2023-24 Departmental Sustainable Developement Strategy Progress Report

Mountains, water, and canoes lanscape — Photo credit: Rhonda Steed

Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
Commitments for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Integrating Sustainable Development

Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. This is the first FSDS to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and provides a balanced view of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in CIRNAC's 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). This Report provides a report on progress related to CIRNAC's DSDS in the fiscal year 2023 to 2024.

The Federal Sustainable Development Act also sets out seven principles that must be considered in the development of the FSDS as well as DSDS. These basic principles have been considered and incorporated into CIRNAC's DSDS and 2023 to 2024 DSDS Report.

To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, CIRNAC's departmental strategy reports on Canada's progress towards implementing the 2030 Agenda and advancing the SDGs, supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators. The Report also now captures progress on SDG initiatives that fall outside the scope of the FSDS.

Commitments for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Support a healthier and more sustainable food system

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)'s Nutrition North Canada (NNC) program supports Goal 2. This program contributes to food security and food sovereignty in eligible isolated northern communities through strengthening local food systems, including market, country and locally produced food. The NNC program retail subsidy helps make nutritious food and some essential items more accessible and more affordable than they otherwise would be by subsidizing a list of eligible items purchased from northern retailers and southern suppliers, as well as some traditional foods purchased through a country food processor or distributor.

The Harvesters Support Grant supports increased access to traditional foods by sharing some expenses associated with traditional hunting and harvesting. The Community Food Program Fund builds on the Harvesters Support Grant to support the entirety of traditional food systems, including subsistence food production, food sharing programs and networks.

The program is a horizontal initiative and includes culturally appropriate retail and community-based nutrition education initiatives supported by Indigenous Services Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Indigenous Services Canada serves residents of eligible First Nations and Inuit communities, and the Public Health Agency of Canada serves residents of isolated northern communities that fall outside the mandate of Indigenous Services Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.

Additionally, CIRNAC's Northern Contaminants Program also supports Goal 2 by improving our knowledge of plastic contaminants in the Arctic and northern environments and food security policies and infrastructure planning.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy (FSDS) target

Implementation strategy: Enhance Indigenous and northern food security

Departmental action: Nutrition North Canada (NNC) Program

Northern and Indigenous communities are resilient to changing environments: Food sovereignty is strengthened in northern and Indigenous communities.

Performance Indicator: Percentage of median income required to purchase sufficient nutritious food.
- Starting point: 30 percent (2021)
- Target: at least 3 percent decrease by March 2026
- Result Achieved: New data will be available March 2026.
  Revised Northern Food Basket data for 2023-2024 fiscal year is not available due to backend adjustments to the data being made to improve its accuracy.
Performance indicator: Percentage increase in harvesting and sharing of country foods in isolated northern communities.
- Starting point: In 2020-2021, recipients reported 5,600 hunters, 135 community hunts/harvests, and 120 community food sharing initiatives
- Target: To be confirmed in October 2023
- Result Achieved: Results available November 8, 2024.
  Numbers will be available November 8, 2024 as it is contingent on communities' reports coming in.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Through its suite of food security programming, Nutrition North Canada (NNC) Program contributes to Goal 2 by supporting Indigenous-led food systems and increasing access to store-bought, country, and locally produced foods for residents in isolated, northern communities. The Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund provide Indigenous governments and organizations with flexible funding resources to increase the availability of culturally appropriate foods, support harvesters, and sustain the network of food security initiatives and programs that ensure everyone is fed. Additionally, the NNC subsidy program helps lower the cost of nutritious food in stores and provide options at no-cost to northern residents through food banks and not-for-profit.

These supports are designed and codeveloped with Indigenous partners to ensure that food security programming is locally driven and is sensitive to the realities of isolated communities.

NNC's programming aligns with the goals and objectives of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, reflecting Goal 1 of the Framework: "Canadian Arctic and northern Indigenous Peoples are resilient and healthy."

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
- CIF Ambition 2.1: Canadians have access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food.

