Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs on the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer's Report on the Research and Comparative Analysis on the Estimates of the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and the Department of Indigenous Services (May 17, 2023)

Logistics

Date: May 17, 2023
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Wellington Building, Room 415

Information for Appearing In-Person

• Witnesses (especially those without a Hill pass) should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting to proceed through security

Appearing

• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)
  • The Hon. Marc Miller P.C., M.P., Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
  • Daniel Quan-Watson, Deputy Minister
  • Darlene Bess, Chief Finances Results and Delivery Officer
• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
  • The Hon. Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P., Minister of Indigenous Services
  • Valerie Gideon, Associate Deputy Minister
  • Philippe Thompson, Chief Finances Results and Delivery Officer

Streaming

• The meeting can be watched via Parlvu, however, there may be an up to 70–second delay with the feed. A real time audio line will be shared if one is provided for this meeting.

Meeting Proceedings

The Chair will call the meeting to order and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. He will then introduce the witnesses and invite the Minister to deliver his opening remarks (5 minutes). This will be followed by a Q&A period (details below).

It is recommended that all speakers speak slowly and at an appropriate volume to ensure they are heard by the interpreters. All witnesses are asked to mute their microphones unless they are speaking.

While simultaneous translation will be available, witnesses are asked to respond to questions in either English or French, but to limit switching back and forth between languages as this often creates technology/interpretation challenges. It is recommended that the speeches are made in one official language.

Following the opening remarks, there will be rounds of questions from Committee members (as listed below).

Committee members will pose their questions in the following order:

• First round (6 minutes for each Party)
  • Conservative Party of Canada
  • Liberal Party of Canada
  • Bloc Québécois
  • New Democratic Party of Canada
• Second round
  • Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Bloc Québécois (2.5 minutes)
  • New Democratic Party of Canada (2.5 minutes)
  • Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)

Context

Potential Areas of Interest for Members of the Committee:

• Emergency Management
  • The Minister of Indigenous Services and/or ISC senior officials have appeared before INAN and PACP on three occasions to discuss the Auditor General's Report on Emergency Management in First Nations Communities
    • MP Ste-Marie (BQ) asked if there was sufficient funding to move forward on all of the projects identified in the OAG report
    • MP Idlout (NDP) asked if the $358 million that the department had requested to be added First Nations Infrastructure Fund would be in Budget 2023.
    • MP Melillo (CPC) referenced the PBO report and asked if the Department had plans to change funding models to mitigation and prevention instead of responding
    • MP Zimmer (CPC) asked about accountability measures in place to ensure outcomes are realized when dealing with third-party service providers via contracts
    • MP Idlout (NDP) also asked about the lack of use of data regarding First Nations' communities capacity and risk levels
• Education
  • MP Vidal (CPC) asked questions regarding DRR data showing a decrease in secondary school graduation rates and further challenged on the use of Statistics Canada data instead of DRR data
  • MP Gill (BQ) asked questions regarding the Office Auditor General of Canada's 2018 report regarding the issue of data collection discrepancies between Indigenous and non-Indigenous education
  • MP Melillo (CPC) questioned officials about graduation rate targets, on-reserve vs. off-reserve data, and metrics the Department uses regarding socio-economic gaps
• Departmental Results Reports and Departmental Plans Reports
  • MP Idlout (NDP) and MP McLeod (Lib) asked about construction delays, costs, and investments for housing in the North
  • MP Gill (BQ) and MP Idlout (NDP) asked questions about accountability and results for addressing food insecurity in the North
• Planned spending versus actual spending
  • MP Zimmer (CPC) asked about funding breakdowns for Specific Claims
  • Senators at the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance (NFFN) asked several questions during an appearance of ISC and CIRNAC senior officials about changes in planned spending in the Supplementary Estimates (C)

Other Potential Areas of Questioning, Based on the PBO Report and Other Appearances by Sr. Officials

• Departmental metrics/indicators and how they've changed or been removed
• Data collection lags and data collection gaps
• Increases in FTEs
• Bonuses allocated to Department executives
• Accountability for Department officials when targets aren't met
• Use of consultants and other third party professional services, accountability and costs

Background

On November 21, 2022, INAN adopted the following motion:

"That the committee invite the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada and the Minister for Crown-Indigenous Relations to appear before the committee to discuss the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer's report on the research and comparative analysis on the Estimates of the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and the Department of Indigenous Services, and that the meeting be televised."

The Committee is scheduled to hold its first meeting on this study on Monday, April 24th, when the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer will appear [A summary of that meeting will be provided when available].

Recent INAN Studies

• Improving Graduation Rates and Successful Outcomes for Indigenous Students
  • 7 meetings have been held
  • The Minister of Indigenous Services appeared on March 6, 2023
    • There was one follow-up pertaining to the construction of schools in Nunavut
• Indigenous Languages Study
  • 5 meetings have been held
  • The Minister of Canadian Heritage appeared on February 6, 2023
• Supplementary Estimates (B), 2022-23
  • 1 meeting
  • The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Northern Affairs appeared on December 8, 2022
    • There was one follow-up pertaining to the construction of housing in the North
• Bill S-219, An Act respecting a National Ribbon Skirt Day
  • 1 meeting
• Arctic Sovereignty, Security and Emergency Preparedness of Indigenous Peoples
  • 11 meetings were held
  • The Minister of Indigenous Services appeared on December 1, 2022
    • There were two follow-ups – one regarding the whole of government approach to flood mitigation, and one regarding families unable to return to their communities after evacuations

In the Media

• Canada's paternalistic mindset toward supporting Indigenous communities just doesn't work, August 5, 2022

Key Messages

• The PBO report found that over the 2015-16 to 2022-23 period, there was a significant increase in the amount of financial resources allocated towards Indigenous programming. The report notes that the increase in spending did not result in an improvement of CIRNAC and ISC's ability to achieve set goals.
• While the information gathered was based on publicly available reports, additional information is required to complement the assessment, namely with respect to the overall context, the expenditures process, as well as the development of performance measures.

Background

• In February 2022, the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs requested that the PBO conduct a research and comparative analysis of the Estimates and respective results for CIRNAC and ISC from 2015-16 to 2022-23.

Current Status

• While CIRNAC is committed to continuously improve its public reporting and results-based management, establishing an enduring and stable results structure is of increased importance for the department in order to assess progress and trends over time. Hence, the recently-approved 2023–24 Departmental Results Framework which will be in effect until 2026–27.
• The 2023–24 Departmental Results are aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action, the Calls for Justice related to Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• CIRNAC will continue to supplement results narratives, above and beyond the Departmental Results Framework, with both program level and longer-term socio and economic public indicators to strengthen the measurement of results and enhance transparency.
• The Department remains committed to working in collaboration with Indigenous partners on performance measurement, with the understanding that it must be dependent and respectful of the co-development process.
• While these results are long term, changes will take generations, and complex to measure (i.e. reconciliation and relationship building is a journey) important investments have been made, and are bringing about positive results.

