2021-22 Departmental Plan: Main Report

Description

This core responsibility supports Indigenous organizations, individuals, communities and governments in achieving reconciliation and advancing self-determination through strengthening Crown-Indigenous relationships based on respect, cooperation, partnership, the affirmation and implementation of Indigenous rights, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Activities include negotiating and implementing treaties, self-government agreements and specific claims, consulting and engaging on issues of importance to Indigenous peoples, providing legislative and institutional frameworks for First Nations' jurisdiction over local taxation, land and financial management and addressing historic grievances.

Planning highlights

The renewal of a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous peoples is critical to moving forward with the unfinished business of Confederation.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic situation, CIRNAC is pursuing work with its Indigenous partners in order to address Indigenous priorities, accelerate the resolution of outstanding historic grievances and achieve the long-term reconciliation goals. As the pandemic has impacted the ability to engage regarding rights discussions and other co-development initiatives, CIRNAC is collaborating with partners to develop new ways to engage and co-develop remotely that ensures safety without limiting broad participation. First Nations, Inuit and Métis leadership and communities have demonstrated their perseverance. This further underscores supporting capacity for self-determination. In 2021–22, the department will focus on 3 departmental results.

1. Indigenous peoples determine their political, economic, social, and cultural development

The Government of Canada recognizes that all relations with Indigenous peoples need to be based on the affirmation and implementation of their inherent right to self-determination, including the inherent right of self-government. The department's 2021–22 areas of focus are outlined below.

CIRNAC continues to hold innovative discussions at over 150 negotiations tables based on the affirmation of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. Through these discussion tables, representing over 490 First Nations, 23 Inuit communities and 8 Métis organizations, with a total population of over 1 million people, CIRNAC will increase the number of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements using an approach based on affirmation of rights. The priorities identified by Indigenous groups are the starting point for discussions at these tables.

In addition to advancing discussions towards modern treaties, agreements and constructive arrangements, CIRNAC will also work in partnership with historical (pre-1975) treaty First Nations through the offices of the treaty commissions in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to renew the treaty relationship and to support reconciliation and implementation of the spirit and intent of treaties.

CIRNAC will continue ongoing work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to redesign the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies, including working with national Indigenous organizations and with rights-holders at section 35 discussion tables and through other fora. CIRNAC will work collaboratively with Indigenous partners to advance the policy redesign wherever there are opportunities to do so.

CIRNAC will advance the implementation of the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia, including the development of annexes listed in Schedule A, in partnership with the other Principals to the British Columbia Treaty Process (the First Nations Summit and the Province of British Columbia). Using the new framework provided by the policy, the department will continue to support and develop approaches that accelerate the renewal of relationships through treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements between Canada, British Columbia and participating Indigenous Nations in British Columbia. This is a model that Canada is ready to discuss with negotiating partners in other areas of the country where there is interest.

CIRNAC will collaborate with representatives of the AFN and First Nations, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the 4 Inuit Nunangat Regions, and the Métis National Council and its governing members through the permanent bilateral mechanisms to advance joint priorities, co-develop policies and monitor ongoing progress. The processes will continue to be responsive to the changing priorities and interests of each permanent bilateral mechanism. The need to move forward on shared priorities has been amplified by the pandemic this past year; more work needs to be done with other jurisdictions and across government to make progress.

The permanent bilateral mechanism with First Nations will advance work on the joint priorities established in the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding and will begin to engage on new priorities identified, including: Indigenous languages; policing and community safety; legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action; new fiscal relationship; review of 4 federal policies (Comprehensive Land Claims, Additions to Reserve, Specific Claims and Inherent Rights); and closing the socio-economic gaps. Additional joint priorities under discussion include: implementation of the National Action Plan for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG); National Treaty Commissioner's Office; health legislation and transformation; restorative justice; infrastructure and climate change. In addition, CIRNAC will continue to work with the AFN to explore options to a more streamlined approach to contribution funding. The ultimate goal is to provide sustainable and predictable funding to the AFN by way of establishing a single funding agreement in the longer term, while pursuing multi-year agreements in the shorter term.

