and responsibilities will be shared with First nations and other stakeholders. AANDC has developed an evergreen multi-step plan (see above) for the IAprogram that includes:
Structures and processes are in place to address this recommendation. |
| 3. Clearly communicate the objectives of the Shelter Allowance program, as well as the determination of rates and eligibility criteria, to First Nations and other stakeholders. | SPPB is aware that changes to policy need to be clearly communicated to all parties. SPPB will work with the Working Group, partners and stakeholders to develop a communication strategy to communicate the objectives of the Shelter Allowance program and the recommended policy option with First Nation communities, partners and stakeholders. |
Summer 2012 | Status: Underway Update/rationale: As of 31/12/2013 The pilot project on Building it Right - Northern Aboriginal Forestry and Housing Conference held on October 21-24, 2013 was well received. At one of the seminars, Laverne Wells from Piikani, Alberta, spoke about their Universal Rental Regime as a way of gaining control over housing development and maintenance. The other projects will be completed by end of fiscal year An updated National Social Programs Manual is being developed. Feedback from shelter pilots, regions, First Nations information requests and best practices are incorporated in the manual. A Roll-out and communications plan of the manual is currently being drafted. The National Social Programs Manual will be released in April 2014. AES: Underway – Roll-out of communications is ongoing and the release of the National Social Programs Manual in April 2014 should bring this item to a close. |