Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs 2023-24 Supplementary Estimate (C) and 2024-25 Main Estimates - Northern Affairs (March 20, 2024)

Logistics

Date: March 20, 2024

Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Location: Wellington Building, Room 415

Subject: Supplementary Estimates (C) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024

Appearing

Committee Membership

• MP John Aldag (LIB – BC) (Chair)
• MP Jaime Battiste (LIB – NS)
• MP Ben Carr (LIB – MB)
• MP Anna Gainey (LIB – QC)
• MP Michael V. McLeod (LIB – NWT)
• MP Marcus Powlowski (LIB – ON)

• MP Jamie Schmale (CPC – ON) (Vice-Chair)
• MP Eric Melillo (CPC – ON)
• MP Martin Shields (CPC – AB)
• MP Bob Zimmer (CPC – BC)

• MP Sébastien Lemire (BQ – QC) (Vice-Chair)

• MP Lori Idlout (NDP – Nunavut)

Parliamentary Analysis

• MP John Aldag (LIB) (Chair), Chair of the Committee, may ask questions about ensuring that mental wellness services are Indigenous specific and culturally appropriate.
• MP Michael V. McLeod (LIB) will likely ask questions that pertain to communities in his riding in the Northwest Territories, including the correlation between poor housing infrastructure and low school attendance. He will likely argue that funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program should be used to build roads to northern communities instead. He may ask questions about how Bill C-53 will impact resource sharing and development. He also may ask questions related to tuberculosis elimination strategies in Inuit and on-reserve areas, inconsistencies regarding medical travel escorts, and the inability for Métis children with autism to get support from Jordan's Principle.
• MP Marcus Powlowski (LIB) may ask questions about tuberculosis rates in the north and the opioid crisis. He may ask questions about whether Indigenous people should be able opt out of the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), as well ask about additions to reserve land for First Nations' economy recovery. He may ask questions about status and citizenship when it comes to Bill C-53.
• MP Jaime Battiste (LIB), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, has been a strong advocate for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit issues throughout his career. He may point to Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey as an example of how to implement self-governing agreements' sectoral education for BC First Nations, and to the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association and Velma's House as examples of creating emergency shelters and transition homes for Indigenous women and children experiencing violence. He may ask questions about Jordan's Principle.
• MP Ben Carr (LIB), may ask questions about child and family services, as well as the opioid crisis. He may also ask about the role of youth and students in advancing the rights of Indigenous people, in relation to Bill C-53.
• MP Jaime Schmale (CPC) (Vice-Chair), Vice-Chair of the Committee and CPC Critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Critic for Indigenous Services, will likely highlight economic reconciliation in his questions. He may ask questions related to the department's progress on payments for out-of-court settlements and for information on the Nutrition North Canada Program's targets and timelines. He may ask for updates about MMIWG recommendations and a Red Dress Alert, and be critical of how slow the Government has been to act on this. He may also ask questions about the failure to provide Indigenous communities with support to manage environmental emergencies like floods and wildfires. He may be critical of Bill C-61, and will likely ask questions related to remaining boil water advisories on reserves and ISC's failure to provide Indigenous communities with support to manage environmental emergencies like floods and wildfires.
• MP Eric Melillo (CPC), may ask questions about food insecurity, medical transportation in northern and remote communities, the Grassy Narrows care facility, and infrastructure gaps in indigenous communities. He may criticize the Nutrition North program. His questions will likely support an economic reconciliation approach.
• MP Bob Zimmer (CPC) is the CPC Critic for Northern Affairs and Arctic Sovereignty, as well as the Critic for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. He has previously asked for breakdowns of funding for several Specific Claims by community. He may ask questions about the funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program needing to benefit people rather than corporations, as well as about Artic security and defense. He may ask questions regarding boil water advisories in Indigenous communities and cancelled or delayed critical infrastructure projects in Nunavut.
• MP Martin Shields (CPC) may ask questions about food insecurity.
• MP Sébastien Lemire (BQ) (Vice-Chair), critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, will likely ask questions related to funding for the TRC's Calls to Action, wildfires, water insecurity, and housing. He may also ask about the lack of Indigenous consultation on Bill C-61 and other bills.
• MP Lori Idlout (NDP), the critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, will likely ask questions that pertain to her riding in Nunavut. She will likely be critical about the sunsetting of funding for various ISC programs, including ones for mental health and wellness, the legacy of residential schools, Jordan's principle, the Inuit Child First Initiative, and housing, water, and community infrastructure. She may ask about the correlation between poor housing and health issues, a lack of affordable housing in Nunavut, funding for infrastructure, water infrastructure challenges on reserves, and the low funding for education infrastructures, including calling for the funding of 13 Inuit-language and cultural schools in the near future. She may also ask about health, tuberculosis rates, medical transportation in the North, and the Grassy Narrows care facility. She will likely be critical of the funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program benefiting corporations rather than people in the north. She may ask questions related to reconciliation, including on Bill S-16, Red Dress Alert, MMIWG, unmarked graves, and Nunavut devolution. In regards to Bill C-38, she has been vocally critical about the Bill not addressing or preventing discrimination towards Indigenous women and their families, failing to address the second generation cut-off, and preventing victims who faced discrimination from these policies from receiving reparations. She has stated that she struggles to support the Bill because it does not go far enough, does not meet UNDRIP, and continues to be a sexist policy.

Recent INAN studies, reports and government responses

• Restitution of Land to First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Communities (last meeting on February 26, 2024)
• Improving Graduation Rates and Successful Outcomes for Indigenous Students (last meeting on February 14, 2024)
• Report 12 – Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan, to give effect to treaties with those governments and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (presented on February 8, 2024)
• Government Response to Report 11 – Food Security in Northern and Isolated Communities: Ensuring Equitable Access to Adequate and Healthy Food for All (presented on January 29, 2024)
• Government Response to Report 10 – Arctic Security and Sovereignty, and the Emergency Preparedness of Indigenous Communities (presented on October 19, 2023)
• Government Response to Report 9 – Reclaiming, Revitalizing, Maintaining and Strengthening Indigenous Languages in Canada (presented on October 16, 2023)
• Bill C-51 – An Act to give effect to the self-government treaty recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (last meeting on June 19, 2023)
• Report 8 on Main Estimates 2023-24 (presented on May 30, 2023)
• Report 7 – Bill C-45, An Act to amend the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, to make consequential amendments to other Acts, and to make a clarification relating to another Act (presented on May 12, 2023)
• Government Response to Report 6 – Moving Towards Improving the Health of Indigenous Peoples in Canada: Accessibility and Administration of the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (presented on April 17, 2023)

In the Media

• Anand repurposing $10.5B to hike spending on health care, housing over three years
• Ottawa wants billions more for debt, defence, Indigenous kids
• Anand Presents Supplementary Estimates
• Trudeau government unveils plans to divert money from some departments for new priorities
• PBO report on Supplementary Estimates (C) 2023-24

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

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

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

Following the opening remarks, there will be rounds of questions from Committee members (as listed below). The rounds of questioning will repeat when the second panel commences in the second hour.