Key Messages

• In 2021-22, CIRNAC carried out activities in support of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and addressing the unique needs of Northerners.
• We continued to strenghten relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in order to support efforts to achieve self-determination and to right historical wrongs as well as promote the prosperity and well-being of residents and communities in the North.
• Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, CIRNAC remained committed to meeting the various needs and responding to the unique realities of all Indigenous peoples and Northerners, by pivoting and supporting a range of emergency measures for urgent needs and remaining connected with modern treaty and self-governing partners.

Background

Current Status

• CIRNAC remains committed to working 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.
• As we build on the progress made in 2021-22 and in the context of the challenges brought forward by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department will continue working with Indigenous partners to face the public health and economic recovery issues, and to sustain the momentum on the path of reconciliation.

Key Messages

• In 2023–24, CIRNAC continues to carry out activities that support the Government of Canada's commitment to advance reconciliation and strengthen relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, as well as addressing the unique needs of Northerners. This work includes supporting the Indigenous peoples' right to self-determination, addressing historical wrongs, shedding our colonial past, and addressing systemic racism in all its forms.
• In the context of the challenges brought forward by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government continues to work with Indigenous partners to address public health and economic recovery issues. The department is focusing on alternative ways to deliver its mandate and support Indigenous peoples and Northerners, while remaining connected with partners to respond to pandemic-related impacts in communities.

Background

• As per the requirements of the Treasury Board Policy on Results, the 2023-24 Departmental Plan is structured according to the Departmental Results Framework through two core responsibilities and seven results:

• Crown-Indigenous Relations
  • Past injustices are recognized and resolved
  • Indigenous Peoples advance their institutional structures and governance
  • Indigenous Peoples determine their political, economic, social and cultural development
  • Indigenous Peoples strengthen their socio-economic conditions and well-being
• Northern Affairs
  • Northerners and Indigenous Peoples advance their political, economic and social governance development
  • Northern and Indigenous communities are resilient to changing environmental conditions
  • Northern lands, waters, and natural resources are sustainably managed

2023-24 Planning Highlights

• continue its work to meet all of Canada's obligations under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
• accelerate specific claims resolution to support reconciliation in Canada, and work with First Nation partners to reform the specific claims process.
• collaboratively address past injustices that have been committed against Indigenous children, through the resolution of litigation and the implementation of negotiated settlements.
• continue working in collaboration with Indigenous partners to redesign the Additions to Reserve Policy and to accelerate the processing of additions to reserve requests.
• continue to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, including those related to missing children and unmarked burial sites.
• advance priorities relating to the nation-to-nation Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management.
• work on enhancements to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act regime and collaborate with the 3 First Nations fiscal institutions on key initiatives.
• support the internal capacity building of Indigenous groups through the Enhanced Capacity Building funding stream.
• collaborate with representatives of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the 4 Inuit Nunangat regions, as well as the Métis National Council (MNC) and its governing members through the permanent bilateral mechanisms.
• coordinate 6 policy priority area working group tables through the Canada-CAP Political Accord.
• continue to support the ongoing implementation of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan and Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.
• support family members and survivors of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in their healing journey.
• collaborate with national Indigenous women's organizations to implement whole-of-government relationship agreements.
• negotiate treaties, self-government agreements and other constructive arrangements and support their full implementation.
• advance the implementation of the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia, in partnership with the other Principals to the British Columbia Treaty Process.
• continue working towards the ongoing implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act to support Indigenous Peoples in achieving self-determination.
• support Justice Canada in developing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.
• continue working with self-governing Indigenous governments on the development of a renewed fiscal policy that supports self-government through the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process.
• review the data from the latest Census to determine if socio-economic conditions have improved in First Nations and Inuit communities.
• work with Indigenous partners to address the pressing housing needs of Indigenous people and to improve the quality of housing within their communities.
• monitor progress on implementation of education agreements concluded with First Nations.
• finalize co-developed regional governance approaches for Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework with Indigenous, territorial and provincial partners.
• advance innovative solutions that respond to Canada's critical housing needs in the North.
• finalize the negotiation of the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Final Agreement.
• continue to support Northerners through investments in northern post-secondary education and a coordinated response to the Calls to Action of the Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education.
• continue to help make healthy food and essential items more affordable and accessible to residents of eligible isolated northern communities through the Nutrition North Canada, and promote local food sovereignty.
• support northern and Indigenous communities in their transition from diesel to clean, renewable and reliable energy.
• advance the co-development of the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda to support self-determination, allowing Indigenous Peoples to adapt and build resilience to climate change impacts.
• support climate change adaptation projects and climate monitoring projects in northern and Indigenous communities.
• continue to engage Northerners and scientists in research and monitoring related to long-range contaminants and plastic pollution in the North, through the Northern Contaminants Program.
• manage 163 active northern contaminated sites and address risks to the environment and human health and safety in the 3 territories, while continuing to promote new economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and Northerners on these contaminated sites projects.
• promote the North's resource economy while protecting the environment through impact assessment, land use planning and conservation initiatives.
• advance the northern regulatory processes component of the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy.

Current Status

• The department's focus remains the same, where the renewal of a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous peoples is critical to moving forward with reconciliation. CIRNAC continues to work with Indigenous partners in addressing shared priorities, accelerating the resolution of outstanding historic grievances and achieving the long-term reconciliation goals.
• CIRNAC, along with 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 scientific and social development objectives. The department continues to collaborate with partners to help build a strong, vibrant, and economically self-sufficient North.

Clarity in Division of Responsibilities

Engagement processes have shown that there is a lack of clarity with respect to the division of responsibilities between ISC and CIRNAC. As Transformation progresses, new communication materials will be produced that will assist our partners and clients in understanding the division of responsibilities, while internally, our departments will work together to ensure that programs and services are delivered seamlessly.

CIRNAC's primary responsibilities will be to guide and coordinate the whole-of-government relationship with Section 35 rights holders and Indigenous nations, to reach and implement agreements to accelerate self determination (through self-government and land claim agreements, including reconstituting nations), and to manage Northern programing and Arctic Policy.

ISC's primary responsibilities will be the delivery of services and programs to Section 91(24) Indigenous communities, with a particular emphasis on closing the socio-economic gap between Indigenous People and non-Indigenous Canadians and building up the capacity of Indigenous communities so that they have the means and ability to move forward on the path to self-determination.

