Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) on the Main Estimates 2023-2024, May 29, 2023

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

First Panel (3:30p.m. – 4:30p.m.)

• In person:
  • Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Marc Miller, P.C., M.P.
  • Minister of Northern Affairs, Dan Vandal, P.C., M.P.
  • Deputy Minister Daniel Quan-Watson
  • Associate Deputy Minister Paula Isaak
  • Chief Finances Results and Delivery Officer Darlene Bess
  • Assistant Deputy Minister Georgina Lloyd, Northern Affairs
  • Director General Stefan Matiation, Specific Claims Branch, Resolution and Partnerships
  • Senior Assistant Deputy Minister Mary-Luisa Kapelus, Policy and Strategic Direction (appearing virtually)

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)

Second Panel (4:30p.m. – 5:30p.m.)

• In person:
  • Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
  • Deputy Minister Gina Wilson
  • Associate Deputy Minister Valerie Gideon
  • Chief Finances Results and Delivery Officer Philippe Thompson
  • Senior Assistant Deputy Minister Candice St-Aubin, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
  • Assistant Deputy Minister Paula Hadden-Jokiel, Regional Operations
  • DG Ian Kenney, Education and Social Development Program and Partnerships
  • Assistant Deputy Minister Catherine Lappe, Child and Family Services Reform (appearing virtually)
  • Assistant Deputy Minister Kelley Blanchette, Lands and Economic Development

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 Ministers to deliver opening remarks. 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)

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

Other Information For Appearing In-Person

• Witnesses should arrive 30 minutes early so they may go through security, especially those without a Hill pass

Speaking notes for The Honourable Marc Miller Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Kwe kwe, Ullukkut [Ood-loo-koot], Tansi, hello, bonjour!

I would like to acknowledge that Canada's Parliament is located on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people.

Thank you for having me today.

I welcome the chance to present to you the 2023-24 Main Estimates for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada as well as some information from Budget 2023.

Speaking notes for The Honourable Dan Vandal Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor

Kwe kwe, Ullukkut [Ood-loo-koot], Tansi, hello, bonjour!

I would like to acknowledge before I begin that Canada's Parliament is located on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people.

I'm happy to be here with you today. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss and respond to your questions on the 2023-24 Main Estimates for Northern Affairs as well as some information from Budget 2023.

Key Messages

• Canada remains committed to supporting residential school 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 resting places, and commemorate and memorialize these lost loved ones. 
• To date, the Government of Canada has invested a total of $252.4 million to support the implementation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 72-76 (Missing Children and Burial Information).
• Most recently, Budget 2022 announced an investment of $135.6 million for the continued implementation of Calls to Action 72-76.
• We will continue to engage with residential school Survivors, families, communities, other levels of government, representative organizations, and all others implicated in investigative work to facilitate access to - and protection of - confirmed and suspected residential school burial sites.

Background

Current Status

• CIRNAC has met with Manitoba on several occasions on this matter to determine if there are existing funding and policy/program authorities to enable a purchase of this land to provide protection to the cemetery.

Key Messages

• The deaths of Indigenous women in Winnipeg, Manitoba, are heartbreaking and a painful reminder of the Canada-wide emergency that continues to impact the lives of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people every day.
• On May 8, 2023, the Prairie Green Landfill Feasibility Study Report became publicly available. The Report concludes that a search of the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Mercedes Myran, both from Long Plain First Nation, is feasible. The report also provides insight on the complex matter of searching for, and potentially recovering the remains of the two women.
• The priority of the Government of Canada is to work openly and transparently with all orders of government and with Indigenous partners to review the findings and recommendations set out in the Report to understand how best to move forward as quickly as possible.

Background

• On December 5, 2022, the Winnipeg Police Service informed Harris family members that Morgan Harris was the victim of a homicide and that it was believed that her remains were located in the Prairie Green Landfill.
• On December 5, 2022, the Winnipeg Police Service also informed Myran family members that Marcedes Myran was the victim of a homicide and that it was believed that her remains were located in the Prairie Green Landfill.
• Both the Harris and Myran families were informed that evidence had been gathered to support first degree murder charges, and that the Winnipeg Police Service did not plan to search the Prairie Green Landfill as part of the homicide investigation.
• Jeremy Skibicki has been charged with first degree murder in the deaths of four Indigenous women: Rebecca Contois, whose remains were found at the Brady Road Landfill, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran and an unidentified woman the community has named Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe (Buffalo Woman).
• In December 2022, various Manitoba Indigenous organizations wrote to federal Ministers Miller (CIR), Hajdu (ISC) and Mendicino (Public Safety) requesting funding to support the assessment of the feasibility of searching the Prairie Green Landfill for human remains. The Premier of Manitoba informed the Prime Minister that the Government of Manitoba would support the feasibility study.
• In March 2023, CIR provided $500,000 to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to oversee a feasibility study to determine whether it is possible to recover human remains from the Prairie Green Landfill, and, if feasible, to provide direction in respect of an approach, associated timelines and related costs.
• The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs established an Oversight Committee to guide the development of the Prairie Green Landfill Feasibility Study Report. An RCMP officer sat on the Oversight Committee as an observer.
• An advance copy of the Report was provided to the Minister of CIR on May 4, 2023. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs planned to make the Report publicly available on May 12, 2023, however, it was leaked on May 8, 2023. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs plans to hold a press conference on May12, 2023.
• The Report makes no recommendation in respect of a search. It finds that a search is feasible, noting serious potential health and safety risks (including emotional trauma to family and friends of victims, and searchers) should a search be undertaken. However, in the May 4, 2023 covering letter to Minister Miller, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs advocates for a search.
• On April 4, 2023, the remains of Linda Mary Beardy, an Indigenous woman, were found at the Brady Road Landfill. The investigating authorities are satisfied that Ms. Beardy's death was not a homicide.

Current Status

• An Assistant Deputy Minister-level Committee has been established to co-ordinate a federal response to the Report. The Committee is supported by a Working Group. At this time, CIR chairs both the Committee and the Working Group. Representatives from ISC, the RCMP and the Privy Council Office sit on both the Committee and the Working Group.
• Next Steps: The Minister of CIR, or a more appropriate Ministerial-lead, will seek Cabinet approval, as necessary, for a federal response to the Report, likely in Fall 2023.

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.
• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is 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 focused on the needs of Indigenous communities, survivors 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 remains located on burial sites associated with former residential schools and inform on the possibilities for the repatriation process. They have stressed that this strategy be developed independent of government, and be led by an outside organization.
• 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 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 were 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.
• Following requests from the Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools as well as the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, CIRNAC is working with implicated parties, including the Commission, to establish a way forward that is respectful of an Indigenous-led, survivor centric approach. This may delay the work for which the Technical Arrangement has been developed. There is willingness from the Commission to collaborate with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, including the National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials, and CIRNAC will support that collaboration.
• 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).
• Collaboration between the various parties, implicated jurisdictions and authorities would help 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.