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 webcast.

Other Information for Appearing In-Person

Witnesses should arrive early to allow time for security screening. Screening could take 30 minutes or more for those without a Hill pass.

Supplementary Estimates C for 2023-24

CIRNAC's final Supplementary Estimates (C) for 2023-24 reflect a net increase of $9 million for Northern Affairs.

Climate Change

This increase in funding was used to address urgent capacity requirements for Indigenous organizations in the Northwest Territories due to wildfires and to reimburse expenses incurred to support their members during the wildfire emergency.

Northern and Indigenous communities are experiencing some of the most devastating effects of climate change. We're working with northern and Indigenous partners to mitigate the impacts while helping communities reduce their dependence on costly diesel through new community-managed renewable energy sources.

Indigenous-owned solar and wind projects are leading the way in the clean energy transition with active support and investment from the federal government.

In 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories reported residents, communities and the territorial government saved more than $12 million in energy costs because of clean energy projects like these across the North.

Northern Food Security

Partnerships and collaboration are a vital piece to strengthening food security in northern and Arctic communities as well. Since 2021, we have expanded the Nutrition North program and implemented 90% of the recommendations from this committee's report on food security in northern and isolated communities.

This is a significant step and I want to thank all members past and present for their work and continued collaboration on addressing this complex issue.

Engagement with communities and program partners led to the launch of food sovereignty programs like the Community Foods Program and Harvester's Support Grant.

We internally reallocated an additional $5 million to Nurition North Canada through Supplementary Estimates (C) to support these initiatives which help to offset costs of food and essential items, improve access to traditional country foods and support initiatives like meals for Elders and school food programs.

There is more work to be done. I look forward to engaging on a local level in communities and with program partners in the coming months to find new ways to further address food insecurity in the North and strengthen these partnerships.

Housing

As a government, we have recognized the significant underfunding by past governments of all stripes when it comes to addressing housing and infrastructure gaps in the North. That's why we're working with northern and Indigenous partners to increasing access to safe, affordable housing and build on historic, distinctions-based investments that are supporting the housing priorities in the territories and Inuit Nunangat.

Devolution

On this note, I would like to acknowledge the historic signing of the Nunavut Devolution Agreement—one of the largest land transfers in our history that supports Nunavummiut self-determination. We will keep working in partnership to complete the transfer of responsibilities by April 1, 2027.

Natural Resources, Arctic Sovereingty

The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework helps to ensure sustainable management of northern lands. Previous assessments have enabled evidence-based decisions to be made regarding oil and gas offshore the Arctic, to support responsible and sustainable development of natural resources in the North and Arctic. In doing so, the highest safety and environmental standards have been met.

We remain firm and steadfast in defending the Arctic and the people who live there. We are working with northern partners and communities to co-develop security strategies and make historical investments to increase our ability to defend the Arctic.

Conclusion

Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to provide a summary of how these Supplementary Estimates will support the important work ahead to deliver on our shared priorities to build a strong, resilient future in the North and Arctic.

Meegwetch. Qujannamiik [Koo-ya-na-meek]. Marci. Thank you. Merci.

2023-24 Supp Estimates B

Supplementary Estimates B included key initiatives and new funding totaling approximately $9.1 billion, including:

$5.8 billion in Vote 1 Operating:

• $5.0 billion for the Restoule Settlement Agreement;
• $651 million for the Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement (McLean); and
• $42.2 million for the Northern Abandoned Mines Reclamation Program (Reprofile).

$3.3 billion in Vote 10 Grants and contributions:

• $1.7 billion to settle land related claims and litigation;
• $596 million in Reprofiled funding for the Specific Claim Settlement Fund;
• $593.2 million for Compensation Related to Losses Incurred Through the Diminishing Purchasing Power of Annuity Payments with Treaty 8 First Nations;
• $204.0 million to resolve the Lac Seul First Nation's Treaty 3 Flooding specific claim and associated litigation; and
• $90.3 million for legacies mandate payments to four Northern British Columbia Indigenous groups.

2023-24 Supp Estimates C

Supplementary Estimates C contain $23.9 million for key initiatives, including:

Vote 10 G+C:

• $5.3 million from the Department of Employment and Social Development to support Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care;
• $4.7 million to promote strong intergovernmental relations with Indigenous Modern Treaty and Self-Governing partners to advance measures, and to create a Secretariat within the UN Declaration Act Action Plan 2023-2028; and
• $4.0 million to offset pressures related to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action 74 to 76 for Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support funding.
• $9.0M Funding to Address Urgent Capacity Requirements for Indigenous Organizations in the Northwest Territories due to Wildfires.

2024-25 Main Estimates

CIRNAC 2024-25 Main Estimates of $10.9B

This is a net increase of $1.8 billion in comparison to the 2023-24 Main Estimates of $9.1 billion and is primarily attributable to the increase in funding the department received for the settlement of claims and litigation. More Specifically, the net increase in funding is largely related to:

• $4.2 billion in funding for settling various Specific Claims;
• $0.6 billion in funding to settle the Federal Indian Boarding Homes (Percival) Litigation;

Partially offset by:

• Decrease of $3 billion in funding for the Gottfriedson settlement.

CIRNAC's 2024-25 Main Estimates of $10.9 billion is lower than the 2023-24 Total Estimates of $26.5 billion by $15.6 billion. This decrease in funding mostly reflects the settlement of Indigenous claims and litigation in 2023-24, including:

• One-time payment of $5 billion to settle Restoule.
• Funding for Settlement with Gull Bay-Michano of $1.6 billion.
• Funding levels for Specific Claims are $3.3 billion lower than in 2023-24 but reprofiles of unspent 2023-24 funds into 2024-25 will increase levels.

The department expects the 2024-25 budgetary authorities to increase throughout the year, in the same manner as it did in 2023-24, as new Budget announcements are approved and compensation payment funding is advanced to the department for the payment of claims.

a. Main Estimates

2024–25 Estimates - Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

b. Supplementary Estimates (C)

Detail by Organization for Supplementary Estimates (C), 2023-24 - Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

Key Messages

• The 2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (B) included key initiatives and new funding totaling approximately $9,079 million.
• Of these total Supplementary Estimates amounts, $78.1 million is for Northern Affairs.
• These funds are important to advance the work to create more economic opportunities and a higher quality of life in Canada's North.