ISC Programs Delivered By Northern CIRNAC Regions

List of Internal Services

Shared Internal Services housed in CIRNAC:

• Human Resources and Workplace Services (HRWSB)
• Contingent Liabilities (CFRDO)
• Provisions of shared internal services support to the CIRNAC-ISC Legal Services Unit (Legal/CFRDO)
• Ministerial Correspondence: WEBCIMS and ccm Enterprise (Corporate Secretariat)
• Access to Information and Privacy (Corporate Secretariat)
• Internal Audit, and Assessment and Investigations (AES)
• Cabinet Affairs (PSD)
• Litigation Management and Oversight (PSD)
• Historical Research Services (PSD)

Shared Internal Services housed in ISC:

• Communications and Public Affairs (CPA)
• Information Management Branch (CFRDO)
• Administrative Services Branch (CFRDO)
• Transfer Payments and Regional Corporate Services (CFRDO)
• Corporate Accounting, Services and Operations (CFRDO)
• Regulatory, Parliamentary and Legislative Affairs (SPP)
• Strategic Research and Data Innovation (SPP)

List of Distinct Services (duplicated and housed in both CIRNAC and ISC):

• Strategic Policy
• Evaluation and Performance Measurement
• Resource Management
• Financial Planning
• Financial Reporting
• Internal/External Reporting
• Corporate Results
• Integrated Planning
• Ministerial Correspondence
• Horizontal Coordination/Ministerial Trips
• Planning and Coordination
• Risk Management

Key Messages

• The resolution of long-standing historical grievances is essential to advance Canada's relationship with Indigenous communities.
• Several innovative practices have been introduced to expedite claims resolution and Canada is working with First Nations to reform the Specific Claims process, and co-develop a new Centre for the Resolution of Specific Claims.
• Since 1973 to March 31, 2023, 660 claims have been resolved for close to $12.5 billion in compensation.
• Fiscal year 2022-23 was a record year for the Specific Claims Program. 56 claims were resolved for $3.5 billion in compensation; 64 claims were filed with the Minister; and Canada offered to negotiate on 58 claims.

Background

• First Nations have long had grievances against the Government of Canada for failure to discharge its lawful obligations with respect to pre-1975 treaties and the management of First Nation lands and other assets. Since 1973, such grievances have been addressed through the Specific Claims Program.
• The objective of the Specific Claims Program is to ensure that whenever possible, Canada discharges its lawful obligations to First Nations through the implementation of negotiated settlement agreements, as an alternative to litigation.
• Since 2016, the Government has implemented improvements to the Program, guided by its reconciliation priorities. As a result the rate of resolution has increased. An average of 39 claims per year have been settled over the last five years, up from an average of 15 claims per year in the previous five years.
• The proportion of claims accepted for negotiation has also increased from 55% in 2014-15 to 95% in 2022-23.
• At the same time, the pace of new claim submissions continues unabated with an average of 56 claims filed per year over the last five years.
• In June 2022, you secured a mandate to engage in co-development with First Nations to improve the Specific Claims resolution process. This mandate includes the co-development of an independent Centre to administer and oversee key aspects of the Specific Claims process that are presently performed by CIRNAC.
• In November 2022, Canada and the Assembly of First Nations launched the Specific Claims Implementation Working Group, which is mandated with co-developing these reforms. A reformed specific claims process will garner more trust from our First Nations partners, and will help resolve claims fairly and more efficiently, so First Nations do not have to wait too long for justice.

Current Status

• In recent years, the Specific Claims Program has implemented several innovative practices to expedite claims resolution, such as bundling claims from a same First Nation, developing framework approaches to resolve similar claims, and adopting measures to accelerate the resolution of smaller value claims. You also received increased delegated authorities to help expedite the final stages of claims resolution.
• CIRNAC and First Nations partners, through the Specific Claims Implementation Working Group, continue to work together to co-develop reforms, including an independent Specific Claims Resolution Centre.

Actions since forming Government

• Since 2017, the Government of Canada has taken various steps to respond to the National Action Plan and implement the Federal Pathway, including investments in health supports, supports for families and survivors and improved programming for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQ organizations in local communities.
• The Government has also introduced new legislation to support reconciliation in areas such as child and family services and languages and is actively working to improve education, housing and employment opportunities.
• Budget 2023 will invest an additional $124.7 million over six years, with $20.4 million ongoing to address the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice. This builds on the $2.2 billion provided in Budget 2021 and includes new funding for improved oversight and accountability. It also extends and expands the funding for the Family Information Liaison Units, and adds to funding for the Pathways to Community Safety Initiative.

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada is committed to renewing the relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.
• Over 85% of the Calls to Action under shared or sole responsibility of the federal government are complete or well underway. Of the 76 federally-led or shared Calls to Action, 19 are complete, 47 are well underway, and 10 are in the planning phase.
• These actions are leading to significant and consequential changes that serve to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of reconciliation.
• Completing all 94 Calls to Action requires fundamental policy and legislative changes to address systematic barriers.

Background

• In 2015, upon the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Final Report, the Prime Minister committed to work in partnership with Indigenous communities, the provinces, territories, and other vital partners, to fully implement the Commission's Calls to Action. Canada has adopted a whole-of-government approach to implementing the TRC Calls to Action.
• Of the 94 Calls to Action, 76 are shared or sole responsibility of the federal government, while 18 call upon civil society organizations, schools, churches and corporations to advance reconciliation. Of the 94 Calls to Action, 18 are directed at provinces and territories, educational bodies, religious institutions, media or private sector businesses.
• In 2021, the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations was tasked with leading federal work to accelerate the implementation of all Calls to Action.

Current Status

• Over the past 24 months there has been progress towards the implementation of federally-led Calls to Action:
  • The legislation to establish the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Call to Action 80), received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021, and the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as an official federal statutory holiday, was observed on September 30, 2022.
  • An Act to amend the Oath to Citizenship (Call to Action 94) received Royal Assent on June 21, 2021.
  • An Act Respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Call to Action 43), received Royal Assent on June 21, 2021. This legislation, developed in collaboration with Indigenous peoples across the country, provides a pathway for the fulfillment of Calls to Action 43 and 44 at the federal level in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples through the alignment of laws, the development of an action plan, and the tabling of annual reports on the progress of implementation.
  • In June 2022, Bill C-29, legislation to establish the National Council for Reconciliation was introduced in Parliament. It was passed unanimously in the House in December 2022, and is currently before the Senate. Once established, the National Council for Reconciliation will be an independent, Indigenous-led, not-for-profit organization working to monitor and advance reconciliation in Canada (Calls to Action 53 through 56).
  • During his visit to Canada in July 2022, Pope Francis recognized the abuses experienced at residential schools that resulted in cultural destruction, loss of life, and ongoing trauma lived by Indigenous Peoples in every region of this country (Call to Action 58).
  • Investments in the Canadian archival community supported a comprehensive review of archival policies and best practices. The final report by the steering committee was released in February 2022 (Call to Action 70).
• Collaboration is ongoing with departments to identify the necessary steps to accelerate implementation, address systemic challenges hindering progress, and involve all partners (Indigenous, all levels of government, etc.) in responding to the Calls to Action.
• The Government of Canada continues to work with the Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Leaders to collaborate on joint priorities; co-develop policy and monitor progress; and encourage implementation of the Calls to Action.

