Financial Statements for the Year Ended March 31, 2022
Table of Contents
- Statement of Management Responsibility Including Internal Control over Financial Reporting
- Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)
- Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position (Unaudited)
- Statement of Change in Departmental Net Debt (Unaudited)
- Statement of Cash Flow (Unaudited)
- Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)
- Annex to the Statement of Management Responsibility Including Internal Control over Financial Reporting (Unaudited) 2021-22
Statement of Management Responsibility Including Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Responsibility for the integrity and objectivity of the accompanying financial statements for the period from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, and all information contained in these statements rests with the management of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). These financial statements have been prepared by management using the Government's accounting policies, which are based on Canadian public sector accounting standards.
Management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the information in these financial statements. Some of the information in the financial statements is based on management's best estimates and judgment, and gives due consideration to materiality. To fulfill its accounting and reporting responsibilities, management maintains a set of accounts that provides a centralized record of CIRNAC's financial transactions. Financial information submitted in the preparation of the Public Accounts of Canada, and included in CIRNAC's Departmental Results Report is consistent with these financial statements.
Management is also responsible for maintaining an effective system of internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial information is reliable, that assets are safeguarded and that transactions are properly authorized and recorded in accordance with the Financial Administration Act and other applicable legislation, regulations, authorities and policies.
Management seeks to ensure the objectivity and integrity of data in its financial statements through careful selection, training and development of qualified staff; through organizational arrangements that provide appropriate divisions of responsibility; through communication programs aimed at ensuring that regulations, policies, standards and managerial authorities are understood throughout CIRNAC; and through conducting an annual risk-based assessment of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting.
The system of internal control over financial reporting is designed to mitigate risks to a reasonable level based on an ongoing process to identify key risks, to assess effectiveness of associated key controls, and to make any necessary adjustments.
Management recognizes that there is still an increased risk in financial reporting with CIRNAC and Indigenous Services Canada still transitioning into their new structure and within their shared services model for internal services supporting both departments. However, management is confident that the system of internal control over financial reporting is sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that the financial information in these statements is reliable.
A risk-based assessment of the system of internal control over financial management and reporting for the period ended March 31, 2022 was completed in accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Financial Management and the results and action plans are summarized in the annex.
The effectiveness and adequacy of CIRNAC's system of internal control is reviewed by the work of internal audit staff, who conduct periodic audits of different areas of the CIRNAC's operations, and by the Departmental Audit Committee, which oversees management's responsibilities for maintaining adequate control systems and the quality of financial reporting, and which recommends the financial statements to the Deputy Minister.
The financial statements of CIRNAC have not been audited.
Daniel Quan-Watson
Deputy Minister
Darlene Bess, FCPA, FCA
Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer
Gatineau, Canada
September 8, 2022
Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)
As at March 31
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Liabilities | ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 4) |
3,113,534 | 3,357,645 |
Contingent liabilities (note 5) |
30,586,712 | 23,968,140 |
Environmental liabilities (note 6) |
6,307,246 | 4,070,234 |
Settled claims (note 7) |
15,787 | 20,536 |
Other liabilities (note 8) |
24,856 | 11,594 |
Vacation pay and compensatory leave |
16,731 | 19,089 |
Employee future benefits (note 9) |
5,670 | 6,702 |
Total liabilities | 40,070,536 | 31,453,940 |
Financial assets | ||
Due from the Consolidated Revenue Fund |
584,850 | 1,323,966 |
Accounts receivable and advances (note 10) |
23,671 | 12,687 |
Total gross financial assets | 608,521 | 1,336,653 |
Financial assets held on behalf of Government | 0 | 0 |
Total financial assets held on behalf of Government | 0 | 0 |
Total net financial assets | 608,521 | 1,366,653 |
Departmental net debt | 39,462,015 | 30,117,287 |
Non-financial assets | ||
Land held for future claims settlements (note 12) |
39,421 | 39,385 |
Prepaid expenses |
11 | 4 |
Tangible capital assets (note 13) |
178,218 | 179,400 |
Total non-financial assets | 217,650 | 218,789 |
Departmental net financial position (note 14) | (39,244,365) | (29,898,498) |
Loans and interest receivable (note 11) Contractual obligations (note 15) The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. |
Daniel Quan-Watson
Deputy Minister
Darlene Bess, FCPA, FCA
Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer
Gatineau, Canada
September 8, 2022
Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 Planned Results |
2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|
Expenses | |||
Crown-Indigenous Relations |
2,291,636 | 11,164,878 | 7,947,335 |
Northern Affairs |
419,809 | 2,882,524 | 472,263 |
Internal Services |
180,978 | 210,488 | 226,605 |
Expenses incurred on behalf of Government |
23,738 | (9,830) | (7,696) |
Total expenses | 2,916,161 | 14,248,060 | 8,638,507 |
Revenues | |||
Resource royalties |
2,828 | 626 | 722 |
Leases of public property |
998 | 1,050 | 1,833 |
Finance and administrative services |
26,039 | 38,068 | 37,578 |
Miscellaneous |
424 | (21) | 287 |
Revenues earned on behalf of Government |
(4,248) | (8,770) | (9,002) |
Total revenues | 26,041 | 30,953 | 31,418 |
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | 2,890,120 | 14,217,107 | 8,607,089 |
Government funding and transfers | |||
Net cash provided by Government |
5,575,969 | 5,010,008 | |
Change in Due from Consolidated Revenue Fund |
(739,116) | 366,940 | |
Services provided without charge by other government departments (note 16) |
34,364 | 39,832 | |
Transfer of assets and liabilities to other government departments |
56 | (61,263) | |
Transfer of tangible capital assets to other government departments |
(33) | 0 | |
Net cost of operations after government funding and transfers | 9,345,867 | 3,251,572 | |
Departmental net financial position - Beginning of year | (29,898,498) | (26,646,926) | |
Departmental net financial position - End of year | (39,244,365) | (29,898,498) | |
Segmented Information (note 17) The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. |
Statement of Change in Departmental Net Debt (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Net cost of operations after government funding and transfers | 9,345,867 | 3,251,572 |
Change due to tangible capital assets | ||
Acquisition of tangible capital assets (note 13) |
1,422 | 2,423 |
Amortization of tangible capital assets (note 13) |
(2,571) | (1,938) |
Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets |
0 | (26) |
Gain on disposal of tangible capital assets |
0 | 26 |