Background

• The 2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (B) for all departments was tabled in the House of Commons by the President of the Treasury Board on November 9, 2023, and the Supply was released on December 18, 2023.
• Supplementary Estimates (B) increased the department's 2023-24 total budgetary authorities to approximately $26.5 billion.

For Northern Affairs, these Estimates contain $78.1 million, comprised of:

• $42.2 million Reprofiled funding for the Northern Abandoned Mines Reclamation Program;
• $12.5 million transfer from other organizations for the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan;
• $6 million An internal transfer from Vote 10 to Vote 1 for the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program, $6 million;
• $5.7 million Reprofiled funding for the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan; and
• $4.1 million for an internal transfer from Vote 5 to Vote 1 related to the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS).
• $6 million Reprofiled funding to co-develop an Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda and phased implementation of self-determined climate priorities.
• -4.0 million in Vote 5 capital for an internal reallocation within Vote 1 to reimburse CIRNAC Vote 1 for a payment made to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to conclude an agreement relating to the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS).
• $0.1 million in Statutory authorities for employee benefits.

Current Status

• The Estimates funding is important to advance the work to create more economic opportunities and a higher quality of life in Canada's North.
• The majority of these funds will be used for the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program and for the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.

Key Messages

• The 2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (C) include key initiatives and new funding totaling approximately $23.9 million.
• Of these total Supplementary Estimates amounts Of that amount, $9.0 million is for Northern Affairs.
• These funds are important to advance the work to create more economic opportunities and a higher quality of life in Canada's North.

Background

• The 2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (C) for all departments was tabled in the House of Commons by the President of the Treasury Board on February 15, 2024.
• Supplementary Estimates (C) will increase the department's 2023-24 total budgetary authorities to approximately $26.5 billion.
• For Northern Affairs, these Estimates contain $9.0 million in Contributions funding to Address Urgent Capacity Requirements for Indigenous Organizations in the Northwest Territories due to Wildfires.

Current Status

• The funding in these Estimates will be used to address immediate northern Indigenous organizational capacity requirements due to the 2023 wildfire crisis in the Northwest Territories.

Key Messages

• The 2024-25 Main Estimates for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is approximately $10.9 billion.
• This funding will help CIRNAC to continue on the path to renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples; to further its work to modernize institutional structures and governance to support self-determination; to progress on righting wrongs from the past, towards Indigenous reconciliation; and finally, to advance its work to protect the environment and ensure prosperity, sustainability and health in the North.

Background

In comparison to the 2023-24 Main Estimates of $9.2 billion, CIRNAC's total Main Estimates for 2024-25 have a net increase of $1.8 billion.

The 2024-25 Main Estimates contain approximately $1.1 billion for programs under the portfolio of the Minister of Northern Affairs. This represents a net increase of $127.8 million compared to the 2023-24 Main Estimates of $968 million.

This net increase in funding is primarily attributable to:

• $207.6 million in funding for the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program offset by decrease of $75 million in funding for Closing the Northern Housing and Infrastructure Gap.

Current Status

2024-25 Main Estimates for Northern Affairs:

• The 2024-25 Main Estimates for Northern Affairs are composed of $742 million in operating expenditures and $354 million in transfer payments.
• The majority of operating funds will be used for the remediation of Northern Contaminated Sites and Abandoned Mine, to address the significant risks they pose to the environment and to human health and safety ($0.7 billion).
• Transfer payment resources will be used to support accessibility to nutritious food in isolated northern communities through the Nutrition North Program ($0.1 billion).
• Resources will also be used for continued support in key areas such as health care, infrastructure, natural resources conservation and climate change adaptation and monitoring ($0.3 billion).

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada has consistently expressed its strong commitment to advancing reconciliation and renewing the relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.
• With this commitment top-of-mind, CIRNAC has taken a principle-based and careful approach to the Refocusing Government Spending initiative, which directed departments to reduce spending on consulting, professional services and travel by 18.5% starting in 2023-24, and Phase in a 3.3% reduction of eligible spending by 2026-27.
• The Department maintains its commitments to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples Calls for Justice, the Inuit Nunangat Policy, the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
• To ensure continued progress on these key priorities and the broader reconciliation agenda, the Department focused its savings efforts on identifying efficiencies within its own operations, including internal services.
• Our approach was based on the following principles:
  • Prioritize direct benefits to Indigenous Peoples and Northerners;
  • Consider the department's mandate and whole-of-government leadership role;
  • Respect obligations arising from legislation or signed agreements; and,
  • Consider alignment with government priorities, such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples.
  • Recognizing the critical importance of direct funding transfers provided to Indigenous governments, organizations and partners, the large majority of CIRNAC's funding was exempted by Treasury Board. These include settlements, claims, modern treaties, self-government and other recognition agreements.

In addition, Treasury Board has provided more time for the Department to discuss its proposals with Indigenous partners to ensure all considerations have been noted.

These discussions will take place over the coming months.

Background

• As part of the Refocusing Government Spending Exercise, CIRNAC is planning the following spending reductions:

  	($ Millions)
  	2023-24	2024-25	2025-26	2026-27 & Ongoing
  Total	3.9	15.7	23.2	33.7

• Recognizing the critical importance of direct funding transfers provided to Indigenous governments, organizations and partners, 90% of CIRNAC's funding was exempted by Treasury Board. These include funding for Childhood Claims Settlement, Northern Abandoned Mines Program and the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, Inuit and Métis housing and Grants and Contributions related to claims, settlements, Modern Treaties and Self-Governments, institutions, and transfers to territorial governments.
• CIRNAC has obtained approval from Treasury Board Secretariat to proceed in implementing the following measures starting fiscal year 2024-25:
  • Implementing efficiencies and increasing oversight in internal and external departmental operations;
  • Reducing travel by maximizing the use of communications technologies and focusing on work with partners where there is the greatest potential for resolution and advancement of shared priorities;
  • Prioritizing the use of professional services by focusing on the negotiation and reconciliation agenda; and,
  • Reducing grants and contributions following discussions with partners, by targeting areas that will minimize impacts on communities and/or in areas where the funding has not been fully utilized.