Key Messages

• The First Nations Fiscal Management Act has 348 First Nations across the country that have chosen to participate in the regime. First Nations participating in the Act enjoy better access to capital, more fiscal powers, and better financial management systems. Participating Nations are growing their economies and improving socio-economic outcomes within their communities and have together accessed over $1.67 billion from the capital markets. This regime and the proposed amendments are an important part of Canada's objective to work in full partnership with First Nations to continue building Nation-to-Nation relationships and support self-determination.
• The amendments would expand and modernize the mandates of the First Nations Tax Commission and the First Nations Financial Management Board; establish the First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII) under the FNFMA; and make several technical changes to the Act. FNII would support First Nations and other interested Indigenous groups with tools to implement and manage sustainable infrastructure. The amendments would also provide First Nations scheduled to the Act with powers to make laws respecting the provision of services, as well as infrastructure related to the provision of services on reserve.

Background

• Established in 2006, the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA) is an optional, First Nations-led alternative to the Indian Act that provides First Nations with a legislative and institutional framework through which to assert jurisdiction in the areas of financial management, property taxation, and access to capital. With the support of the three First Nation-led institutions established under the Act (the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Tax Commission, and the First Nations Finance Authority), the regime helps First Nations strengthen their financial administration capacity and systems to establish a strong foundation of good governance in their communities.
• The amendments can be broadly grouped into four categories:
  • Expanding and modernizing the mandates of the First Nations Tax Commission and the First Nations Financial Management Board to better reflect the increasing need for their services. The mandates of the institutions have mostly been unchanged since 2006 while their roles have continued to evolve based on requests from First Nations, from Canada and from other levels of government. Changes also include updates to the board governance provisions of the Act. This includes making the Chairperson a full-time position, and ensuring strong Indigenous representation on the board;
  • Establishing the First Nations Infrastructure Institute, a new, national, Indigenous-led organization that would support communities to achieve better and more sustainable infrastructure outcomes;
  • Expanding the law-making powers of the Act to provide First Nations scheduled to the Act with new powers to make laws respecting the provision of services and to regulate, prohibit, and impose requirements in respect of those services. New tools are also proposed for the enforcement of First Nations' FNFMA laws, and new data collection and research powers for the institutions;
  • Finally, technical changes are proposed to several areas of the Act, including lifting the Financing Secured by Other Revenues Regulation into the Act, clarifying the operation of the Debt Reserve Fund, and allowing the institutions new flexibility in how they hold their board meetings and their annual general meetings.
• Consultation and engagement on the proposed changes to the Act took a three phase approach.
  • Firstly, the amendments were co-developed with the FNFMA institutions and the First Nations Infrastructure Institute Development Board, based on their work with and feedback from First Nations.
  • In the second phase of engagement, Canada and the FNFMA institutions engaged with First Nations scheduled to the Act to discuss and seek feedback on the proposed amendments to the Act at several different opportunities over the past couple of years, including most recently at the "First Nations Leading the Way" conference in October 2022. In January of 2023, Canada and the institutions shared a letter to all First Nations scheduled under the Act providing a high-level overview of the proposed changes and a virtual information session was held on January 26, 2023.
  • The third phase of engagement included the National Indigenous Organizations, including the Assembly of First Nations, the Metis National Council and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, as well as the Manitoba Métis Federation and Modern Treaty and Self Government Agreement holders. They received a high-level overview of the proposed changes to the Act and a virtual information session in February.

Current Status

• Bill C-45 Introduction and First Reading – March 23, 2023
• Second reading: May 3, 2023
• Report Stage: May 12, 2023
• Third reading: TBD.

Key Messages

• Bill C-29, An Act to provide for the establishment of a National Council for Reconciliation would address Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 53-56.
• The Bill respects the vision of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and aligns with the advice provided by the independent, Indigenous-led Interim Board and Transitional Committee for the National Council for Reconciliation.
• Once established, the National Council for Reconciliation will serve as an important independent oversight body, monitoring and promoting progress on reconciliation in Canada.

Background

• In December 2017, the Government of Canada created the independent, Indigenous-led Interim Board to advise on options for the creation of the Council.
• Broad engagements were conducted on the vision and functions of the National Council for Reconciliation. It presented its recommendations to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations in June 2018.
• Budget 2019 announced a total of $126.5 million to support the establishment of the Council which includes an investment of $125 million and $1.5 million to support its initial operations.
• The independent, Indigenous-led Transitional Committee including Mr. Mitch Case, Ms. Edith Cloutier, Ms. Rosemary Cooper, Dr. Mike DeGagné, and former Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Dr. Wilton Littlechild was launched by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations in December 2021 to advance the work.
• The Transitional Committee conducted targeted engagements and provided recommendations on a draft legal framework to the Minister in March 2022.
• Bill C-29, drafted based on the recommendations of the Interim Board and the Transitional Committee, was introduced in the House of Commons in June 2022.
• Bill C-29 was unanimously passed with amendments in the House of Commons and referred to the Senate on December 1, 2022.

Current Status

• The Bill is currently in second reading in the Senate.
• Following second reading, the Bill will be referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Indigenous Peoples (APPA) for study.
• While APPA studies the Bill, the Department is advancing work internally to be able to meet its obligations under the Bill (e.g., selection of first board, information disclosure protocol, reporting).

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada recognizes that the relationship with Indigenous peoples must be based on the affirmation and implementation of their rights, including the inherent right to self-determination and self-government.
• Treaties, agreements and other constructive agreements advance reconciliation between the Crown and Indigenous peoples based on the co-existence of rights.
• CIRNAC is engaged at over 185 negotiation tables based on the affirmation of rights, respect and partnership, a notable increase compared to the 55 tables in place in March 2018. Over 489 First Nations, 22 Inuit communities and 8 Métis organizations, representing a total population of over 1 million Indigenous peoples, are participating in these discussion tables.
• Since 2016, Canada has signed 95 preliminary type agreements and 18 other types of constructive arrangements through new and innovative approaches to rights-based negotiations.
• CIRNAC is committed to increasing the number of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements in ways that enable Indigenous Peoples to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural development. Progress towards self-determination will lead to improved socio-economic conditions, community well being and other important outcomes identified in CIRNAC's reporting framework.

