Archived - Supporting Information on Lower-Level Programs

Description

This sub-program supports the core operations and capacity development of First Nation Governments, including the professional development of their personnel. Support for community development and capacity building will be through collaborative, co-ordinated and targeted community-driven investments, leveraging partnership wherever possible. Funds are provided through direct transfer payments towards the costs of core functions of government, such as law-making, financial management and administration, and executive leadership. In addition, the sub-program provides guidance and develops legislation supporting transparent and accountable governance. Typical activities include — but are not limited to — assistance in establishing governance and associated capacities, processes and mechanisms (such as by-law making authority and election processes).

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In 2015–2016, approximately $13.5 million was distributed to support governance capacity building initiatives in such areas as: planning and risk management, financial management, leadership management, human resource management and IM/IT management. It is expected that continuing to invest in governance capacity building will increase First Nation success stories across Canada.

To assist in the enhancement of governance capacity, INAC has prioritized funding for the development and implementation of community development plans. In 2015–2016, the Department reinforced its goal of supporting an integrated approach to community development and the relevant program areas are in discussion on the alignment of departmental support for land use, infrastructure, emergency management, governance, and comprehensive community planning. The alignment of departmental support is expected to enhance governance capacity and to demonstrate enhanced capacity through the development of more robust and global Governance Capacity Plans.

Core governance support through the creation and maintenance of strong local administration at the community level is essential to establishing and maintaining a low risk on the Governance section of the General Assessment. The Band Support Funding grant and Band Employee Benefits contribution funding provide direct support to communities, while the development and implementation of legislation leads to advancements in governance capacity development.

Description

This sub-program supports aggregate program delivery as well as aggregate capacity development through Indigenous governance institutions and organizations at the local, regional and national level dedicated to developing and supporting Indigenous governments in the exercising of their responsibilities. It also supports institutions providing technical support to First Nation governments, in the areas of taxation and financial management, to carry out their legislative mandate under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. Implementation support to First Nation governments for the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act is also provided. Funds are provided through transfer payments to organizations and institutions with demonstrated expertise in supporting First Nation governments to enhance capacity for service delivery and professional development.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In 2015–2016, INAC contributed to the capacity of First Nation governance institutions by providing continued core operational funding to tribal councils. This supports them in the delivery of programs and services to their member First Nations through contribution agreements. Tribal councils are funded to provide direct support to First Nations with respect to governance capacity, as well as support regarding the administration of specified programs and services, depending on the needs of their members. This funding is expected to continue to support governance institutions that score low risk on the General Assessment.

Description

Canada is committed to the negotiation of claims and self-government agreements as the best means for reconciling Aboriginal rights required under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 with Crown sovereignty to the benefit of all Canadians. Canada is also committed to negotiating self-government agreements outside of the Aboriginal rights context 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.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Canada is currently involved in approximately 100 modern treaty and self-government negotiations and exploratory discussions. This complex undertaking involves INAC, other government departments and provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners. Negotiation action plans are informed by consulting all parties for each negotiation table to reflect risks and opportunities and identify strategic objectives. In 2015–2016, 91% of objectives identified in these negotiation action plans were reached, surpassing the 80% target.

Description

Specific claims are 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 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. More recently, 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.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

The Department assessed all specific claims against the minimum standard within the six-month operational time frame. The assessment of all claims, including the legal assessment by the Department of Justice, was completed within the three-year operational time frame. However, some First Nations were not advised of the results of the assessment within the three-year operational framework.

Similarly, not as many offers to settle specific claims were extended as was forecast due to the operation of the Caretaker Convention.

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 contributions in the context of consultation protocols/arrangements.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

The Department continued to provide assistance in fulfilling the Crown’s legal duty to consult — and where appropriate, accommodate — when Crown conduct may adversely affect potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights of Indigenous peoples.

INAC worked towards strengthening the understanding of the duty to consult by developing and delivering advanced training — interdepartmental and tailored (by department and by region) — to approximately 500 officials to help strengthen their capacity to integrate into their departmental activities the duty to consult and accommodate. Advancements were also made in the functionality and content of the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System (ATRIS). In addition to the 13,000 visits to ATRIS, 85 training sessions on ATRIS were provided to Government of Canada officials, as well as 33 to the public and four to various provincial and territorial governments.

In May 2015, a Ministerial Special Representative was appointed to lead a national engagement process with Indigenous groups, provinces, territories and industry proponents to receive feedback on the current Updated Guidelines for Federal Officials to Fulfill the Duty to Consult (March 2011), in order to learn more about various consultation experiences and views and to identify key changes to be made to the federal Guidelines. Next steps with regard to the engagement and the next version of the Guidelines are currently being discussed.

The Department also advanced relationship building with Indigenous groups, jurisdictions and federal networks by concluding a consultation agreement with the Métis Nation of Ontario and continuing protocol negotiations with six groups across Canada. Furthermore, INAC continued to collaborate with provinces and territories towards improved consultation processes (including ongoing information sharing and joint training), as well as continued sharing of information, development of tools and best practices, and support of policy development through federal–provincial/territorial dialogue, regional interdepartmental networks and interdepartmental and intradepartmental working groups. In addition, INAC provided direct support on major natural resource projects, focusing on seven (including pipeline projects, mines, hydro developments and liquefied natural gas export terminals), and supported planning for Indigenous engagement on the environmental assessment legislative reviews.