Work at the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee will advance the following shared priorities: Inuit-Crown land claims agreements implementation; MMIWG; United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Inuit Nunangat policy; infrastructure; health and wellness; reconciliation measures; revitalization, maintenance and promotion of Inuktitut language; education, early-learning and skills development; economic development and procurement; environment and climate change; and legislative priorities. CIRNAC anticipates the Inuit Nunangat policy to inform implementation of Inuit priorities within the co-developed Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, the whole-of-government vision for the Arctic and North through 2030.

The permanent bilateral mechanism with the Métis Nation will advance work on jointly-identified priorities, building on the successes of the Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord. Priorities include: MMIWG; health; child and family services; economic development; human resources and skills development; education; environment; justice and policing; data, accountability and reporting results. Work will also continue on the legislative agenda, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, child and family services, health, and languages. Additional issues under consideration include emergency management, systemic racism and discrimination.

CIRNAC will advance the implementation of the Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Political Accord and joint priorities. These priorities include housing, post-secondary education, justice, family programs, Indigenous languages and MMIWG. Working groups have been established with lead departments to advance these key priority areas.

CIRNAC will continue to build relationships with national, regional, and community-level Indigenous women's organizations to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, with a more focused effort to increase participation of grassroots Indigenous women. Relationship building will also be done through the implementation of the Accord with the Native Women's Association of Canada and the MOU with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. Additionally, Canada will work toward developing a relationship agreement with Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (Women of the Métis Nation). Ensuring that the voices of grassroots Indigenous women are heard is essential in order to effect real and tangible change in the lives of Indigenous women and girls, including the critical work of the development and implementation of the MMIWG National Action Plan.

In 2021–22, CIRNAC will further its efforts in leading 15 Calls to Action including a number addressing MMIWG, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Missing children and burial information, and the National Council for Reconciliation. Regarding Call to Action #41, CIRNAC will go beyond the public inquiry on MMIWG, which is now complete, and work toward a federal strategy and action plan in response to Calls for Justice. In addition to CIRNAC's role to address specific Calls to Action, the department also plays a leadership role in coordinating a whole-of-government approach to all Calls to Action that are under sole or shared jurisdiction.

More specifically, CIRNAC will work in partnership with the Department of Justice to advance and implement Bill C-15, An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, introduced in Parliament by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada in December 2020.

In addition, through the ongoing implementation of the Government's approach to Childhood Claims, CIRNAC will work collaboratively with plaintiffs (who are not signatory to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement) their counsel and other interested parties to address the litigation outside of the courts, wherever possible.

Sustained effort from all partners is required to move forward, including legislative and policy changes as well as further investments, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The department will continue to support communities in addressing the impacts of the pandemic and to make progress on other Calls to Action, as these provide all Canadians and this government with a path forward on a shared path of healing and reconciliation. They also help to combat systemic racism as well as address inequities that stem from our colonial past.

CIRNAC will advance shared priorities and interests with modern treaty and self-governing partners. These include:

• ongoing work on Canada's Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy development process by advancing intergovernmental fiscal policy for self-government and supporting self-governing Indigenous communities to advance their community development goals
• considerations for a proposed Modern Treaties Implementation Review Commission or alternative review body by holding joint workshops with modern treaty signatories to advance shared understanding of requirements for such review body
• addressing the requirements of the Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation by exploring options to enhance the Assessment of Modern Treaty Implications process and analysis in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and by reporting on modern treaty and self-government agreements obligations status

In addition, CIRNAC will work with modern treaty and self-government agreement partners, other government departments and other relevant partners to ensure that Canada, in a whole-of-government approach, meets its obligations. This includes actively participating in regular Implementation Committee/Panel meetings, ensuring the efficient and effective management of transfer payments, and maintaining productive working relationships with partners.