Transfer tangible capital assets to other government departments |
(33) | 0 |
Total change due to tangible capital assets | (1,182) | 485 |
Change due to land held for future claims settlements (note 12) | 36 | (988) |
Change due to prepaid expenses | 7 | 4 |
Net increase in departmental net debt | 9,344,728 | 3,251,073 |
Departmental net debt – Beginning of year | 30,117,287 | 26,866,214 |
Departmental net debt – End of year | 39,462,015 | 30,117,287 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. |
Statement of Cash Flow (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Operating activities | ||
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | 14,217,107 | 8,607,089 |
Non-cash items: | ||
Amortization of tangible capital assets (note 13) |
(2,571) | (1,938) |
Gain on disposal of tangible capital assets |
0 | 26 |
Services provided without charge by other government departments (note 16a) |
(34,364) | (39,832) |
Variations in Statement of Financial Position: | ||
Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable and advances |
10,984 | (95,761) |
Increase (decrease) in land held for future claims settlements |
36 | (988) |
Increase in prepaid expenses |
7 | 4 |
Increase in liabilities |
(8,616,596) | (3,522,252) |
Transfer of assets and liabilities to others government departments |
(56) | 61,263 |
Cash used in operating activities | 5,574,547 | 5,007,611 |
Capital investing activities | ||
Acquisitions of tangible capital assets (note 13) |
1,422 | 2,423 |
Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets |
0 | (26) |
Cash used in capital investing activities | 1,422 | 2,397 |
Net cash provided by Government of Canada | 5,575,969 | 5,010,008 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. |
Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended March 31, 2022
1. Authority and objectives
On July 15, 2019, Crown-Indigenous Relations and North Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) was established with the passage of the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Act by Parliament.
CIRNAC works in partnership with Indigenous communities so that they are better positioned to govern their own affairs and their visions of self-determination, as well as to promote the self-reliance, prosperity and well-being of residents and communities in the North. CIRNAC, Indigenous peoples and Northerners will work together to achieve progress in accelerating the renewal of the relationship with Indigenous peoples, modernizing institutional structures and governance to support Indigenous vision of self-determination and advancing work in the North.
Priorities and reporting are aligned under the following core responsibilities:
- Crown-Indigenous Relations - 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.
- Northern Affairs - Support to 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.
- Internal Services – Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the need of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. They include services in areas such as: Management and Oversight; Communications; Legal; Human Resources; Financial Management; Information Management; Information Technology; Real Property; Materiel Management; Acquisition; and Administration.
2. Summary of significant accounting policies
These financial statements have been prepared using the department's accounting policies stated below, which are based on Canadian public sector accounting standards. The presentation and results using the stated accounting policies do not result in any significant differences from Canadian public sector accounting standards.
Significant accounting policies are as follows:
a) Parliamentary authorities
CIRNAC is financed by the Government of Canada through Parliamentary authorities. Financial reporting of authorities provided to CIRNAC do not parallel financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles since authorities are primarily based on cash flow requirements. Consequently, items recognized in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and in the Statement of Financial Position are not necessarily the same as those provided through authorities from Parliament. Note 3 provides reconciliation between the bases of reporting.
The planned results amounts in the "Expenses" and "Revenues" sections of the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position are consistent with the amounts reported in the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations included in the 2021-2022 Departmental Plan. Planned results are not presented in the "Government funding and transfers" section of the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and in the Statement of Change in Departmental Net Debt because these amounts were not included in the 2021-2022 Departmental Plan.
b) Net cash provided by Government
CIRNAC operates within the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), which is administered by the Receiver General for Canada. All cash received by CIRNAC is deposited to the CRF and all cash disbursements made by CIRNAC are paid from the CRF. The net cash provided by Government is the difference between all cash receipts and all cash disbursements, including transactions between departments of the Government.
c) Amounts due from/to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF)
Amounts due from or to the CRF are the result of timing differences at year-end between when a transaction affects authorities and when it is processed through the CRF. Amounts due from the CRF represent the net amount of cash that CIRNAC is entitled to draw from the CRF without further authorities to discharge its liabilities.
d) Revenues
Revenues are recorded on the accrual basis:
- Revenues from regulatory fees are recognized in the accounts based on the services provided in the year.
- Other revenues are recognized in the period the event giving rise to the revenues occurred.
- Revenues that are non-respendable are not available to discharge CIRNAC's liabilities. While the Deputy Head is expected to maintain accounting control, he or she has no authority regarding the disposition of non-respendable revenues. As a result, non-respendable revenues are considered to be earned on behalf of the Government of Canada and are therefore presented in reduction of CIRNAC's gross revenues.
e) Expenses
Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis:
- Transfer payments are recorded as expenses when authorization for the payment exists and the recipient has met the eligibility criteria or the entitlements established for the transfer payment program. In situations where payments do not form part of an existing program, transfer payments are recorded as expenses when the Government announces a decision to make a non-recurring transfer, provided the enabling legislation or authorization for payment receives parliamentary approval prior to the completion of the financial statements. Transfer payments that become repayable as a result of conditions specified in the contribution agreement that have come into being are recorded as areduction to transfer payment expense and as a receivable.
- Vacation pay and compensatory leave are accrued as the benefits are earned by employees under their respective terms of employment.
- Services provided without charge by other government departments for accommodation, employer contribution to the health and dental insurance plans, legal services, and workers' compensation are recorded as operating expenses at their carrying value.
f) Employee future benefits
Pension benefits: Eligible employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, a multiemployer pension plan administered by the Government. CIRNAC's contributions to the plan are charged to expenses in the year incurred and represent the total departmental obligation to the Plan. The department's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contribution. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.