Background

• Modern Treaties, Self-Government Agreements and other constructive arrangements provide a framework for ongoing reconciliation between the Crown and Indigenous partners.
• Affirming and recognizing the inherent right to self-determination is critical to fully implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, as well as the objectives outlined in the draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.
• Many federal policies and processes have reinforced the Indian Act and colonial structures, often acting as disincentives to Indigenous partners from pursuing self-government and hindering progress toward reconciliation.
• Since 2015, the Government of Canada has been advancing a rights-based approach to reconciliation where co-development is at the core of negotiations. This new approach has created flexibility and removed barriers, increasing the pace of negotiations towards treaties, self-government agreements and other constructive arrangements.
• Given the progress made in rights-based negotiations, CIRNAC has seen an encouraging uptake in Indigenous rights-holders coming to the table to discuss their rights and interests in self-determination. As of March 31, 2018, 55 discussion tables were underway with Indigenous communities across the country. Today, CIRNAC is engaged in discussions at over 185 negotiation tables based on the affirmation of rights, respect and partnership. Over 489 First Nations, 22 Inuit communities and 8 Métis organizations, representing a total population of over 1 million Indigenous people, are participating at discussion tables.

Current Status

• Canada recognizes that advancing the self-determination of Indigenous communities is important for Indigenous peoples and for the country. CIRNAC understands that the current policy frameworks and processes take longer than they should, and is continuing to work with Indigenous partners to build improved approaches to reach meaningful agreements more quickly
• In partnership with Indigenous peoples, Canada will continue to co-develop new rights-based approaches to further the recognition of rights and self-determination.
• Canada is also continuing work with the Métis Nation to advance and implement self-government agreements based on the recognition, affirmation and implementation of Métis rights articulated in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
• These new and innovative approaches are expected to expedite the signing of Modern Treaties, Self-Government Agreements and other constructive arrangements, realizing improved outcomes for Indigenous partners sooner, while doing so in a way that respects the unique needs, interests and preferences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
• Canada recognizes that federal policies and approaches will continue to evolve over time and looks forward to working with Indigenous communities to co-develop agreements responsive to the needs and priorities of our partners.

Key Messages

• The creation of 2 separate departments has allowed CIRNAC to enhance its focus on creating a renewed relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples. In this role, CIRNAC has become a leader amongst federal government departments with respect to the relationship between the federal Crown and Indigenous Peoples and provides guidance to other departments on issues such as their obligations with respect to treaty implementation.
• Full and fair implementation of modern treaty and self-government agreements embodies a solemn commitment to the ongoing process of reconciliation, and is key to strengthened and sustained nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships.
• Implementation priorities are driven by modern treaty and self-government partners, and often involve multiple government departments. Co-development processes and the nature of these relationships is not always predictable, creating challenges in objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• As the number of modern treaty and self-government agreements increases, CIRNAC has a growing need for capacity and resources to implement these agreements, and coordinate the whole-of-government approach.

Background

• A modern treaty or self-government agreement is a nation-to-nation relationship between an Indigenous People, the federal and provincial/territorial Crowns. They define the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples and are constitutionally protected.
• Modern treaties and self-government agreements are the foundations for transformative change that move us away from colonial systems of administration and governance.
• Modern treaty and self-government partners continue to raise a number of issues preventing the full implementation of their agreements. CIRNAC continues to work with partners to identify and seek resolution to these barriers.
• Under Budget 2021 and 2022, Canada made significant investments towards closing Indigenous infrastructure and housing gaps, with modern treaty and self-government partners receiving $517 million towards the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund and $565 million towards housing initiatives.
• In February 2023, following a co-development process with modern treaty partners, Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy was announced.

Current Status

• CIRNAC (the Implementation Sector) is currently implementing 26 modern treaties (18 of which include self-government provisions or have accompanying self-government arrangements), 3 stand-alone self-government arrangements, 6 sectoral education agreements and a newly-signed Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement in Ontario that recognizes control over governance for participating First Nations.
• Operating under the 2015 Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation, the department continues to implement established tools to enhance awareness, accountability and oversight including: Deputy Ministers' Oversight Committee, Assessment of Modern Treaty Implications, and the Modern Treaty Implementation Office. The department will continue to expand training and support to federal officials to increase awareness of modern treaty relationships, objectives, and obligations across government.
• Through the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process, CIRNAC and participating Self-Governing Indigenous Governments (SGIGs) are working to codevelop both interim and long-term fiscal approaches to support the infrastructure-related expenditure needs of SGIGs. This funding will enable modern treaty and self-government partners to (1) carry out new builds and major maintenance, (2) support the assessment, planning, and development of housing programming, and (3) support operations and maintenance costs for new builds.
• Under the newly co-developed 2023 Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy, policy work underway includes establishing new implementation mechanisms and improving the effectiveness of existing ones; ensuring that Indigenous modern treaty partners are able to fully exercise their jurisdictional powers and manage and administer programs and services to their citizens, members or beneficiaries as set out in their agreements; supporting the evolution of modern treaties; working with partners to improve oversight and accountability mechanisms; and improving dispute resolution processes.

Next steps

• Expanding on the co-developed 2023 Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy, the department will continue to advance this work with partners and refresh the 2015 Cabinet Directive.
• CIRNAC will focus on Indigenous language revitalization, land management and infrastructure expenditure needs through the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process. The Process is intended to develop expenditure need models and approaches as set out in Canada's Collaborative Self-government Fiscal Policy.
• The department is working on advancing policy design and delivery in innovative ways with partners that respect and advance self-determination, partners' priorities and Indigenous ways of knowing, through iterative approaches as the department exercises greater flexibility and seeks opportunities to adapt policies and programs to meet the needs, priorities and capacity of Indigenous partners.

Key Messages

• Canada remains committed to supporting Survivors, their families and communities through their healing journeys. Canada is supporting communities by providing funding to create a historic record of children who died at residential schools, locate their final resting places, and commemorate and memorialize these lost loved ones.
• The Government of Canada is committed to seeing through the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action; they are central to Canada's work to advance reconciliation.
• Government of Canada investments to date to support the implementation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 72-76 (Missing Children and Burial Information) total $252.4 million.
• Most recently, Budget 2022 allocated $122 million over three years for the continued implementation of Calls to Action 74-76 through the Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Fund, and $13.6 million over five years for the continued development and maintenance of the national residential schools memorial and cemetery registers (Calls to Action 72 and 73, respectively) by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
• The Department has heard from communities that navigating these initiatives has been challenging. To support communities in conducting this work, funding is available to representative Indigenous organizations for a variety of capacity, collaboration, and engagement activities. Specific activities may include supporting communities in initiative planning, application development, resource toolkits for knowledge development on technical components of initiatives, and collaborative discussions on common issues. Additional activities will also support the collaboration of communities in joint applications and connecting impacted communities with communities leading fieldwork investigation.
• If pressed on discrepancy between the funding that has been requested and the funding that has been approved:
  • The variance in requested versus approved funding results from two factors: (1) a need for some communities to complete initial research and knowledge gathering activities to inform subsequent activities (e.g., fieldwork, commemoration); and, (2) insufficient source of funds pre-Budget 2022 to approve multi-year funding projects at requested levels.
  • This variance demonstrates a need for a phased approach to funding agreement implementation. The Department works with each community to ensure they have adequate funding for engagement, research, and knowledge gathering to establish a path forward on their initiative.