CIRNAC will advance the implementation of self-government agreements and modern treaties in a way that reaffirms section 35 rights. Pursuant to the Evaluation of the Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation, improvements to oversight will be undertaken. These include a commitment to strengthen the policy and decision-making scope of the Deputy Ministers' Oversight Committee, to establish an appropriate governance structure for effective issues management and to improve departmental implementation accountabilities. There are 4 meetings planned for the Deputy Ministers' Oversight Committee in 2021–22.

CIRNAC will improve awareness across government of modern treaties and the implications for federal business through the delivery of modern treaty implementation and assessment of modern treaty implications training for federal officials. In 2021–22, at least 8 training sessions are planned. Canada also honours the treaty relationship by providing Indigenous partners with funding to participate in the delivery of modern treaty implementation training.

CIRNAC supports a whole-of-government approach to consultation and accommodation to ensure the Crown meets its constitutional and legal obligations. The focus remains on developing policy, providing enhanced guidance and coordination, establishing networks, managing systems and information related to Aboriginal and treaty rights, as well as establishing consultation tools, such as protocols and resource centers, with Indigenous partners.

2. Indigenous peoples advance their governance institutions and regimes

Renewal of the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships, including treaty relationships, includes putting in place effective mechanisms to support the transition away from colonial systems of administration and governance through support to Indigenous peoples to advance their governance institutions. The department's 2021–22 areas of focus are outlined below.

CIRNAC will work with First Nations and the Lands Advisory Board towards replacing the First Nations Land Management Act with concise enabling legislation consistent with the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management. The department will also initiate work on a strategic approach for reforming First Nations citizenship and membership that builds on the success and commitments of the 2019 Collaborative Process on Indian Registration, Band Membership and First Nation Citizenship.

CIRNAC will collaborate with and support the 3 First Nations fiscal institutions (First Nations Financial Management Board, First Nations Tax Commission, and First Nations Finance Authority) on key initiatives, including:

• continuing to advance institution development by considering the establishment of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute
• working on legislative and regulatory proposals in expanding access to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act regime to treaty and self-governing First Nations and aggregate organizations
• providing support to institutions and their members to ensure economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic

CIRNAC will also continue to implement new legislative changes, which received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018, to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, the Addition of Lands to Reserves and Reserve Creation Act and the First Nations Land Management Act. These changes will improve processes, timelines and access to services, provide greater support to First Nations institutions in their direct work with communities, and support greater economic prosperity in First Nations communities. The department will also work closely with institutions and other stakeholders, strengthening these relationships to ensure the success of First Nations communities in reinforcing and advancing their governance institutions.

CIRNAC will continue its work with Indigenous partners to co-develop a new distinctions-based process for the ongoing review, maintenance and enforcement of Canada's treaty obligations between the Crown and Indigenous communities. In order to support this work, CIRNAC will work in partnership with Indigenous partners to design and establish a new National Treaty Commissioner's Office.

3. Past injustices are recognized and resolved

Assimilationist policies and practices have led to the denial of Indigenous rights in the past. To resolve grievances, Canada remains committed to pursuing dialogue, mutual cooperation, partnerships and negotiation as positive means of advancing reconciliation. This is an ongoing process which requires affirmation of rights, acknowledgement of past wrongs (including the disenfranchisement of women under the Indian Act), knowing the colonial history of Canada and working with Indigenous peoples to co-develop solutions. The department's 2021–22 areas of focus are outlined below.

Canada has committed to resolve Indigenous Childhood Claims Litigation outside of the courts in a fair and non-adversarial manner that balances individual compensation with forward-looking investments to support healing, wellness, education, language, culture and commemoration. CIRNAC, with support from Justice Canada, will continue to work with survivors, their counsel, Indigenous leadership and the provinces and territories to collaboratively resolve past injustices that have been committed against Indigenous children.