Severance benefits: The accumulation of severance benefits for voluntary departures ceased for applicable employee groups. The remaining obligation for employees who did not withdraw benefits is calculated using information derived from the results of the actuarially determined liability for employee severance benefits for the Government as a whole.
g) Accounts and loans receivable
Accounts and loans receivable are stated at the lower of cost and net recoverable value.
When necessary, an allowance for valuation is recorded to reduce the carrying value of accounts and loans receivable to amounts that approximate their net recoverable value.
The amount of allowance on loans receivable is determined on an assessment of collectability of each loan on an annual basis using a standard set of criteria to assess the default risk. Interest on loans receivable is calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions of each individual program.
If loans and interest receivables cannot be used to discharge CIRNAC's liabilities or to issue new loans, they are considered to be held on behalf of the Government and are therefore presented as an offsetting amount to CIRNAC's financial position.
h) Contingent liabilities
Contingent liabilities are potential liabilities that may become actual liabilities when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. If the future event is likely to occur or fail to occur, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made, an estimated liability is accrued and an expense recorded. If the likelihood is not determinable or an amount cannot be reasonably estimated, the contingency is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.
i) Contingent assets
Contingent assets are possible assets which may become actual assets when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. If the future even is likely to occur or fail to occur, the contingent asset is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.
j) Environmental liabilities
An environmental liability for remediation of contaminated sites is recognized when all of the following criteria are satisfied:
- an environmental standard exists,
- contamination exceeds the environmental standard,
- CIRNAC is directly responsible or accepts responsibility,
- it is expected that future economic benefits will be given up, and
- a reasonable estimate of the amount can be made.
The liability reflects CIRNAC's best estimate of the amount required to remediate the sites to the current minimum standard for its use prior to contamination. When the cash flows required to settle or otherwise extinguish a liability are estimable, predictable and expected to occur over extended future periods, a present value technique is used. The discount rates used reflect the Government's cost of borrowing associated with the estimated number of years to complete remediation. The recorded liabilities are adjusted each year, for present value adjustments, inflation, new obligations, changes in management estimates and actual costs incurred. If the likelihood of CIRNAC's responsibility is not determinable, a contingent liability is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.
k) Tangible capital assets
All tangible capital assets and leasehold improvements having an initial cost of $10,000 or more are recorded at their acquisition cost. CIRNAC does not capitalize intangibles, works of art and historical treasures that have cultural, aesthetic or historical value, assets located on Indian Reserves and museum collections.
Amortization of tangible capital assets is done on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets as follows:
Asset Class | Amortization Period |
---|---|
Buildings | 20 to 40 years |
Machinery and Equipment | 3 to 15 years |
Informatics Hardware and Software | 3 to 10 years |
Ships and Boats | 10 years |
Motor Vehicles | 4 to 10 years |
Other Vehicles | 5 to 10 years |
Leasehold Improvements | Over the useful life of the improvement or the lease term, whichever is shorter |
Assets under construction are recorded in the applicable capital asset class in the year they are put into service and are not amortized until they are put into service.
l) Measurement uncertainty
The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported and disclosed amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes at March 31. The estimates are based on facts and circumstances, historical experience, general economic conditions and reflect the Government's best estimate of the related amount at the end of the reporting period. They are determined according to methodologies that were applied consistently with the previous year. The most significant items where estimates are used are contingent liabilities, environmental liabilities, contractual obligations, the liability for employee future benefits, the allowance for doubtful accounts and the useful life of tangible capital assets. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimated. Management's estimates are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary, they are recorded in the financial statements in the year they become known.
Environmental liabilities are subject to measurement uncertainty as discussed in Note 6 due to the evolving technologies used in the estimation of the costs for remediation of contaminated sites, the use of discounted present value of future estimated costs, and the fact that not all sites have had a complete assessment of the extent and nature of remediation. Changes to underlying assumptions, the timing of the expenditures, the technology employed, or the revisions to environmental standards or changes in regulatory requirements could result in significant changes to the environmental liabilities recorded.
m) Related party transactions
Related party transactions, other than inter-entity transactions, are recorded at the exchange amount.
Inter-entity transactions are transactions between commonly controlled entities. Inter-entity transactions, other than restructuring transactions, are recorded on a gross basis and are measured at the carrying amount, except for the following:
- Services provided on a recovery basis are recognized as revenues and expenses on a gross basis and measured at the exchange amount.
- Certain services received on a without charge basis are recorded for departmental financial statement purposes at the carrying amount.