Background

• The Residential Schools Missing Children — Community Support Program provides support to Indigenous communities and partners to develop and implement community-led initiatives to locate, document, and memorialize undocumented burial sites and to honour families' wishes to identify and repatriate human remains.
• Budget 2022 announced an investment of $122 million over three years for the continued delivery of the Residential Schools Missing Children — Community Support Fund, and $13.6 million over five years for the continued development and maintenance of the national residential schools memorial and cemetery registers by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, bringing the Government of Canada's total investment to $252.4 million to date to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 72 to 76 on residential schools missing children and burial information.

Current Status

• As of May 24, 2023, the Residential Schools Missing Children-Community Support Fund has received 142 applications, totaling approximately $301 million in requested funding, from Indigenous communities, organizations and partners.
• 109 funding agreements have been put in place with Indigenous communities and organizations resulting in $126 million in funding to support community-led processes to research and locate burial sites as well as to commemorate and memorialize the children who died at residential schools. Of the 109 funding agreements, 58 agreements have included the use of ground-penetrating radar at 72 former residential school locations.
• Communities and partners can seek to access funding for initiatives related to 140 Indian Residential Schools recognized under the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) and the 5 Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools covered by the Anderson Settlement Agreement. To date, the Department has contributed financial support to the investigations of 72 of these former residential school locations, and is aware of additional 8 active investigations by communities, who have not yet sought financial assistance from Canada.

Key Messages

• Indigenous communities engaged in research at former residential school burial sites are seeking assistance for the identification of family members through the analysis of human remains, and specifically through the use of DNA testing and analysis.
• We are providing $2 million in funding to the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP – the Commission) for their work in Canada to assist in education and engagement with residential schools' Survivors, their families and communities to inform a path forward on identification and repatriation of human remains associated with former residential schools.
• The Commission's work will be independent from the government, and focussed on the needs of Indigenous communities and families of children deceased at residential schools.

Background

• In the wake of searches taking place at former Indian residential school sites across the country, there have been repeated calls from Indigenous leadership to develop a national strategy that will address the identification of unmarked burial sites and inform on the possibilities for the repatriation process. Communities and leadership have stressed that this strategy be developed independent of government, and have requested that an outside organization inform and lead the work.
• The Government of Canada has signed a Technical Arrangement with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP – the Commission) to conduct a cross-country outreach campaign and engagement activities related to the identification and repatriation of unmarked burial sites and human remains associated with residential schools. The engagement sessions will support the development of a national strategy to address potential requests for repatriation and identification.
• The work conducted by the Commission will be independent from the Government of Canada. To ensure the education and engagement sessions are inclusive, respectful of Indigenous protocols, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and offer adequate health supports, the Commission is hiring local Indigenous facilitators to lead this work at each step of the process.

Current Status

• The department will work toward the implementation of a national strategy with initial funds committed through Budget 2019 to implement CTAs 74-76.
• At the time, demands for DNA testing and analysis was not expected to be significant. However, the discovery of unmarked graves, over the spring and summer of 2021, resulted in calls from Indigenous communities for further truth-telling that may lead to criminal investigations, including exhumation and analysis of human remains using DNA testing and analysis.
• To develop the national strategy, engagement with communities will take place more broadly, to address issues of repatriation and identification of human remains, including the possible use of DNA testing when requested. In the meantime, on a case-by-case basis, funding DNA testing may be permitted to respond to potential early requests from communities.
• CIRNAC will provide around $2 million in funding to the Commission for their work in Canada to assist in education and engagement with residential schools' Survivors, their families and communities.
• The Commission will seek to establish a collaboration with the Special Interlocutor and Indigenous-lead organizations early in the process, to identify needed measures and make recommendations for a new federal framework to ensure the respectful and culturally-appropriate treatment of undocumented burial sites of children at former residential schools.
• Local police and provincial medico-legal authorities also have jurisdiction, including the offices of Chief Coroners and Medical Examiners who must be informed and engaged before any activities can take place that physically alter a burial place or body, whether the remains are recent or historical (archaeological).

Key Messages

• Addressing historical wrongs and the painful legacy still suffered by Survivors, their families and communities is at the heart of reconciliation, and is essential to renewing and building relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
• In 2021, to ensure compensation could be received by an aging class of Survivors in their lifetime, Canada and the plaintiffs agreed to separate the Band class and focus on the Survivor and Descendant classes.
• For the Survivor and Descendent classes, the Day Scholars Settlement provides $10,000 in compensation for the harms suffered by class members who attended an Indian Residential School.
• Through the $2.8B Gottfriedson Band class settlement, Canada is committed to addressing the collective harm caused by the residential schools system and the loss of language, culture, and heritage – through this settlement guided by the Four Pillars developed by the Representative Plaintiffs.
• The Four Pillars include the revival and protection of Indigenous languages, the revival and protection of Indigenous cultures, the protection and promotion of heritage, and wellness for Indigenous communities and their members.
• This resolution aims to revitalize Indigenous education, culture, and language – to support Survivors in healing and reconnecting with their heritage.

Background

Current Status

• The implementation of the Day Scholars Settlement Agreement is ongoing. To date, over 5000 class members have received compensation.
• Following the end of the Band class settlement agreement appeal period, Canada will have 30 days to issue payment to the trust.

Key Messages

• In 2019, when the departments were split, First Nations Land Management fell to the responsibility of the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.
• While I retained policy and legislative responsibilities, operational responsibilities were delegated to the Minister of Indigenous Services to ensure there were no service disruptions.
• I am particularly proud of the collaboration with our partners that culminated, this past December, in the coming into force of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management Act and gave the force of law to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management.

Background

• The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations is responsible for the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management Act, which recently came into force on December 15, 2022.
• Responsibilities that were delegated to the Minister of Indigenous Services under the previous Act have been reassigned with a new delegation instrument, which took effect upon the coming into force of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management Act.
• Any powers, duties and functions that are delegated to the Minister of Indigenous Services can still be exercised by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, despite the delegation.
• Over the last year, department officials have collaborated with the Lands Advisory Board, the Resource Centre, and the Lands Title and Survey Authority on a proposal to consider the development of a First Nation National Land Registry and to establish an independent not-for-profit organization that would be responsible for the day-to-day operation and to provide for any additional amendments.
• Budget 2023 proposes to provide $35.3 million over three years, starting in 2023-24, to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Natural Resources Canada to co-develop, with the Lands Advisory Board, a new First Nations-led National Land Registry.

Current Status

• Departmental officials are working with the department of finance on the details of Budget 2023 and will continue to collaborate with the Land Advisory Board on the First Nation National Land Registry as well as other priorities related to First Nations Land Management.