To resolve historical grievances, Canada remains committed to negotiate the settlement of specific claims and to identify options for and work towards implementation of program, process, policy and legislative reforms. CIRNAC will secure settlement mandates and access funding to help resolve specific claims. The goal is to manage and resolve Indigenous litigation (past injustices) to the benefit of all parties. The department will keep tracking, monitoring and reporting on specific claims settlement and resolution activities.

CIRNAC also partners with the Department of Justice to assist with the resolution of litigation, including negotiating settlement agreements out of court or supporting litigation through the court system, in accordance with the Attorney General of Canada's Directive on Civil Litigation Involving Indigenous Peoples, as well as helping to establish Canada's Indigenous jurisprudence.

Canada will continue to work in collaboration with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to update and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register and will facilitate and support work with its partners to develop and maintain a residential schools cemeteries register. CIRNAC will work collaboratively with Indigenous communities and its partners to develop strategies to share information with survivors and their families and communities regarding their relatives' resting places.

CIRNAC will work with First Nations and federal partners to redesign the additions to reserve policy and streamline the process. The department is also working to accelerate the pace of land transfers by reducing the percentage of active additions to reserves that have been in the inventory for more than 5 years. By accelerating the processing of addition to reserves requests, First Nations can unlock value promptly from new lands with greater potential for community and economic development opportunities that may be found on historical reserves.

CIRNAC is also committed to advancing reconciliation through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, and a Reconciliation Measures Working Group has been established to address specific joint priorities. These include addressing the recommendations of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission, advancing the Nanilavut Initiative (Nanilavut means "Let's find them" in Inuktitut), addressing the impacts of the qimmiit (sled dog) slaughter, and responding to the National Inquiry's Final Report on MMIWG.

Description

This core responsibility supports the Canada's Arctic and northern organizations, individuals, communities and governments in the pursuit of a strong, inclusive, vibrant, prosperous and self-sufficient North, the vision of Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. This includes federal coordination, science leadership, natural resource and environmental management, effective delivery of federal programming, and territorial relations.

Planning highlights

CIRNAC, along with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), is the lead federal department responsible for supporting Canada's Indigenous and northern peoples in the pursuit of healthy and sustainable communities, and broader economic and social development objectives. In 2021–22, CIRNAC will continue to strive in partnership and the spirit of reconciliation to help build a strong, vibrant, and economically self-sufficient North.

CIRNAC will also continue to address discrimination and racism by promoting a diverse workforce, by integrating gender-based analysis + considerations into policy proposals and programming, and through the many co-implementation fora the organization participates in with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners.

CIRNAC remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all Northerners, including Indigenous populations, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The department will continue to directly support territorial governments in their response to the pandemic and in addressing its social, health, and economic consequences for northern residents. In 2021–22, the department will focus on 3 departmental results.

1. Political, economic and social development in Canada's Arctic and North are advanced

Canada recognizes the need for federal leadership in the Arctic as well as northern regions to develop solutions to northern challenges and ensure regional needs and priorities are addressed. Building capacity in regional organizations is also a key part of developing leadership.

Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, which was co-developed with territorial, Indigenous and provincial partners, will guide federal policy in the region until 2030 and beyond. Building on the successful launch of this framework, in November 2020, CIRNAC affirmed a national governance structure with partners, and is establishing regional governance mechanisms and implementation plans with territorial, Indigenous and provincial partners.

CIRNAC will support Northerners on their path to self-determination and to advance their governance institutions. The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. are working together to advance devolution in Nunavut and are negotiating the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Final Agreement. It is expected that there will be 8 to 10 main table meetings between key partners in 2021–22.

CIRNAC will also continue to foster, build, and maintain effective intergovernmental relationships with territorial governments, Indigenous governments and organizations, as well as other partners in order to facilitate their continued engagement in the North and in the work of international circumpolar forums, such as the Arctic Council, with the goal of enhancing governance in the North.