Current Status

• Due to the nature of CIRNAC's programming, any reductions will have direct and indirect impacts on Indigenous partners.
• Treasury Board has provided more time for the Department to discuss its proposals with Indigenous partners to ensure all considerations have been noted. These discussions will take place over the coming months.
• The reductions for 2023-24 are for travel and professionals services:
  • Travel: Expenditures were $5.2 million in 2022-23. Community meetings are important to renewing relationships with Indigenous partners and to support negotiations. CIRNAC plans to reduce its travel but recognizes that it must continue to ensure relationships are maintained.
  • Professional Services: Expenditures were $402.4 million in 2022-23. The majority of spending in this area was exempted from reductions. The remaining funding relates to contracts for expert witnesses, legal services and researchers to further claims negotiations.
  • CIRNAC's reductions:

    Spending review reductions in relation to the 2023-24 Main Estimates

    	Ongoing Reductions	2023-24 Main Estimates	Percentage	2023-24 Main Estimates, net of TBS Exclusions	Percentage
    Total	33,672,246	9,097,242,250	0.4%	805,946,136	4.2%

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of addressing housing and infrastructure needs in the Inuit Nunangat, Métis and First Nation Self-Government and Modern Treaty and northern communities. Since 2016 CIRNAC has invested:
  • $2.5B to help address critical housing
  • $1.3B to address community infrastructure
• The investments in housing and infrastructure are helping Indigenous and Northern partners to construct, purchase and renovate homes, including improving energy efficiency; enhance housing programs, support rental assistance; construct community and cultural facilities; acquire and develop land for future infrastructure projects; and invest in training and apprenticeship programs.
• To complement the distinctions-based investments, CIRNAC is also working with federal, territorial, and provincial partners to support Northerners in accessing sustainable and safe housing.

Background

• Work continues with partners through the implementation of co-developed housing strategies and the delivery of current investments. Higher costs and other challenges are having a compounding impact on housing delivery in Indigenous and northern communities. For example, the cost of constructing a basic residential home in Inuit Nunangat has gone up dramatically and estimates are now in the range of $700,000 to $1 million per unit. This varies for multi-unit buildings, but costs have increased and remain extremely high which has an impact on overall effectiveness of current investments.
• Most recent federal investments supporting infrastructure and housing include:
  • Budget 2021 announced historic investments for Indigenous communities to support critical infrastructure through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund, totalling $4.3 billion over four years. Investments are helping to address immediate infrastructure needs, including multi-purpose community buildings, improved transportation infrastructure, day care facilities, and social housing.
  • Budget 2022 included $1.6 billion over seven years for dedicated housing investments. This funding will help further address the critical housing needs of Indigenous communities to ensure adequate and affordable housing to achieve better health and socio-economic outcomes.
• Through dedicated investments made through Budget 2021 and Budget 2022 and ongoing partnerships with the territorial governments, Canada is also empowering its territorial partners to support Northerners in accessing sustainable and safe housing. Specifically, investments that are going directly to territorial governments respond to their 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.

Current Status

• Since 2016, Inuit have constructed over 500 new housing units, repaired over 200 existing units, enhanced Inuit-led housing programs, and have undertaken critical land acquisition and development work with the direct, distinctions-based investments:
  • Makkivik: 444 units constructed.
  • Inuvialuit Regional Corporation: 36 constructed, 19 new units underway; 117 units repaired, 75 repairs underway; demolition of 18 uninhabitable units to make way for new units.
  • Nunatsiavut Government: 38 units constructed; 74 units repaired; land acquisition costs totaling $13.8 million.
• In 2022-23, Métis governments helped with the construction or purchase of 198 houses; provided downpayment assistance to 574 households; renovated 1,694 houses; and provided rent supplements to 995 families.
• Self-Governing and Modern Treaty First Nations received funding through Budgets 2021 and 2022 for infrastructure and housing. These were first-of-their-kind investments for Self-Governing and Modern Treaty First Nations who are not part of existing National Housing Strategies. To access these funds, Self-Governing and Modern Treaty First Nations submitted Action Plans identifying their proposed projects in these areas as well as reporting indicators. CIRNAC will receive updates from Self-Governing and Modern Treaty First Nations partners by the end of these funding initiatives.
• CIRNAC is currently working through the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development process with Self-Government and Modern Treaty First Nations to develop a second stage of life-cycle infrastructure funding model. This model will be based on infrastructure standards prevailing in comparable communities and will support partners who are economically disadvantaged catch up to those standards over time.
• In 2022-23, CIRNAC amended fiscal arrangements with 24 Self-Government and Modern Treaty First Nations to implement a lifecycle infrastructure funding approach developed through the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Process. This resulted in $39.8M in incremental funding for their agreements on an ongoing basis which represented a 154% increase.
• CIRNAC has also established a dedicated Intergovernmental Housing Steering Committees for Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to advance solutions and recommendations in response to the critical housing and infrastructure needs.
• Territorial government investments have focused on new and replacement public housing units, repairs to existing public housing units, making housing stock more energy efficient, and continued investment in people through training and apprenticeship. Results to date include:
  • Delivery of 109 new public housing units.
  • 22 modular housing units were purchased and delivered to communities where new housing projects are underway.
  • remediation initiatives, minor repairs and maintenance projects to existing housing stock and infrastructure facilities.
  • 116 major modernization and improvement (repair) projects to sustain and preserve existing public housing stock.

Key Messages

• The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework was launched in 2019 with territorial governments, Northern and Arctic Indigenous governments and organizations, and three provincial governments. The Framework provides "A shared vision of the future where Arctic and northern people are thriving, strong and safe". The Framework is intended to guide the Government of Canada's priorities, activities and investments in the Arctic to 2030 and beyond, and to better align Canada's national and international policy objectives with the priorities of Northerners.
• We continue to work with Framework partners to ensure that Northerners priorities are reflected in federal policies. Housing and infrastructure needs were key priorities raised by Framework partners at the 2023 Leadership Committee meeting. Other priorities noted by partners included the need for a formalized mechanism for sharing information with territorial and First Nation governments; mental health and addictions supports; economic development (including clean energy/green economic measures); climate change; measures to address the high cost of living; and northern security and defence.
• Since the release of the Framework, the Government of Canada has made significant investments to support northern economies and move forward on social and political self-determination. These investments have been in areas that reflect both the co-developed Framework goals and the direct advocacy of partners.

Background

• Released in 2019, the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework was co-developed with Inuit (ITK and the four Inuit Land Claim Organizations), First Nations (Governments and organizations in the Yukon and Northwest Territories), and northern Métis, the territorial governments of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon, and the provincial governments of Manitoba, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Development of the International and Defence chapters was led by Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence, respectively.
• The Framework builds on 8 overarching and interconnected goals – people and communities, strong economies, comprehensive infrastructure, environment and biodiversity, science and Indigenous knowledge, global leadership, safety, security and defence, and reconciliation.
• Targeted federal investments in Budgets 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 are contributions toward the achievement of the co-developed Framework goals and objectives.