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability Program – Northern Contaminants Program
Monitoring of contaminants in the North

Monitoring of contaminants in the North

Performance indicator: Percentage of long-term northern and Arctic contaminant monitoring datasets maintained.
- Starting point: 88 percent
- Target: 100 percent
- Result Achieved: 93 percent
  Sampling carried out in 2023-24 is supporting the extension of 37 of 40 long-term contaminants datasets across the North and Arctic. Maintaining and building on these long-term datasets enables the detection of specific contaminants of concern and identifying their long-term trends in multiple compartments of the Arctic environment, including in species that serve as important local food sources for Indigenous peoples. These datasets include contaminants found in air and water, seal, beluga, Arctic char, burbot, trout and polar bear. These long-term datasets are critical in supporting the assessment of human health risks and for informing domestic and international pollution and chemicals management initiatives.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Information on plastic pollution in Arctic and northern environments collected by the Northern Contaminants Program and made available to broader assessments can inform policy and infrastructure planning in effort to enhance Indigenous and northern food security.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
- CIF Ambition 2.1.1: Prevalence of food insecurity

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 2 – Zero Hunger

The following initiatives demonstrate how Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned Initiative: Nutrition North Canada (NNC) Program

The NNC Program supports SDG 2 in the following ways:

Subsidy program for retailers and not-for-profit entities (e.g. food banks);
Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund;
Nutrition Education Initiatives;
Food Security Research Grant.

The NNC Subsidy Program helps lower the cost of nutritious food and other essential items in 123 isolated communities to make it more affordable and accessible as it would otherwise be without the subsidy. In 2022, the NNC Program extended the subsidy to not for-profit entities to provide eligible communities with food at no cost. The newly launched research program is Indigenous-led and seeks to fill in critical data gaps to drive policy development and provide critical insights on how to better position the program to address Northerners' needs.

Complementing access to market foods, in 2020 the program launched the Harvesters Support Grant to support hunting and harvesting related activities in eligible communities in order to strengthen local food systems and support cultural restoration and revitalization. Through Budget 2021 investments, the NNC Program added the Community Food Programs Fund to support local food security programs such as bulk buying, school and elder meal programs, among others.

NNC's programming aligns with the goals and objectives of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, reflecting Goal 1 of the Framework "Canada Arctic and northern Indigenous Peoples are resilient and healthy." The Framework sets out to achieve its objectives by 2030, informed by the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Consequently, the NNC Program is working towards the Framework's Goal 1 of ending poverty and eradicating hunger by 2030.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:

CIF Ambition: 2.1 Canadians have access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food.

Result achieved

In 2023-2024, Nutrition North Canada continued to meet regularly with the Indigenous Working Group (IWG), Advisory Board and Indigenous-Crown Food Security Working Group (ICFSWG) to support and strengthen the delivery of Nutrition North Canada programming including through culturally-appropriate, locally-led solutions.

In 2023-2024, Nutrition North Canada partnered with a network of food banks and Indigenous organizations to expand food distribution networks in eligible communities and extend the subsidy to additional food banks. Nutrition North Canada is currently registered with three Food Banks with three more being onboarded. In December 2023, a new Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Tribal Councils, food banks and charities, and Arctic Gateway. The inclusion of food banks in the subsidy program is already having an impact on several communities. It seeks to help 120,000 residents in 43 eligible isolated and northern communities access essential and desired food items from food banks in Ontario and Manitoba. As a result of this expansion, in the past year, more than 100,000 kilograms of free food has been shipped to eligible communities.

In 2023-2024, 100 percent of the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund funding was delivered to 24 eligible organizations representing 112 communities. These innovative approaches to food security—developed with partners and communities—are showing proven results for isolated communities, with greater choice when it comes to accessing affordable, healthy, and culturally relevant foods in the North.

In 2023-2024 the Food Security Research Grant delivered its final funding of Phase I to the five Indigenous-led research projects, to identify options to further improve the program's operations, transparency, and accountability.

The Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund can be used for local food infrastructure and local food initiatives. Also, local food growers and country food processors and distributors are able to register for the subsidy program in eligible communities. Budget 2024 sustained investments in the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund, and the total budget will be $40.26 million per year, for three years beginning in 2024-2025.

Nutrition North Canada is doing its part to support food security in eligible northern and isolated communities through its various programs. It was not established to solve food security on its own, this involves a whole-of-government approach that includes working with territories, provinces, and Indigenous leadership and communities.

By 2023-2024, the annual investments into Nutrition North Canada had reached $188 million, including $145 million that was invested into the subsidy alone.

Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development

The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework was launched in 2019 to guide Government of Canada priorities, activities and investments in the region 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 Framework, federal investments have been made towards improving post-secondary attainment, including funding to establish a Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education to make recommendations on establishing a robust system of post-secondary education in the North. Task Force members were appointed in October 2020, all of whom were nominated by northern governments, organizations and partners to the Framework. The Task Force's final report, A Shared Responsibility: Northern Voices, Northern Solutions — Report of the Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education, released in March 2022, demonstrated that 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.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 4 – Quality Education

Planned initiative: Implementation of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework

To support the implementation of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF), the following Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) investments have been made towards improving accessibility of post-secondary education for Northerners:

$1 million to establish a Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education to make recommendations on establishing a robust system of post-secondary education in the North (Budget 2019)
$26 million over five years towards the construction of a new science building at Yukon University (Budget 2019)
$12.97 million over five years to the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning to support culturally-appropriate and land-based learning and research activities (Budget 2019)
$8 million to support the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university (Budget 2021).