2. Northern and Indigenous communities are resilient to changing environments

Canada's North and its residents are exposed to the impacts of changing environments due to a number of factors, including rapid climate change, remoteness and inaccessibility, cold climate, aging and inefficient infrastructure, and flooding. CIRNAC is working to ensure that Indigenous and northern communities are resilient to these changing environments, which will allow them to respond better to these challenges in the future. Many remote Indigenous and northern communities also continue to rely on imported diesel fuel for heat and electricity; however, as continued reliance on fossil fuels is resulting in negative environmental, social and health-related impacts, many communities are now pursuing cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy. Investments in wind, hydro and solar energy is a vital opportunity for ensuring clean growth while generating skilled jobs and advancing Indigenous self-determination.

Through the Northern REACHE program, CIRNAC will support Indigenous and northern communities as they pursue their clean energy goals. This program will fund approximately 30 community-scale renewable energy installations, energy efficiency projects, and related capacity building initiatives in the North. The program will also work with other federal departments to support territorial planning for hydroelectricity projects. It is anticipated that the Northern REACHE's clean energy projects developed in the 3 territories and Inuit Nunangat will reduce diesel consumption by 2 million litres by March 31, 2023. CIRNAC, in coordination with other federal government departments, will engage northern and Indigenous partners on a whole-of-government approach and collaboratively plan for a northern clean energy transformation.

CIRNAC will support adaptation projects and climate monitoring projects in northern and Indigenous communities through a suite of climate change programs (Climate Change Preparedness in the North, First Nation Adapt and Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring). The department will invest $26 million to support communities in adapting to climate change impacts through risk assessments, adaptation planning projects and support projects that facilitate the collection and co-application of scientific data and Indigenous knowledge for community-based climate monitoring. Additionally, in the North, CIRNAC will continue to support the implementation of structural and non-structural adaptation measures. Examples of structural measures can include the redesign, retrofit, or upgrading of vulnerable infrastructure, while non-structural measures can include the creation of best practice documents related to climate change adaptation, or the revision of procedures for proper drainage and snow removal along homes or roads. The department will also support capacity building initiatives in Indigenous organizations for climate change activities and engagement.

The importance of food security in the North is reflected in the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework's first goal, that Canadian Arctic and northern Indigenous peoples are resilient and healthy. Contributing to this goal is the Nutrition North Canada (NNC) program, which helps make perishable and nutritious foods more affordable and accessible to the residents of isolated northern communities which lack year-round road, rail or marine access. Of particular importance is reducing the high cost of living and increasing the accessibility of Northerners to traditional or country foods. Both are considered fundamental to Northerners and have been reflected in the feedback received on the NNC and through the co-development of the new Harvesters Support Grant.

The NNC program subsidizes perishable foods flown in by air, and certain non-perishable and essential items brought in by seasonal sealift, barge or winter road. During the pandemic, NNC increased its subsidy rates and extended its list of subsidized food and essential items to include products like cleaning and personal hygiene products. By increasing subsidy rates and providing additional subsidies on a broad range of items, the program allows residents of isolated communities to feed and protect themselves and their families and to better mitigate the high cost of living in Canada's North.

Indigenous Northerners are also now benefiting from the Harvesters Support Grant, which supports harvesters and communities in reducing the financial burden associated with traditional hunting and harvesting via a community grant, so that more individuals can participate. This grant supports the complete range of harvesting activities and traditions, from community decision making to ceremony and celebration of the harvest. The Harvesters Support Grant was developed in 2019–20 by NNC in direct collaboration with Indigenous partners, including Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

In 2021–22, CIRNAC will continue taking action to address the high cost of food in isolated northern communities and support more made-in-the-North solutions. NNC will work closely with Indigenous and community partners to further improve the program. A key engagement activity with Indigenous partners will be the co-development of program performance indicators that are meaningful for the communities served by the program.

