Archived - Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada — 2016–17 Report on Plans and Priorities

Raison d'être

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) supports Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and Northerners in their efforts to:

• Improve social well-being and economic prosperity;
• Develop healthier, more sustainable communities; and
• Participate more fully in Canada's political, social and economic development — to the benefit of all Canadians.

Responsibilities

The Department has a mandate to support Canada's Indigenous and northern peoples in the pursuit of healthy and sustainable communities, and broader economic and social development objectives. Efforts are guided by the Department's mission statement:

Working together to make Canada a better place for Indigenous and northern peoples and communities.

The mandate for Indigenous and Northern Affairs is derived from a number of sources, including the following: the Canadian Constitution; the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Act; the Indian Act (as amended over the years); statutes dealing with environmental and resource management, such as the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act (2013); and other statutes, such as the Northwest Territories Devolution Act (2014).

Along with responsibility for administering statutory and regulatory provisions of the Indian Act, INAC is also mandated to work with First Nations to implement legislation designed to provide them with jurisdictional powers outside of the Indian Act. The Department's mandate is further defined by specific statutes enabling modern treaties and self-government agreements and implementation of those agreements. For a list of all statutes, please consult INAC's website.

Policy and program practices, as well as judicial decisions, also shape the Department's mandate.

INAC negotiates comprehensive and specific claims, as well as self-government agreements and other related processes, on behalf of the Government of Canada. The Department is responsible for implementing its obligations under these agreements and processes, as well as overseeing the implementation of obligations of other government departments flowing from these agreements. INAC also provides support for services on reserves, such as education, housing, community infrastructure and social support to Status Indians on reserves; administers the land management component of the Indian Act; and executes other regulatory duties under the Indian Act.

The Minister acts as the Government of Canada's primary interlocutor for Métis, Non-Status Indians and urban Indigenous peoples. The Department further serves as a focal point for Inuit issues, and supports the inclusion of Inuit-specific concerns in federal program and policy development.

Through its Northern Affairs mandate, INAC is also the lead federal department for two-fifths of Canada's landmass, with a direct role in the political and economic development of the territories, and significant responsibilities for science, land, and environmental management. In the North, the territorial governments generally provide the majority of social programs and services to all Northerners, including Indigenous peoples.

The Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act, which received Royal Assent on December 16, 2014 and came into force on June 1, 2015, established Polar Knowledge Canada as a new federal research organization. This new organization combines the mandate and functions previously held by the Canadian Polar Commission and the Canadian High Arctic Research Station's Science and Technology Program, which was formerly led by INAC. The organization is responsible for advancing Canada's knowledge of the Arctic and strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology. INAC will continue to report on the construction of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station as part of the Northern Science and Technology Program (4.2 of the Program Alignment Architecture), until the transfer of infrastructure to Polar Knowledge Canada in 2017–2018.

Strategic Outcomes and Program Alignment Architecture

1 Strategic Outcome: The Government — Support good governance, rights and interests of Indigenous peoples

• 1.1 Program: Governance and Institutions of Government
  • 1.1.1 Sub-Program: First Nation Governments
  • 1.1.2 Sub-Program: Indigenous Governance Institutions and Organizations
• 1.2 Program: Rights and Interests of Indigenous Peoples
  • 1.2.1 Sub-Program: Negotiations of Claims and Self-Government Agreements
  • 1.2.2 Sub-Program: Specific Claims
  • 1.2.3 Sub-Program: Consultation and Accommodation
  • 1.2.4 Sub-Program: Métis Relations and Rights Management, and Non-Status Indian Relations
• 1.3 Program: Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties

2 Strategic Outcome: The People — Individual, family and community well-being for First Nations and Inuit

• 2.1 Program: Education
  • 2.1.1 Sub-Program: Elementary and Secondary Education
  • 2.1.2 Sub-Program: Post-Secondary Education
• 2.2 Program: Social Development
  • 2.2.1 Sub-Program: Income Assistance
  • 2.2.2 Sub-Program: National Child Benefit
  • 2.2.3 Sub-Program: Assisted Living
  • 2.2.4 Sub-Program: First Nations Child and Family Services
  • 2.2.5 Sub-Program: Family Violence Prevention
• 2.3 Program: First Nations Individual Affairs
  • 2.3.1 Sub-Program: Registration and Membership
  • 2.3.2 Sub-Program: Estates
• 2.4 Program: Residential Schools Resolution
  • 2.4.1 Sub-Program: Independent Assessment Process
  • 2.4.2 Sub-Program: Reconciliation

3 Strategic Outcome: The Land and Economy — Full participation of First Nations, Métis, Non-Status Indians and Inuit individuals and communities in the economy

• 3.1 Program: Indigenous Entrepreneurship
  • 3.1.1 Sub-Program: Business Capital and Support Services
  • 3.1.2 Sub-Program: Business Opportunities
• 3.2 Program: Community Economic Development
  • 3.2.1 Sub-Program: Lands and Economic Development Services
  • 3.2.2 Sub-Program: Investment in Economic Opportunities
  • 3.2.3 Sub-Program: Administration of Reserve Land
  • 3.2.4 Sub-Program: Contaminated Sites (On-Reserve)
• 3.3 Program: Strategic Partnerships
• 3.4 Program: Infrastructure and Capacity
  • 3.4.1 Sub-Program: Water and Wastewater
  • 3.4.2 Sub-Program: Education Facilities
  • 3.4.3 Sub-Program: Housing
  • 3.4.4 Sub-Program: Other Community Infrastructure and Activities
  • 3.4.5 Sub-Program: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
  • 3.4.6 Sub-Program: Emergency Management Assistance
• 3.5 Program: Urban Indigenous Participation