Reconciliation is both a goal of the ANPF and a guiding principle that runs through all of its other goals and objectives. CIRNAC collaborates with all Framework partners to support the social and political self-determination that underpins reconciliation, and to fully implement the reconciliation-related objectives of the Framework. CIRNAC's investments towards northern post-secondary education reflect this approach.

The Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning initiative involves programming that is rooted in Indigenous practices, culture, and values.

Yukon University has a commitment to advancing reconciliation in its strategic plan for 2022-2027 and as part of achieving that, it will centre Indigenous Knowledge in its curricula and teaching, its leadership styles and governance, as well as working with First Nations, building an Indigenous student centre, and addressing social injustices.

Support for the transformation of Aurora College is anticipated to have significant positive benefits to Indigenous Peoples as a portion of funding will go toward community engagement that will inform programming and campus locations.

The Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education's first Call to Action involves the recognition and use of Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being and is itself a foundational Call to Action that is further elaborated in several of the other Calls to Action.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

CIF Target: 4.2 Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives. This target tracks the post-secondary education attainment rate but has no specific target.
GIF Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Result achieved

In 2023-24, CIRNAC continued to support Northerners through investments in northern post-secondary education. This support advanced the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning's delivery of land-based and Indigenous-led research and education programming as well as the construction of Yukon University's science building.

With close to a two-fold increase in both the number of applicants and enrollment, the Dechinta Centre demonstrated how it contributed to improved post-secondary education attainment rates in Canada's north. In addition, the Dechinta Centre improved accessibility to post-secondary education for Indigenous students in the north and across Canada with the greater majority of its students being Indigenous. Inclusive and accessible education for Indigenous communities is especially important in the north, where academic performance and post-secondary rates are considered disproportionately low. Following the wildfires and mass evacuation that impacted the Northwest Territories in 2023, Dechinta, with one time funding of $150,000, launched a Post-Evacuation Recovery Plan involving a land-based series of healing workshops to help individuals and communities who experienced these events.

While construction of Yukon University's science building remained at the planning stage, it is expected that the institution's new science building will contribute to greater access to inclusive and quality education.

Both the Task Force on Northern Post Secondary Education and the Aurora College initiatives were completed prior to 2023. Funding was allocated and spent prior to 2023.

Champion gender equality

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's (CIRNAC) various initiatives contribute to Goal 5. The department has established a Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) Centre of Expertise and has developed an Indigenous culturally competent GBA Plus approach. This ensures consistency across CIRNAC programs, policies and initiatives to acknowledge the unique historical, cultural, political, socio-economic realities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Through the implementation of the three whole-of government relationship agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations (NIWOs), CIRNAC is advancing Gender Equality by ensuring the inclusion of an intersectional, gender-based analysis lens that is specific to their reality.

Finally, through funding agreements to grassroots and regional Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+^{Footnote 1} organizations, CIRNAC ensures Gender Equality in leadership roles and stable funding.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 5 – Gender Equality

The following initiatives demonstrate how Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's (CIRNAC) programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative: Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) – CIRNAC GBA Plus Centre of Expertise

The Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's (CIRNAC) Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) Centre of Expertise facilitates the transfer of GBA Plus knowledge throughout the department and supports Indigenous culturally competent GBA Plus implementation across the federal government through established partnerships with National Indigenous Women's Organizations. "Indigenous culturally competent GBA Plus" refers to CIRNAC's approach to GBA Plus that is influenced by Indigenous partner's unique GBA Plus frameworks that are distinctions-based, acknowledges the unique historical, cultural, political, socio-economic realities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples that understands colonialism and racism, is strengths-based, inclusive of the gender continuum and values Indigenous Knowledge. New tools and resources are being funded through three five-year projects with each the three national organizations providing $1.1 million in targeted GBA Plus capacity funding from Budget 2021.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Support Canada's capacity for GBA Plus that enables consistent application of robust intersectional and Indigenous culturally competent GBA Plus to meaningfully inform decision making through the use of toolkits developed by National Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations. This will also advance Canada's commitments for reconciliation and commitments to intersectionality, anti-racism, and gender equality.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:

CIF Ambition 5.1: Eliminate gender-based violence and harassment.
GIF Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
GIF Target 5C: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.