3. Northern lands and resources are sustainably managed

Many remote Indigenous and northern communities are facing environmental and socio-economic challenges associated with environmental and economic changes. Dealing with these challenges requires increasing participation of Indigenous organizations and Northerners in resource management policies and decisions, and strengthening nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships with Indigenous peoples based on affirmation of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. The timely approval of licences and authorizations is also an important factor in order to help ensure that activities are undertaken that reflect the views of Indigenous organizations and Northerners. The North also has a number of contaminated sites, abandoned by previous occupants, that include legacy contamination, primarily from private sector mining, oil and gas activities as well as Government military activities.

The department will continue managing contaminated sites located in the 3 Territories through planning, care and maintenance, remediation and long-term monitoring. These ongoing activities protect the health and safety of Indigenous peoples and Northerners, contribute to the restoration of the environment and reduce the Government of Canada's environmental liability. At the 8 largest mine reclamation projects, the department will advance planning work to prepare these complex sites for remediation, while undergoing care and maintenance activities in the interim to ensure site stability and mitigate risks to human health and the environment.

The department's 2 largest sites, the Faro Mine and the Giant Mine, will undertake the following activities:

• Faro Mine: the department will work with Public Services and Procurement Canada to procure a main construction manager for the site, with the contract expected to be awarded in 2021–22. Additionally, the remediation design will be advanced.
• Giant Mine: the project will finalize the substantive designs required for remediation and project implementation, while continuing to regularly engage with Indigenous rights holders, partners, and other stakeholders. Remediation is expected to commence in 2021–22 and will last approximately 8 to 10 years.

The department will keep pursuing the re-commercialization of abandoned mine sites by leveraging private sector interest in remaining mineral resources.

CIRNAC's Northern Participant Funding Program supports Indigenous and northern partners to meaningfully participate in major project reviews, ensuring that impact assessments carried out under northern co-management regimes are well informed, and include local and traditionnal knowledge. In 2021–22, the department will use information collected during previous engagements, as well as ongoing recipient feedback and program reporting, to adapt and improve the program. Funding will be distributed to allow Indigenous and northern partners to meaningfully participate in major project reviews in the territories.

The CIRNAC-led Northern Contaminants Program will continue its work to engage Northerners and scientists in research and monitoring related to long-range contaminants in the North. The results inform actions to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate contaminants in traditionally-harvested foods, while providing information that assists informed decision making by individuals and communities in their food use. In 2021–22, CIRNAC will support the coordinated generation, collection and management of scientific and environmental data and Indigenous knowledge pertaining to contaminants of concern in the Arctic, such as persistent organic pollutants and mercury, as well as plastics and microplastics in the environment and wildlife in the North.

The Northern Contaminants Program has developed a preliminary Microplastics Research and Monitoring Strategy, which will be refined further as new information becomes available and expert advice is provided by the Program's advisory committee on plastic pollution. The Arctic Council's Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, through its Expert Group on Litter and Microplastics, is concurrently developing a circumpolar monitoring plan and technical monitoring guidelines for researchers, which will be necessary to eventually harmonize and standardize the approaches of research and monitoring of plastic pollution in Canada's Arctic and Northern environments. Together, these documents will represent the first comprehensive strategies, one international and one domestic, to determine the extent of plastic pollution and its potential impact on wildlife in the sea, on land, and in the air.

Departmental spending 2018–19 to 2023–24

The following graph presents planned (voted and statutory) spending over time.

Text alternative for the Departmental spending graph

This stacked bar graph depicts spending from 2018-2019 to 2023-24:

• Total spending in 2018–19 is $4,432 million. Of this amount, $4,322 million is voted spending and $109 million is statutory spending.
• Total spending in 2019–20 is $6,238 million. Of this amount, $6,147 million is voted spending and $91 million is statutory spending.
• Total spending in 2020–21 is $6,873 million. Of this amount, $6,709 million is voted spending and $164 million is statutory spending.
• Total spending in 2021–22 is $4,697 million. Of this amount, $4,667 million is voted spending and $29 million is statutory spending.
• Total spending in 2022–23 is $2,327 million. Of this amount, $2,298 million is voted spending and $30 million is statutory spending.
• Total spending in 2023–24 is $2,298 million. Of this amount, $2,268 million is voted spending and $30 million is statutory spending.