Key Messages

• Budget 2021 provided $43 million, starting in 2021–2022, to work with Indigenous partners and other stakeholders to redesign the federal Additions to Reserve policy and to accelerate work on existing requests from First Nations across the country. Of this, $10.8 million was allocated to CIRNAC to work on the redesign of the federal additions to reserve policy, and $32.2 million for ISC to accelerate existing additions to reserve proposals.
• By adding lands to reserve, the Government of Canada helps advance reconciliation, fulfill legal obligations, improve treaty relationships, and foster economic opportunities. The policy and process redesign needs to be driven by Indigenous Peoples and be informed by Indigenous solutions, ideas and lived experiences.

Background

• Following the departmental split:
  • the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations is responsible for the Addition of Lands to Reserve and Reserve Creation Act, and the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management Act, including the authority to issue a Ministerial Order to set land apart as reserve pursuant to these Acts; and
  • the Minister of Indigenous Services has delegated responsibility for the administration of the additions to reserve process.
• CIRNAC officials have been working with Indigenous partners in pre-engagement activities that will lead to the co-development of policy options.

Current Status

• CIRNAC and ISC officials continue to work closely on Additions to Reserve, leading their respective areas of policy redesign and accelerating current Addition to Reserve requests.

Key Messages

• It is important to note that the Northern Affairs mandate is closely linked to the mandate of Crown-Indigenous Relations, as Modern Treaties and Self-Government Agreement cover almost the entire region, and Indigenous people form a significant part or majority of the population in the North and Arctic. However, the Northern Mandate is also distinct, and includes responsibilities related to Devolution, environment and climate change, and food security.
• While the Quantitative analysis of expenditures and human resources in the report recently released by the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is disaggregated by core responsibility/strategic outcome, the qualitative analysis of results indicators is presented at a global level. This presents an important limitation in terms of analysis of results specific to the Northern Affairs mandate.
• The report indicates that there was less variation between actual and planned spending, as well as actual and planned staffing, for the Northern Affairs core responsibility relative to other areas of CIRNAC. This pattern was consistent with the pattern established under the previous departmental structure.

Background

• Following the dissolution of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) in 2017 and the coming into force of the legislation formally establishing CIRNAC and ISC in 2019, both departments underwent significant organizational changes, which led to the creation of new programs, as well as the transfer of programs between departments. This level of organizational changes has inevitably created variations in departmental funding as well as performance measures.
• Northern Affairs Organization became part of CIRNAC. However, Northern regional offices continue to deliver programming/funding that was transferred from the former INAC to ISC.
• The Research and Comparative Analysis Report of CIRNAC and ISC, recently released by the PBO, provides a high-level comparative quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Estimates of the two new departments to the previous department of INAC over the 2015–16 to 2022–23 period.
• While the Quantitative analysis of expenditures and human resources is disaggregated by Core Responsibility/Strategic Outcome, the qualitative analysis of results indicators is presented at a global level. This presents an important limitation in terms of analysis of results specific to the Northern Affairs mandate.
• The report indicates that there was less variation between actual and planned spending, as well as actual and planned staffing, for the Northern Affairs core responsibility relative to some other areas of CIRNAC. This pattern was consistent with the pattern established under the previous departmental structure.
• Further disaggregation would be required to assess whether the conclusions of the report with respect to CIRNAC's results indicators and ability to maintain and achieve performance targets apply to the Northern Affairs Core Responsibility, or were driven by changes in other areas.

Current Status

• While more detailed analysis would be required to form conclusions or formulate recommendations specific to the Core Responsibility of Northern Affairs, the report does provide a useful starting point for further analysis, particularly given that Northern Regional Offices support delivery of both CIRNAC and ISC programming.
• The Department remains committed to working in collaboration with Indigenous and Northern partners on performance measurement, with the understanding that it must be respectful of the co-development process.

Key Messages

• Nutrition North Canada (NNC) supports food security in northern isolated communities by improving access and affordability to market, country and local food and essential items.
• An investment of $143.4 million over two years from Budget 2021 expanded NNC to strengthen food security and food sovereignty in the communities and regions it serves.
• Funding for the retail subsidy program and the Harvesters Support Grant have been increased, and a new Community Food Programs Fund and a Food Security Research Grant have been co-developed with Indigenous and northern partners to better support food security priorities in communities.
• In 2022-2023, Grant agreements have been signed with 23 Indigenous governments and organizations for a total amount of $120.7 million to deliver the Harvesters Support Grant & the new Community Food Programs Fund to 112 isolated communities.
• The Harvesters Support Grant & Community Food Programs Fund promote local decision making and increase access to country foods by providing funding to support traditional hunting, harvesting and food sharing in 112 eligible communities. In its first year, the Harvesters Support Grant supported over 5,500 harvesters, over 150 hunts, and over 120 food sharing initiatives.

Background

• CIRNAC is continuing to work closely with Indigenous and northern partners and other government departments to identify shared, northern-based solutions for improving food security.
• NNC has increasingly taken a food systems approach to promote food security and food sovereignty. The August 15th 2020 announcement in Inuvik of NNC's expanded programming is a significant example of this.
• The Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund mark a fundamental shift by empowering communities to determine and action their own food security priorities. These initiatives help create less reliance on store bought food, encourage the restoration of harvesting culture and traditions, and support local food production.
• To date, the government has invested $144.7 million in eligible communities through both the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund since the their inception in 2020.
• While NNC will not solve food security on its own, it is helping northern and isolated communities advance made-in-the-North solutions.
• A long-term strategy will require a whole-of-government approach that recognizes and addresses the key factors of income and employment.

Current Status and Next Steps

• The $143.4 million investment from Budget 2021 includes an additional $36 million for the Harvesters Support Grant (HSG) and $60.9 million for the new Community Food Programs Fund (CFPF), launched in 2022-2023, under the grant to support a variety of community food-sharing activities. The HSG and CFPF are co-developed in direct collaboration with Indigenous partners and support locally-driven solutions.
• In 2022-2023, new agreements with 23 Indigenous governments and organizations were signed to deliver the HSG and CFPF in 112 communities to support harvesting activities, local food infrastructure, and food sharing initiatives. For land-claim organizations and self-governments, funding can be used to directly support local priorities or broader food security strategies such as the Inuit Nunangat Food Security Strategy.
• Budget 2021 invested an additional $1.5 million over two years in the new NNC's Food Security Research Grant, launched in August 2022. In 2022-2023, NNC funded 5 Indigenous-led research projects that will inform ongoing and locally driven food security solutions.
• Through a Budget 2021 investment of $43 million over two years, increased subsidy rates that were put in place by the Government of Canada at the beginning of the pandemic were maintained. This investment also extends the retail subsidy to local food producers in eligible communities—for eligible items that are sold or donated within the community—and to food banks and charitable organizations serving eligible communities. The funding will also support eligible communities in storing and distributing both country and market food within a community.
• Budget 2022 invested an additional $20 million in the NNC subsidy. In February 2023, NNC increased subsidy rates across all eligible communities, in response to rising food costs and inflation.
• In December 2022, Harvest Manitoba became the first food bank to register with the program, and have entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Anishininew Okimawin (Island Lake Tribal Council) and Food Banks Canada. This partnership will bring food banking operations to approximately 15,000 residents in the Island Lake Region.
• NNC continues to support and encourage partnerships between northern and isolated communities and major food banks and charities as well as the efforts of communities in strengthening food security. Partnerships between isolated communities and food banks and other charitable organizations mark an important step towards seeding food sovereignty and reducing food insecurity in the North.
• In addition, the NNC is working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and other federal partners (ISC, AAFC) to support a cost-benefit analysis to advance Inuit-led school food programming as a priority action under the Inuit Food Security Strategy.
• NNC is also partnering with the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) on a project to develop evidence-based guidelines for distinctions-based interventions to further reduce food insecurity among Indigenous people in isolated and northern communities in Canada. The project will look at both income based and food based interventions.