Result achieved

In order to address and eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination, the unique historical, cultural, political, socio-economic realities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples must be acknowledged and reflected within decision-making processes. CIRNAC continued to work with the three national organizations to build relationships and advance priorities to address gender-based violence and discrimination. CIRNAC enhances, promotes and fosters the gender equality and empowerment of Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people, as well as fosters greater social, cultural and economic well-being of Indigenous women across Canada. To support federal policy and program development, CIRNAC continued to promote and encourage the utilization of the following online, culturally-specific GBA Plus resources: the Native Women's Association of Canada's a "Culturally Relevant Gender-Based Analysis: A Roadmap for Policy Development", Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada's Inuit-specific Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) Framework, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak's Metis-specific Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) Toolkit.

Planned initiative: Whole-of-Government Relationship Agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations

The Department is responsible for overseeing and reporting on the going implementation of three whole-of-government relationship agreements with the three National Indigenous Women's Organizations (NIWOs): Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada (Memorandum of Understanding June 2017); the Native Women's Association of Canada (Accord February 2019); and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (Declaration August 2021).

The relationship agreements support advancing SDG 5 through a collaborative and coordinated horizontal approach with each organization to identify and work on joint priorities ensuring the inclusion of an intersectional, gender-based analysis lens in policy, programs and legislation that directly impact First Nation, Métis and Inuit women, girls and gender-diverse peoples experiences, including environment and climate change.

Relevant targets or ambitions

The implementation of the three whole-of government relationship agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations contributes to reconciliation.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

CIF Ambition 5.2: Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision making.: and implementation of Gender-based Analysis Plus as a means of advancing gender and intersectional equality, directly supporting the "leave no one behind" principles.

Result achieved

To support collaboration, advancing common interests and joint priorities of each of the three national Indigenous women's organizations through the implementation of the whole-of-government relationship agreements, CIRNAC provided through multi-year funding agreements. This funding enabled the organizations to actively collaborate with government and bring forward their interests and undertake activities within their organizations to strengthen capacity and leadership including staffing key positions, undertaking engagement, research, development of strategic work plans, development of input into federal policy, programs and legislation.

This work contributes to advancing SDG 5 Gender Equality by ensuring that Indigenous women's organizations have the ability to advance their own self-identified priorities and bring forward the perspectives of Indigenous women and gender-diverse peoples. The relationship agreements and funding provided actively work to dismantle long-standing gender and race-based systemic barriers.

Planned initiative: Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program

Through Budget 2021, the Department provides $36.3 million over five years and $8.6 million ongoing through longer-term multi-year project funding agreements to grassroots and regional Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations. The program Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations contributes to the capacity of organizations to engage with grassroots communities to bring forward the unique needs and perspectives to the Government to inform priorities and policies, programs and legislation.

A total of 41 projects with over 26 organizations across the country were funded in fiscal years 2021-22 and 2022-23 providing approximately $11.5 million in project funding. A new call for proposals will be launched in Fall 2023 for new projects beginning in fiscal year 2024-25.

Relevant targets or ambitions

This funding program contributes to advancing reconciliation by providing longer term, stable funding to enhance self-determination.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

CIF Ambition 5.2: Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision making: and implementation of Gender-based Analysis Plus as a means of advancing gender and intersectional equality, directly supporting the "leave no one behind" principles.

Result achieved

In 2023-24, a total 30 projects, allocating $4,109,654.90 in funding, was provided to regional and grassroots Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations through the Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program.

These multi-year projects provided the organizations, led by Indigenous women, for Indigenous women, with the ability to self-determine priorities and interests to inform policies and programs including those that are Indigenous-led. For example, the Department provided funding for the Alberta regional Indigenous women's organization Esquao Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women to host a gathering of Indigenous women leaders and organization representatives in February 2024. This gathering focused on advancing priorities and the identification of concrete substantive actions for the federal government.

The Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program contributes to advancing SDG 5 Gender Equality by providing grassroots and regional organizations with the ability to design and implement projects that are driven by the needs of community. Further the Department through this program is a vehicle for organizations to engage with government and create opportunities for collaboration.

Increase Canadian's access to clean energy

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's (CIRNAC) Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program, also called the Northern REACHE Program, contributes to Goal 7. This program contributes to increasing the resilience of northern and Indigenous communities by supporting the integration of climate information in decisions, reducing reliance on diesel and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The program takes a collaborative and capacity building approach, working with provincial and territorial governments, communities and Indigenous organizations to first identify priorities and then provide direct funding support for territorial governments and Indigenous communities to: monitor, collect and develop climate data and information; to conduct assessments to identify the impacts of climate change that affect them; and plan to address these risks. Funding is also provided to support northern communities, governments, and organizations to plan and construct renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy (FSDS) target

Implementation strategy: Streamline federal investments to advance clean, reliable energy in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities

Departmental action: Northern REACHE Program

Working to reduce northern communities' reliance on diesel for heating and electricity by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency while also supporting the feasibility and planning stages of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North.