4 Strategic Outcome: The North — Self-reliance, prosperity and well-being for the people and communities of the North

• 4.1 Program: Northern Governance and People
  • 4.1.1 Sub-Program: Political Development and Intergovernmental Relations
  • 4.1.2 Sub-Program: Nutrition North
  • 4.1.3 Sub-Program: Climate Change Adaptation
• 4.2 Program: Northern Science and Technology
  • 4.2.1 Sub-Program: Northern Contaminants
  • 4.2.2 Sub-Program: Science Initiatives
• 4.3 Program: Northern Land, Resources and Environmental Management
  • 4.3.1 Sub-Program: Petroleum and Minerals
  • 4.3.2 Sub-Program: Contaminated Sites
  • 4.3.3 Sub-Program: Land and Water Management

5.1 Program: Internal Services

INAC's Program Alignment Architecture Crosswalk from 2015–2016 to 2016–2017

The following changes to the INAC 2016–2017 Program Alignment Architecture (PAA), from that of the 2015–2016 PAA, are minor.

The Government

The following have been retitled to reflect the change in the Department's applied name from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada:

• The Government Strategic Outcome Statement, formerly, Support good governance, rights and interests of Aboriginal peoples, now becomes Support good governance, rights and interests of Indigenous peoples
• 1.1.2: Aboriginal Governance Institutions and Organizations becomes Indigenous Governance Institutions and Organizations
• 1.2: Aboriginal Rights and Interests becomes Rights and Interests of Indigenous Peoples

The People

The former 2.4.3: Support to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission sub-program has been removed, as the program has concluded.

The Land and Economy

The following have been retitled to reflect the change in the Department's applied name from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada:

• 3.1: Aboriginal Entrepreneurship becomes Indigenous Entrepreneurship
• 3.5: Urban Aboriginal Participation becomes Urban Indigenous Participation

Organizational Priorities

The relationship between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples is vitally important — not only to our shared economic interests, but also to our respective identities as nations. A renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition, rights, respect, cooperation and partnership is fundamental to how we move forward together.

As part of a renewed relationship, the Department, in close collaboration with other federal departments and agencies, will engage with Indigenous peoples to make progress on issues important to First Nations, the Métis and Inuit communities and those living in Canada's North.

In 2016–2017, INAC will focus on the following cross-cutting priorities:

1. Moving Forward with Rights and Reconciliation
2. Putting Children and Youth First
3. Supporting Stronger Indigenous Communities
4. Improving the Quality of Life for Métis Individuals and Communities
5. Fostering a Strong, Inclusive and Vibrant North

For more information on organizational priorities, see the Minister's mandate letter on the Prime Minister of Canada's website.

Risk Analysis

INAC faces many challenges and opportunities as it delivers its mandate and contributes to the achievement of the Government of Canada's priorities and commitments. INAC funds or delivers programs and services to diverse groups of people and individuals who have varied and distinct needs and priorities. Those programs and services are delivered to communities large and small, urban and remote, all across the country. Most INAC services are delivered through partnerships with Indigenous communities, the provinces and territories, Indigenous organizations and organizations in the North. The Department's responsibilities are largely shaped by unique demographic and geographic factors, as well as centuries of Canadian history replete with the signing and implementation of multiple treaties. The table below highlights the three external risks that are driven, in part, by factors outside of the Department's control.

Program 1.1: Governance and Institutions of Government

Description: This Program provides support to First Nation governments, as well as Indigenous governance institutions and organizations. The intent of this support is to facilitate capacity development in the Indigenous public service, the elected leadership, and entities that administer aggregate services on behalf of or to First Nation governments and their communities. Transparent and accountable First Nation governments attract investment, create opportunities, and effectively support their citizens. Transparent and accountable institutions and organizations strengthen the fabric of Indigenous governments across Canada, assist Indigenous communities and their governments in attracting investment, and support Indigenous participation in the Canadian economy. Ultimately, good governance practices are essential for active Indigenous participation in Canadian society and the economy.

Sub-Program 1.1.1: First Nation Governments

Description: This sub-program supports the core operations and capacity development of First Nations governments, including the professional development of their personnel. Support for community development and capacity building is through collaborative, coordinated and targeted community-driven investments, leveraging partnership wherever possible. Funding is provided to support the costs of core government functions such as the holding of elections, law-making and enforcement, financial management, general administration, and executive leadership. In addition, the sub-program provides advice and support to First Nations on governance matters, and develops and implements legislation and policies that support the modernization of governance frameworks and transparent and accountable governance, while simultaneously overseeing the discharge of the Department's statutory and regulatory obligations in respect of governance processes under the Indian Act. Activities include — but are not limited to — assistance in establishing governance and associated capacities, processes and mechanisms, such as the development and implementation of community election systems, adoption of open and transparent governance practices, law-making and development of enforcement authorities.