Key Messages

• Ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) people remains a top priority and commitment for the Government and is a key component in reconciliation.
• Various investments to address this have been announced over successive Budgets, all of which address Calls for Justice.
• Budget 2021 invested $18 billion to narrow gaps between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous people, support healthy, safe and prosperous Indigenous communities, and advance meaningful reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation. Many of these are linked to addressing missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
• Of the $18 billion in Budget 2021, $2.2 billion, and $160.9 million ongoing is directly dedicated to address root causes that contribute to the tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
• At CIRNAC, these investments include programs such as the Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations and the Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors Program. 
• The first provides funding to ensure thatIndigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organizations have the capacity to engage with Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people and the second supports Indigenous organizations, who provide assistance and services for the healing journeys of Indigenous family members and survivors.
• Budget 2022 built on previous investments to continue to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people through the provision of providing additional funding for education, housing, health, and mental wellness.
• Recently Budget 2023 has proposed to invest an additional $124.7 million over six years, with $20.4 million ongoing to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People.
• Of those new investments, the proposed funding for CIRNAC is:
  • $2.6 million over three years, starting in 2023-24, to support the National Family and Survivors Circle in keeping families and survivors at the centre of the implementation of the National Action Plan and the Federal Pathway.
  • $2.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to establish an oversight mechanism to monitor and report on the progress of implementation.
  • $1.6 million over two years, starting in 2023-24, to support the Ministerial Special Representative appointed to provide advice and recommendations on the creation of an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson.
  • $2.5 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to facilitate and coordinate work on advancing the National Action Plan by establishing a standing Federal-Provincial-Territorial-Indigenous table on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People. This table will provide a specific forum to take action on areas of shared roles and responsibilities regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous, Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People, including prioritizing discussion on how to launch a "Red Dress Alert" to notify the public when an Indigenous woman or two-spirit person goes missing.
• It also includes $95.8 million for the department of Justice to help Indigenous families access information about their missing and murdered loved ones, and to enhance victim services to support their healing journeys and $20 million for Indigenous Services Canada to support Indigenous-led projects for safer communities through the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative.

Background

• In response to the National Inquiry's Call for Justice 1.1, a National Action Plan to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was developed with over 100 Indigenous women representing families and survivors, all distinctions, national Indigenous organizations, and academics.
• As one of the contributing partners, the Government of Canada's chapter is the Federal Pathway, which outlines the Federal commitments under the four themes: Culture, Health and Wellness, Human Safety and Security and Justice.
• On June 3, 2022, the contributing partners to the National Action Plan released a Progress Report on the National Action Plan. The Progress Report outlines what has happened in the last year, including insight on progress and gaps and what's needed next on the path to transformational change.
• As committed in the Federal Pathway, the Federal Government's first Annual Progress Report was released on June 3, 2022. It provides an overview of the initiatives and how they are linked to the Calls for Justice and a report on what has been achieved in the first year of implementation.
• As outlined in Minister Miller's 2021 mandate letter, CIRNAC is working with relevant Departments, First Nations, Inuit and Métis leadership, families and survivors, and communities to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people by accelerating the implementation of the Federal Pathway and to support the implementation of the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ National Action Plan.
• The Federal Pathway has been supported through several budget investments. Budget 2021 announced $2.2 billion for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which included funding for four CIRNAC programs:
  • Cultural Spaces ($108.8 million / 2 years);
  • Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors ($12.5 million / 5 years and $2.5 million ongoing);
  • Enhanced support for Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations ($36.3 million / 5 years and $8.6 million ongoing); and,
  • $20.3 million over five years to work with Indigenous partners to ensure that appropriate monitoring mechanisms are in place and keep government accountable (which funds the establishment of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Secretariat, and the Indigenous-led data projects).
• Additionally, Budget 2023 announced $124.7 million over six years, with $20.4 million ongoing in investments that acknowledge the leadership of families and survivors in this process, and the need to increase accountability and ensure that progress is made.
• Of that amount, approximately $8.9 million is proposed for CIRNAC to support the National Family and Survivors Circle, establish and Oversight Committee, support a Ministerial Representative to provide advices on an Ombudsperson and establish a standing Federal-Provincial-Territorial-Indigenous table on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People, $95.8 million is for the department of Justice's Family Information Liaison Units, and $20 million is for the Pathways to Safety Program of Indigenous Services Canada.

Current Status

Key Messages

• The Department understands the importance of Indigenous-led solutions and the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people in matters that impact their lives.
• The Budget 2021 initiative: Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organizations is providing $36.3 million over five years in dedicated funding to these organizations to ensure they have the capacity to engage with Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people across the country.
• Systemic change can only be accomplished through a ground-up approach that is informed by diverse voices from these communities. To support this, a total of $11.5 million through 40 longer-term multi-year projects has been committed to date through this initiative.
• Further, the Department supports the implementation of the three relationship agreements with the three national Indigenous women's organizations that provide a strategic and coordinated approach to advancing the shared priorities and interests of Indigenous women and gender-diverse peoples. This includes the provision of funding to support this work through co-developed work plans.

Background

• Solutions to prevent and end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people must be community-based and led; recognize the diversity of community situations; and be appropriate support given to build community capacity. Indigenous regional and grassroots organizations are committed to ensuring that the voices of women and 2SLGBTQI+ people are heard and their unique needs, interests, and perspectives brought forward.
• CIRNAC supports the inclusion of Indigenous women in the development of policy, program, and legislation through the implementation of three whole-of-government relationship agreements with the national Indigenous women's organizations. Co-developed work plans identify priorities and CIRNAC provides funding to each organization to support.
• CIRNAC provides Indigenous representative organizations with core funding through the Basic Organizational Capacity program (BOC), providing operations and salaries not covered under priority/issue specific project funding. Four women's organizations (three national and one regional) receive approximately $2 million combined annually in BOC funding.

Current Status

• Starting in 2021-22 through the Budget 2021 initiative: Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations, the Department is providing $36.3 million over five years to organizations through longer-term stable project funding agreements.
• In the first two years 2021-22 and 2022-23, a total of $11.5 million has been provided through 40 projects.

Key Messages

• The Department understands the importance of Indigenous-led solutions and the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ Peoples in matters that impact their lives.
• The Department supports the implementation of the three whole-of-government relationship agreements with the three national Indigenous women's organizations which provides a strategic and coordinated approach to advancing shared priorities and interests for Indigenous women and gender-diverse peoples. This includes the provision of funding to support this work through co-developed work plans.