Refinements were also made to the new Aboriginal Representative Organizations process — launched in 2014–2015 — designed to simplify and clarify the process for recipients. Building on feedback from stakeholders, improvements were made to both the application and assessment components of the centralized Aboriginal Representative Organization project funding process.

Description

This sub-program aims to enhance the capacity, stability and accountability of both Métis and Non-Status Indian Aboriginal Representative Organizations to represent their members, and to build partnerships with federal and provincial governments, and with the private sector. The sub-program also works more specifically with Métis Aboriginal Representative Organizations to develop and standardize "objectively verifiable membership systems" for Métis people, in accordance with the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Powley in 2003.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

INAC maintained and strengthened the federal government's relations with Métis and Non-Status Indian Aboriginal Representative Organizations by actively engaging with them through meetings, annual general assemblies, and general and board meetings. These meetings provided an opportunity to discuss key policy, program, and operational priorities affecting the members these organizations represent. Outcomes of these meetings included general consensus and/or common understandings of funding, authority renewals, key policy and program initiatives, and mutual priorities going forward.

The Department also engaged the Canadian Standards Association Group to advance the development of common standards outlining best practices for the operational elements of Métis Nation Registries and verification procedures for assessing conformance with the best-practice procedures. Common standards for the operation of Métis Nation Registries were developed through the CSA process and were published in March 2015. These standards are intended to ensure the integrity of the processes employed by the Registries by addressing practical operational components, such as security of information, privacy, quality of service, completeness and consistency of processes, and management and storage of records. The standards will support the operation of the Registries in a consistent and fair manner based on objective and verifiable criteria.

Description

This sub-program supports First Nation students ordinarily resident on reserve, or designated organizations delivering First Nation education services, to provide eligible elementary and secondary on-reserve students with education services comparable to those of their provincial counterparts. Funds are allocated 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). It also supports school access to resources for students with identified high-cost special education needs. Investments are also made to support longer-term improvements in education outcomes by implementing school success plans, student learning assessments, and school performance measurement systems, and by advancing existing tripartite education partnerships with First Nations, provinces and the Government of Canada. The goals are to increase students’ achievement levels in reading, writing and mathematics; encourage students to remain in school (student retention) and graduate; require schools to conduct student learning assessments and put in place performance measurement systems that allow schools to assess, report on, and take steps to accelerate progress made by schools and students. In addition, the Elementary and Secondary Education sub-program includes a number of initiatives that support culturally appropriate education activities, including cultural education centres. It also provides supports to First Nation and Inuit youth to transition from secondary school to post-secondary education or the workplace through programs such as the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

The data in the table above are published, as provided by First Nation recipients, only for students who were tested. Provincial assessments are administered at selected grade levels, unique to each province (e.g. grades 3, 6 and 9). Calculations combine all students in all grades who were tested, and provincial/regional percentages tabulated using a consistent national methodology. While data may not be directly comparable to provincial rates at this time due to different tabulation methodologies by provinces, the long-term goal is to approach provincial equivalence, while the short- and medium-term goals are to demonstrate incremental improvements in academic achievement as a result of new program investments. This departmental reporting should not be taken as an indication of overall numeracy and literacy rates of the broader student body.

The results of standardized testing in literacy and numeracy are used by INAC as the indicator to demonstrate the expected result that First Nation students progress in their elementary and secondary studies. This indicator was established at a time when provincial ministries of education anticipated comprehensive testing across grades and subjects. Since then, however, some provinces have stopped using or changed their approach to standardized testing.

Whether this indicator is currently representative of First Nation student progression will be a subject of engagement with First Nations and education organizations, which will include seeking their views on how best to demonstrate student progression and success.

For further information on INAC investments in school infrastructure, refer to sub-program 3.4.2: Education Facilities.

Description

The objective of this sub-program is to help increase access to post-secondary institutions and enable success, including increased graduation rates, in post-secondary education for eligible First Nation and Inuit students. The sub-program provides funding to Band Councils, Tribal Councils or regional First Nation education organizations to assist eligible students pay for tuition fees, books, travel, and living expenses (when applicable).^{Footnote 1} It provides financial support to eligible First Nation and Inuit students for university and college entrance preparation programs offered in Canadian post-secondary institutions, to enable them to attain the academic level required for entrance to degree and diploma credit programs. Resources are also available to post-secondary education institutions for the research, design and delivery of college and university level courses for First Nation and Inuit students, as well as for research and development on First Nation and Inuit education. INAC also funds Indspire, a national, registered non-profit organization, to provide scholarships and deliver programs, such as career conferences, to help them^{Footnote 2} pursue academic or career opportunities.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Budget 2015 provided $12 million over three years to Indspire to support scholarships and bursaries for First Nation and Inuit post-secondary students, including $1 million to support students in trades. A $2-million portion of Budget 2015 was provided to Indspire in 2015–2016 to support students continuing — and starting — post-secondary studies. A further $1 million was provided to the Cape Breton University Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business through Budget 2013’s five-year commitment to support programming and students in business studies.

The Department launched the Post-Secondary Partnerships Program call for proposals on January 16, 2016. By the deadline of March 2, 2016, 211 proposals were received. Proposals will be considered in June 2016, so that funds can flow to recipients to support students in September 2016.