3. Parliamentary authorities
CIRNAC receives most of its funding through annual parliamentary authorities. Items recognized in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and the Statement of Financial Position in one year may be funded through parliamentary authorities in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, CIRNAC has different net results of operations for the year on a government funding basis than on an accrual accounting basis. The differences are reconciled in the following tables:
a) Reconciliation of net cost of operations to current year authorities used
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | 14,217,107 | 8,607,090 |
Adjustment for items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities: | ||
Amortization of tangible capital assets |
(2,571) | (1,938) |
Gain on disposal of tangible capital assets |
0 | 26 |
Services provided without charge by other government departments |
(34,364) | (39,832) |
Increase in provision for claims and litigation |
(7,135,497) | (3,464,353) |
Decrease (increase) in environmental liabilities |
(2,237,013) | 265,505 |
Decrease in liability for settled claims |
4,749 | 19,236 |
Decrease in employee future benefits |
1,032 | 278 |
Decrease (increase) in vacation pay and compensatory leave |
2,358 | (7,525) |
Decrease in land held for future settlement |
36 | 7 |
Refunds/adjustments to prior years' expenditures |
6,880 | 9,901 |
Decrease (Increase) in prepaid expenses |
6,148 | (991) |
Other |
1,855 | 1,215 |
Total items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities | (9,386,387) | (3,218,471) |
Adjustment for items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities: | ||
Acquisition of tangible capital asset |
1,422 | 2,423 |
Total items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities | 1,422 | 2,423 |
Current year authorities used | 4,832,142 | 5,391,042 |
b) Authorities provided and used
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Authorities provided: | ||
Vote 1 – Operating expenditures |
2,811,338 | 2,416,407 |
Vote 5 – Capital expenditures |
1,944 | 4,189 |
Vote 7 – Debt forgiveness |
515 | 0 |
Vote 10 – Grants and contributions |
4,223,802 | 4,288,346 |
Statutory amounts |
33,900 | 163,460 |
Total authorities provided | 7,071,499 | 6,872,402 |
Less: | ||
Authorities available for future years |
0 | (26) |
Authorities lapsed: | ||
Vote 1 – Operating expenditures |
(938,089) | (1,029,666) |
Vote 5 – Capital expenditures |
(522) | (1,766) |
Vote 7 – Debt forgiveness |
(10) | 0 |
Vote 10 – Grants and contributions |
(1,300,716) | (449,901) |
Statutory amounts |
(20) | (1) |
Total authorities lapsed | (2,239,357) | (1,481,334) |
Total authorities lapsed and available for future years | (2,239,357) | (1,481,360) |
Current year authorities used | 4,832,142 | 5,391,042 |
Most of the lapsed amounts presented above may become available to CIRNAC in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, subject to parliamentary approvals after March 31, 2022. Additional information on the use of authorities, including explanation of variances and lapsed amounts, can be found in the CIRNAC's Departmental Result Report. |
4. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
The following table presents details of the CIRNAC's accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Accounts payable – Other government departments and agencies |
48,690 | 16,587 |
Accounts payable – External parties |
448,751 | 1,236,157 |
Total accounts payable | 497,441 | 1,252,744 |
Accrued liabilities |
2,616,093 | 2,104,901 |
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 3,113,534 | 3,357,645 |
5. Contingent liabilities and contingent assets
a) Contingent liabilities
Contingent liabilities arise in the normal course of operations and their ultimate disposition is unknown. Contingent liabilities are potential liabilities which may become actual liabilities when one or more future events not wholly within the Government's control occur or fail to occur. They are grouped into two categories: claims and pending and threatened litigation, and environmental liabilities for contaminated sites.
Claims
Claims outstanding against CIRNAC are potential liabilities that may become actual liabilities when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. To the extent that the future event is likely to occur, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made, an estimated liability is accrued and an expense is recorded in the financial statements.
CIRNAC has recorded a provision of $30,587 Million ($23,968 Million in 2021) for claims where it is likely that there will be a future payment and a reasonable estimation of the loss can be made.
For claims where the estimate of loss is based on a range of possible outcomes, the amount accrued within the range is management's best estimate of the potential loss which may be at an amount lesser than the maximum of the range. Exposure to liability in excess of the amount accrued is estimated at a minimum of $2,673 Million ($1,946 Million in 2021).
Claims for which the outcome is not determinable and for which an amount has not been accrued are estimated at approximately $627 Million ($916 Million in 2021).
There are four significant types of claims faced by CIRNAC: comprehensive land claims, specific claims, claims for pending and threatened litigations, and special claims. Depending on its type, a claim may be resolved with a transfer payment or an operating expenditure.
Comprehensive Land Claims
Comprehensive land claims arise in areas of the country where Aboriginal rights and title have not been resolved by treaty or by other legal means. There are currently 76 (75 in 2021) comprehensive land claims under negotiation, accepted for negotiation or under review.
Specific Claims
Specific claims deal with the past grievances of First Nations related to Canada's obligations under historic treaties or the way it managed First Nations' funds or other assets. The Government of Canada will pursue a settlement agreement with the First Nation when a claim demonstrates an outstanding lawful obligation. There are currently 677 (627 in 2021) specific claims under negotiation, accepted for negotiation or under review.
Pending and Threatened Litigations
There are legal proceedings for 373 (364 in 2021) general litigation claims being pursued through the courts as at March 31, 2022.
Special Claims
Special claims are the claims that do not fit with the parameters of existing Comprehensive Land Claims Policy or Specific Claims Policy and these claims are not being considered under any other mechanism such as being pursued through courts. There are currently 8 (8 in 2021) special claims under negotiation, accepted for negotiation or under review.
Environmental liabilities
CIRNAC has estimated a contingent liability in the amount of $8 Million for 4 sites ($8 Million in 2021 for 4 sites) where the department has determined that it is not directly responsible, nor does it accept responsibility; however, there is legal uncertainty as to the department's position.
b) Contingent assets
Contingent assets arise in the normal course of operations and their ultimate disposition is unknown. CIRNAC has made claims against external parties for which a recovery or gain is likely to materialize, however a reasonable estimate cannot be made. Contingent assets are not recognized in the financial statements.
6. Environmental liabilities
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Estimated Liability |
6,333,065 | 4,095,478 |
Less: Estimated Recoveries |
(25,819) | (25,244) |
Net remediation of liability for contaminated sites | 6,307,246 | 4,070,234 |
Remediation of contaminated sites
The Government's "Federal Approach to Contaminated Sites" set out a framework for management of contaminated sites using a risk-based approach. Under this approach, the Government has inventoried the contaminated sites identified on federal lands allowing them to be classified, managed and recorded in a consistent manner. This systematic approach aides in the identification of the high risk sites in order to allocate limited resources to those sites which pose the highest risk to the human health and the environment.
CIRNAC is responsible for the remediation activities for contaminated sites north of 60 degrees. CIRNAC has identified a total of 164 sites (162 sites in 2021) where contamination may exist and assessment, remediation and/or monitoring may be required. Of these, CIRNAC has identified 155 sites (153 sites in 2021) where action is required and for which a gross liability of $6,311 Million ($4,074 Million in 2021) has been recorded. This liability estimate has been determined based on sites assessments performed by environmental experts.
In addition, there are 9 unassessed sites (9 sites in 2021) where estimates have been calculated based on extrapolation and a liability of $22 Million ($21 Million in 2021) has been recorded.
These two estimates combined, totaling $6,333 Million ($4,095 Million in 2021), represents management's best estimate of the costs required to remediate sites to the current minimum standard for its use prior to contamination, based on information available at the financial statement date.