Performance indicator: Litres of diesel avoided with clean energy
- Starting point: 830,000 litres avoided in 2022-2023
- Target: 7 million litres by 2030
- Result achieved: 1,000,000 litres of diesel avoided in 2023-2024
  The annual estimated reduction of 1,000,000 litres of diesel results from 3.6 million kWh of installed clean energy capacity which is equivalent to an estimated reduction of 2,800tonnes Greenhouse Gases (GHGs).

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

FSDS Target theme: Renewable and non-emitting sources of electricity.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)'s Northern REACHE Program supports clean energy initiatives in northern, Indigenous and remote communities with the aim of reducing reliance on diesel. Northern REACHE Program is part of Wah-ila-toos, a new interdepartmental single-window initiative designed to streamline access to federal clean energy funding and resources for remote and Indigenous communities. This work is aligned with FSDS targets of achieving greenhouse gas emission reductions as well as SDG 7 by improving access to clean energy.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
- CIF Ambition 13.1.1: By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
- GIF Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- GIF Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
- GIF Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

Planned initiative: Northern REACHE Program

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

CIF Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
CIF Ambition 7.2: Canadians reduce their energy consumption.
CIF Ambition 7.3: Canadians have access to clean and renewable energy.
CIF Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
CIF Ambition 13.2: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
GIF Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
GIF Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
GIF Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
GIF Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
GIF Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Result achieved

The annual estimated reduction of 1,000,000 litres of diesel results from of 3.6 million kWh of installed clean energy capacity thereby increasing Canadians, specifically Northerners, access to clean energy and supporting CIF Goal 7, Ambitions 7.3, CIF target 7.2.

Northern REACHE also supports energy efficiency projects. In 2023-24, the program supported 12 energy efficiency projects which reduced energy consumption. These projects support CIF Ambition 7.2: GIF Target 7.3.

In addition, many of Northern REACHE's clean energy projects have a capacity building component thus supporting GIF Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's (CIRNAC) Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management contributes to Goal 8. The implementation of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management contributes to the development of strong First Nations governance and capacity and provides them with options to exercise jurisdiction, control and management over their own affairs and resources and pursue economic development activities. The department and Indigenous institutions are working together with First Nations to develop the tools they need to drive local economic development, empower their communities, and promote prosperity.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Planned initiative: Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management

Through the implementation of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, enhancements to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, and the redesign of the Additions to Reserve policy and process, CIRNAC creates strong Indigenous-led partnerships which foster self-sustainability and economic prosperity." This initiative also contributes to Goal 10 – Reduced advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality.

Additions to reserve support First Nations in reclaiming their traditional lands and advancing their vision of self-determination, economic development, community wellbeing, and build a more prosperous future for generations to come. Additions to reserve can provide greater opportunities for growth and prosperity and demonstrate a new way of thinking and doing business that benefits all. A First Nations-led National Land Registry will provide increased certainty in land transactions. A modern accurate and sustainable land registry is an important tool in land administration that would:

Lead to greater outside investments on First Nation lands;
Support community development and land use planning;
Add to economic development and growth in First Nations communities through increased land market efficiency, access to credit, tenure security and competitiveness.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

CIF and GIF Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
CIF Ambition 8.5 and 8.6: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth.
GIF Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.

Result achieved

Sixteen additional First Nations "opted-in" to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA) for a total of 364 communities or over 60 percent of all First Nations participating in the regime to advance their self-determination and socio-economic development.

Six new First Nations have become signatories to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management for a total of 209 signatory First Nations of which 113 are now fully operating in accordance with their community-approved land laws including eight First Nations who approved their Land Codes over the last twelve months and a fourth First Nation who transitioned to comprehensive self-governance arrangements with the Government of Canada.

CIRNAC provided approximately $4 million to 58 First Nation communities and organizations to conduct First Nation-led engagement on Addition to Reserves Policy redesign. At the beginning of October 2024, 35 reports were submitted by First Nation recipients and more are expected shortly. Those reports are being analyzed to identify key policy options put forward by First Nations and to draft a What we Heard Report that will be published later in the fall of 2024. The input received is key to co-developing a policy that meets First Nation needs.

Budget 2023 committed $35.3 million over three years (2023-2026) towards the co-development of a new First Nation Land Governance Registry with the Lands Advisory Board. The new Registry is to be made available to First Nations that are operational under a land code developed under the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management as well as any self-governing First Nation that chooses to use it, provided their lands are defined within the meaning of section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867.