The availability of publically published statistics on First Nation and Inuit post-secondary students supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada will assist all stakeholders, including First Nations, students, and the Government of Canada, to measure progress and analyze ongoing results.

Sufficient time must be allowed for the production of indicator data, including the newly available post-secondary students data, to maximize the data’s utility for stakeholders.

As noted in the Performance Results table above, previously established timelines needed to be adjusted to ensure quality data would be produced.

Positive progress in the implementation and use of the Education Information System will allow the Department to continue to report against the newly established baseline.

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. This sub-program funds basic and special needs in alignment with the rates and eligibility criteria of reference provinces or territories. The sub-program also funds the delivery of pre-employment services designed to help clients transition to, and remain in, the workforce. The Income Assistance sub-program has four main components: basic needs, special needs, pre-employment supports and service delivery. The expected result of the Income Assistance sub-program is an improved quality of life through the reduction of poverty and hardship on reserve, as well as improved participation in, and attachment to, the workforce.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In pursuit of its objectives to improve participation in, and attachment to, the workforce, in 2015–2016 the Department delivered $10.5 million in funding to 27 First Nation service providers to continue activities that foster increased participation in the labour market. Additionally, the Department allocated $8.5 million to Ontario Works to expand the number of communities for which the province delivers the full suite of pre-employment Ontario Works programming, from 65 in 2013–2014 to 74 in 2015–2016.

By the end of 2015–2016, excluding Ontario, 100 First Nations had formally moved to the Enhanced Service Delivery model. When combined with the 75 First Nations participating in the full Ontario Works, 175 of 540 First Nations (32%) were delivering a case-management approach to removing barriers to employment for Income Assistance recipients.

Description

The National Child Benefit (NCB) sub-program is a federal/provincial/territorial partnership child poverty reduction initiative; the lead federal department is Employment and Social Development Canada. The NCB 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 [NCBR]). 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. The five activity areas for the NCBR on reserve are child care, child nutrition, support for parents, home-to-work transition and cultural enrichment. The expected results of the NCB components are a reduction in the incidence, depth and effects of child poverty.

Description

This sub-program is a residency-based program that provides funding to assist in providing non-medical social support services so seniors, adults with chronic illness, and children and adults with disabilities (mental and physical) can maintain functional independence and achieve greater self-reliance. There are three major components to the sub-program: in-home care, adult foster care and institutional care. The latter is for eligible individuals in need of personal non-medical care on a 24-hour basis. The Assisted Living sub-program is available to all individuals residing on reserve, or ordinarily resident on reserve, who have been formally assessed by a health care professional (in a manner aligned with the relevant provincial or territorial legislation and standards) as requiring services, and who do not have the means to obtain such services themselves. The expected result for the Assisted Living sub-program is that in-home, group-home and institutional care supports are accessible to low-income individuals to help maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Description

This sub-program provides funding to assist in ensuring the safety and well-being of First Nation children ordinarily resident on reserve by supporting culturally appropriate prevention and protection services for First Nation children and families in accordance with provincial or territorial legislation and standards. The sub-program supports four activity areas/streams: 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, the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) sub-program began shifting to an Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach (EPFA). This is consistent with provinces that have largely refocused their child and family services programs from protection to prevention services. The expected result for the FNCFS sub-program is to have a more secure and stable family environment for children ordinarily resident on reserve. The implementation of the EPFA is expected to improve services, family cohesion and life outcomes for First Nation children and families on reserve. INAC also contributes to the funding of daycare services for First Nation families in Ontario and Alberta.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In 2015–2016, prevention-based programming continued to be provided by First Nations Child and Family agencies, including:

• Positive Parenting Programs entitled "Triple P Parenting", which is an evidence-based prevention/early intervention approach to parenting;
• Family Group Conferencing, which is based on a model that utilizes a facilitated discussion with family members to make decisions that ensure safety and well-being for the child(ren);
• Other general prevention-based workshops include: cooking classes, household budgeting, and single parent support workshops.

Budget 2016 proposed to invest $634.8 million over five years to support greater prevention services for First Nation children and families on reserve and provide additional capacity and resources for front-line service delivery.

To obtain a more comprehensive understanding on prevention/early intervention activities and efficacy, First Nations Child and Family Services will pursue additional research across all regions to further identify how best to provide these services to meet the unique needs of Indigenous children, families and parents on reserve.

In addition, following the decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, the First Nations Child and Family Services Program will work with partners to develop a phased engagement strategy that will facilitate national and regional partner dialogue on options for reforming child and family services on reserve and how Canada could best support this process.

Description

This sub-program provides funding to assist First Nations in providing access to family violence shelter services and prevention activities for women, children and families ordinarily resident on reserve. There are two components to the sub-program: operational funding for shelters and proposal-based prevention projects, such as education campaigns, training, workshops and counselling to raise awareness of family violence in First Nation communities. The Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) also works to address issues related to Indigenous women and girls. The expected result of the FVPP is the enhanced safety and security of First Nation women, children and families.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

INAC extended the reach of this sub-program’s annual budget to include support for family violence prevention activities off reserve, as well as shelters and prevention activities on reserve.