Sub-Program 1.1.2: Indigenous Governance Institutions and Organizations

Description: This sub-program provides funding and supports aggregate program delivery and capacity through Indigenous governance institutions and organizations at the local, regional and national levels, including tribal councils and AFOA Canada (formerly Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada). To provide support to First Nation governments wishing to develop capacity and systems in the areas of taxation and financial management, the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions receive administrative, policy and financial support to deliver on their legislative mandates under the Act. Funding, as well as tools, training and advice, are also provided to organizations and institutions to support First Nation government efforts to implement the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act.

Program 1.2: Rights and Interests of Indigenous Peoples

Description: This Program seeks to strengthen collaboration between governments and Indigenous groups through mutual respect, trust, understanding, shared responsibilities, accountability, dialogue and negotiation concerning the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples. Partnerships will be established helping to contribute to the strengthening of the social, economic and cultural well-being of Indigenous communities to support conditions for more active participation in Canadian society. The Program also addresses reconciliation objectives, constitutional and historic obligations and public policy by: negotiating agreements that achieve clarity with respect to law-making authority and the ownership, use and control of lands and resources; addressing specific claims; dealing with special claims; developing multi-partner processes in areas identified by Indigenous groups and the federal government; and supporting effective and meaningful consultation and accommodation with Indigenous groups and their representation in federal policy and program development.

Sub-Program 1.2.1: Negotiations of Claims and Self-Government Agreements

Description: This sub-program supports Canada's commitment to the negotiation of claims and self- government agreements as the best means for reconciling Aboriginal rights, as recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, with the sovereignty of the Crown. It also supports Canada's commitment to negotiating self-government agreements to address aspirations for greater Indigenous autonomy and self-reliance and to promote good governance. With the participation of provincial and territorial governments, Canada negotiates claims and self-government agreements that provide Indigenous groups with a solid foundation for self-reliance and for the improvement of social, cultural and economic conditions within their communities.

Sub-Program 1.2.2: Specific Claims

Description: This sub-program provides support to address specific claims made by a First Nation against the federal government that relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets, and to the fulfillment of Indian treaties. The Specific Claims sub-program is an alternative dispute resolution option in which First Nations may participate on a voluntary basis. Key activities include the assessment of the historical and legal facts of the claim; the negotiation of a settlement agreement if it has been determined that there is an outstanding lawful obligation; payment of monetary compensation to First Nations, pursuant to the terms of a settlement agreement or award of the Specific Claims Tribunal; and participation in proceedings before the Specific Claims Tribunal. The Government of Canada made the resolution of specific claims a priority when it announced the Specific Claims Action Plan in 2007, and reiterated its commitment to resolve claims in the 2010 Speech from the Throne. Following that, in the Federal Budget of 2013, funds were identified to continue to ensure that specific claims are addressed fairly and promptly. Resolving specific claims fairly and expeditiously addresses the legal rights of, and provides justice to First Nation claimants, discharges outstanding legal obligations of the Crown, and provides certainty for all Canadians.

Sub-Program 1.2.3: Consultation and Accommodation

Description: This sub-program provides support to internal and external stakeholders to maintain collaboration with Indigenous groups and their representatives. It includes contributions to a representative organization for engagement on developing policy and programs, and advice on how to engage community members on the development of a community plan. In the context of the duty to consult, this support takes several forms, including: assistance to federal departments/agencies in fulfilling the Crown's duty to consult; engagement with Indigenous groups and representatives, provinces and territories, and industry with regard to that duty; and the negotiation and implementation of consultation protocols/agreements and related contributions (transfer payments).

Sub-Program 1.2.4: Métis Relations and Rights Management, and Non-Status Indian Relations

Description: This sub-program aims to enhance the representativeness of Métis and Non-Status Indian organizations and their ability to build partnerships with federal and provincial governments and with the private sector. It also proactively supports the reconciliation of Métis rights.

Program 1.3: Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties

Description: This Program aims to create and maintain ongoing partnerships to support fulfillment of Canada's legal obligations pursuant to both pre- and post-1975 treaties, while considering ongoing rights and interests of Indigenous peoples. This Program supports Indigenous communities in articulating their interests, participating in economic activities, and managing and developing land and resources, where applicable. It also helps to demonstrate the importance of treaties and related partnerships between the Crown and Indigenous peoples. This is achieved by honouring Canada's obligations as set out in final settlement agreements and treaties, and by improving collaboration between Canada and Indigenous peoples, and between Canada and pre- and post-1975 Treaty groups. Creating and maintaining relationships and partnerships that honour pre- and post-1975 treaties contributes to strengthened, healthy, self-reliant and sustainable Indigenous communities while promoting delivery of programs and services vital to the health and advancement of Indigenous peoples.

Program 2.1: Education

Description: This Program's overarching goal is to work in partnership with First Nations, provincial and territorial governments and other education stakeholders, to provide eligible First Nation and Inuit students with support in order to achieve educational outcomes that are comparable to those of other Canadians. The Education Program provides funding for culturally-appropriate elementary and secondary education for eligible First Nation students ordinarily resident on reserve, and financially supports post-secondary education for eligible First Nation and Inuit students.