The following table presents the total estimated amounts of these liabilities by nature and source, the associated expected recoveries and the total undiscounted future expenditures as at March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021. When the liability estimate is based on a future cash requirement, the amount is adjusted for inflation using a forecast Consumer Price Index rate of 2.0% (2.0% in 2021). Inflation is included in the undiscounted amount. The Government of Canada's cost of borrowing by reference to the actual zero-coupon yield curve for Government of Canada bonds has been used to discount the estimated future expenditures. The March 2022 rates range from 2.24% (0.24% in 2021) for a 2 year term to 2.35% (2.01% in 2021) for a 30 or greater year term.
Nature & Source* | Total Number of Sites | Number of Sites with a liability | Estimated Liability | Estimated Total Undiscounted Future Expenditures | Estimated Recoveries |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Former Mineral Exploration SitesEndnote 1 | 89 | 89 | 6,139,955 | 9,517,840 | 25,819 |
Military & Former Military SitesEndnote 2 | 24 | 24 | 83,431 | 81,568 | 0 |
Fuel Related PracticesEndnote 3 | 25 | 25 | 69,906 | 65,907 | 0 |
Land Fill/ Waste SitesEndnote 4 | 3 | 3 | 1,929 | 1,929 | 0 |
Engineering Assets/ Air and Land TransportationEndnote 5 | 2 | 2 | 3,721 | 582 | 0 |
Office/ Commercial/ Industrial OperationsEndnote 6 | 10 | 10 | 8,406 | 6,068 | 0 |
OthersEndnote 7 | 11 | 11 | 25,717 | 24,995 | 0 |
Totals | 164 | 164 | 6,333,065 | 9,698,889 | 25,819 |
*see endnotes for description of nature and source |
Nature & Source* | Total Number of Sites | Number of Sites with a liability | Estimated Liability | Estimated Total Undiscounted Future Expenditures | Estimated Recoveries |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Former Mineral Exploration SitesEndnote 1 | 89 | 89 | 3,923,454 | 6,355,898 | 25,244 |
Military & Former Military SitesEndnote 2 | 24 | 24 | 83,627 | 81,600 | 0 |
Fuel Related PracticesEndnote 3 | 24 | 24 | 54,838 | 49,686 | 0 |
Land Fill/ Waste SitesEndnote 4 | 3 | 3 | 1,887 | 1,887 | 0 |
Engineering Assets/ Air and Land TransportationEndnote 5 | 2 | 2 | 3,522 | 417 | 0 |
Office/ Commercial/ Industrial OperationsEndnote 6 | 10 | 10 | 8,229 | 5,936 | 0 |
OthersEndnote 7 | 10 | 10 | 19,921 | 18,243 | 0 |
Totals | 162 | 162 | 4,095,478 | 6,513,667 | 25,244 |
*see endnotes for description of nature and source |
7. Settled claims
The liability for settled claims represents CIRNAC's financial obligation pursuant to agreements related to comprehensive land claims which CIRNAC has settled with the First Nations.
Comprehensive land claims are negotiated in areas where Aboriginal title has not been dealt with by treaty or by other legal methods. In such cases, the claim is based on an Aboriginal group's traditional use and occupancy of that land. Comprehensive land claim settlements result in agreement on special rights Aboriginal peoples will have in the future with respect to lands and resources.
An act of Parliament, based on a negotiated agreement, establishes the authority for CIRNAC to make claim payments. The interest rate attached to these claim payments is set out in the act, along with a claim payment schedule. Claim payments are generally made over a number of years.
At March 31, 2022, there is 1 outstanding settled claim (1 in 2021). Settlement payments made during 2022 totalled $4.1 Million ($19.7 million in 2021).
The present value of the liability for outstanding settled claims, calculated using the appropriate yield curve for zero-coupon bonds as published by the Bank of Canada, at March 31, 2022 is $15.8 Million ($20.0 Million in 2021). Future scheduled claim payments (on a cash basis) are as follows:
(in thousands of dollars) | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scheduled payments | 4,100 | 4,100 | 4,100 | 4,100 | 16,400 |
8. Other liabilities
The following table presents details of other liabilities:
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Opening Balance | Receipts | Interest | Disbursements | Closing Balance | Closing Balance | |
Guarantee deposits | 11,594 | 804 | 1 | (114) | 12,285 | 11,594 |
Other specified purpose accounts | 0 | 12,571 | 0 | 0 | 12,571 | 0 |
Total other liabilities | 11,594 | 13,375 | 1 | (114) | 24,856 | 11,594 |
Guarantee deposits
In fulfilling its duties under various acts that govern the use of federal Crown land, including land use activities, water resources, and water rights, CIRNAC may issue licences, permits, and other instruments to individuals and organizations that propose to undertake resource exploration and other types of development projects.
In accordance with the terms and conditions of the instrument, CIRNAC may require security deposits to ensure the lands and waters are returned in a condition acceptable to CIRNAC. These guarantee deposits are received in the form of cash and are deposited to and held in the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Other specified purpose accounts
These accounts are established to receive, hold and disburse moneys in accordance with relevant statutes, departmental policies and agreements. The most significant of these accounts is the Treaty Land Entitlement (Saskatchewan) fund. This statutory account was established to hold moneys received for individual bands pending execution of settlement of outstanding Treaty land obligations. These moneys are eventually disbursed to individual Indians, credited to Band Fund or Individual Trust Fund accounts, or returned to payers, as appropriate.
9. Employee future benefits
a) Pension benefits
CIRNAC's employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan (the "Plan"), which is sponsored and administered by the Government of Canada. Pension benefits accrue up to a maximum period of 35 years at a rate of 2 percent per year of pensionable service, times the average of the best five consecutive years of earnings. The benefits are integrated with Canada/Québec Pension Plan benefits and they are indexed to inflation.
Both the employees and CIRNAC contribute to the cost of the Plan. Due to the amendment of the Public Service Superannuation Act following the implementation of provisions related to Economic Action Plan 2012, employee contributors have been divided into two groups – Group 1 relates to existing plan members as of December 31, 2012 and Group 2 relates to members joining the Plan as of January 1, 2013. Each group has a distinct contribution rate.