In order to assist the INAC-funded shelters, the Department provided core funding to the National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence to act as a national coordinator for supporting shelters and their staff through training forums, prevention activities, research and collaboration with key partners. Another innovative approach was the introduction of multi-year funding arrangements for prevention projects for eligible recipients.

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.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Work also progressed on a new information technology system, replacing four existing systems, to deliver services related to registration, Secure Certificate of Indian Status, estates management, and treaty payments. A case management system was proposed to integrate in a single system all life events related to an individual, allowing INAC to provide more client-centric services. Detailed business requirements and cost assessment for three options was completed in 2015–2016.

With respect to the modernization of processes, the Department improved client services and the policies that support their development and implementation, which must be given equal consideration.

Description

This sub-program is mandated to ensure the federal government’s responsibilities, pursuant to sections 42 to 52 of the Indian Act, are met by developing policy and procedures, providing advice and appointing administrators for the management and administration of Indian estates (decedents, minors and dependent adults).

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In pursuit of its objective to ensure that executors and administrators of wills and estates are appointed under the authority of section 43(a) of the Indian Act, in 2015–2016 the Department undertook activities to enhance awareness of estates management among First Nation individuals and communities. These included funding First Nation communities to deliver workshops on the estates management process as well as provide awareness on the importance of wills. The Estates sub-program will explore opportunities to partner with First Nation organizations and associations in support of increasing awareness of estate management and planning among First Nation individuals and communities.

INAC also developed community-specific forms as part of the Estates Policy for the implementation of the Family Homes on Reserve and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act, which provides guidance for managing estates under the Act.

Since the goal is to empower First Nation members to administer the estates of deceased First Nation individuals who were ordinarily resident on a reserve before their death, a departmental employee will only be appointed if no eligible, non-departmental individual is willing or able to administer the estate. Of the 651 appointed administrators, 52 (8%) were departmental and 599 (92%) were non-departmental, meeting the Department’s target of 90%.

In addition to decedent estates, INAC also managed approximately 838 living estates files (minors or dependent adults) on an ongoing basis. This brings the total number of estates (living and deceased) under management to 4,342, with some annual variation.

Description

As one of the compensation elements established under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) 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.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

The Department resolved 408 claims through the Negotiated Settlement Process. Due to the complexity of remaining files and low numbers of hearing-ready claims, the 2015–2016 Negotiated Settlement Process target was reduced from 600 to 450. In addition, INAC processed 2,008 of 2,211 (91%) payments within the service standard of 20 days, exceeding the target of 80%. Since 2007, $3.004 billion in settlement payments have been made.

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 by developing and offering concrete gestures of reconciliation, which vary from year to year, with an emphasis on educating the public about the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools, and supporting the development of curriculum and educational tools to bring the history of Indian Residential Schools into the classroom, and by leading the implementation of a departmental reconciliation framework.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In 2015–2016, the Department made progress toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians through a variety of reconciliation and education initiatives.

It participated in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Closing Event and ensured the attendance of high-level government officials. The Department prepared and staffed a federal booth at the event, providing educational and promotional material for the education day. It also provided $350,000 to support travel costs for former students to attend the event.

At the Closing Event the Department announced — as a gesture of reconciliation — $2 million in funding to support the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Legacy of Hope Foundation and Reconciliation Canada.

INAC participated in the event for the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report.

As an initial step to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 78, Canada provided an additional $1.138 million to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to support education and reconciliation opportunities.

The Department also worked with Reconciliation Canada to host dialogue sessions on reconciliation with departmental employees. Finally, INAC continued distributing, upon request, existing publications related to the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

Description

As per the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the Government of Canada has an obligation to disclose to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) all documents relevant to the TRC’s mandate in an organized fashion.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

On December 10, 2015, the Department completed the contract to transfer documents from Library and Archives Canada to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission before the end of its mandate. A total of 967,555 documents were disclosed to the Commission. In providing these documents, the Department exceeded its initial target on several fronts. The project was completed within budget, yet the overall scope was more than doubled. A total of 60,436 files were reviewed in contrast with the 33,500 initially estimated. In addition, the project included the digitization and coding of 120,036 documents. The larger scope of documents located at Library and Archives Canada — double the initial estimate — provided the Department with a reconciliation opportunity.

Description

This sub-program contributes to the expected result of the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program primarily through the provision of funding. Funding is provided to help a national network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs), Indigenous entrepreneurs and organizations, and non-Indigenous organizations establish and maintain capital for Indigenous business development. Funding also supports ongoing capacity to deliver business development services. The expected results of this sub-program are a sustainable network of AFIs delivering business development services, providing both non-repayable and repayable financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities, and supporting the creation or expansion of small- and medium-sized businesses.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

The gross loan portfolio data for the 2014–2015 fiscal year are expected to be available for reporting in the fall of 2016. Analysis will be provided once the data become available. The results of initial research on the Capital Attraction Tool revealed that potential investors will seek evidence of the effectiveness of the Aboriginal Financial Institution (AFI) network, the value of its gross loan portfolio, and adequate securitization of the portfolio. The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) continues to assess the securitization of the AFI network and the results will be used to inform the criteria for the establishment of a fund.