Background

• Support is required to build community capacity recognizing a diversity of community situations. Indigenous regional and grassroots organizations are committed to ensuring that the voices of women and 2SLGBTQI+ people are heard and their unique needs, interests, and perspectives are brought forward.
• 2SLGBTQI+ and women's organizations have lobbied for increased core funding to provide the necessary institutional capacity that will strengthen connections to communities, further the governance and leadership of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people, and further the economic, social, and cultural empowerment of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Call for Justice 1.8 of the Final Report of the National Inquiry on MMIWG underscored this need.

Current Status

• Funding: CIRNAC provides Indigenous representative organizations with core funding through the Basic Organizational Capacity program (BOC), providing operational expenses and salaries not covered under priority/issue-specific project funding. Four women's organizations (three national and one regional) receive approximately $2 million combined annually in BOC funding.
• Relationship Agreements: CIRNAC supports the inclusion of Indigenous women in the development of policy, program, and legislation through the implementation of three whole-of-government relationship agreements with the national Indigenous women's organizations. Co-developed work plans identify priorities and CIRNAC provides funding to each organization to support.

Key Messages

• Ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) people remains a top priority and commitment for the Government and is a key component in reconciliation.
• The Government of Canada is taking strength based and intersectional action to address the Calls for Justice to ensure the safety and security of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people through various investments announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, Budget 2021, Budget 2022 and Budget 2023, all of which address Calls for Justice.
• The Government has committed to accelerate the implementation of the Federal Pathway.  
• Significant effort is underway to work with other government departments on accelerating implementation. This includes implementing key programs and services, developing and implementing key policies, reporting on progress, and implementing better coordination and governance.
• At CIRNAC, steps that are being taken in response to calls from survivors and families for greater monitoring and accountability:
  • A Ministerial Special Representative has been appointed to provide advice and recommendations, through engagement with survivors, families, partners and organizations, in support of Call for Justice 1.7 to create an Indigenous and Human Rights Person; and,
  • An Indigenous consulting firm has engaged with Indigenous partners to develop recommendations for an oversight mechanism in response to Call for Justice 1.10, as well as the National Action Plan.
• A first roundtable of Indigenous leaders and representatives, federal, provincial and territorial governments was held on January 10, 2023. The federal government commits to continued engagement and collaboration with Indigenous partners and provincial and territorial governments on actions and efforts to ensure progress is made and gaps are addressed.
• Budget 2023 has proposed funding for the formal establishment of an oversight body and a Federal-Provincial-Territorial-Indigenous table. CIRNAC will be working with Indigenous partners and Provinces and Territories to implement this as soon as possible.

Background

• In 2016, the National Inquiry was launched, and in 2019 they released their final report, which included 231 Calls for Justice. In addition, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak also released a report focusing on Métis considerations and [62] Calls for Miskotahâ (Michif for Change). 
• In response to Call for Justice 1.1, a National Action Plan to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was developed with over 100 Indigenous women representing families and survivors, all distinctions, national Indigenous organizations, and academics. Released on June 3, 2021, the National Action Plan is an overarching plan which identifies the vision, guiding principles, goals and priority actions that must be taken by governments, organizations, and communities. It includes contributing chapters from the National Family and Survivors Circle, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, the Urban Working Group, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Working Group, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, and the Government of Canada as well as a joint statement from the Provinces and Territories.
• As one of the contributing partners, the Government of Canada's chapter is the Federal Pathway, which outlines the Federal commitments under the four themes: Culture, Health and Wellness, Human Safety and Security and Justice.
• Overall, the Government of Canada is accelerating the implementation of the Federal Pathway through many interrelated actions, led by CIRNAC through a whole-of-government approach. Successive budget investments have supported programs and initiatives that address missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
• As well, the federal government is moving forward on:
  • Working with partners on an oversight entity and ombudsperson;
  • Implementation of a Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous approach, including by holding a first Roundtable of Indigenous Leaders and Representatives, Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers;
  • Reporting on progress and development of a Results Framework for the Government of Canada; and,
  • Implementation of several key strategies and policies such as Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, the Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy, and Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy, Distinctions-Based Mental Health and Wellness Strategy.
• On June 3, 2022, the contributing partners to the National Action Plan released a Progress Report on the National Action Plan. The Progress Report outlines what has happened in the last year, including insight on progress and gaps and what's needed next on the path to transformational change.
• As committed in the Federal Pathway, the Federal Government's first Annual Progress Report was released on June 3, 2022. It provides an overview of the initiatives and how they are linked to the Calls for Justice and a report on what has been achieved in the first year of implementation.
  • This includes information on new programs that have been launched such as those for families and survivors, cultural spaces, health and wellness, languages, shelters, housing, education and data.
  • As well, the federal government has created policies that will be far-reaching, such as community safety initiatives, justice and policing, as well as the Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and Distinctions-Based Mental Health and Wellness Strategy.
  • Key legislation has been passed such as the Indigenous Languages Act, the Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. 
• As outlined in Minister Miller's 2021 mandate letter, CIRNAC is working with relevant Departments, First Nations, Inuit and Métis leadership, families and survivors, and communities to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people by accelerating the implementation of the Federal Pathway and to support the implementation of the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ National Action Plan.

Current Status

Summary

• In 2023-24, $287.6 million is being delivered to Inuit partners for Inuit-led housing and infrastructure development, and $58.1 million is being delivered to Métis partners for Métis-led housing development (this includes funding for Métis in the Northwest Territory, being managed by NAO). $276 million will be delivered to Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations for housing and infrastructure development.
• In 2024-25, $88.7 million is earmarked for Inuit partners and $61.5 million is earmarked for Métis partners. An additional $69.3 million is earmarked for Inuit partners for Inuit-led community infrastructure development. $224.6 million will be delivered to Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations for housing and infrastructure development.

Details of the Estimates:

• 2023-24 funding for Inuit partners includes $40,000,000 from Budget 2018 and  $45,933,627 from Budget 2022 funding for Inuit-led housing development, and $201,715,968 from Budget 2021 for Inuit-led community infrastructure development.
• 2024-25 funding for Inuit partners includes $40,000,000 from Budget 2018 and $48,733,392 from Budget 2022 funding for Inuit-led housing development, and $69,379,298 from Budget 2021 for Inuit-led community infrastructure development.
• 2022-23 funding for Métis partners is comprised of $51,250,000 of Budget 2018 and $6,861,560 of Budget 2022 funding; this includes $1,919,999 in funding for Métis in the Northwest Territory (managed by NAO).
• 2023-24 funding for Métis partners includes $51,250,000 from Budget 2018 and $10,295,825 from Budget 2022; this includes $2,868,201 in funding for Métis in Northwest Territories (managed by NAO).
• 2023-24 funding for Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations includes $186,880,000 from Budget 2021 and $89,168,907 from Budget 2022. * Redacted *
• 2024-25 funding for Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations includes $105,472,000 from Budget 2021and $119,168,121 from Budget 2022. * Redacted *
• Separate from Budget funding, Canada committed $211.3 million in incremental funding from the 2022-23 fiscal year to the 2026-27 fiscal year with $44.8 million ongoing to support a lifecycle infrastructure funding approach for Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations. This interim funding approach will align federal funding with the projected costs of supporting existing assets based on prevailing industry standards in asset management.