The 2021-2022 expense amounts to $17.9 Million ($18.8 Million in 2020-21). For Group 1 members, the expense represents approximately 1.01 times (1.01 times in 2020-21) and, for Group 2 members, approximately 1.00 time (1.00 time in 2020-21) the employee contributions.
CIRNAC's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the consolidated financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.
b) Severance benefits
Severance benefits provided to CIRNAC's employees were previously based on an employee's eligibility, years of service and salary at termination of employment. However, since 2011 the accumulation of severance benefits for voluntary departures progressively ceased for substantially all employees. Employees subject to these changes were given the option to be paid the full or partial value of benefits earned to date or collect the full or remaining value of benefits upon departure from the public service. By March 31, 2022, substantially all settlements for immediate cash out were completed. Severance benefits are unfunded and, consequently, the outstanding obligation will be paid from future authorities.
The changes in the obligations during the year were as follows:
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Accrued benefit obligation – Beginning of year | 6,702 | 6,980 |
Expense for the year |
(264) | 657 |
Benefits paid during the year |
(768) | (935) |
Accrued benefit obligation – End of year | 5,670 | 6,702 |
10. Accounts receivable and advances
The following table presents details of CIRNAC's accounts receivable and advances balances:
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Receivables – Other government departments and agencies |
1,476 | 3,720 |
Receivables – External parties |
16,846 | 3,959 |
Advances to employees and others |
6,352 | 5,751 |
Gross accounts receivable and advances | 24,674 | 13,430 |
Less: | ||
Allowance for doubtful accounts on receivables from external parties |
(1,003) | (743) |
Net accounts receivable and advances | 23,671 | 12,687 |
11. Loans and interest receivable
The following table presents details of loans and interest receivable:
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Direct loans portfolio: | ||
Indigenous claimants |
126,553 | 116,481 |
Other direct loans |
72 | 461 |
Total direct loans portfolio | 126,625 | 116,942 |
Add: Interest receivable |
41 | 153 |
Less: Allowance for doubtful loans and interest receivable |
(126,666) | (117,095) |
Net direct loans portfolio | 0 | 0 |
These loans are considered to be held on behalf of government since they are not available to discharge CIRNAC's liabilities or to issue new loans and are therefore presented as an offsetting amount to CIRNAC's financial position.
The objective of direct loans is to support active participation by First Nations and First Nations organizations and to promote a balanced exchange of ideas in negotiating the settlement of specific claims. Specific claims loans are issued to Indigenous groups under the Loans to Indigenous Claimants program, and are non-interest bearing.
CIRNAC also has various legacy programs that are no longer active including the Inuit Loan Fund. The Stoney Band Perpetual Loan was forgiven and removed from departmental accounts in 2021-2022. All loans outstanding are interest bearing.
12. Land held for future claims settlements
Land held for future claims settlements is segregated from tangible capital assets as these assets are not acquired with the intention of being used on a continuous basis in government operations. Rather, these assets are properties acquired and held by CIRNAC for the purpose of future settlements of Indigenous land claims. Following the ratification of a negotiated agreement, these assets are transferred to the Indigenous group or designated as reserve.
Changes in this account are summarized in the following table:
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Opening balance | 39,385 | 40,373 |
Acquisitions |
0 | 0 |
Transfer to First Nations |
0 | (995) |
Adjustments |
36 | 7 |
Closing balance | 39,421 | 39,385 |
13. Tangible capital assets
The following table presents details of the cost of tangible capital assets for 2022:
(in thousands of dollars) | Opening Balance | Acquisitions | Adjustments (1) | Disposals and Write-offs | Closing Balance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Land |
115 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 115 |
Buildings |
34,055 | 0 | 9,679 | (364) | 43,370 |
Machinery and equipment |
7,332 | 0 | 0 | (13) | 7,319 |
Informatics hardware and software |
10,136 | 0 | (17) | 0 | 10,119 |
Ships, boats and vehicles |
1,847 | 88 | (65) | 0 | 1,870 |
Assets under construction |
149,633 | 1,334 | (9,315) | 0 | 141,652 |
Total | 203,118 | 1,422 | 282 | (377) | 204,445 |
Note (1) Adjustments include assets under construction of $9,315 thousands that were transferred to other categories upon completion of the asset. The remainder of adjustments consist of assets transferred to or from other government departments. |
The following table presents details of the amortization of tangible capital assets for 2022:
(in thousands of dollars) | Opening Balance | Amortization | Adjustments | Disposals and Write-offs | Closing Balance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Land |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Buildings |
(6,185) | (2,097) | (364) | 364 | (8,282) |
Machinery and equipment |
(5,782) | (391) | 12 | 0 | (6,161) |
Informatics hardware and software |
(10,116) | (12) | 10 | 0 | (10,118) |
Ships, boats and vehicles |
(1,635) | (71) | 40 | 0 | (1,666) |
Assets under construction |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total | (23,718) | (2,571) | (302) | 364 | (26,227) |
The following table presents details of tangible capital assets net book value:
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Land |
115 | 115 |
Buildings |
35,088 | 27,871 |
Machinery and equipment |
1,158 | 1,549 |
Informatics hardware and software |
1 | 20 |
Ships, boats and vehicles |
204 | 212 |
Assets under construction |
141,652 | 149,633 |
Total | 178,218 | 179,400 |
14. Departmental net financial position
A portion of the CIRNAC's net financial position is restricted to be used for a specific purpose. Related revenues and expenses are included in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position.
The Environmental Studies Research Fund account was established pursuant to the Canada Petroleum Resources Act and related regulations to record levies stipulated under the Act. The balance of the account is to be used to finance environmental and social studies pertaining to the manner in which, and the terms and conditions under which, exploration, development and production activities on frontier lands authorized under this Act or any other Act of Parliament should be conducted.
The balance of the accounts at the end of the year is included in Departmental Net Financial Position. Activity in the accounts is as follows:
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Environmental Studies Research Fund – Restricted | ||
Balance – Beginning of year – Restricted |
(155) | (155) |
Revenues |
(51) | 0 |
Expenses |
155 | 0 |
Balance – End of year - Restricted | (51) | (155) |
15. Contractual obligations
The nature of CIRNAC's activities may result in some large multi-year contracts and obligations, including certain perpetual agreements, whereby CIRNAC will be obligated to make future payments in order to carry out its transfer payment programs or when goods or services are received.