Description

This sub-program contributes to the expected result of the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program by facilitating Indigenous businesses’ access to public and private sector business opportunities. Pursuant to the federal Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses, this sub-program enhances Indigenous businesses participation in the federal procurement process by promoting and influencing federal departmental contract opportunities set-asides and facilitating the bidding process for qualified Indigenous businesses that support federal government priorities. In addition, the sub-program supports the identification of public and private sector business opportunities, and facilitates Indigenous access to these opportunities through a variety of partnership- and participation-based approaches. The expected result of this sub-program is that qualified Indigenous businesses win federal and non-federal procurement contracts.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

After increasing to almost $109 million in 2012, the value of set-aside contracts for Indigenous businesses fell back to just over $82 million for 2013. This decrease is representative of an overall decrease in government procurement of nearly $1 billion in 2013. Small and medium enterprises saw a decrease from $6.4 billion in 2012 to $4.5 billion in 2013. The relatively smaller decrease in Indigenous procurement can be attributed to the effectiveness of the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses (PSAB) program and the strength of Indigenous business capacity in Canada.

INAC continued to review International and Internal Trade agreements (such as the Trade in Service Agreement and the Agreement on Internal Trade) to ensure that any measure adopted or maintained with respect to Aboriginal peoples, including set-asides for Aboriginal businesses and existing Aboriginal or treaty rights of any of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada protected by section 35 of the Constitution Act, are not affected.

Description

This sub-program contributes to the expected result of the Community Economic Development Program by providing critical support for communities to effectively build and manage a solid land base for economic development. Incentive-based funding will encourage and support First Nations who wish 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 and the First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act. Targeted funding is available to support training, capacity development, planning, and land and environmental management. The expected result is enhanced land and environment management and economic development capacity for First Nation and Inuit communities.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

INAC continued to support capacity building in economic development and land and environmental management through the certification of Indigenous land managers and the support of economic development officers, so that First Nation communities can effectively manage their land and resources and respond to economic development opportunities. Seven First Nations successfully completed land use plans through a three-year pilot project, and an additional fifteen communities began Phase II of the First Nations Land Use Planning pilot project as of November 2015. Investments in land use planning and strategic economic development planning with neighboring municipalities and First Nations have led to partnerships and business development opportunities. Over the past three years, thirteen First Nations and municipalities worked together, through the Community Economic Development Initiative, on joint strategic economic development planning. Their success has generated interest in municipalities across Canada, including large urban centres, and more municipal/First Nation partnerships are being established in 2016–2017.

An increasing number of First Nations are managing their own land transactions, though progress (62.5%) is slightly below the target of 65%. The increase is attributed to expansion of the Reserve Lands and Environmental Management Program and the First Nations Land Management Regime and enhanced First Nation access to land management capacity training. The lag behind the 65% target is attributed to the number of communities in the development phase of the First Nations Land Management Regime that are nearing ratification votes and transition to operational status, under which they will manage their own transactions.

Description

This sub-program contributes to the expected result of the Community Economic Development Program by providing critical support for communities to support greater Indigenous participation in large and complex economic opportunities. Targeted investments provide funding to First Nation and Inuit communities for a range of activities to support communities’ pursuit of economic opportunities (including the adoption of regulations for complex commercial and industrial development projects through the First Nation Commercial and Industrial Development Act). These activities are crucial to partnering with the private sector and other levels of government to effectively participate in and benefit from such economic opportunities. The expected result of this sub-program is that private sector partnerships and investments will occur within First Nation and Inuit communities.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

With investments in the Community Opportunity Readiness Program, INAC has successfully increased the number and value of private sector partnerships and investments occurring within First Nation communities. The program has supported a broad range of projects from business plans, feasibility studies and negotiations, to commercial infrastructure. The projects provide the foundations that leverage significant investments from the private sector for large and complex economic development projects. This results in communities with improved infrastructure, an increased number of businesses, employment opportunities and revenues. In 2015–2016, the Community Opportunity Readiness Program leveraged over $70 million from outside the federal government.

Description

This sub-program contributes to the expected result of the Community Economic Development Program through: the registration of rights and interests in reserve lands; the Federal Management of Oil and Gas Interests in Reserve Land program, which provides management and regulation for oil and gas development on First Nation reserve lands through Indian Oil and Gas Canada; defining reserve boundaries; and the administration of land management policies and processes, including additions to reserve. INAC also administers band moneys (capital and revenue moneys) held within the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the use and benefit of bands and their members. Band moneys are managed pursuant to sections 61 to 69 of the Indian Act. The expected result of effective administration of reserve land is to ensure that the foundational tools for community and economic development are in place and that First Nations benefit from the administration of reserve land.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

The addition to reserve target was not fully achieved as submissions could not be approved during the election period. Addition to reserve consultation activities were advanced and five Manitoba Treaty Land Entitlement additions to reserve submissions were approved, for the first time in more than two years. Overall, 12,992 acres were added to the reserve land base of First Nation communities in 2015–2016. The Additions to Reserve Policy Directive was finalized and implementation tools were updated.

The sustained fall in world oil prices and lagging gas prices have had a significant impact on the revenues accruing to First Nations as a result of on-reserve oil and gas operations. While Indian Oil and Gas Canada continued to work with First Nations and industry in the development of on-reserve oil and gas resources to ensure market-based returns, the reduction in market prices resulted in $63 million collected on behalf of First Nations and the target not being met. World-wide market forces dictate the expected levels of oil and gas development, which represents a major challenge to projecting performance targets in a dynamically changing environment of economic demand, world supply, volatile product pricing, available transportation and infrastructure, perceived supply risk and changing technologies.