Key Messages

• The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF) was launched in 2019 with territorial, Indigenous and provincial partners, and is now focused on implementation. The Framework includes a Safety, Security and Defence chapter led by the Department of National Defence.
• We continue to work with Framework partners to ensure that Northerners' needs are met. The 2022 Leadership Committee meeting served as a significant opportunity to hear directly from partners on their top priorities. The meeting also provided an occasion to update partners on key issues of relevance, including a presentation by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence on Arctic and northern security and defence.
• Northern security and defence was among the top priorities noted by partners at the 2022 meeting, including decisions related to infrastructure and site selection.
• Conversations with Framework partners related to Arctic security are important and have continued, to ensure that their priorities and contributions to a safe and secure North and to Canada's overall strength are appropriately reflected.
• I am committed to working with my colleague, Minister Anand, to ensure that northern and arctic perspectives are integrated into federal initiatives, including in areas such as the modernization of NORAD.

Background

• Released in 2019, the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework was co-developed with Inuit, First Nations, and Métis, the territorial governments of the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, as well as the provincial governments of Manitoba, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Development of the Safety, Security and Defence chapter was led by the Department of National Defence.
• Goal 7 of the Framework, that "the Canadian Arctic and North and its people are safe, secure and well-defended," articulates the following associated objectives:
  • Strengthen Canada's cooperation and collaboration with domestic and international partners on safety, security and defence issues
  • Enhance Canada's military presence as well as prevent and respond to safety and security incidents in the Arctic and the North
  • Strengthen Canada's domain awareness, surveillance and control capabilities in the Arctic and the North
  • Enforce Canada's legislative and regulatory frameworks that govern transportation, border integrity and environmental protection in the Arctic and the North
  • Increase the whole-of-society emergency management capabilities in Arctic and northern communities
  • Support community safety through effective and culturally-appropriate crime prevention initiatives and policing services.
• The Framework also reflects a broad definition of security, encompassing goals and objectives that address the human dimension of security. This reflects the approach and priorities of partners, and will continue to be affirmed.
  • Goal 1: "Canadian Arctic and northern Indigenous peoples are resilient and healthy", for example, has objectives addressing housing, food security, mental and physical well-being, addressing all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls, and closing the gaps in education outcomes, among others.
  • Goal 8: "Reconciliation supports self-determination and nurtures mutually respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples", drives efforts to advance self-determination for Canada's Arctic and northern residents.
  • Other Framework goals and objectives address infrastructure, local economies, knowledge and decision-making, and northern ecosystems, and also reflect the broad human security focus of the Framework.
• The Minister of Northern Affairs has been mandated to work with the Minister of National Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and partners to assert Canada's Arctic sovereignty and implement the Framework to create a future where Canada's Northern and Arctic residents are thriving, strong and safe.
• Indigenous partners have expressed a desire to enhance partnerships with the Department of National Defence, leverage their unique knowledge to play a meaningful role, and benefit from economic opportunities in support of Northern and Arctic defence.
• In addition to a presentation by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence on Arctic and northern security and defence at the September 2022 ANPF Leadership Committee meeting, Department of National Defence officials provided, in 2022-23, briefings to Territorial Premiers.
• Since its release, the Government of Canada has made significant investments in areas reflective of both Framework priorities and the direct advocacy of partners, including investments in housing, northern post-secondary education, transportation infrastructure and climate change mitigation/adaptation. These targeted federal investments are contributions toward the achievement of Framework goals and objectives and are complementing existing efforts to strengthen Arctic and northern communities.

Current Status and Next Steps

• The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework Secretariat within CIRNAC coordinates annual political-level Leadership Committee meetings which both provide a forum for providing updates to all partners on implementation, and serve as a venue for partners to raise their individual priorities.
• CIRNAC also convenes regular all-partners' meetings at the officials' level, and meets with Framework partners bi-laterally. The Department of Defence participates in these meetings at both the political and officials levels.
• The Department of National Defence is establishing a dedicated funding program to support Indigenous partners and advance engagement activities where partners' resources are constrained and as part of its commitment to building in a distinctions-based, nation-to-nation approach to Indigenous engagement.

Key Messages

• The government is working with Indigenous and northern communities to reduce reliance on diesel in the North by shifting to renewable sources of energy. CIRNAC will provide $32.3 million in 2023-24 to support northern clean energy projects like hydro and community-scale renewables, energy efficiency, and capacity building.
• Budget 2023 proposes significant investments in clean electricity measures that enable the transition away from diesel and support meeting greenhouse gas emissions goals towards more sustainable, more secure, and more affordable electricity across Canada.
• Budget 2021 also invested $40.4 million to support feasibility and planning of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North like the Kivalliq Hydro-fibre Link.
• Further, Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan invested $300 million to advance the government's commitment to ensure communities currently using diesel have the opportunity to be powered by clean, renewable, and reliable energy by 2030.
• Several departments including CIRNAC have created a single window service named 'Wah-ila-toos', to make it easier for Indigenous, rural, and remote communities to apply for clean energy project funding and to access expertise and support for their clean energy priorities.

Background

Current Status

• Although Budget 2023 has a strong focus on electrification and the clean energy transition, the Budget does not make any explicit funding commitments to the Atlin Hydro Expansion project, the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link, and the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project.
• Budget 2023 proposes a new approach to funding clean electricity projects that prioritizes Investment Tax Credits and the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB).
• Budget 2023 also proposed a $3 billion recapitalization of Natural Resources Canada's Smart Renewables and Energy Pathways (SREP) program which includes funding for Indigenous-led projects and an enhancement to eligibility to include transmission projects.
• Budget 2022 committed $1.5 billion for the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund which will enable transportation and energy infrastructure.
• CIRNAC and CanNor will continue to work closely with territorial, Indigenous, and federal partners to advance major clean energy infrastructure projects in the North.