Key Messages

• Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed just over $1.3 billion to address housing needs in Inuit Nunangat and for the advancement of the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, $690 million to support housing needs in Métis communities,
• Budget 2018 invested $400 million over ten years for housing in three of the four regions of Inuit Nunangat, and $500 million over ten years for the Métis Nation and Manitoba Métis Federation for housing.
• Budget 2022 included significant additional investments to support Indigenous housing, including $190.2 million over seven years for Métis communities, $845 million over seven years for Inuit land claims organizations, and $565 million for Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations.
• The Budget 2022 housing investments for Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations communities will accelerate progress to address housing needs, including $190.2 million over seven years for Métis communities, $845 million over seven years for all four Inuit land claims organizations, and $565 million over five years for Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations. These investments are delivered through flexible grant funding agreements ensuring flexibility for Inuit- and Métis-led housing based on self-determined needs.
• As a result of federal funding dating back to before the additional Budget 2022 investments:
  • Inuit have constructed close to 500 new units, repaired a significant number of existing units, enhanced Inuit-led housing programs and have undertaken critical land development work with the direct, distinctions-based investments; and,
  • Métis Nation Governing Members and the Manitoba Métis Federation have bought or built 1,377 housing units; have renovated nearly 3,000 housing units; and, have provided down payment assistance to more than 950 households and rental supports to more than 8,500 households.

Background

Current Status

• Joint work with Inuit to further understand and address housing needs in Inuit Nunangat continue through the implementation of the co-developed 2019 Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy.
• CIRNAC regularly meets with Governing Members of the Métis National Council through the Métis Housing and Homelessness Technical Working Group, and bilaterally with the Manitoba Métis Federation to address the housing needs of Métis communities.
• CIRNAC is administering funding for Budget 2021, Budget 2022, and the lifecycle infrastructure funding to Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations through amendments to their existing fiscal agreements. CIRNAC continues to work with partners to address housing needs.

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada is working in partnership with Métis and Non-Status Indians in order to meaningfully advance the work of reconciliation.
• We are working closely with a number of Indigenous organizations across Canada, inclusive of Non-Status, off-reserve and urban Indigenous groups to determine appropriate and effective steps toward reconciliation.
• Canada is also working with partners toward a response to the Supreme Court of Canada's 2016 Daniels decision which determined that Métis and Non-Status Indians are "Indians" under s.91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867.

Background

• According to the Census, the Indigenous population living in large urban centres across Canada (801,045 people) has grown by 12.5% from 2016 to 2021.
• Given the large urban Indigenous population, there is a growing demand for culturally appropriate services.
• The Supreme Court of Canada decision in Daniels v. Canada (2016) found that Métis and Non-Status Indians are "Indians" for the purposes of section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867. While the decision does not create a positive duty on Canada to provide legislation for Métis and Non-Status Indians (MNSI), it does create expectations among Métis and Non-Status Indians that Canada will address gaps where they are noted.

Current Status

• CIRNAC is committed to continuing to work with Indigenous partners to discuss their vision and approach to Daniels and seek their advice on how the federal government can best work with them.
• Federal departments will continue to explore best practices in policy-making and engagement. Efforts will be made to reduce gaps in current approaches to ensure inclusivity in policy, programs, and engagements.

Main Estimates Related to the Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms

Summary:

• Budget 2017 invested $13.7 million over two years to support permanent bilateral mechanisms for First Nations, Inuit and Métis and Budget 2018 invested another $74.9 million over five years.
• The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will receive $3.0 million for 2023-24, representing year three of their five-year funding agreement.
• The five-year funding agreement for the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) and the Canada-Métis Nation Accord ends on March 31, 2023. Since, 2017-18, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) has received $2.4 million per year and the Métis National Council (MNC) has received $2.2 million per year.

Details of the Estimates:

• ITK retains $300,000 for national coordination and redistributes the rest to the four regions of Inuit Nunangat along with Pauktuutit and Inuit Circumpolar Council – Canada, based on the general regional allocation funding formula endorsed by ITK's Board of Directors in December 2019.
• * Redacted * Furthermore, human resource investments will be required to ensure continuity of Inuit engagement and the provision of technical expertise in the priority areas.

Key Messages

• The Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms are important forums for engaging with the Métis Nation, the AFN, and Inuit to identify and advance joint priorities and to renew the relationships.
• The ICPC has fourteen priority areas, the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism with the AFN has seven priority areas, and the Canada-Métis Nation Accord has ten.
• Key achievements through the ICPC include the endorsement of the Inuit Nunangat Policy, the Implementation Plan for the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, and the Principles of Co-Development.
• The Canada-Métis Nation Accord has achieved the signing of the Canada-Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord, putting in place the Métis Nation Housing Strategy.

Background

• The Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms (PBMs) were introduced in 2016 as forums to identify joint priorities, co-develop policy and monitor progress. They are guided both by Senior Officials Meetings and Leader Meetings.
• The priority areas of the ICPC are:
  1. Inuit Land Claims Implementation
  2. Inuit Nunangat Policy Space
  3. Reconciliation Measures and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
  4. Health & Wellness
  5. Inuktut Revitalization, Maintenance, Protection & Promotion
  6. Economic Development & Procurement
  7. Infrastructure
  8. Housing
  9. Legislative Priorities
  10. Education, Early Learning & Skills Development
  11. International Inuit Priorities
  12. Sovereignty, Defence, and Security
  13. Monitoring Evaluation, and Learning
  14. Environment & Climate Change
• The priority areas of the AFN PBM are:
  1. UNDRIP Implementation
  2. Review of Federal Laws and Policies
  3. Implementation of TRC Calls to Action
  4. Policing and Community Safety
  5. Indigenous Languages
  6. New Fiscal Relationship
  7. Closing Gaps
• The priority areas of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord are:
  1. Housing
  2. Infrastructure
  3. UNDRIP
  4. Métis Claims
  5. Benefits Sharing
  6. Economic Development
  7. Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care
  8. K-12 Education
  9. Indigenous Languages
  10. International Engagement

Current Status

• Work on these priority areas is typically interdepartmental, in reflection of the whole-of-government nature of the PBMs.
• ICPC Leaders meetings were held in April, June, and December 2022. There was also a Leaders Meeting of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in December 2022. There was an ICPC Leaders Meeting held on May 12th, 2023, and the Canada-Métis Nation Accord Leaders Meeting will be held on June 1, 2023. The next Leaders Meeting of the AFN PBM will likely be later in 2023.
• At the July 2022 Annual General Assembly, a resolution related to the permanent bilateral mechanism (PBM) - A Renewed Framework Providing Strategic Direction and Action Toward Evolutionary and Positive Change - passed, which recognized that AFN-Canada MOU needs to be renewed. National Chief Office is currently having regional consultations on the Healing path Accord with the intent of passing a resolution at the AGA in July 2023.