Description

This sub-program contributes to the expected result of the Community Economic Development Program by supporting the assessment and remediation of contaminated sites on reserve lands and on any other lands under the Department’s custodial responsibility. The expected results of this sub-program are three-fold: the risk to public health and safety is decreased; First Nation land is available for development; and federal liabilities related to the existence of contaminated sites are reduced.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In pursuit of its objectives of reducing federal liabilities related to contaminated sites, making First Nation land available for development, and decreasing risk to public health and safety, in 2015–2016 the Department prioritized sites for remediation that have a higher risk to human health and safety. INAC’s inventory south of 60° includes over 224 Class 1 sites and an additional 975 sites requiring further assessment. As contaminated sites on reserve pose significant risks to human health and the ecological integrity of reserve lands, INAC sought opportunities for additional investment to reduce these risks and to help build conditions to support economic development on reserve lands. INAC did not meet the amount targeted because most contaminated sites remediation projects take longer than one year to complete and require the completion and approval of a site closure report to fully close a site in INAC’s inventory. Approximately five additional sites completed remediation activities in 2015–2016; however, the site closure reports were not finalized and the sites were not closed in INAC’s inventory.

Experience over the last year highlights the importance of co-ordination, project planning and maintaining a list of investment-ready projects. INAC uses a strong project management approach and is well positioned to redirect funding if needed and take advantage of available funding from other contaminated sites projects delayed due to poor weather, project tendering or equipment failure.

Description

This sub-program provides funding for the planning, design, construction, acquisition, operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems, including: water supply, treatment and distribution; and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal. It also provides funding for co-ordination training and capacity building for activities related to water and wastewater facilities; identification of on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure needs; development of water and wastewater infrastructure capital plans; and the design and ongoing implementation of management practices for water and wastewater facilities maintenance. The goal is to support First Nations in meeting health and safety standards and providing their residents with similar levels of service as those in off-reserve communities. First Nations identify their priorities and needs and present project proposals to the Department. Funding is provided for projects based on a priority assessment.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In pursuit of its objective of First Nation communities having a base of safe water and wastewater systems that meets established standards, in 2015–2016 the Department continued to prioritize capital investments for high and medium risk water and wastewater systems and to address the factors that impact risk ratings, such as capacity, training, operations and maintenance. Although the percentage of low risk ratings for drinking water systems decreased slightly from 57% in 2014–2015 to 56%, it still exceeded the target by two percentage points. The percentage of wastewater systems evaluated as low risk decreased slightly from 48% in 2014–2015 to 45%. As the owners of their infrastructure, First Nations may allocate INAC funding towards their community-identified priorities, which may reduce funding dedicated to water and wastewater and result in slower improvement or even regression in system risk ratings.

Description

This sub-program supports the provision of funding for the planning, design, construction/acquisition, renovation, repair, replacement, operation and maintenance of band-operated elementary and secondary education facilities (including school buildings, teacherages^{Footnote 3} and student residences) and any related facility services. This sub-program also supports the provision of funding for the acquisition, replacement, and repair of furniture, equipment and furnishing for schools, teacherages and student residences; the identification of education facility needs and the development of education facility plans; and the design and ongoing implementation of maintenance management practices. As well, this sub-program supports the provision of funding for agreements with provincial school boards for the planning, design, construction and acquisition of facilities for the elementary and secondary education of First Nation children.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In pursuit of its objective of First Nation communities having a base of education facilities that meet established standards, in 2015–2016 the Department worked with First Nations to improve the condition of schools by funding 26 school projects (partially or completely), resulting in the construction of 21 new schools and nine additions/renovations. Of these 26 projects, nine were substantially completed in 2015–2016 and the remainder are expected to be completed by March 2020.

An exercise to improve identification of education facilities data within INAC’s Integrated Capital Management System was completed. As a result, each asset within an education facility was identified as a main building, an addition, a gymnasium, a portable or other. Since assets added to a facility after the construction of the main building are often newer and in better condition, their inclusion in calculating the condition of school facilities skewed results. INAC is now basing the General Condition Rating of a school on the inspection results for the main building only. As a result, the baseline for 2011 has been revised to 65%.

Description

This sub-program supports the provision of funding to First Nations to plan and manage their housing needs, including the design, construction and acquisition of new housing units, as well as renovation of existing housing units. The goal of this sub-program is to work with First Nations to increase the supply of safe and affordable housing to achieve better housing outcomes for their residents.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In pursuit of its objective of housing infrastructure that meets the needs of First Nation communities, in 2015–2016 the Government of Canada, through INAC and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, has invested an annual average of $300 million to work with First Nations to provide safe and affordable on-reserve housing across Canada. As a result, 74.2% of First Nation housing was deemed "adequate" as assessed and self-reported annually by First Nations, which is a decrease from the 2014–2015 result of 76%.