Current Status

• The Leadership Committee meeting held in Whitehorse on October 13, 2023 was chaired by the Minister of Northern Affairs and co-hosted by the Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations. Reflecting the whole-of-government nature of the Framework, the meeting included presentations by the parliamentary secretaries of National Defence and of Foreign Affairs on northern security and defence and on international chapter implementation, respectively, and by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities on housing and infrastructure as Framework priority areas. The Premiers of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut attended, as well as First Nations leadership from Yukon and Northwest Territories.
• Securing resources specifically allocated for Framework implementation remains, for partners, a foremost concern. Partners expect ongoing collaborative work to finalize the governance approaches which will be utilized to determine regional priorities for new investments and to contribute to co-implementation.

Key Messages

• In November 2023, The Parliamentary Budget Officer published a Supplementary Estimates (B) report, spotlighting Indigenous reconciliation in the context of increasing contingent liability (CL) balances for the Government of Canada. This amount has grown significantly in the past few years but represents progress as the Department advances reconciliation agenda.
• CIRNAC continues to renew the relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis and to make meaningful progress toward reconciliation and self-determination.
• The increase in Indigenous claim expenses represents our unwavering commitment as part of the reconciliation process to resolve past harms to pave the way for a more respectful and constructive relationship with Indigenous Peoples.

Background

• The Public Accounts of Canada for the year ended March 31, 2023 were tabled in the House of Commons on October 24, 2023.
• Volume I presents the audited consolidated financial statements of the government, as well as additional financial information and analyses. Section 1 of Volume I includes the 2023 Financial Highlights, which noted the government recorded expenses totaling approximately $26 billion related to Indigenous claims; absent these expenses, the budgetary deficit would have been roughly $9 billion, or 0.3% of gross domestic product (GDP).
• On October 26, 2023, the Parliamentary Budget Officer requested detailed information on the $26 billion of expenses related to Indigenous claims by the claim categories referenced in the Public Accounts of Canada. This includes an expense breakdown by new claims and the revaluation of existing claims and historical information from fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
• Of the $26 billion for Indigenous claims recorded in the Public Accounts of Canada, $22.7 billion relates to CIRNAC. The increase in contingent liabilities is mainly due to the revaluation of existing claims for specific and litigation claims in light of new information that became available during the fiscal year.

Current Status

• As required by Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the Department updates its contingent liability balance on a quarterly basis. It is expected that contingent liability balances will continue to rise as we advance the reconciliation agenda.
• It is expected there will be continued focus on our contingent liability and we need to ensure that the messaging supports our progress towards reconciliation – righting past wrongs and is not viewed simply as increased spending.

Key Messages

• The government is working with Indigenous and northern communities to support climate change adaptation, advance Indigenous Climate Leadership, and to reduce reliance on diesel in the North by helping communities shift to renewable sources of energy.
• The National Adaptation Strategy provided an additional $50 million over five years starting in 2023-2024 to enhance support for Indigenous adaptation projects and priorities through CIRNAC's existing climate adaptation programs. These programs are supporting communities in building the skills, knowledge and resources they need to enhance their climate resilience. Since 2016, CIRNAC has supported 748 adaptation projects totaling $164 million, including 49 wildfire and emergency preparedness projects.
• The Emissions Reduction Plan and Budget 2022 reaffirmed Canada's commitment to supporting Indigenous self-determination on climate action, by providing $29.6 million over three years to advance the co-development of an Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis governments and representative organizations.

Background

• CIRNAC delivers 5 climate change programs that support Indigenous Peoples and northerners to take a leadership role in climate action, through clean energy, adaptation, and climate policy engagement. Projects are community-led, build capacity and skills, and yield economic opportunities for communities.
• Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan and Canada's Emissions Reduction Plan supports Indigenous Climate Leadership which invests in the agency of Indigenous communities and rights-holders on addressing climate change. The Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda will establish a transformational, long-term partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners on climate change, and will help to ensure that Indigenous Peoples have the resources and authorities necessary to take self-determined climate action on adaptation and mitigation. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada jointly lead this initiative.
• Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan and Budget 2021 delivered $40.4 million to support hydro planning and feasibility in the North, as well as $300 million to transition Indigenous and remote communities from diesel to clean, renewable and reliable energy. To deliver this funding, the Government has established Wah-ila-toos – a single-window initiative to better support communities in accessing federal funding and expertise to support their self-determined clean energy priorities.

Current Status

• Through its climate change programs, CIRNAC continues to support Indigenous and northern communities, in addressing climate change impacts and developing clean energy projects. Since 2016, CIRNAC's climate change programs have supported more than 1050 projects/initiatives across Indigenous and northern communities with investments totaling more than $309 million.
• Through the Northern REACHE program, CIRNAC is working with territorial governments and Indigenous organizations to support hydroelectric and grid interconnection projects like the Iqaluit Hydro project and the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link. More work is needed to advance Indigenous and northern projects.
• In collaboration with 13 federal departments, CIRNAC and Environment and Climate Change Canada are working with Indigenous partners across Canada to co-develop the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda, including distinctions-based strategies. Funding is being provided to over 30 national and regional Indigenous governments and representative organizations to support an Indigenous-led engagement process with communities and rightsholders. At a national-level, distinctions-based co-development processes are ongoing.
• Under the federal Action Plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, the Government of Canada has committed to action plan measure 1.46 to advance an Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda, that vests the resources and authorities necessary for Indigenous peoples to fully exercise their right to self-determination on climate.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Key Messages

• Canada is committed to the sustainable management of northern lands and resources.
• Budget 2023 announced $6.9 million over five years to support a science-based approach to oil and gas in Canada's Arctic waters and the implementation of the Western Tariuq (Offshore) Oil and Gas Accord.
• The government of Canada is working with territorial and Northern Indigenous leaders to advance a science-based approach to oil and gas management in Canada's Arctic waters.