Significant contractual obligations that can be reasonably estimated are summarized as follows:
(in thousands of dollars) | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 and thereafter | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transfer payments | 1,831,324 | 1,855,009 | 1,521,461 | 1,237,633 | 1,238,949 | 6,560,953 | 14,245,329 |
Purchases | 9,982 | 3,924 | 1,986 | 1,476 | 709 | 0 | 18,077 |
Total | 1,841,306 | 1,858,933 | 1,523,447 | 1,239,109 | 1,239,658 | 6,560,953 | 14,263,406 |
16. Related party transactions
CIRNAC is related as a result of common ownership to all Government departments, agencies, and Crown corporations. Related parties also include individuals who are members of key management personnel or close family members of those individuals, and entities controlled by, or under shared control of a member of key management personnel or a close family member of that individual. CIRNAC enters into transactions with these entities in the normal course of business and on normal trade terms. In addition, CIRNAC has agreements with Indigenous Services Canada and Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency related to the provision of finance and administration services.
During the year, CIRNAC received common services which were obtained without charge from other government departments as disclosed below.
a) Common services provided without charge by other government departments
During the year, CIRNAC received services without charge from certain common service organizations related to the accommodation, employer's contribution to the Health and Dental Insurance plans, Legal Services and Workers' Compensation Coverage. These services provided without charge have been recorded in CIRNAC's Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position as follows:
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Accommodation |
11,930 | 19,061 |
Employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans |
18,093 | 16,761 |
Legal services |
4,305 | 3,949 |
Workers' compensation |
36 | 61 |
Total | 34,364 | 39,832 |
The Government has centralized some of its administrative activities for efficiency, cost-effectiveness purposes and economical delivery of programs to the public. As a result, the Government uses central agencies and common service organizations so that one department performs services for all other departments and agencies without charge. The costs of these services, such as the payroll and cheque issuance services provided by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and audit services provided by the Office of the Auditor General are not included in the CIRNAC's Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position.
b) Other transactions with related parties (Unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars) | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Expenses – Other government departments and agencies |
720,951 | 547,418 |
Revenues – Other government departments and agencies |
38,119 | 37,578 |
Expenses and revenues disclosed in (b) exclude common services provided without charges, which are already disclosed in (a). |
17. Segmented information
Presentation by segment is based on CIRNAC's core responsibilities. The presentation by segment is based on the same accounting policies as described in the Summary of significant accounting policies in note 2. The following table presents the expenses incurred and revenues generated for the main core responsibilities, by major object of expense and by major type of revenue. The segment results for the period are as follows:
(in thousands of dollars) | Crown-Indigenous Relations | Northern Affairs | Internal services | 2022 Total | 2021 Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transfer Payments | |||||
First Nations |
1,948,774 | 82,115 | 0 | 2,030,889 | 2,949,873 |
Provision for claims |
4,904,302 | 0 | 0 | 4,904,302 | 2,621,303 |
Provincial / territorial governments and institutions |
531,395 | 146,365 | 0 | 677,760 | 758,653 |
Industry |
0 | 211,321 | 0 | 211,321 | 246,283 |
Non-profit organizations |
4,775 | 8,293 | 0 | 13,068 | 7,151 |
Other |
(1,205) | (3,864) | 0 | (5,069) | 117 |
Expenses incurred on behalf of Government |
(10,073) | (4) | 0 | (10,077) | (7,623) |
Environmental Liabilities |
0 | (73,122) | 0 | (73,122) | (104,089) |
Total Transfer Payments | 7,377,968 | 371,104 | 0 | 7,749,072 | 6,471,668 |
Operating Expenses | |||||
Environmental liabilities |
0 | 2,310,136 | 0 | 2,310,136 | (161,416) |
Provision for litigation claims |
2,231,195 | 0 | 0 | 2,231,195 | 843,048 |
Court awards and other settlements |
1,391,170 | 179 | 455 | 1,391,804 | 954,804 |
Professional and special services |
54,318 | 143,025 | 59,004 | 256,347 | 192,778 |
Salaries and employee benefits |
90,004 | 51,885 | 88,015 | 229,904 | 244,401 |
Legal services |
547 | 0 | 50,138 | 50,685 | 64,368 |
Accommodation |
4,877 | 2,400 | 4,653 | 11,930 | 19,061 |
Rentals |
32 | 535 | 5,077 | 5,644 | 5,439 |
Information Services |
3,153 | 167 | 98 | 3,418 | 3,202 |
Amortization of tangible capital assets |
359 | 1,409 | 803 | 2,571 | 1,938 |
Other |
379 | 249 | 1,379 | 2,007 | 3,907 |
Transportation |
362 | 1,196 | 447 | 2,005 | 1,993 |
Materials, supplies and equipment |
142 | 374 | 720 | 1,236 | 2,075 |
Repair and maintenance |
1,032 | 84 | 114 | 1,230 | 992 |
Refunds / adjustments to prior years' expenditures |
(733) | (223) | (415) | (1,371) | (9,678) |
Expenses incurred on behalf of Government |
281 | (34) | 0 | 247 | (73) |
Total Operating Expenses | 3,777,118 | 2,511,382 | 210,488 | 6,498,988 | 2,166,839 |
Total Expenses | 11,155,086 | 2,882,486 | 210,488 | 14,248,060 | 8,638,507 |
Revenues | |||||
Finance and administrative services |
0 | 0 | 38,068 | 38,068 | 37,578 |
Lease and use of public property / sales of goods and services |
0 | 983 | 67 | 1,050 | 1,833 |
Resource royalties |
5 | 621 | 0 | 626 | 722 |
Miscellaneous revenues |
0 | (56) | 35 | (21) | 287 |
Revenues earned on behalf of government |
(5) | (1,548) | (7,217) | (8,770) | (9,002) |
Total Revenues | 0 | 0 | 30,953 | 30,953 | 31,418 |
Net cost from continuing operations | 11,155,086 | 2,882,486 | 179,535 | 14,217,107 | 8,607,089 |
18. Subsequent Events
a) Contingent Liabilities- Claims and Litigation
Subsequent to year-end, CIRNAC has settled claims amounting to $1,492 millions for specific claims, pending and threatened litigation claims, special claims and Indian Residential School claims.