Budgetary planning summary for core responsibilities and Internal Services (dollars)

The following table shows actual, forecast and planned spending for each of CIRNAC's core responsibilities and for Internal Services for the years relevant to the current planning year. Main Estimates does not include in-year funding to be received in Supplementary Estimates.

For the period of 2019–20 to 2020–21, spending has increased from $6.2 billion to $6.9 billion. The net increase of $0.7 billion primary reflect the following:

• increase in funding to settle specific claims (+$1.4 billion)
• increase due to one-time funding for COVID-19 (+$202.5 million)
• decrease in one-time limited funding to forgive comprehensive land claim negotiation loans (-$914.0 million)

For the period of 2020–21 to 2021–22, spending is expected to decrease from $6.9 billion to $4.7 billion. The decrease of $2.2 billion primary reflects the following:

• decrease in funding related to the settlement of specific claims (-$979.1 million)
• sunset of time-limited funding for the Federal Indian Day School settlement claims as it is anticipated to be completed in 2021–22 (-$351.2 million)
• decrease in funding for the Sixties Scoop settlement (-$262.2 million)
• decrease due to one-time funding for COVID-19 in 2020–21 (-$202.5 million)
• decrease in funding for investments in Indigenous infrastructure (-$144.3 million)
• decrease in funding related to out-of-court settlements (-$137.7 million)

For the period of 2021–22 to 2023–24, spending is expected to decrease from $4.7 billion to $2.3 billion. The decrease of $2.4 billion primary reflects the following:

• decrease in funding related to the settlement of specific claims (-$1.1 billion)
• decrease in funding related to Federal Indian Day School settlement as it is anticipated to be completed in 2021–22 (-$1.2 billion)

2021–22 Budgetary planned gross spending summary (dollars)

The following table reconciles gross planned spending with net planned spending for 2021–22.

Expenses

Total expenses for 2021–22 are planned at $2,916 million, representing a $2,564 million decrease from the previous year's forecasted total expenses of $5,480 million. 2021–22 planned expenses by Core Responsibility are as follows:

• Crown Indigenous Relations $2,291 million (79%)
• Northern Affairs $420 million (14%)

The remainder of the total expenses include Internal Services in the amount of $181 million (6%) and expenses incurred on behalf of the Government of Canada in the amount of $24 million (1%).

The planned decrease in expenses from 2020–21 to 2021–22 mainly results from a decrease in funding for the settlement of specific claims and the sunset of funding for the Federal Indian Day School settlement claims payments that are anticipated to be completed in 2021–22.

Revenues

Total revenues for 2021–22 are planned at $26 million, representing a $7 million decrease over the previous year's total revenues of $33 million. Respendable revenues result mostly from the provision of financial and administrative services, representing $22 million (84%) of total revenues.

Support Indigenous organizations, individuals, communities and governments in achieving reconciliation and advancing self-determination through strengthening Crown-Indigenous relationships based on respect, cooperation, partnership, the affirmation and implementation of Indigenous rights, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Activities include negotiating and implementing treaties, self-government agreements and specific claims, consulting and engaging on issues of importance to Indigenous peoples, providing legislative and institutional frameworks for First Nations' jurisdiction over local taxation, land and financial management and addressing historic grievances.

Support Canada's Arctic and northern organizations, individuals, communities and governments in the pursuit of a strong, inclusive, vibrant, prosperous and self-sufficient North, the vision of Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. This includes federal coordination, science leadership, natural resource and environmental management, effective delivery of federal programming, and territorial relations.