CIRNAC, the Assembly of First Nations and the Lands Advisory Board continue to advance ongoing work on Addition to Reserves Policy redesign.

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) contributes to Goal 9 through its Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund. This program aims to close the infrastructure gap in Indigenous communities by supporting and investing in the immediate infrastructure needs of Indigenous communities for ongoing, new and shovel-ready projects.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Planned initiative: Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund

The Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund supports and invests in the immediate infrastructure needs of Indigenous communities for ongoing, new and shovel-ready projects. The funding is to be used to support infrastructure and housing initiatives as determined by the funding recipient.

Relevant targets or ambitions

$18 million over four years for First Nations off-reserve without Modern Treaties or Self Government Agreements in the Northwest Territories.
Budget 2021: $517.8 million over four years is being delivered to the four Inuit Treaty Organizations to support Inuit-led infrastructure projects.

Result achieved

Results for First Nations off-reserve without Modern Treaties or Self Government Agreements in the Northwest Territories will be available at the conclusion of fiscal year 2024-25.

Funding recipients are only required to report on results once projects are complete and that will not be until the conclusion of fiscal year 2024-25. However, early results indicate that recipients are using funding for renovations to existing homes or new home construction.

Results from the Budget 2021 Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund for Inuit infrastructure investments are anticipated in 2025-26.

Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's (CIRNAC) key role in the 56 Action Plan Measures and the establishment of First Nations Fiscal Management Act contributes to Goal 10. It supports Canada's commitment to the negotiation of treaties, self-government agreements and other constructive arrangements to reconcile Indigenous rights with the sovereignty of the Crown. The intent is to co-create an enabling environment where Indigenous Peoples can exercise their right of self-determination and improve the political, cultural and socio-economic conditions within their communities. The department, in collaboration with First Nations-led institutions (First Nations Tax Commission, First Nations Financial Management Board, and First Nations Finance Authority) is also providing legislative and institutional frameworks for First Nation's jurisdiction over local taxation and financial management, as well as provides First Nations with access to long-term and affordable financing, which contributes to reducing inequalities. CIRNAC is also involved in the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee and provides funding to specific Indigenous groups to advance reconciliation. Through the Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Political Accord, CIRNAC is ensuring Métis and Non-Status Indians are included in the development of policies and programs which contribute to reducing inequalities. By providing Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations funding, CIRNAC ensures their knowledge and perspectives are considered to inform policies, programs, and legislation that impacts their lives. Finally, by implementing the three whole-of-government relationship agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations, the department aims to reduce intersectional inequality based on gender identity, race, ethnicity, origin, regional, and economic status.

Target theme: Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities

Target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada).

Implementation strategy: Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Departmental action: United Nations Declaration Secretariat

Formal establishment of a Secretariat in Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) to lead departmental coordination around the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Performance indicator: Number of fulltime equivalents (FTEs) in the United Nations Declaration Secretariat
- Starting point: 0 FTE - New initiative started April 2023
- Target: 15 FTEs by March 31, 2024
- Result achieved: 11 FTEs were staffed in the United Nations Declaration Secretariat during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
  With the 11 FTEs were staffed in the United Nations Declaration Secretariat during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the . Secretariat continued to reduce inequalities by supporting the fulfilment of statutory obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The United Nations Declaration Secretariat coordinated the department's input into the third annual progress report on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration Act and input was provided on 45 CIRNAC Action Plan Measures, six legislations and seven regulations advanced in the 2023-24 fiscal year. The Action Plan Measures, legislations, and regulations advanced in the 2023-24 fiscal year contributed to reduce inequalities faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada. In light of the refocusing of government spending and the lack of long-term funding for the United Nations Declaration Secretariat, staffing actions in 2023-24 were undertaken at a slower pace. The United Nations Declaration Secretariat continues to undertake staffing actions required to meet business needs, which will be dependent on the level of resources allotted through new potential investments.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The establishment of the Secretariat will support departmental implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Departmental implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act will address injustices, combat prejudice and seek to eliminate all forms of violence, racism and discrimination, including systemic racism and discrimination.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets
- CIF Ambition 10.1: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.
- GIF Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- GIF Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcomes, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.
- GIF Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Planned initiative: Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

On June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received Royal Assent. In keeping with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, the Government of Canada collaborated with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Modern Treaty Partners, to identify the measures necessary to ensure federal laws are consistent with the United Nations Declaration, to develop an Action Plan to achieve its objectives, which was released on June 21, 2023 and to report annually on progress.

