United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals

Planned initiatives

Food Policy for Canada

Nutrition North Canada

The Food Policy, which will help Canada meet its commitments under the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, including to end hunger, promote good health, cut food waste and encourage a sustainable food system, includes the following programs:

• The Local Food Infrastructure Fund ($50 million over 5 years), is designed to improve access to safe, healthy, and culturally diverse food
• Additional funding through the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund ($15 million over 5 years), which focuses on increasing food security in Canada's northern and remote communities
• The Food Waste Reduction Challenge ($20M investment) to fund the most innovative food waste reduction proposals

Global or domestic targets and/or global or domestic indicators

This Strategy contributes to Goal 2 of the Canadian Indicator Framework: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

Global (GIF) target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

Global (GIF) target 2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.

2021‒22 Results

CIRNAC maintained increased subsidy rates, funded all Harvesters Support Grant recipients and expanded the program mandate to permit the program to address food insecurity as a core objective.

Planned initiatives

Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy

Global or domestic targets and/or global or domestic indicators

This Strategy contributes to: Goal 3 of the Canadian Indicator Framework - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Ambition: Canadians adopt healthy behaviours.

Indicator: Percentage of Canadians who report eating fruits and vegetables 5 or more times per day.

2021‒22 Results

CIRNAC maintained increased subsidy rates and the expanded list of eligible items, funded all Harvesters Support Grant recipients and expanded the program mandate to permit the program address food insecurity as a core objective.

Planned initiatives

National Action Plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA

It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence

Since 2015, the Government of Canada has worked across departments towards a Canada free of violence against Indigenous women, girls, 2-spirit and LGBTQQIA.

Together with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners, we are responding to the issues identified in the Calls for Justice, as part of the whole-of-Canada response to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Global or domestic targets and/or global or domestic indicators

This Strategy contributes to: Goal 5 of the Canadian Indicator Framework: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Global (GIF) target 5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

Global (GIF) target 5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

Global (GIF) target 5.c Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.

Domestic: A governance structure, primarily made up of Indigenous women, is in place to oversee the development of the National Action Plan. This interconnected structure features the Core Working Group and the National Family and Survivors Circle at the center that serves as a liaison with the broader federal, provincial and territorial governments and Indigenous organizations and communities through a series of sub-working groups which represent various distinctions and other components.

2021‒22 Results

On June 3, 2021, the Government of Canada alongside Indigenous families, survivors and partners, as well as Indigenous women's organizations and governments, and the 13 provinces and territories, launched the Indigenous-led National Action Plan, which includes:

1. The umbrella national plan that includes the overarching vision, guiding principles and goals, as well as common, short-term priorities;
2. Full chapters from contributing partners (National Family and Survivor Circle, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, 2SLGBTQQIA+, urban, data and federal) with recommendations and priorities, as well as the Federal Pathway outlining the federal government's commitments;
3. A joint statement from Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for responding to the National Inquiry into MMIWG, as well as individual provincial and territorial contributions; and,
4. The National Action Plan Data Strategy, including a preliminary quantitative indicator framework, providing a launching point for how progress may be measured.

To support these commitments, and to help build a safer, stronger, and more inclusive society, Budget 2021 proposed to invest an additional $2.2 billion over five years, and $160.9 million ongoing in a plan that will keep the federal government accountable to communities, families, and survivors across Canada. This funding is being implemented through various programs, including several within CIRNAC that are directly supporting Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and organizations to confront violence.

Through the Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organizations program, CIRNAC provided funding through stable longer-term projects to increase the capacity of representative and advocacy organizations that are accountable to their constituents. Further, through three whole-of-government relationship agreements, the national Indigenous women's organizations work with the federal government to identify and advance the needs and interests of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples.

To date, over 25 federal departments and agencies have contributed to the implementation of over 50 initiatives and programs under the themes of Culture, Health and Wellness, Human Safety and Security, Justice, and Organizational Capacity and Coordination. These include four new programs by CIRNAC, including:

• the Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Contribution Program (20 projects funded)
• the Indigenous-Led Data Research Projects Program (19 projects funded)
• the Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organizations program (20 funded, including 12 organizations that have not received funding through the program previously)
• the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities program (14 Indigenous-led early investments projects to support safe access to cultural and language programming)

Finally, in 2021-22, CIRNAC worked across government to develop preliminary outcomes and indicators to measure progress. These outcomes will form the basis of the Horizontal Initiative into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, which is currently under development.

CIRNAC also ensured GBA Plus informed the seeking of policy and spending authorities.

Planned initiatives

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

National Action Plan on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in response to the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice

Global or domestic targets and/or global or domestic indicators

This work contributes to Goal 10 of the Canadian Indicator Framework: Reduce inequality within and among countries.

Global (GIF) target: 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

2021‒22 Results

CIRNAC worked to meet Global (GIF) target 10.2 by actively engaging with and ensuring that the voices of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTTQIA+ peoples are reflected through the co-development of federal policy, programs and legislation. In order to truly effect systemic change that will empower and promote the social, economic and political advancement of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the voices and perspectives of those often unheard are critical. This is advanced in the Budget 21 initiative that allocated $36.3 million over five-years and $8.6 million ongoing. In 2021–22 CIRNAC committed over $24,000,000 of this funding in multi-year agreements with a focus on supporting regional grassroots organizations across the country through 21 multi-year agreements.