Key Messages

• We are committed to respect the Inuit-Crown Co-Development Principles in our work with Inuit on initiatives where Inuit and the federal government wish to co-develop.
• Work continues with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) under the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) to support the implementation of the principles by Government departments and agencies.

Background

• Inuit-Crown Co-Development principles were endorsed by Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) Leaders in December 2022.
• At the press conference following ICPC, ITK president Natan Obed stated:
  • The co-development principles are meant to inform not only federal legislation, but also any major initiatives or programs or services that are, that are considered by the Government of Canada that categorically impact Inuit. This is meant to clarify the space when the Government of Canada talks about co- development with Indigenous peoples.
  • For Inuit, now we have a clear roadmap and a clear plan that we will work under from the very beginning so as to ensure co-development in spaces where Inuit and the federal government wish to co-develop initiatives together. This builds upon the foundation of Section 35 and Inuit Section 35 rights. It also builds upon the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and its implementation in Canada. It also works to clarify the space in which the federal government works on Indigenous legislation and Indigenous policy.
  • This can only have positive implications for our working relationship and for reconciliation efforts. There are many uses for this, these co-development principles moving forward and we will rely on the federal government and its good will in the implementation of these in a categorical way across government. The Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee continues to be a positive, productive mechanism that Inuit use with the federal government to further our self-determination, to realize reconciliation with the Government of Canada and to practically work through the issues that affect Inuit the most.
• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), as co-chair of the legislative priorities sub-committee, is continuing to work with ITK to determine how best to support government departments and agencies in implementing the principles and how these principles have a lasting application.

Current Status

• ISC continues to lead on implementation of the Inuit-Crown Co-Development principles and CIRNAC is fully involved in this process.
• Concurrently, CIRNAC is leading work on an overall approach to co-development that would provide departments with guidance to respect and implement the co-development principles put forward by the AFN, ITK, and MNC as well as co-development principles that may be put forward by other Indigenous partners.

Key Messages

• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is close to finalizing an agreement with the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council (AANTC) on a dedicated Algonquin Space, as part of the Indigenous Peoples' Space.
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the Métis National Council (MNC) have both accepted keys to 100 Wellington, while the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has indicated they will not use the space until an agreement with the Algonquin is reached.
• CIRNAC and Public Services and Procurement Canada are working together to make sure the Government of Canada can support the short-term use and long-term vision of the Indigenous Peoples' Space.

Background

• In 2017, the Prime Minister announced that the building at 100 Wellington Street would be transformed into a national space for Indigenous Peoples. The project footprint for the space was later expanded to include the former CIBC building at 119 Sparks Street, and the "infill" space between the two buildings.
• In May 2019, CIRNAC received Cabinet approval to permit National Indigenous Organizations to use the space at 100 Wellington Street on a short-term basis until the building was closed for construction as part of the redevelopment plan for Block 2 of the Parliamentary Precinct, including the development of the Indigenous Peoples' Space.
• Opening of 100 Wellington Street for short-term use was halted in July 2019 due to a lack of consensus on governance and decision-making amongst partners, including a hunger strike by the then Grand Chief of the AANTC.
• In response to the strike, Minister Bennett, then Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, committed that a dedicated Algonquin Space would be developed. National Indigenous Organizations supported this approach and a collective decision was made that the short-term use of 100 Wellington Street would remain closed until an agreement could be reached between the AANTC and the Government of Canada on what a dedicated Algonquin Space would look like.
• Ongoing discussions with the AANTC have nearly reached an agreement in principle that formalizes the commitment to provide them with a temporary space at 119 Sparks Street for short-term use and a dedicated Algonquin space within the project footprint.
• Policy and financial authorities that authorized the short-term use of 100 Wellington Street expired at the end of fiscal 2021-22. New authorities are being sought to support the short-term use of 100 Wellington Street by the National Indigenous Organizations and 119 Sparks Street by the AANTC, and engagement on the long-term vision and design of both spaces.

Current Status

• On October 4, 2022, letters were sent to National Indigenous Organizations advising them that 100 Wellington Street would be re-opening and providing them with short-term access and use of the space.
• ITK and MNC accepted keys to 100 Wellington for immediate use and have both hosted events in the space over the past few months. The AFN, however, is waiting until an agreement with the AANTC is finalized to use the space.
• On April 5, 2023, the AANTC held a Chiefs meeting during which they selected the infill space between 100 Wellington and 119 Sparks as the location for the dedicated Algonquin space.
• CIRNAC officials are now working with the AANTC to finalize the Planning and Design Agreement based on this decision.
• PSPC has indicated that the space must be vacated by September 2023 when construction on Block 2 of the Parliamentary Precinct begins. PSPC officials have identified an opportunity to onboard renovations associated with the Indigenous Peoples' Space as part of this construction, but this would require consensus on the functional requirements for the space by Spring 2023.

Key Messages

• Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) supports the advancement of reconciliation.  It is an analytical process to assess how diverse groups of women, men, and non-binary people may experience policies, programs, and initiatives and helps support equity and diversity.
• As public servants, we have a duty of excellence per the Value and Ethics code, in the design and delivery of public sector policy, programs and services and an obligation per our departmental mandate, to genuinely respond to the needs of the Indigenous Peoples, northerners, and the communities we serve. GBA Plus is a valuable tool to support the achievement of excellence in CIRNAC policies, programs and services that are responsive, culturally-competent, inclusive, and respectful.

Background

• The Government is committed to the application of GBA Plus to inform evidence-based decision-making in public policies through an intersectional lens in order to address systemic inequities including: systemic racism; unconscious bias; gender-based discrimination; barriers for persons with disabilities; discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities; and, inequities faced by all vulnerable populations.
• As outlined in each ministerial mandate letter, the Prime Minister has directed that federal ministers must apply a GBA Plus lens to all decisions they make. Specific to CIRNAC's mandate, this includes all policies and programs designed to support Indigenous communities and northerners.