The Action Plan contains concrete measures to address injustices, combat prejudice and eliminate all forms of violence, racism and discrimination, including systemic racism and discrimination. CIRNAC plays a key role in 56 Action Plan measures, all of which contribute to reducing inequalities faced by Indigenous Peoples.

Canada will continue to work in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples in the implementation of the Action Plan from 2023 to 2028, and other obligations of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

CIF Ambition 10.1: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.
GIF Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
GIF Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.
GIF Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.

Result achieved

In the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan 2023-2028, CIRNAC is leading, co-leading or providing critical support to (i.e., significant involvement) 55 measures. Of which, 41 (75 percent) measures were underway, and/or in various states of progress in 2023-24.

The 41 measures contributed to reducing inequalities faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada which includes addressing injustices, combatting prejudice and eliminating all forms of violence, racism and discrimination, including systemic racism and discrimination and adopting policies for greater equality. For example:

The co-developing funding approaches to the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy Action Plan Measure (MT008) is currently underway. This measure will help address disparities in socio-economic outcomes of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and to progressively achieve greater equality.
In September 2023, CIRNAC officials and Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners concluded the co-development of an independent Modern Treaty oversight mechanism to hold the federal government accountable to Parliament, in response to Action Plan Measure MT009. The co-developed option proposed establishing the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation as an Agent of Parliament.

Planned initiative: First Nations Fiscal Management Act

The First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA), its institutions and the on-going enhancements to the regime are contributing towards addressing historical barriers and gaps experienced by Indigenous Peoples, including jurisdictional, capacity, and access to capital gaps, and they are contributing to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 to reduce inequality.

The FNFMA regime plays an important role to advance self-determination and economic reconciliation in First Nations communities. Established in 2006, the 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 markets. With the support of the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Tax Commission, and the First Nations Finance Authority, the regime helps First Nations strengthen their financial administration capacity and systems to establish a strong foundation of good governance in their communities.

Recent legislative amendments to the FNFMA (Bill C-45, June 2023) have modernized and broadened the mandate of the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission to empower them to support non scheduled First Nations and Indigenous organizations. Those amendments also formally established the First Nations Infrastructure Institute, which can assist interested First Nations and their organizations with the development and management of infrastructure throughout its lifecycle to improve the sustainability of infrastructure assets on their lands, and to support access to economic development opportunities.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is also currently engaging with the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority, the Province of British Columbia, and interested self-governing First Nations on regulations that would allow self-governing and treaty First Nations to access financing through the First Nations Finance Authority for infrastructure and economic development.

Building on this important work, CIRNAC will continue to collaborate with the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Finance Authority, and the First Nations Infrastructure Institute on priorities relating to the FNFMA to further enhance the regime and advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

The department will consult with First Nations and other impacted Indigenous groups to support the co-development of alternatives to Indian Act registration and membership. This work supports increased self-determination for First Nations in the determination of their own people and away from government controlled Indian Act registration which is viewed by many First Nation people as a significant contributor to the racialization of their peoples. Indigenous Peoples are the foundation of the Crown-Indigenous relationship and moving forward with this key element of self-determination and reconciliation in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will contribute greatly in reducing racialization of First Nation People and increase self-determination.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

CIF Ambition 10.1: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.
GIF Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

Result achieved

Bill C-45, an Act to amend the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA), to make consequential amendments to other Acts, and to make a clarification relating to another Act received Royal Assent on June 20, 2023. It brought forward legislative amendments to the FNFMA, co-developed with the FNFMA institutions and the First Nations Infrastructure Institute Development Board, that modernized the mandates of the First Nations Tax Commission and the First Nations Financial Management Board, stabilized their operations, and established a national First Nations Infrastructure Institute under the Act.

CIRNAC is currently engaging with the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority, the Province of British Columbia, and interested self-governing First Nations on regulations that would allow self-governing and treaty First Nations to access financing through the First Nations Finance Authority for infrastructure and economic development.

Planned initiative: Planned initiative: Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee

Through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) provides direct funding to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Inuit Treaty Organizations to support joint priority areas in order to advance reconciliation.

Relevant targets or ambitions

For 2022-2023, CIRNAC provided $2.4 million to support the ongoing work in 15 priority areas to advance reconciliation and self-determination.

Result achieved

For 2023-2024, CIRNAC provided $2.4 million to support the ongoing work in 13 priority areas to advance reconciliation and self-determination. The Committee removed the priority area of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, and added Homelessness as a new priority area of focus. The Environment and Climate Change priority area is currently on hold.