Background

• In December 2016, Canada announced an indefinite moratorium on oil and gas in the Arctic offshore, to be reviewed every 5 years through a climate and marine science-based life-cycle assessment. Territorial governments and Inuvialuit leadership objected to Canada's unilateral announcement of the moratorium.
• CIRNAC officials worked with territorial and northern Inuit officials to finalize the five-year review in order to inform the decision on the moratorium. The review included a study of greenhouse gas emissions from offshore oil production, a survey of well containment and control measures, and an offshore resource assessment. In June 2022, Canada maintained the moratorium and supported a second five-year review to be finalized by 2027. An Arctic offshore prohibition order that suspends current oil and gas licences and any oil and gas activity in the Arctic offshore is also in place.
• On August 10, 2023 the Minister of Northern Affairs alongside the Premiers of the Yukon and the NWT and the President of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) signed the Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord. The Accord establishes a regime for the joint-management and administration of oil and gas resources in the Western Arctic offshore and assigns Northerns as the primary beneficiary of resource revenues from the Accord area.
• Budget 2023 announced $6.9 million over five years to support science projects and internal capacity that will inform the decision on the moratorium and allow for the implementation of the Tariuq Accord in legislation.
• Budget 2022 announced $2.5 million for Inuvialuit capacity to participate in the implementation of the Tariuq Accord and the second five-year review.

Current Status

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Key Messages

• The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, launched in 2019 with territorial, Indigenous and provincial partners, and now focused on implementation, includes a Safety, Security and Defence chapter led by the Department of National Defence.
• The 2023 Leadership Committee meeting – held on October 13th in Whitehorse, Yukon – served as an important opportunity for the Minister of Northern Affairs and his colleagues to hear directly from partners on their key priorities, including a presentation by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of National Defence on Arctic and northern security and defence.
• Northern security and defence was again among the top priorities noted by partners at the 2023 meeting, including decisions related to infrastructure and site selection.
• Conversations with Framework partners related to Arctic security are important and will continue, to ensure that their priorities and contributions to a safe and secure North and to Canada's overall strength are appropriately reflected.

Background

• Goal 7 of the Framework is that "the Canadian Arctic and North and its people are safe, secure and well-defended." The Framework goals also reflect a broad definition of security, encompassing goals and objectives that address the human dimension of security.
• 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.
• Since its release, the Government of Canada has made significant investments in areas reflective of both Framework priorities and the direct advocacy of Framework partners. Defence related investments apply across Canada but have implications for the North and Arctic; they have included investments in NORAD modernization and continental defence.

Current Status

• Security and defence, including infrastructure and site selection, was one of the most-identified priorities noted by Framework partners at the Leadership Committee meeting held in Whitehorse on October 13, 2023, chaired by the Minister of Northern Affairs and co-hosted by the Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations.
• At the officials' level, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs continues to support National Defence in engaging with Framework partners on issues with direct implications for the north, such as NORAD modernization and continental defence.
• Since the 2023 meeting, the Yukon has established the Yukon Arctic Security Advisory Council to help the territory assess security risks and provide advise to ensure the territory's needs are considered in federal decision making about Arctic security.
• In February 2024, the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly announced that the safety of residents and communities will be one of the territorial government's top priorities, reflecting the broader understanding of security.
• The Department of National Defence has established a dedicated funding program to support Indigenous partners and advance engagement activities where partners' resources are constrained and as part of its commitment to building in a distinctions-based, nation-to-nation approach to Indigenous engagement.

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of a Land Use Plan for Nunavut and continues to support a strong and viable co-management regime across the North.
• The release of a recommended Plan by the Nunavut Planning Commission is a positive step forward for the planning process in Nunavut and Nunavummiut.
• Coordinated by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, the Government of Canada is reviewing the Plan and continues to collaborate with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as we move towards making decisions on the recommended Plan.

Background

• The Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC) was established in 1995, pursuant to the Nunavut Agreement, and is responsible for preparing land use plans in the Nunavut Settlement Area. Decisions on whether to accept a land use plan are made, according to the Nunavut Agreement, by the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI).
• Two regional plans (for the North Baffin and Keewatin regions) were approved in 2000. These plans would be replaced by the Nunavut-wide land use plan, should it be approved. The Nunavut Planning Commission began work on a Nunavut-wide land use plan in 2007. The latest draft of the Nunavut Land Use Plan was released in July 2021. It was publicly reviewed, including three rounds of written submissions, and subject to five regional public hearings across Nunavut and northern Manitoba between its release and March 2023.
• Three previous drafts of the territory-wide Nunavut Land Use Plan have been prepared released in 2011/ 2012, 2014, and 2016; however, none of these were submitted for approval.
• On June 20, 2023, the NPC submitted the Plan to the Minister of Northern Affairs, the Nunavut Minister of Environment and the President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated for a decision.
• Under the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act, these Decision Parties must, as soon as practicable, either accept the Plan jointly or any of them may reject it with written reasons.
  • If all three Parties accept the Plan, the federal and territorial Ministers must recommend its approval to Cabinet and Executive Council, respectively. If approved by these bodies, the Plan would come into force.
  • If rejected by any of the Parties, the Commission must review the reasons (and may hold further public hearings) and resubmit a revised Plan for the decision of the Parties.

Current Status

• Overall, since the 2021 draft, the NPC has made changes to the Plan that reflect a variety of suggestions from multiple parties (communities, Indigenous governments and organizations, the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, regional Inuit associations, environmental and non-governmental organizations and industry).
• To date, initial reactions from external stakeholders to the Recommended Plan have been mixed, with some key parties (e.g., the mining industry) indicating they have serious concerns and urging its rejection, and others (e.g., environmental non-governmental organizations) expressing that the Recommended Plan represents a solid foundation for land management in Nunavut and urging its approval.
• CIRNAC is coordinating the ongoing Government of Canada analysis of the Recommended Plan through a federal working group in preparation for substantive discussions with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, beginning in late March.
• It is expected these discussions will continue through spring/summer 2024, with the aim of reaching a joint decision whether to accept or reject the Recommended Plan. CIRNAC is also conducting joint Crown consultation with the Government of Nunavut.
• Once Crown consultation is complete and the Parties' discussions on concerns with the Plan and a path forward have concluded, a decision package will be routed to the Minister of Northern Affairs to accept or reject the Recommended Plan. The current target is late summer/fall 2024.

Key Messages

• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is addressing the issue of Indigenous organizations in the Northwest Territories having incurred undue expenses during the 2023 wildfire crisis in support of their members.
• Allocated funding in the amount of $15M has been received and will be allocated by March 31, 2024 to all affected Indigenous organizations which funding proposals were approved.
• This one-time emergency funding will allow Indigenous organizations to continue their governance responsibilities without interruption to regular services to their members.

Background

• The Northwest Territories experienced an unprecedented wildfire season in 2023. There were numerous evacuation orders resulting in the displacement of thousands of individuals, including a large number of Indigenous communities in the territory.
• During this crisis, Indigenous organizations across the Northwest Territories financially supported their members by providing culturally relevant supports during the evacuation, and drawing funds from core governance allocations.
• To an extent, all Indigenous organizations and governments in the Northwest Territories have been impacted by the wildfires. As a result, Indigenous organizations have seen unprecedented needs to support their governance and memberships during and after the wildfire evacuation events.