Sub-Program 2.1.1: Elementary and Secondary Education

Description: This sub-program supports First Nation decision making by providing funding to eligible on-reserve students with elementary and secondary education services that are comparable to those required in provincial schools. The sub-program provides funding to First Nations, or organizations designated by First Nations, to pay salaries for on-reserve school teachers and other instructional services, reimburse tuition for on-reserve students who attend provincial schools, provide student support services (e.g. transportation), and enhance education services (e.g. curriculum and language development, teacher recruitment and retention, community and parent engagement in education, and Information Communication Technology capacity). Funding also targets a series of specific initiatives that: support students with identified, high-cost special education needs; improve student achievement levels in reading, writing and mathematics; develop school success plans; implement school performance measurement systems to assess, report on, and accelerate student progress; and encourage students to remain in school and graduate. Additionally, this sub-program invests in tripartite partnerships — amongst First Nations, provincial governments and the Government of Canada — to help First Nation students who move between on-reserve and provincial schools to succeed. This sub-program also includes a number of initiatives that support culturally appropriate education activities, including cultural education centres. It also provides support to First Nation and Inuit youth in their efforts to transition from secondary school to either post-secondary education or the labour market.

Sub-Program 2.1.2: Post-Secondary Education

Description: This sub-program helps eligible First Nation and Inuit students access and succeed in post-secondary education. The sub-program provides funding to First Nations, tribal councils or regional First Nation and Inuit organizations to assist eligible students to pay for tuition fees, books, travel, and living expenses (when applicable). Financial support also targets a series of specific initiatives to: enable eligible First Nation and Inuit students to attain the academic level required for entrance to degree and diploma credit programs through entrance preparation programs offered by Canadian post-secondary institutions; and assist post-secondary education institutions to design and deliver university- and college-level courses that are tailored to the needs of First Nation and Inuit students. This sub-program also provides funding to Indspire — a national, registered non-profit organization — to provide post-secondary scholarships, including matching funds raised by Indspire from non-federal sources, and to deliver programs, such as career conferences, for secondary students in order to help First Nation and Inuit students pursue academic or career opportunities.

Program 2.2: Social Development

Description: This Program provides funding to five social sub-programs: Income Assistance, National Child Benefit, Assisted Living, First Nations Child and Family Services, and Family Violence Prevention. Together, these sub-programs assist First Nation individuals and communities in becoming more self-sufficient, protect individuals and families at risk of violence, provide prevention supports that allow individuals and families to better care for their children, and support greater participation in the labour market. The Program assists First Nation men, women and children to achieve greater independence and self-sufficiency in First Nation communities across Canada by providing funding for First Nations, First Nation organizations, provinces and others that provide individual and family services to on-reserve residents (and Yukon First Nation residents). These services help First Nation communities meet basic and special needs, support employability and participation in the workforce, and support the safety of individuals and families. Through these five social sub-programs, First Nations are better able to advance their own development, leverage opportunities and actively contribute to the broader Canadian economy and society.

Sub-Program 2.2.1: Income Assistance

Description: This sub-program provides funding to First Nations, First Nation organizations and the province of Ontario (under the 1965 agreement) to assist eligible individuals and families living on reserve who are in financial need, through the provision of basic and special needs that are in alignment with the rates and eligibility criteria of reference for provinces or territories. The sub-program also provides funding for service delivery and pre-employment services designed to help clients transition to, and remain in, the workforce. INAC also contributes to the funding of day care services for First Nation families in Ontario and Alberta.

Sub-Program 2.2.2: National Child Benefit

Description: This sub-program is a joint federal/provincial/territorial child poverty reduction initiative led by Employment and Social Development Canada. The sub-program has two components: a financial benefits component (the federal Canada Child Tax Benefit and National Child Benefit Supplement, and provincial/territorial integrated child benefits) and a reinvestment component (the National Child Benefit Reinvestment). Under the financial benefits component, the Department provides funding to the Yukon Territorial Government for the cost of the Yukon Child Benefit paid to First Nation families. Under the reinvestment component, INAC provides funding for community-based supports and services for children in low-income families for child care, child nutrition, support for parents, home-to-work transition and cultural enrichment.

Sub-Program 2.2.3: Assisted Living

Description: This sub-program provides funding for non-medical, social support services so that seniors, adults with chronic illness, and children and adults with disabilities (both mental and physical) can maintain functional independence. There are three major components to the sub-program: in-home care; adult foster care; and institutional care (institutional care is provided for eligible individuals in need of personal, non-medical care on a 24-hour basis). These services are available to individuals living on reserve or ordinarily resident on reserve who have been formally assessed by a health care professional (in a manner consistent with provincial or territorial legislation and standards), and identified as requiring services but without the means to obtain such services themselves.

Sub-Program 2.2.4: First Nations Child and Family Services

Description: This sub-program provides funding for child and family services supporting the safety and well-being of First Nation children and families who are ordinarily resident on reserve. Culturally appropriate prevention and protection services are delivered by service providers in accordance with provincial or territorial legislation and standards. This sub-program supports: developmental funding for new organizations; maintenance funding for costs associated with maintaining a child in care; operations funding for staffing and administrative costs of an agency; and prevention funding. In 2007, following provincial lead, the First Nations Child and Family Services sub-program started introducing changes focussing on prevention. The goal of the prevention approach is to improve services, family cohesion and life outcomes for First Nation children and families on reserve.

Sub-Program 2.2.5: Family Violence Prevention

Description: This sub-program provides funding for family violence protection and prevention services that are responsive to community needs for which there are two components. The first component supports women, children and families living on reserve with family violence shelter services by providing funding to core shelter operations. The second component is to support family violence prevention activities by providing funding to Indigenous communities and organizations. The Family Violence Prevention sub-program also works to address issues related to Indigenous women and girls.