Current Status

• CIRNAC is committed to working alongside Indigenous Women's Organizations to advance culturally-competent GBA Plus and partners with Indigenous Services Canada, in support of Indigenous women's organizations working to advance culturally-competent GBA Plus resources and tools.
• Through Budget 2021, CIRNAC is providing dedicated funds to support organizational capacity for culturally-competent GBA Plus to the National Indigenous Women's Organizations including Native Women's Association of Canada, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak – Women of the Métis Nation.

Key Messages

• CIRNAC had access to up to $7.2 million through a Treasury Board Submission for the Papal Visit. The source of funds for this initiative was an off-cycle funding decision for $48 million in 2022-23. The remaining amount ($40.8 million) was allocated to ISC.
• The funds allocated for this initiative allowed ISC and CIRNAC to provide targeted support to Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations to prepare for, and respond to, the needs of Indigenous Peoples for the Papal visit and the apology delivered on behalf of the Catholic Church.    
• CIRNAC funding ensured that the event was accessible to Indigenous Peoples through nation-wide broadcasting, the simultaneous interpretation of the event into 12 Indigenous languages (i.e. Inuktitut, Michif, and First Nations languages), the translation of the Pope's Apology into 24 Indigenous languages, and the delivery of a communications project that highlights the work and experience of the Indigenous interpreters and elders during the visit.

Background

• On April 1, 2022, Pope Francis issued an apology for the actions of some members of the Catholic Church in Canada's Indian Residential Schools. Alongside these statements, the Pope expressed his intention to travel to Canada in July 2022 to offer an apology on Canadian soil.
• The Papal Visit that took place from July 24-29, 2022 was an internationally significant event, observed not only by Survivors of Indian Residential Schools and their families but also by Indigenous peoples throughout Canada, Canadians coast-to-coast, Catholics, the international community, and, survivors of other Catholic Church abuses in Canada and around the world.
• CIRNAC and ISC submitted a Treasury Board Submission in August 2022 in the amount of $47.4 million. The source of funds for this initiative was an off-cycle funding decision for $48 million in 2022-23, for both ISC and CIRNAC, that was approved by the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister in July 2022, in advance of the formal visit.
• ISC provided $30.2 million in 2022-23 in direct allocations to Indigenous communities and organizations to address the mental wellness and healing needs of Survivors and community members related to the Papal visit, including healing activities, ceremonies, events, gatherings for Survivors, and travel. This funding was provided using the terms and conditions of ISC's Primary Health Care Authority, specifically the Mental Wellness sub-authority, and the terms and conditions of the Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP). In addition, this funding supported urban Indigenous organizations and organizations serving Indigenous women, youth, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Current Status

• CIRNAC distributed funds to communities where existing agreements were in place. ISC distributed the majority of the funds through either of the two programs: Primary Health Care Authorities or Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples Authorities.
• It is anticipated that after all the expenses are finalized a total of about $3.07 million will be returned to the Fiscal Framework.
• The text of the Pope's address and the Indigenous language translations will be accessible on the departmental website in Spring 2023.   

Key Messages

• In recognition of the government-to-government, nation-to-nation, and Inuit-Crown relationships, departmental officials have successfully engaged in collaborative policy co-development processes with self-governing and modern treaty partners.
• This includes the co-development of Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy (the Policy) with Indigenous Modern Treaty partners in 2022, which has resulted in substantial benefits for partners. This process is ongoing as annexes to the policy are co-developed together.
• In February 2023, the Policy was announced by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. The Policy is intended to create a systemic behavioural shift within all levels of the public service. It will increase awareness, understanding, and action in strengthening government-to-government relationships, achieving common objectives, and fulfilling the obligations of Modern Treaties.
• This continuing process has been successful in building trust with partners, serving to strengthen the federal implementation of agreements.

Background

Current Status

• Departmental officials have begun to implement and create the tools put forward under the approved Policy, including the ILF.
• Officials are continuing to work collaboratively with Modern Treaty partners to develop policies, tools, and mechanisms to support the implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements, including the co-development of an independent oversight mechanism to hold government accountable to Parliament.
• In addition, officials are engaging other governments, including provinces, territories, and standalone self-governing groups – Shishalh Nation, Westbank First Nation, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, and Whitecap Dakota First Nation – in exploring policy co-development.

Key Messages

• Budget 2021 approved funding for 2021-22 and 2022-23 and the department's Main Estimates are reflective of the sunset of the Budget 2021 investments ($12.9 million in 2022-23).
• The Budget 2021 funding supported work to fulfil statutory obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA)to "prepare and implement an Action Plan to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration)".
• Justice Canada is leading a whole-of-government effort to develop an Action Plan to achieve some key objectives of the UN Declaration in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples.
• Budget 2023 approved funding for the 2023-24 fiscal year to support medium-term operations through the establishment of a specialized Secretariat within CIRNAC; this Secretariat will enable the department to fulfil obligations under the UNDA, as well as departmental obligations flowing from implementation of the final Action Plan expected in June 2023.
• The department will be accessing Budget 2023 investments through a forthcoming submission to draw down the requisite funding to support the Secretariat.

Background

• Implementation of the UN Declaration is an important cornerstone of the Reconciliation Agenda for the Government of Canada.
• The 2021 Speech from the Throne promised a whole-of-Government approach to break down barriers and accelerate implementation of the UN Declaration. In December of 2021, the mandate letter to the Minister of Justice directed the Minister to "fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and work with Indigenous Peoples to accelerate the co-development of an Action Plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration. To achieve this goal, the Minister of Justice will be supported by all ministers, and in particular the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Minister of Indigenous Services and the Minister of Natural Resources."
• Budget 2021 funding supported Phase 1 of the development of the Action Plan. In Phase 1, CIRNAC reviewed and processed more than 1400 Action Plan Measures received from Indigenous partners to inform the development of Action Plan Measures; over 250 additional measures were subsequently received for review early in Phase 2.
• The final Action Plan is expected to be tabled in Parliament on June 21, 2023.
• Departments are currently completing Phase 2 of engagement on the Action Plan, which involves working with partners to refine measures and develop new ones to address gaps in the Action Plan. Phase 2 work is being led by Justice Canada.
• To support this, Justice Canada continues to arrange bilateral and multilateral discussions with partners; CIRNAC participates in these discussions when required.
• Following the tabling of the Action Plan, implementation of this Action Plan will become a priority for all departments. Many of the final measures will require elements of ongoing consultation, collaboration and/or co-development with Indigenous partners.
• CIRNAC, with support of the Secretariat, will continue to work collaboratively with Indigenous partners and other federal departments to fulfil its obligations under the Action Plan, as well as other obligations arising from the UNDA.