Current Status

• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is disbursing funding to all affected Indigenous groups whose proposals were accepted for funding.
• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is working with Indigenous Services Canada, Public Safety Canada and Territorial and Indigenous partners to develop a strategy for the 2024 wildfire season and a long-term strategy to address future emergency management support in a culturally relevant manner.

Key Messages

• Devolution is a long-standing federal policy objective and commitment to advance Nunavut's self-determination which seeks to ensure greater local control and accountability for decisions.
• The Prime Minister, the Minister of Northern Affairs, the Premier of Nunavut, and the President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated signed the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement on January 18, 2024 in Iqaluit.
• The Government of Canada is committed to navigating positive relationships with partners in support of a seamless and collaborative devolution of roles, responsibilities, and authorities with the transfer date set for April 1, 2027.

Background

• Nunavut remains the last territory without control of its own lands and resources.
• Completing devolution will enable the federal government to increase its focus on its other core responsibilities, such as intergovernmental relations, sovereignty and defense, land claims implementation, climate change, remediation of contaminated sites and economic development.
• Devolution is reconciliation in action as it is a key step for the self-determination of Inuit and Nunavummiut. It follows through on the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement signed in 1993, and the creation of the territory of Nunavut in 1999.
• Devolution creates stronger public governments that are more responsive to local priorities while ensuring that social, culture, economic and other benefits of resource development in the region are shared with Nunavummiut.
• The Transitional Human Resource Development Strategy was co-developed to support organizational capacity within the Government of Nunavut, with a primary goal of maximizing Inuit education and employment opportunities to ensure a viable workforce on the transfer date. The Government of Canada has committed $15 million to co-implement the Transitional Human Resources Development Strategy.

Current Status

• The signing of the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement in January 2024 launched a three-year implementation phase towards bringing the Devolution Agreement into effect in April 1, 2027.
• On February 14, 2024, the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Canada launched Inunnguqsaivik: Learning for a purpose. This capacity-building initiative under the Transitional Human Resources Development Strategy provides Nunavut Inuit and northerners access to supports to build the skills, and the training necessary to manage stewardship of Nunavut's lands, waters, and resources.
• Next steps for implementation include preparations required to carry out the new territorial responsibilities; and the transfer of human resources, funding, and assets necessary for the Government of Nunavut to assume these roles and responsibilities.
• Nunavut Devolution will require legislative amendments so that the authorities are transferred to the Government of Nunavut. To ensure a seamless transfer, the Government of Nunavut will enact mirroring legislation.
• Section 35 consultations with Indigenous Groups having asserted or established Aboriginal and/or treaty rights within Nunavut have informed and will continue to inform the implementation process.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

• Funding to Implement the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement - $97,433,425 for the period ranging from FY24-25 to FY27-28. Votes 1 and 10 in new funding, performance indicators included in Department PIPs under: Northern Arctic Governance and Partnerships – Nunavut Devolution.
• Funding to Implement the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement - $5,547,908 to be funded internally for the period ranging from FY24-25 to FY27-28. Vote 1 in existing A-Base funding, performance indicators included in Department PIPs under: Northern Arctic Governance and Partnerships – Nunavut Devolution.

Key Messages

• On August 15, 2022, the Government of Canada announced a significant step forward in addressing food security in the North. An investment of $143.4 million over two years from Budget 2021 has expanded Nutrition North Canada's ability to help isolated communities address food security through a range of innovative solutions.
• In 2023-2024, Budget 2021 expansions resulted in NNC onboarding 3 food banks onto its subsidy program; grant agreements were signed with 24 Indigenous governments and organizations and as a result, $40.2M has been committed to Indigenous partners under the Harvesters Support Grant & Community Food Programs Fund by March 2024. Additionally, $1.5 million over two years was provided for NNC's Food Security Research Grant, which has funded 5 Indigenous-led projects aimed at informing improvements to the subsidy.
• Collectively, these recent investments in Nutrition North Canada's expanded food security programs have been lauded by Indigenous and northern partners, who view sustained investments in these shared solutions as a core requirement to continued progress.

Background

• Traditionally, the Nutrition North Program's primary focus was not food security, but health and nutrition as a function of northern development.
• The Program adjusted its mandate through Budget 2021 to include food security as a policy driver in both northern and southern Canada's remote communities.
• Since its inception in 2011, Nutrition North Canada's retail subsidy has helped to lower the prices of eligible food and essential items in isolated northern communities, while increasing the amount of perishable nutritious food available. The number of eligible communities has increased from 79 to 124.
• Recent use of the retail subsidy has been unprecedented. Between 2011 and March 2023, the average volume of eligible items shipped to northern isolated communities increased by approximately 106 percent. About 324.9 million kilograms of eligible items were subsidized, with an average increase of about 4.2 million kilograms annually.
• Budget 2021 provided necessary funding to improve and expand the retail subsidy program. This included allowing food banks and registered charities to join the program and subsidize donated food and essential items at a flat rate of $3 per kg. This advancement is now providing real help to those who need it most.
• Through Budget 2022, an additional $20 million was invested to be allocated towards the retail subsidy. The funding is being used to address the rising cost of food due to inflation.
• Nutrition North Canada's newly implemented food security programming was co-developed with Indigenous and community partners, and included involvement from all four Inuit modern treaty holders organizations and is the first formal federal recognition of the Inuit Nunangat Food Security Strategy.
• 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 the first two years, the Harvesters Support Grant supported 15,000 harvesters, 410 hunts and harvests, and over 717 food sharing initiatives in over 110 isolated communities.
• Late in 2022-2023, five agreements were signed with successful Food Security Research Grant applicants, totaling $1.25M. The Research Grant is driving Indigenous-led research on food access and the high costs of living in the North. Results are expected throughout the 2024/2025 fiscal year and will inform ongoing improvements to the retail subsidy program, including subsidy pass-through.