Program 2.3: First Nations Individual Affairs

Description: This Program contributes to ensuring federal stewardship of the legislative and administrative responsibilities of the federal government pertaining to registration, membership, status cards and estates. Results are achieved through direct client services and partnerships with First Nations to determine eligibility for registration under the Indian Act, issuing proof of registration documents such as the Secure Certificate of Indian Status, and administering estates under the Indian Act. Through client-centric service delivery, the sound administration of individual affairs contributes to the well-being of First Nation individuals, families and communities.

Sub-Program 2.3.1: Registration and Membership

Description: This sub-program supports INAC, under the Indian Act, to maintain the Indian Register, determine entitlement to Indian registration, maintain departmentally controlled Band lists and provide advice on matters such as Band divisions and amalgamations. Through client services and partnerships with First Nations, the sub-program seeks to register eligible applicants pursuant to sections 5 to 7 of the Indian Act, and also issue proof of registration documents, such as the Secure Certificate of Indian Status, which identify those eligible to receive programs and services available to registered Indians. A current and accurate Indian Register and issuance of the Secure Certificate of Indian Status are fundamental to the effective and accountable delivery of federal programs and services for eligible users.

Sub-Program 2.3.2: Estates

Description: This sub-program ensures that the federal government's responsibilities (pursuant to sections 42 to 52 of the Indian Act) are met by developing policies and procedures, and providing guidance, information and support for the management and administration of Indian estates. The Indian Act provides the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada with exclusive jurisdiction over the administration of estates for First Nations individuals who were ordinarily resident on reserve at the time of their death (decedent estates), or for those declared by the appropriate provincial/territorial authority to be incapable of managing their financial affairs (living estates of dependent adults). The Indian Act also provides the Minister with discretionary jurisdiction to appoint guardians to administer the property of minors. INAC's role includes approving a will or declaring a will to be void in whole or in part and providing for the administration of both decedent and living estates through the appointment of executors, administrators or guardians. INAC may also act as the administrator or guardian of an estate when there is no one else eligible or willing to do so.

Program 2.4: Residential Schools Resolution

Description: This Program supports a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools through implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) — a multi-party negotiated settlement monitored by the courts. The Program supports resolution of claims of abuse under the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) and promotes reconciliation with former students, their families and communities, and other Canadians. In addition to its legal obligations under IRSSA, INAC promotes reconciliation between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples, as well as between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Sub-Program 2.4.1: Independent Assessment Process

Description: This sub-program supports one of the compensation elements established under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement — the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) — which is a non-adversarial, out-of-court process for claims of sexual abuse, serious physical abuse, and other wrongful acts causing serious psychological consequences to the claimant. The IAP aims to bring a fair and lasting resolution to harm caused by residential schools through a claimant-centered and neutral process. Updates on the IAP are posted quarterly on the Department's website.

Sub-Program 2.4.2: Reconciliation

Description: This sub-program provides ongoing support for the implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) and promotes reconciliation between Canada and former Indian Residential School students, their families and communities, as well as between Indigenous peoples and other Canadians. Reconciliation supports the implementation of IRSSA by working with the churches that ran the schools to ensure they fulfill their obligations under IRSSA, and by working with Health Canada as it provides health supports under IRSSA. The sub-program promotes reconciliation with an emphasis on leading the implementation of a departmental reconciliation framework and the analysis of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report.

Program 3.1: Indigenous Entrepreneurship

Description: This Program supports and strengthens the long-term viability of Indigenous entrepreneurial business, greater participation in the economy, and improved economic prosperity for Indigenous peoples. This Program — guided by the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development — helps create and grow viable Indigenous businesses through increasing access to capital, capacity, networks, business development services and business opportunities.

Sub-Program 3.1.1: Business Capital and Support Services

Description: This sub-program provides funding and support to a national network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI), Indigenous organizations and non-Indigenous organizations to enhance access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs. This sub-program also supports ongoing capacity to create and maintain a sustainable network of AFI to deliver business development services and provide non-repayable and repayable financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities.

Sub-Program 3.1.2: Business Opportunities

Description: This sub-program facilitates access by Indigenous businesses to public- and private-sector business opportunities, including federal procurement contracts, using instruments like the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses, various partnership and participation approaches; capacity and network building; and assistance in establishing business strategies.

Program 3.2: Community Economic Development

Description: This Program promotes conditions that will help improve community economic development and prosperity for Indigenous peoples. Guided by the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development — and its vision of "Enhancing the Value of Indigenous Assets" — this Program promotes greater self-reliance and participation in the mainstream economy and community well-being. This is achieved through supports to institutions and First Nations for land and environmental management and economic development.

Planning Highlights

Through the Community Economic Development Program, INAC will continue to support the full participation of First Nations, Métis, Non-Status Indians and Inuit individuals and communities in the economy by:

• Making investments that facilitate business and community readiness for Indigenous peoples' participation in commercial and economic opportunities on reserve land.

Sub-Program 3.2.1: Lands and Economic Development Services

Description: This sub-program supports communities to effectively build and manage a land base for economic development. Incentive-based funding encourages and supports First Nations seeking to take on additional land-management responsibilities under the Indian Act. It also supports an effective transition toward greater autonomy through modern land-management tools such as the First Nation Land Management Act (FNLMA) and the First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act (FNOGMMA). Targeted funding is available to support training, capacity development, planning, and land and environmental management.