Description

This sub-program helps fund the planning, design, construction, acquisition, operation and maintenance of community infrastructure assets and facilities. It provides funding for co-ordination, training and capacity building for activities related to community infrastructure assets and facilities. The goal is to support First Nations in meeting health and safety standards and providing their residents with similar levels of service to those in off-reserve communities. First Nations identify their priorities and needs and present project proposals to the Department. Funding is provided for projects based on a priority assessment.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In 2015–2016, the Digital Canada 150 strategy unveiled by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada in April 2014 introduced a new minimum baseline for broadband, which increased the target speed of the federal broadband program from 1.5 to 5 megabits per second (Mbps). In pursuit of its objective of First Nation communities having a base of safe infrastructure that meets established standards, in 2015–2016 INAC adopted this new broadband standard in project funding methodologies, and revised the baseline performance target for access to broadband connectivity on reserve stated in its 2014–2015 Departmental Performance Report.

First Nations have the flexibility to prioritize funding to meet their needs, and competing priorities may result in funds being diverted away from other community infrastructure projects. With an increased funding envelope under Budget 2016 ($255 million over two years starting in 2016–2017), the First Nation Infrastructure Fund will continue to target investments to address immediate infrastructure gaps and to help improve essential physical infrastructure on reserve, such as roads and bridges.

Building on previous investments from First Nations and provinces, the Department expanded the public roads infrastructure to improve all-season access to remote First Nations. For the Highway 58 all-weather road project, Little Red River Cree Nation and the Province of Alberta constructed the previous phases. The new phase (5A) will extend the highway north, providing a year-round connection to the community of Fox Lake. INAC invested $1.7 million and the Little Red River Cree Nation contributed $907,000.

Description

The ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities program 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.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Over its five-year duration, the ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities program has supported 146 renewable energy projects in 136 First Nation and northern communities across Canada, contributing to greenhouse gas reductions, reduced energy costs and more sustainable communities. INAC’s ecoENERGY program ended on March 31, 2016. If all the projects funded by the program reach the construction and implementation phase and become operational, they will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (over their 20-year project lifecycle) by well over the program's overall reduction target of 1.5 megatonnes. A complete list of all projects supported by the program is available online.

Description

This sub-program promotes the protection of the health and safety of on-reserve First Nation residents as well as their lands and critical infrastructure. The Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) promotes the four pillars of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Through EMAP, INAC funds and oversees the reimbursement of eligible emergency management costs, provides timely and efficient situational awareness, and develops policy to support emergency management. EMAP promotes efficiency by accessing existing resources and services of provincial/territorial and First Nation emergency management partners to address on-reserve emergencies. EMAP reimburses these partners for eligible expenses.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

INAC surpassed its performance target and allocated 44% of the Program’s $19.1 million in preparedness and mitigation funding towards ensuring First Nation emergency management plans were developed and maintained. Emergency Management Assistance Program funding towards First Nations’ emergency preparedness also included support for community-based planning, training and exercising. In the absence of finalized emergency management bilateral agreements with all provinces and territories, INAC was able to allocate a greater percentage of its 2015–2016 preparedness and mitigation funding towards First Nations’ proposal-based emergency preparedness activities.

INAC achieved its performance target to fund 100% of identified eligible emergency response and recovery costs. In 2015–2016, the Department funded a total of $74,447,923.92 in eligible emergency response and recovery costs. This amount exceeded EMAP’s core funding of $29.33 million for on-reserve response and recovery costs, and INAC successfully accessed the Treasury Board’s Management Reserve for the additional $46,233,485 to achieve its performance target. EMAP experienced an exceptional year for emergency events affecting on-reserve First Nations in 2015–2016. There were a total of 77 EMAP-eligible emergency events and over 20,000 evacuees, including a significant wildfire season for First Nations in Saskatchewan.

INAC successfully revised and published the Program’s terms and conditions in 2015–2016 to provide greater clarity regarding expense eligibility and to strengthen program management supporting First Nation efforts in their response to and recovery from emergencies.

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, and the appointment of Territorial Commissioners and general federal-territorial relationships. As well, it ensures that circumpolar co-operation activities reflect Canadian interests, and grants are provided to territorial governments for hospital and physician services.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

The Department supported the Chief Federal Negotiator in making progress with the parties on negotiation of an agreement-in-principle on devolution in Nunavut. A consensus could not be reached prior to the expiry of the federal mandate in October 2015, so negotiations paused in the fall of 2015. INAC also ensured throughout the year that ongoing obligations were fulfilled to implement the devolution of lands and resource management agreements for Yukon and Northwest Territories.

Working multi-laterally through the Arctic Council’s working groups, and bilaterally with Canada’s circumpolar neighbours, INAC engaged Indigenous partners, the territorial governments and Northerners to advance Canadian priorities relating to sustainable development, capacity building, health, pollution monitoring and prevention, climate change impacts and adaptation, and Arctic science co-operation. Under the 2015–2017 U.S.-led Arctic Council Program, the Department provided substantial leadership and support to Arctic Council working groups and task forces, helping to ensure that Northerners are at the forefront of the Council’s agenda.