Current Status

• As Budget 2021 investments continue to be rolled out, Nutrition North Canada's community food security results are expected to double from these expanded investments.
• Program officials are working closely with key partners, including the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, Indigenous Working Group, the Inuit Food Security Working Group, community and community leaders to further expand the retail subsidy to food banks, non-for-profits, and local food producers.
• Clear opportunities exist to profile the innovative food security work being led by communities, and enhance communication efforts on Nutrition North Canada's four programming areas. Through a series of proposed engagements northerners stand to learn more about how Nutrition North Canada works with its Indigenous and northern partners to co-develop and deliver new food security programming to northerners. As always, these engagements will also focus on listening to valuable feedback from northerners on how Nutrition North Canada can continue to improve.
• Nutrition North Canada is committed to on-going improvements of the program. In order to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of the Nutrition North Canada program, a Departmental internal evaluation has been launched that is targeted to be completed by March 2025.
• In addition to the subsidy, the Harvesters Support Grant and new Community Food Programs Fund are effectively providing needed supports for community harvesting activities and improved food infrastructure to all eligible, isolated communities before the funding sunsets on March 31, 2024.
• The recent expansion of the subsidy program to food banks and non-profits has supported the flow of donated foods to isolated communities. Nutrition North Canada continues to work with Indigenous partners and non-profit partners to expand the food banking network in the North, and develop a bulk buying model to provide further supports and options for northern residents.
• Preliminary results from Food Security Research Grant recipients are expected this spring. These results will be leveraged for policy development, specifically for the retail subsidy.

a. Finance Page Proofs

Detail by Organization for Supplementary Estimates (B), 2023-24 - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

b. Supps B Fact Sheet

c. Overview of programs mentioned in Supps B

• CanNor will receive $5.3M in funding for the 2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (B). $0.8M for Operating, $0.1M for Statutory benefits, $2.7M for Grants and $1.7M for Contributions.
• This represents approximately a 6% increase since the 2023-24 Main Estimates tabled in March 2023.

a. Finance Page Proofs

2024–25 Estimates - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

b. Main Estimates Fact Sheet

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency's (CanNor) Main Estimates have decreased by $10.0M (12%), from $81.4M in 2023-24 to $71.4M in 2024-25.

c. Overview of programs mentioned in Main Estimates

a. Spending Review

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is dedicated to collaborating with partners to boost diverse and dynamic economies in the North. However, due to its small size and the high operating cost in each territorial capital, CanNor faces unique challenges. To address legal obligations, CanNor provides specialized services like the Northern Projects Management Office and Pilimmaksaivik. The agency's efforts to save funds prioritize enhancing internal operational efficiencies while minimizing any adverse effects on the northern and Indigenous communities it serves.

To support this initiative, CanNor has committed to reducing the Operating costs of travel and external professional services:

CanNor is committed to saving operating costs through various strategies, such as,

• Leverage advanced technology for better collaboration and communication, i.e., virtual meetings, etc., to enhance efficiency;
• Explore alternatives and cost-effective options for travel arrangements and service providers, ensuring resource optimization;
• Prioritize travel engagements with stakeholders in the northern regions, establishing well-defined travel policies for accommodations and meals to streamline costs;
• Engage in negotiations with service providers to secure contracts, striving for mutually beneficial agreements when possible;
• Review spending regularly to identify ongoing optimization opportunities and adapt strategies accordingly; and,
• Empower employees through targeted training sessions on practical cost-saving measures, fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility within the organization.

b. Mining

• Mining is the largest private sector industry and largest employer of Indigenous people in the territories.
• Mining contributed more than $2.4 billion to the territories' GDP in 2022.
• Canada's territories hold promise to help supply the critical minerals we need to fuel the transition to green technologies. Identified deposits include tungsten, uranium, rare earths, zinc, and copper.

2023–24 Supps (B) page proofs - Western Economic Diversification

Detail by Organization for Supplementary Estimates (B), 2023-24 - Department of Western Economic Diversification

a. Issue Brief - Funding Reprofiles of Temporary Programming

b. Issue Brief - Funding Transfers

c. Issue Brief - Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation

d. Issue Brief - Tourism Growth Program

2023–24 Supps (C) page proofs - Western Economic Diversification

Detail by Organization for Supplementary Estimates (C), 2023-24 - Department of Western Economic Diversification

Key Statistics for the Prairies

Key Messages

• Polar Knowledge Canada was created by the Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act which came into force on June 1, 2015.
• The administration of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station was transferred to Polar Knowledge Canada through an Order in Council on March 27, 2023.
• As per a Treasury Board condition imposed upon its creation, Polar Knowledge Canada is to return to Government no later than July 2024 to validate ongoing funding requirements and confirm adjustments to reference levels for 2025-26 and beyond.

Background

• Polar Knowledge Canada will return to the Treasury Board to meets its condition to validate on-going funding requirements and confirm adjustments to reference levels for the implementation of the:
  • Science and Technology Program, equipment and ongoing operations of the facility and Program;
  • Canadian High Arctic Research Station's construction, fit-up and equipment; and
  • Grants and contributions to support the advancement of Northern Science and Technology.

Current Status

• Polar Knowledge Canada is on track to return to Government in summer 2024 to confirm the requirement needed to confirm future reference levels.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Key Messages

• Polar Knowledge Canada's Supplementary Estimates (B) for 2023-24 are $947K.
• The funds relate to the reprofile of unspent funds in the previous fiscal year, 2022-23.
• The funding will be used to renew the fleet of off-road vehicles at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut as well as to upgrade the furnishings of employees and visitors housing.

Background

• Polar Knowledge Canada provides logistics and operations support to visiting researchers for laboratory and field operations activities, which requires safe and operational all-terrain transportation capable of travelling to harsh and remote areas in all seasons in and around Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. $650K of the funding will be directed to upgrade the off-road vehicle fleet.
• Polar Knowledge Canada provides housing to staff who work at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station as well as for visiting researchers. $297K of the funding will be directed to the upgrade of older furnishings in the housing units.

Current Status

• Completed acquisition of upgrades to housing and accommodations in the amount of $267K.
• Remaining $30K in various low-dollar value items which will be acquired by 31 March 2024.
• $650K is earmarked for off-road vehicles (ATV/Snowmobiles).

Key Messages

• Polar Knowledge Canada/Canadian High Arctic Research Station Main Estimates 2024-25 are $35,410,153.
• The main estimates are $2,934,726 higher than the 2023-24 Main Estimates ($32,475,427). This increase is mainly due to the transfer of the administration of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station and other related federal real property from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to Polar Knowledge Canada.

Background

• As per a Treasury Board condition imposed upon its creation, Polar Knowledge Canada is to return to Government no later than July 2024 to validate ongoing funding requirements and confirm adjustments to reference levels for 2025-26 and beyond and will confirm adjustments to reference levels.
• For 2024-25, the current reference levels are as follows:
  • Voted Appropriation
    • Operations and Maintenance - $25,210,666
    • Transfer Payments - $7,796,000
  • Statutory Appropriation
    • Employee Benefits Plan and Estimated Respendable Revenue - $2,403,487
  • Total = $35,410,153

Current Status

• Polar Knowledge Canada is on track to return to Government in summer 2024 to confirm future reference levels.