Sub-Program 3.2.2: Investment in Economic Opportunities

Description: This sub-program supports First Nations and Inuit communities seeking greater participation in large and complex economic opportunities. Targeted investments provide funding for First Nation and Inuit communities to better pursue economic opportunities. This sub-program also includes adoption of regulations for complex commercial and industrial development projects through the First Nation Commercial and Industrial Development Act which helps to establish increased certainty needed by investors. These activities are critical to successfully partner with the private and public sectors to effectively participate in — and benefit from — key economic opportunities.

Sub-Program 3.2.3: Administration of Reserve Land

Description: This sub-program: creates, monitors and registers the rights and interests in reserve lands (including the Federal Management of Oil and Gas Interests in the Reserve Land Program, which manages and regulates oil and gas development on First Nation reserve lands through Indian Oil and Gas Canada); defines reserve boundaries; and administers land management policies and processes, including additions to reserve. This sub-program further administers band moneys (capital and revenue moneys) — pursuant to sections 61 to 69 of the Indian Act — held within the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the use and benefit of bands and their members.

Sub-Program 3.2.4: Contaminated Sites (On-Reserve)

Description: This sub-program supports the assessment and remediation of contaminated sites on reserve lands and on other lands under the Department's custodial responsibility.

Program 3.3: Strategic Partnerships

Description: This Program supports Indigenous community preparedness activities to engage with partners in economic opportunities, including the Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) — an innovative, horizontal program intended to align federal efforts to support Indigenous participation in complex economic opportunities, particularly large regional opportunities and major resource developments. The Strategic Partnership Initiative provides a mechanism for federal partners to collectively identify emerging opportunities, target investment decisions and streamline program application and approval processes to support Indigenous communities at the early stages of large and complex economic opportunities. In doing so, closer partnerships with non-federal partners, including provincial and territorial governments, the private sector and Indigenous communities can be built. By addressing gaps in programming, this ensures that Indigenous peoples can participate in and benefit from priority regional opportunities and major resource developments.

Program 3.4: Infrastructure and Capacity

Description: This Program provides funding and advisory assistance to First Nation communities for the construction, acquisition, operation and maintenance of community infrastructure assets on reserves. These assets include drinking water systems, wastewater systems and community buildings. The Program also includes support for emergency management assistance, renewable energy projects and funding and advisory support for water and wastewater systems, education facilities, housing and other community infrastructure such as roads and bridges, electrification, and community buildings (these four sub-programs are collectively known as the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program). Ultimately, this Program enables First Nations to participate more fully in the Canadian economy by establishing infrastructure that meets established standards, and the needs of First Nation communities.

Sub-Program 3.4.1: Water and Wastewater

Description: This sub-program provides funding to plan, design, construct, acquire, operate and maintain water and wastewater systems, including water supply, treatment and distribution, and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal. It also provides funding to: coordinate training and capacity building for activities related to water and wastewater facilities; identify on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure needs; develop water and wastewater infrastructure capital plans; and design and implement management practices for water and wastewater facilities maintenance. The goal is to support First Nations in meeting health and safety standards and provide on-reserve residents with service levels comparable to those off reserve. First Nations identify priorities and needs and present project proposals to the Department. Funding is provided for projects based on a priority assessment.

Sub-Program 3.4.2: Education Facilities

Description: This sub-program provides funding to: plan, design, construct/acquire, renovate, repair, replace, and operate and maintain band-operated elementary and secondary education facilities (including school buildings, teacherages and student residences) and any related facility services. Provincial school boards are also eligible for funding to plan, design, construct/acquire elementary and secondary education facilities for First Nation students. This sub-program also provides funding to: acquire, replace, and repair furniture, equipment and furnishing for schools, teacherages and student residences; identify education facility needs, and develop education facility plans; and design and implement maintenance management practices.

Sub-Program 3.4.3: Housing

Description: This sub-program provides funding for First Nations to: plan and manage housing needs; design, construct and acquire new housing units; as well as renovate existing housing units. Working with First Nations, this sub-program seeks to increase the supply of safe and affordable housing to achieve better housing outcomes for on-reserve residents.

Sub-Program 3.4.4: Other Community Infrastructure and Activities

Description: This sub-program provides funding to plan, design, construct, acquire, operate and maintain community infrastructure assets and facilities, as well as coordinate training and undertake capacity-building activities in this area. The goal is to support First Nations in better meeting health and safety standards and provide on-reserve residents with similar levels of service to those off reserve. First Nations identify priorities and needs in their First Nation Infrastructure Investment Plans. Funding is provided for projects based on a priority assessment.

Sub-Program 3.4.5: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

Description: This sub-program implements the ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program, which supports Aboriginal and northern communities, including off-grid communities, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the integration of proven renewable energy technologies, such as residual heat recovery, biomass, geothermal, wind, solar and small hydro. The sub-program provides funding for the design and construction of renewable energy projects integrated with community buildings and for the feasibility stages of larger renewable energy projects.