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 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 regimehelps 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 Métis 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.
• Minister Miller appeared with Departmental Officials at INAN on May 3, 2023 as part of the Committee's study.
• INAN's Clause by clause consideration of Bill C-45 occurred on May 8, 2023 with Departmental Officials.
• Bill C-45 is currently in Second Reading in the Senate.

Key Messages

• Canada welcomes the Federal Court approval of the Gottfriedson Band class historic settlement.
• This settlement is not about placing value on losses, but instead is a step forward in rebuilding our relationship with Indigenous Peoples.

Background

• Shane Gottfriedson et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada is a certified class action filed by members of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc and Sechelt First Nation Bands on behalf of Day Scholars at Indian Residential Schools, seeking compensation for day students, their immediate children, and 99 First Nation bands for cultural, linguistic, and social damages.
• In Spring 2021, the parties agreed to settlement of the Survivor and Descendant classes. As the Band class claims represented a challenge to the settlement, the parties agreed to separate the Band class.
• On September 24, 2021, the Federal Court approved the settlement for the Survivor and Descendent classes, including uncapped Individual compensation of $10,000 for each eligible Survivor class member, $50 million investment toward the creation of the Day Scholars Revitalization Society, an Indigenous-led not-for-profit to support the healing, wellness, education, language, culture, heritage and commemoration of the Survivor and Descendent classes; and legal fees.
• On March 13, 2023, the Federal Court approved a settlement for the Band Class. Canada will transfer $2.8 billion into an Indigenous-led trust to allow for Bands that have opted in to the class action to support work around the '4 pillars' of revival protection of Indigenous language and culture and the protection and promotion of heritage and wellness plus legal fees and costs.

Current Status

• Survivor and Descendent Classes: The claims process began on January 4, 2022. As of April 30, 2023, Deloitte (claims administrator appointed by the Court) has received 14,801 claims. To date, 5,415 claims have been determined eligible and paid.
• Band Class: Settlement and court approvals are in place. Canada must flow funds for the Establishment of Trust and payment of funds to the Trustee by June 8, 2023.
• Next steps: Survivor and Descendant Classes:
  • Continue implementation of the claims process (closes October 4, 2023); and
  • Establishment of the Day Scholars Revitalization Society ($50M).
• Next Steps: Band Class:
  • Payment of trust fund monies ($2.8 B) to 325 Bands per the Disbursement Policy and Formula, including the kick-off funds. The Fund will operate for 20 years. At the end, any non-distributed funds will be distributed to the Bands;
  • Payment of legal fees; and
  • Payment of costs of negotiations and implementation.

Key Messages

• People in Canada's North face longstanding inequities in education, which puts northern residents and communities at a disadvantage. These gaps are even higher for Indigenous northerners. Access to high-quality education is critical to not only individual success, but to local economies, and to all of Canada.
• The importance of improving access to post-secondary education has been highlighted time-and-time again, through now-Governor General Mary Simon's recommendations in establishing a 'Shared Arctic Leadership Model', the goals and objectives of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• In Budget 2019, we invested $1M to establish a Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education to make recommendations to Framework partners on establishing a robust system of post-secondary education in the North. Members of the Task Force were appointed in October 2020, all of whom were nominated by Northern governments, organizations and co-development partners to the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.
• When establishing the Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education, it was critical that its work be underpinned by the principle need for post-secondary education in the North, by the North, for the North.
• As demonstrated by the Task Force's final report, released in March 2022, northern students encounter a wide variety of challenges in accessing post-secondary education that span across ministerial portfolios and levels of government, including limited access to housing, child care, reliable high-speed internet connection, and adequate student financing, among others.
• In addition to establishing the Task Force, since 2019, CIRNAC has made the following investments in the northern post-secondary education ecosystem:
  • $26M over 5 years towards the construction of a new science building at Yukon University;
  • $12.97M over 5 years to the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning to support culturally-appropriate and land-based learning and research activities; and
  • $8M to support the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university.
• I will continue to work with colleagues across the federal government and with northern partners to identify opportunities to advance the 37 Calls to Action from the Task Force and make post-secondary education more accessible for northern students.

Background

• Your December 2021 mandate letter includes the commitments to:
  • "continue to implement and advance key priorities of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework" in partnership with "Indigenous Peoples, Inuit, First Nations and Métis and territorial and provincial governments"; and
  • "continue to support the Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education and with the benefit of its recommendations, advance measures to close the gaps in education outcomes and provide ongoing learning and skills development opportunities."
• The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework guides the Government of Canada's priorities, activities and investments in the North and the Arctic to 2030 and beyond, with various goals and objectives aimed at expanding access to post-secondary education in the north. In particular, Goal 1 of the Framework aims to support resilient and healthy northern and Indigenous Peoples and is advanced through the following objectives:
  • "create an environment in which children will thrive, through a focus on education, culture, health and well-being";
  • "close the gaps in education outcomes"; and
  • "provide ongoing learning and skills development opportunities, including Indigenous-based knowledge and skills."
• To support the implementation of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, the following federal investments have been made in the northern post-secondary education ecosystem:
  • $1M to establish a Task Force on Northern Post Secondary Education ("the Task Force") to make recommendations to Framework partners on establishing a robust system of post-secondary education in the North (Budget 2019);
  • $26M over 5 years towards the construction of a new science building at Yukon University (Budget 2019);
  • $12.97M over 5 years to the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning to support culturally-appropriate and land-based learning and research activities (Budget 2019); and
  • $8M over 2 years to support the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university (Budget 2021).
• The Task Force was launched on October 23, 2020 with the mandate to provide recommendations on how best to close the post-secondary education gap in the north. The Task Force was comprised of 11 members nominated by northern governments, Indigenous organizations and co-development partners of the Framework and appointed by the Minister of Northern Affairs.
• The Task Force hosted regional engagement sessions across the Arctic and North to gather data from current high school students, current post-secondary students, post-secondary graduates, people who started post-secondary education but did not complete, people who have completed post-graduate studies, education specialists, and the general public.
• The Task Force completed its mandate and released its final report on March 31, 2022 which included a total of 37 Calls to Action across 11 thematic areas, providing a suite of recommendations on how best to close the post-secondary education gaps across the region. The final report is titled A Shared Responsibility: Northern Voices, Northern Solutions — Report of the Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education.
• Since the Task Force Calls to Action were released in March 2022, CIRNAC has undertaken a gap analysis along with other federal departments and agencies to identify and propose opportunities for federal action. No incremental funding from the fiscal framework has been allocated to support the Calls to Action.