19. Comparative information
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.
Annex to the Statement of Management Responsibility Including Internal Control over Financial Reporting (Unaudited) 2021-22
Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
1.0 Introduction
This document provides summary information on the measures taken by CIRNAC to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) including information on internal control management, assessment results and related action plans.
Detailed information on CIRNAC's authority, mandate and program activities can be found in the 2021-22 Departmental Plan and the 2020-21 Departmental Results Report.
2.0 Departmental System of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
2.1 Internal Control Management
CIRNAC has a well-established governance and accountability structure to support departmental assessment efforts and oversight of its systems of internal control. A departmental internal control management framework, approved by the Deputy Head, is in place and includes:
- Organizational accountability structures as they relate to internal control management to support sound financial management, including roles and responsibilities of senior managers;
- Ongoing communication and training on statutory requirements, and policies and procedures for sound financial management and control;
- External and internal reporting responsibilities related to risk, assessment results and action plans, which includes engagement with senior management and the Departmental Audit Committee, as applicable;
- CIRNAC ICFR assessment approach and methodology;
The Department's control environment also includes:
- A CIRNAC Values and Ethics Code that incorporates the Values and Ethics for the Public Sector and the Directive on Conflict of Interest;
- A Departmental Audit Committee that provides objective advice and guidance, independent of management in the departmental areas of governance, risk management and control;
- Risk assessments and audit results performed by auditors from Internal Audit, Recipients Audit; Office of the Auditor General and Common Services providers;
- An internal control unit that helps the Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer to monitor effectiveness of ICFR across the department, and continuously works in close collaboration with business/risk owners; and
- Senior manager's performance agreements with clear commitments to sound financial and internal control management.
2.2 Service Arrangements Relevant to Financial Reporting
CIRNAC relies on other organizations for the processing of certain transactions that are recorded in its financial statements as follows:
2.2.1 Common Arrangements
- Public Services and Procurement Canada which centrally administers the payments of salaries and the procurement of goods and services in accordance with the Delegation of Authority, and provides accommodation services;
- The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, which provides information on public service insurance and centrally administers payment of the employee's share contributions toward statutory employee benefits plans;
- The Department of Justice provides legal services; and
- Shared Services Canada, which provides information technology (IT) infrastructure services.
2.2.2 Specific Arrangements
- Service Level Agreements for service delivery and shared internal services between CIRNAC and Indigenous Services;
- Health Canada provides CIRNAC with a SAP financial system platform to capture and report all financial transactions (SAP);
- Public Services and Procurement Canada provides platform access to its human resources management system of record (MyGCHR); and
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provides platform access to its human resources management system of record (PeopleSoft).
Readers to this Annex may refer to the Annexes of the above-noted organizations for a greater understanding of the systems of ICFR related to these specific services.
3.0 Departmental Assessment Results during fiscal year 2021-22
3.1 Internal Audit of Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
An internal audit of Internal Controls over Financial Reporting was performed during 2021-22 and resulting observations were issued in early 2022-23. An action plan was developed by CIRNAC management to address opportunities for improvements that were noted in the internal audit report. Its implementation was started in early 2022-23, with significant progress achieved by the signature of the 2021-22 CIRNAC financial statements and planned full completion by the end of fiscal year 2022-23.
3.2 Internal Controls Risk Assessment
In early 2022-23, a full risk assessment was conducted to update the residual risk ratings of the department's business processes with an emphasis on those that contain key controls related to the production, review and validation of financial statements and other internal and external financial reports. The results of this risk assessment were presented to senior management and are used to prepare the departments five-year ongoing monitoring plan.
3.3 New or significantly amended key Controls
In the last fiscal year, there were no new substantial business processes implemented or significantly amended key controls in existing business processes that required a reassessment. Management recognizes that there is an increased risk in financial reporting due to the continued transition of CIRNAC into a standalone department, while operating under a shared services model for internal services.
3.4 Ongoing monitoring program
CIRNAC has a mature ongoing risk-based rotational monitoring program encompassing internal control over financial reporting.
As part of ongoing risk-based monitoring program, design effectiveness and operations effectiveness testing is conducted on selected key controls in all of the control environments to obtain sufficient reliable evidence to support the department's financial control environment in place is sound.
In 2021-22, the department performed ongoing monitoring activities of the following business processes controls:
- Financial Close and Reporting
- Interdepartmental settlements (IS) process
- Entity-Level Controls
- Budgeting and Forecasting
Overall, the key internal controls for the above-mentioned business processes were found to be operating effectively. No significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, that could lead to a material misstatement of the financial statements, were identified.
Remediation identified from departmental ongoing monitoring ICFR assessments is addressed through risk-based management action plans prepared and implemented by the business process owners which included action plan recommendations from previous years. ICFR assessments will continue to be monitored in 2022-23 to ensure prompt, adequate and full implementation of all remedial actions.
4.0 Departmental action plan for the next fiscal year and subsequent years
CIRNAC rotational ongoing risk-based monitoring plan over the next five fiscal years is endorsed by management and based on an annual validation of the high-risk processes and controls and related adjustments as required which is shown in the following table.
Key control areas | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 | 2026-27 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pay Administration | X | ||||
Financial Close and Reporting | X | ||||
Grants and Contributions | X | X | |||
Contingent Liabilities – Specific Claims | X | X | |||
Contingent Liabilities – Comprehensive Claims | X | X | |||
Contingent Liabilities – General Litigation | X | ||||
Purchases, Payables and Payments | X | X | |||
Environmental Liabilities | X | ||||
Tangible Capital Assets | X | ||||
Entity Level Controls | |||||
Direct Loans | X | ||||
Revenue Management & Guarantee Deposits | X | ||||
Information Technology General Controls | X | X | X |