In 2021–22, CIRNAC committed over $2,500,000 toward the implementation of the Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples' Political Accord. This funding supports policy table discussions between the Congress and multiple federal departments with an aim of understanding needs, gaps and areas for improvement for off-reserve Indigenous Peoples (Status, Non-Status, Métis and NunatuKavut Inuit).

First Nation Land Management reduces inequality by enhancing the capacity of First Nations to exercise governance and control over their own lands. Through self-governance over their lands, First Nations identify and sustainably manage resources and pursue a greater range of economic opportunities, which in turn improves quality of life within First Nation communities.

The First Nations Fiscal Management Act and its institutions reduce inequalities by working with First Nations on the development of strong financial and fiscal management governance and capacity and by providing them with access to the capital markets on the same basis as other levels of governments. The Act and institutions also provide them with the framework and support they need to exercise jurisdiction over their own affairs, lawmaking authority and to move away from the Indian Act. CIRNAC and Indigenous-led institutions are working together with First Nations to develop the tools they need to drive local economic development, empower their communities, and promote prosperity.

CIRNAC worked with Justice Canada to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which promotes greater equality in Canada for Indigenous Peoples.

Planned initiatives

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

National Action Plan on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in response to the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice

Many of the Calls to Action and the Calls for Justice propose specific measures for increased access to justice, culturally-relevant supports, an increase in the use of restorative justice practices for Indigenous Peoples within the Canadian justice system, as well as support for Indigenous justice.

Global or domestic targets and/or global or domestic indicators

Global (GIF) target 16.1 Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

Global (GIF) target 16.2 End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

Global (GIF) target 16.3 Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Global (GIF) target 16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

Global (GIF) target 16.10 Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

Global (GIF) target 16.a Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.

Global (GIF) target 16.b Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

2021‒22 Results

On June 3, 2021, the Government of Canada alongside Indigenous families, survivors and partners, as well as Indigenous women's organizations and governments, and the 13 provinces and territories, launched the Indigenous-led National Action Plan, which includes:

1. The umbrella national plan that includes the overarching vision, guiding principles and goals, as well as common, short-term priorities
2. Full chapters from contributing partners (National Family and Survivor Circle, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, 2SLGBTQQIA+, urban, data and federal) with recommendations and priorities, as well as the Federal Pathway outlining the federal government's commitments
3. A joint statement from Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for responding to the National Inquiry into MMIWG, as well as individual provincial and territorial contributions
4. The National Action Plan Data Strategy, including a preliminary quantitative indicator framework, providing a launching point for how progress may be measured.

To support these commitments, and to help build a safer, stronger, and more inclusive society, Budget 2021 proposed to invest an additional $2.2 billion over five years, and $160.9 million ongoing in a plan that will keep the federal government accountable to communities, families, and survivors across Canada. This funding is being implemented through various programs, including several within CIRNAC that are directly supporting Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and organizations to confront violence.

Through the Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organizations program, CIRNAC provided funding through stable longer-term projects to increase the capacity of representative and advocacy organizations that are accountable to their constituents. Further, through three whole-of-government relationship agreements, the national Indigenous women's organizations work with the federal government to identify and advance the needs and interests of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples.

To date, over 25 federal departments and agencies have contributed to the implementation of over 50 initiatives and programs under the themes of Culture, Health and Wellness, Human Safety and Security, Justice, and Organizational Capacity and Coordination. These include four new programs by CIRNAC, including:

• the Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Contribution Program (20 projects funded)
• the Indigenous-Led Data Research Projects Program (19 projects funded)
• the Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organizations program (20 funded, including 12 organizations that have not received funding through the program previously)
• the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities program (14 Indigenous-led early investments projects to support safe access to cultural and language programming)

Finally, in 2021-22, CIRNAC worked across government to develop preliminary outcomes and indicators to measure progress. These outcomes will form the basis of the Horizontal Initiative into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, which is currently under development.

Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies: CIRNAC supported the implementation of the UNDRIP by administering a specific claims process. Specific claims are historical grievances that First Nations have against the Government of Canada for its failure to discharge its lawful obligations with respect to pre-1975 treaties and the management of First Nation reserve lands, monies, and other assets. Since 1973, a specific claims policy has been in place to enable Canada to discharges its outstanding lawful obligations through negotiation rather than litigation.

Global (GIF) target 16.3 (Ensuring equal justice for all):

• In 2021, the source of funds for settlements and Tribunal awards up to $150 million in value, the Specific Claims Settlement Fund, was replenished to support expeditious on-going claims resolution.
• Several innovative practices have also been introduced to expedite claims resolution. Through such measures CIRNAC has increased the percentage of claims accepted for negotiation from 60% in 2014–15 to 88% in 2021–22, thereby resorting less often to litigation.
• Collaborative efforts at the research and assessment stages have also enabled the Program to make significant progress in clearing the assessment backlog (i.e., claims which have exceeded the legislated three-year timeframe for assessment), down from 60 claims in 2019–20 to 2 in 2021–22.
• Recent operational improvements to the Specific Claims Program have included:
  1. establishing common settlement frameworks for claims of a similar nature (e.g. Historic Treaty benefits); and
  2. offering First Nations with multiple specific claims the option of bundling claims into a single, global settlement agreement.
• In 2021–22, 26 claims were resolved for a total of $364 million in compensation paid to First Nations.

CIRNAC worked with Justice Canada to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which promotes greater equality in Canada for Indigenous Peoples.