Sub-Program 3.4.6: Emergency Management Assistance

Description: This sub-program provides funding to protect the health and safety of on-reserve First Nations residents as well as their lands and critical infrastructure. The sub-program promotes the four pillars of emergency management — mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery — by providing funding and overseeing the reimbursement of eligible emergency management costs; providing timely and efficient situational awareness; and developing policy to support emergency management. It further promotes efficiency by accessing existing resources and services of provincial/territorial and First Nation emergency management partners to address on-reserve emergencies as required (with the mandate to reimburse partners for eligible expenses).

Program 3.5: Urban Indigenous Participation

Description: This Program supports participation of urban Indigenous individuals and communities in the economy. It is comprised of two streams: Community Capacity Support and Urban Partnerships. The Community Capacity Support stream provides funding to urban Indigenous community organizations to deliver programs and services that are designed to remove barriers and encourage innovative partnerships. The Urban Partnerships stream is comprised of a planning component and an implementation component. The planning component supports communities with multi-stakeholder engagement (private sector, municipalities, Indigenous groups) in the design and development of regional strategic plans and the identification of community priorities. These plans are then shared with the National Association of Friendship Centres which, in turn, implements the priorities through community projects.

Program 4.1: Northern Governance and People

Description: This Program strengthens the North's communities and people by: devolving responsibilities for lands and natural resources to territorial governments; fostering effective intergovernmental relations with territorial and Inuit governments; collaborating with Inuit organizations and providing support to Territorial Commissioners; subsidizing the costs of nutritious perishable foods and other essential items in isolated northern communities; providing grants for hospital and physician services in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories; working with northern communities to identify the risks and challenges posed by climate change; and advancing Canadian and northern interests through circumpolar forums such as the international Arctic Council. Canadians and Northerners will benefit from territorial governments ultimately having more control over their own affairs.

Sub-Program 4.1.1: Political Development and Intergovernmental Relations

Description: This sub-program facilitates the growth of strong, effective and efficient government structures in the North. The devolution of responsibilities for land and resource management to territorial governments will strengthen northern governance. This sub-program also supports legislation and policy initiatives, the advancement of intergovernmental processes, collaboration with Inuit organizations and governments, the appointment of Territorial Commissioners and general federal-territorial relationships. In addition, it ensures that circumpolar cooperation activities reflect Canadian interests and grants are provided to territorial governments for hospital and physician services.

Sub-Program 4.1.2: Nutrition North

Description: This sub-program aims to improve access to perishable nutritious food for residents of isolated northern communities that lack year-round surface or marine transport. The sub-program provides a retail-based subsidy to registered retailers and suppliers to help reduce the cost of perishable nutritious food in the eligible communities. It is supported by an advisory board that gives Northerners a direct voice in the sub-program.

Sub-Program 4.1.3: Climate Change Adaptation

Description: This sub-program provides funding support to Aboriginal and northern communities, governments and organizations to assess vulnerabilities to climate change, develop adaptation plans, and develop related information and tools. The sub-program builds capacity at the community level and develops partnerships with territorial governments to address broad northern issues. The assessment of climate change impacts and adaptation planning enhances community resilience and facilitates the integration of climate change considerations into decision making.

Program 4.2: Northern Science and Technology

Description: This Program supports scientific research and technology in the North through programs and infrastructure to ensure domestic and international policy on key northern issues is better informed by a scientific knowledge base. The focus of this Program is to: research and monitor contaminants and their impacts on the ecosystem and human health through the Northern Contaminants Program; assess, manage and communicate scientific data and results, and contribute expertise to help inform public policy making and international controls on certain contaminants; and support the construction of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station. Northerners and all Canadians will benefit from a knowledge base that supports health and sustainable development and the positioning of Canada as an international leader in Arctic science and technology.

Sub-Program 4.2.1: Northern Contaminants

Description: This sub-program engages Northerners and scientists in researching and monitoring long-range contaminants in the Canadian Arctic. The data generated by this sub-program is used to assess ecosystem and human health, and the findings of these assessments inform policy, resulting in action to eliminate contaminants from long-range sources. This supports the safety and security of traditional country foods that are important to the health of Northerners and northern communities. The sub-program also contributes scientific data to contaminants-related international agreements and assessments, helping to position Canada as an international leader in Arctic science. These international agreements will improve the health of Arctic people and wildlife over the long term.

Sub-Program 4.2.2: Science Initiatives

Description: This sub-program works to position Canada as a leader in Arctic science and technology through the establishment of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station. The Station will be a world-class, year-round, multidisciplinary facility on the cutting edge of Arctic issues that will anchor a strong research presence in Canada's Arctic to serve Canada and the world. It will advance Canada's knowledge of the Arctic in order to improve economic opportunities, environmental stewardship and the quality of life of Northerners and all Canadians.

Program 4.3: Northern Land, Resources and Environmental Management

Description: This Program focuses on the management, sustainable development and regulatory oversight of the land, water, natural resources, and environment of the North, delivering on the Department's role as the Government of Canada's natural resource manager in Nunavut and the northern offshore and its post-devolution responsibilities in the Northwest Territories and Yukon. This Program involves: managing oil and gas resources development; supporting the sustainable management of active mineral exploration and development; supporting the sound management of contaminated sites and the few remaining INAC-managed land and water areas in the North; and ensuring the completion of territorial land-use planning including zones for conservation, development and other uses. Northerners and Canadians will benefit from economic opportunities and sustainable development.