Description

This sub-program provides increased access to perishable nutritious food in isolated northern communities through a retail subsidy. It is supported by an Advisory Board, which ensures that Northerners have a direct voice in the program. Eligible northern communities will benefit from improved access to healthy food.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

To support greater program transparency and accountability, the Nutrition North Canada Program posted shipping and pricing reports on the website and conducted compliance reviews to ensure Program rules were respected. In 2015–2016, 100% of the five compliance reviews found that the subsidy was fully passed on to northern consumers; further, three of the five compliance reviews clearly demonstrated that the profit margin has not eroded the subsidy. The remaining two compliance reviews (less than 0.01 percent of the $68.4 million in subsidies spent in 2015–2016) were not able to conclude whether or not the profit margin applied eroded the subsidy, requiring further investigation before providing a conclusive analysis. The Program will work with the auditors to ensure the necessary information is examined and reported and any discrepancies will be raised with the respective retailers and suppliers.

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.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

At March 31, 2016, twenty-one communities had reported having successfully implemented comprehensive adaptation measures that were identified through projects funded by INAC’s Climate Change Adaptation Program. As the scope of many of the projects was small enough to permit the Department to fund additional projects, the initial target of ten communities was expanded. In addition to the above-mentioned 21 communities, other communities are now partnering in the implementation of adaptation measures at a regional scale.

Description

This sub-program engages Northerners and scientists in researching and monitoring long-range contaminants in the Canadian Arctic. The data generated by the Northern Contaminants 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.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

The latest results show that concentrations in legacy pollutants and mercury in human populations have declined since 1990. While wildlife mercury trends are still quite variable, for the first time in the last 20 years concentrations in some populations appear to be leveling off (seabird eggs). Others are showing significant decreases, including land-locked char and ringed seal from the high Arctic, where mercury has decreased significantly (approximately 30%) over the past 10 years.

In 2015–2016, INAC supported the timely release of Northern Contaminants Program publications and information available through the Program’s website, the Arctic Science and Technology Information System and the Polar Data Catalogue, where metadata records are listed for at least 92% of 2015–2016 projects.

The Department also implemented the Northern Contaminants Program community-based Environmental Monitoring and Research Blueprint and, through capacity building efforts, encouraged the participation of Northerners in contaminants research. Since 2013–2014, the percentage of projects led by a Northerner and projects engaging Northerners as team members has risen from 78% to 89%. The Northern Contaminants Program continued its support, in partnership with ArcticNet, of four Inuit Research Advisor positions across the Inuit regions.

Description

This sub-program works to position Canada as a leader in Arctic science 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.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In 2015–2016, INAC advanced the construction of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station campus. The two triplex accommodation buildings were completed and are in care and maintenance with the construction manager. The exterior of the Field and Maintenance Building is complete and interior work is progressing on schedule, with occupancy anticipated in the fall of 2016. Progress on the campus’s Main Research Building has advanced with the completion of the foundation and continuing construction activities.

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 is accomplished through the assessment and management of petroleum and mineral resources, collection of Crown royalties, participation in project assessments, land-use planning, and the promotion of 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. This sub-program also manages rights issuance for new petroleum exploration rights, terms and conditions of exploration and production licences, and maintains a rights registry that is open to the public.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

In 2015–2016, the percentage of Canadian Frontier Lands under licence and managed by INAC decreased to 26.7%. With low industry interest for licences in northern areas and an ongoing review of the Canadian Petroleum Resources Act, the Department did not issue a call for bids, and no new oil and gas licences were issued. As there was no oil and gas exploration activity on lands under INAC jurisdiction, no benefit plans were submitted or assessed.

Despite the drop in overall Canadian mineral exploration and deposit appraisal expenditures due to low commodity prices, expenditures in Nunavut remained strong thanks to ongoing advanced and established projects. Of the $1.7 billion invested in total Canadian exploration and deposit appraisal expenditures, $215 million was invested in Nunavut.

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 peoples.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

The Northern Contaminated Sites Program actively managed a portfolio of 92 contaminated sites across the three territories. As of March 31, 2016, thirty of these sites were under remediation or long-term monitoring (in steps 8 through 10 of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan ten-step process). Remediation activities were concluded at Frobisher Gas Wells, Northwest Territories and Contwoyto Lake, Nunavut.

Approximately 35% of the workforce employed on contaminated sites projects managed by the Program consisted of Northerners and Indigenous peoples. This percentage largely represents employment on sites where projects are actively engaged in implementation activities. With 40 of the sites in long-term monitoring, several of the projects had less need for workers on site, reducing employment below the target for the 2015–2016 year. In addition, these data are collected on a voluntary basis, which may have caused some under-reporting.

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 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.

Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned

Logistical difficulties in the North in terms of distance, weather and cost create challenges for the inspection of land and water use authorizations. Through the continued refinement of the risk management tool for the inspection of land and water authorizations, inspection plans have been enhanced to improve risk mitigation, which is necessary to reflect the Department’s enforcement goals while simultaneously accounting for the changing operating environment. For the 2015–2016 season, inspection rates in Nunavut exceeded the targets set at the beginning of the planning cycle as logistics permitted more sites to be inspected, and inspection rates in the Northwest Territories met the target as planned. INAC also issued 100% of land authorizations and water licences within legislated timelines. While no land use plans were submitted for approval in 2015–2016, in anticipation of revised plans and amendments being submitted for approval in 2016–2017, INAC contributed to improved certainty and informed decision making by participating in reviews of both the Gwich’in and Sahtu land use plans. Work also continued on the development of a Nunavut-wide land use plan, with INAC leading the co-ordination of federal input.