Current Status

Key Messages

• The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework 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 – held on September 29th in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories – 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

• In 2016, the government committed to jointly developing a new Arctic policy framework with territorial, provincial and Indigenous partners to replace Canada's Northern Strategy and Statement on Canada's Arctic Foreign Policy and guide federal priorities in the North to 2030 and beyond.
• 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; and        
  • 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.
• The Minister of National Defence is invited to participate in the upcoming Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) leaders' meeting, scheduled to occur in Nain, Labrador, on May 12. Sovereignty, Defence, and Security is expected to be an item of discussion at this meeting, as it will be at the ICPC Senior Officials meeting taking place on April 25.
• Presentations to Framework partners at the officials level have also continued following the Government of Canada's June announcement of its plans to modernize the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), most recently in February 2023 to brief on the aerial incident which occurred over Yukon.
• 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 Leadership Committee meeting held in Yellowknife on September 29, 2022 was chaired by the Minister of Northern Affairs and co-hosted by the Premier of Northwest Territories. Reflecting the whole-of-government nature of the Framework, the meeting included a presentation by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence on northern security and defence.
• Security and defence, including infrastructure and site selection, was also one of the most-identified priorities noted by Framework partners at this meeting.
• 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.
• The Minister of National Defence is invited to participate in the upcoming Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) leaders' meeting in Nain, Labrador, on May 12, 2023. Sovereignty, Defence, and Security is expected to be an item of discussion at this meeting, as it will be at the ICPC Senior Officials meeting taking place on April 25, 2023.

Key Messages

• Nutrition North Canada 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 Nutrition North Canada 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 $120.7M 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.
• Nutrition North Canada has increasingly taken a food systems approach to promote food security and food sovereignty. The August 15th 2020 announcement in Inuvik of  Nutrition North Canada'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 Nutrition North Canada 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 Nutrition North Canada'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 $20M 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.
• Nutrition North Canada 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 Nutrition North Canada 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.   
• Nutrition North Canada 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

• Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed $690 million to support housing needs in Métis communities and just over $1.3 billion to address housing needs in Inuit Nunangat and to advance the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy.
• Budget 2018 invested $400 million over ten years for housing in three of the four regions of Inuit Nunangat, and $500 million over ten years for the Métis Nation and Manitoba Métis Federation for housing.
• Budget 2022 included significant additional investments to support Indigenous housing, including $190.2 million over seven years for Métis communities and $845 million over seven years for all four Inuit land claims organizations.
• Budget 2022 also invested $150 million over two years starting in 2022-23 to support affordable housing and infrastructure in the North. Furthermore, through Budget 2022, the Government of Canada is providing $34 million over seven years to four Métis groups in the Northwest Territories.
• Budget 2023 is proposing to build on the work associated with the advancement of an Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, by investing an additional $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2024-25, to implement the Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.

Background

• Through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, Inuit and the Government of Canada have been working to improve housing outcomes in Inuit Nunangat in line with those for the rest of Canada, including through the co-development and ongoing implementation of the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy (2019).
• Housing is also a key priority of the Canada-Métis Nation Permanent Bilateral Mechanism, and in July 2018, the Canada-Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord was signed with the goal of reducing the gap in Core Housing Need in Métis Nation communities and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada by 50% by 2028.
• The funding provided by the Minister of Northern Affairs is for "all" Northerners (regardless of distinctions status). It is used by stakeholders to support their critical social housing needs, given that social housing is the predominant form of housing in the North.  
• Investments and ongoing partnerships with the Territorial Governments, the Government of Canada is empowering its Territorial partners to ensure that residents of the North have access to sustainable and safe housing that will meet their needs, and support the holistic health and welfare of Northerners using "made-in-the-North" solutions. Specifically, investments respond to the Territorial Governments call for greater support to address the northern housing crisis that is driven by geographic challenges, unique building conditions, climate change, and often challenging economic conditions.
• The Government of Canada has made significant investments to address housing conditions in Inuit, Métis and other northern and Indigenous communities. CIRNAC, specifically, has been responsible for delivering the following funding to Indigenous and northern partners:

• As a result of federal funding through Budgets 2016 and 2018:
  • Inuit partners across Inuit Nunangat have constructed close to 500 new units, repaired a significant number of existing units, enhanced Inuit-led housing programs, and undertaken critical land development; and
  • Métis Nation Governing Members and the Manitoba Métis Federation have bought or built 1,377 housing units, renovated nearly 3,000 units, and provided down payment assistance to more than 950 households and rental support to more than 8,500 households.
• Budget 2023 committed an additional $4 billion over seven years starting in 2024-25 to implement a co-developed Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. This follows the Budget 2022 commitment of $300 million for engagement and early housing delivery ($281.5 M to ISC for proposal based funding delivery, and $18.5M to CMHC for early engagement).
• Budget 2022 called for the advancement of the URN strategy with an initial $300M for urgent housing needs and early 2023 engagement sessions, and Budget 2023 calls to support the co-development of the URN Strategy with an implementation plan for the $4 billion via the Memorandum to Cabinet and future Treasury Board Submission.  
• Direction from Budget 2023 added further steps to be undertaken including a needs assessment and defining urban, rural and north.

Current Status

Through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, Inuit and the Government of Canada are working together to further understand and address housing and infrastructure needs including through the implementation of the co-developed 2019 Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy.

• CIRNAC regularly meets with Governing Members of the Métis National Council through the Métis Housing and Homelessness Technical Working Group, and bilaterally with the Manitoba Métis Federation to address the housing needs of Métis communities.
• CIRNAC regularly meets with its territorial partners through its dedicated intergovernmental Steering Committee to advance solutions and recommendations in response to the critical housing and infrastructure needs of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
• CMHC is leading the URN file, including managing engagement with other federal departments (ISC, CIRNAC), and Indigenous partners, co-developing the Strategy, and the eventual roll out of Budget 2023 investments of $4 billion over seven years starting in 2024-25. Pending approval from the Treasury Board, Indigenous Services Canada is prepared to allocate the Budget 2022 investment of $281.5 million of Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing funding to the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) for the delivery through a proposals based approach of the short-term urban, rural and northern funding in fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25. National Indigenous Organizations are reacting negatively to the decision to allocate the full $281.5M to the NICHI and as such, CMHC will need to work to rebuild trust to continue the co-development process on the URN Strategy.
• Based on follow up with the Department of Finance on Budget 2023, it is expected that CIRNAC and ISC will have direct roles in the delivery of the announced funding. The proposed roles of each department, including potential allocations, are to be set out in the Memorandum to Cabinet.
• Direction from Budget 2023 added further steps to be undertaken including a needs assessment and defining urban, rural and north.
• Significant work is required to determine how an URN Strategy would best complement current approaches such as CIRNAC's distinctions-based housing delivery and strategies, respect the interests of CIRNAC's partners (e.g.: territorial governments, Inuit land claims organizations, self-governing and modern treaty First Nations, and Métis partners) and co-developed initiatives such as the Inuit Nunangat Policy.

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.