Sub-Program 4.3.1: Petroleum and Minerals

Description: This sub-program manages the petroleum and mineral resource interests of Northerners, Indigenous peoples and Canadians generally on federal lands in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the northern offshore. This sub-program: manages the rights to Crown petroleum and mineral resources; collects Crown royalties; participates in project assessments and land-use planning; and promotes Indigenous participation in resource development. It regularly engages federal, territorial and Indigenous organizations to consider socio-cultural and environmental sensitivities related to petroleum and mineral activities.

Sub-Program 4.3.2: Contaminated Sites

Description: This sub-program ensures that contaminated sites are managed to ensure the protection of human health, safety and the environment for all Northerners by assessing and remediating contaminated sites and supporting the employment and training of Northerners, particularly Indigenous people.

Sub-Program 4.3.3: Land and Water Management

Description: This sub-program manages the land and water interests of Northerners, Indigenous peoples, and other Canadians in Nunavut and in lands managed by the Department in the Northwest Territories and Yukon. This is achieved through: the development, approval and implementation of sound land use plans; environmental monitoring; administration of land rights; provision of inspection and investigation services for land use permits and water licences; and management of their securities.

Planning Highlights

Internal Services contribute to the effective and efficient delivery of the Department's programs and services, and support the Government's commitment to ensuring an open government, evidence-based policy-making and diversity in government, as well as the implementation of transformative initiatives.

In support of open government, INAC will:

• Move forward on the approved Open Government Implementation Plan. Specifically, INAC will develop a change management plan and a data and information release plan, and will publish data/information as identified in year one of the release plan.
• Migrate updated web content to Canada.ca, under the Treasury Board Secretariat-driven Web Renewal initiative.

In support of evidence-based policy-making, INAC will:

• Continue, in close collaboration with partners, including the First Nation Information Governance Centre's Data Centre, Statistics Canada, and other government departments, to advance the production of, and access to, relevant socio-economic and demographic evidence and performance metrics to support decision making on issues important to Indigenous communities and Northerners.
• Conduct audits, evaluations, management practices audits, risk assessments (including General Assessment), forensic audits and control self-assessments, and other special studies of INAC programs and initiatives.
• Support long-term policy coordination and collaboration between government programs to enable Indigenous governance and decision making.

In support of diversity in government, INAC will:

• Implement Phase II of the Deputy Minister Aboriginal Workforce Initiative to advance the recruitment of Indigenous individuals, strengthen Indigenous employees' career experience in the Department, and expand the awareness of Indigenous peoples' cultures.
• Make special efforts to maintain and increase the representation and internal promotion of Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities and persons with disabilities.

In support of service improvement and transformation, INAC will:

• Modernize the procurement business processes, as part of a multi-year plan, in order to enhance client service and process control.
• Implement a grants and contributions risk-based compliance and assurance framework that integrates and standardizes departmental grant and contribution oversight activities (i.e., multi-year plan).
• Strengthen the financial management capacity and maximize efficiencies within the Department to ensure optimal use of resources through the establishment of a cost centre of expertise and a corporate accounts receivable function.
• Continue to support the Government of Canada's consolidation and standardization agenda with its work on web renewal, adoption of the federal enterprise document and records management systems (GCDOCS), application readiness for data-centre migration, and implementation of the human resource system managed by the federal government.
• Continue to adopt and enhance information management and information technology solutions to advance the collection, management, reporting, and safeguarding of business information within the Department and with its partners.
• Review INAC's staffing policies, tools and monitoring practices to align them with the new staffing framework from the Public Service Commission.
• Strengthen the Department's talent management, performance management and innovative learning environment.
• Finalize and implement a departmental workplace well-being strategy.

Expenses

Total expenses for 2016–2017 are planned at $6,760.05 million, representing a $1,877.07 million decrease from the previous year's forecasted total expenses of $8,637.11 million. Expenses by Strategic Outcome are as follows:

• The People $3,634.1M (53.8%);
• The Government $1,251.6M (18.5%);
• The Land and Economy $1,498.9M (22.2%); and
• The North $116.0M (1.7%).

The remainder of the total expenses include Internal Services in the amount of $253.0M (3.7%) and expenses incurred on behalf of the Government of Canada in the amount of $6.4M (0.1%).

Revenues

Total revenues for 2016–2017 are planned at $2.2 million, representing a $1.2 million decrease over the previous year's total revenues of $3.5 million. Respendable revenues from the provision of financial and administrative services represent $0.7 million (31.9%) of total revenues. Respendable revenues from the disposal of tangible capital assets, presented as miscellaneous revenue in the statement of operations, account for the remaining $1.5 million (68.1%).

Significant variances

Variances between the planned results for 2016–2017 and the 2015–2016 forecast results are largely attributable to the timing of key elements in the fiscal cycle. Planned results for 2016–2017 are based on the Main Estimates, which are the first step in the fiscal cycle. Additional significant funding and initiatives that were not approved in time to be included in the Main Estimates have not been included in the 2016–2017 planned results. This funding will be provided through Supplementary Estimates and it should be noted that over the past five years significant funding has been accessed through this process.

As well, another factor contributing to the variance between the planned results for 2016–2017 and the 2015–2016 estimated results is the forecasted change in the environmental liabilities and in the provision for claims and litigation. The forecasted change in the adjustment to the environmental liabilities and to the allowance for claims and litigation can be attributed to the projected remediation costs and the resolution of claims and litigation.