In 2023-2024, the ICPC convened two Inuit-Crown Leaders meetings and three Senior Official meetings. These meetings are instrumental in supporting Inuit self-determination and advancing the goal of creating a more prosperous Inuit Nunangat. During the ICPC Leaders meeting in May 2023 with the Prime Minister, the ICPC endorsed the report Building a Partnership for Transformational Change where 91 percent of respondents indicated that ICPC has advanced the relationship between Inuit and the federal government and 80 percent indicated that their priority area work plan deliverables had advanced.

Other progress includes: the ongoing implementation of the recommendations as part of the United Nations Declaration Act Inuit Action Plan, $25 million over five years (2022-27) to support the implementation of the Inuit Nunangat Policy (INP) by federal departments, and $518.8 million over 4 years (2021-25) to Inuit Land Claim Organizations to support Inuit-lead infrastructure initiatives through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund. The ongoing implementation of the Inuit-Crown Co-Development Principles throughout federal departments also remains a focus. In March 2024, Canada's School for Public Service held a co-led training by CIRNAC and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami on the INP, attended by 1500 public servants.

Planned initiative: Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Political Accord

Implement Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Political Accord to support the inclusion of Métis and Non-Status Indian (MNSI) perspectives in the development of federal policies and programs.

Relevant targets or ambitions

The Accord supports the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan Measure 90.
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)-Canada joint priority area working groups result in improved relationships, knowledge transfer, and gaps analysis on issues of importance to the Congress and their constituents (Métis and Non-Status Indians and urban Indigenous Peoples).
Jointly developed progress reports allow for Métis and Non-Status Indian perspectives to be considered in the development of federal policies and programs.

Result achieved

In 2023-24 CAP received $2.5 million of ongoing funding to support Accord implementation.

In 2023-2024 CIRNAC continued to work with CAP and eight federal departments at six priority area working groups (family programming, housing, Indigenous languages, justice, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and postsecondary education) to help ensure a diversity of Indigenous voices are heard in federal policy discussions.

Planned initiative: Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program

Implementation of dedicated Budget 2021 funding, supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations, of $36.3 million over five years and $8.6 million ongoing. This program provides Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations with project funding to engage with grassroots communities and government to bring forward the unique needs, interests, and perspectives of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples to inform policies, programs, and legislation that impacts their lives. Projects funded under this initiative speak in part, to addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ Call for Justice 1.8, and to inform the Government of Canada on improving the social, health, and economic outcomes of Indigenous women and Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQI+ people.

Relevant targets or ambitions

The program contributes to advancing:

Implementation of Gender-based Analysis Plus as a means of advancing gender and intersectional equality, directly supporting the "leave no one behind" principles.
Reconciliation by providing longer term, stable funding to enhance self-determination.
Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan Measure 70.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

CIF Ambition 10.2: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.

Result achieved

In 2023-2024, a total 30 projects allocating $4,109,654 in funding was provided to regional and grassroots Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations through the Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program.

The Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program provides funding through longer-term stable project agreements that increase the ability of Indigenous grassroots and regional organizations to develop capacity and enhance their ability to engage with governments to influence decision-makers. This program increases opportunities for self-determination for Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples which contributes toward the reduction of inequality as envisioned by SDG 10.

Planned initiative: Whole-of-Government Relationship Agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations

Implementation of the three whole-of-government relationship agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations (NIWOs) aim to reduce intersectional inequality based on gender identity, race, ethnicity, origin, regional, and economic status. These agreements formalize a relationship between Canada and the organizations to work on joint priorities to ensure the inclusion of an intersectional, Gender-based Analysis lens in policy, programs, and legislation that directly impact First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women, girls, and gender-diverse peoples experiences, including environment and climate change.

Relationship agreements include: Canada – Pauktuutit Inuit Women Memorandum of Understanding (signed in June 2017); Canada – Native Women's Association of Canada Accord (signed in February 2019); and Canada – Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak Declaration (signed in August 2021).

Relevant targets or ambitions

The whole-of-government relationship agreements with NIWOs contributes to advancing:

The "leave no one behind" principles;
Reconciliation by providing longer term, stable funding to enhance self- determination;
Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan Measure 69;
Implementation of Indigenous culturally competent Gender-based Analysis Plus as a means of advancing gender and intersectional equality;
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Articles 21.2 and 22.1 by working to mitigate the impact of gender differences and considerations for specific groups. Article 22.1 indicates that: particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of Indigenous elders, women, youth, children, and persons with disabilities.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

CIF Ambition 10.2: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.

Result achieved

To create systemic change and dismantle entrenched gender and racial inequality, the relationship agreements with the three national Indigenous women's organizations create a foundation upon which the organizations can collaborate with government and advance their priorities. CIRNAC provided through multi-year funding agreements. This funding enabled the organizations to undertake activities including staffing key positions, undertaking engagement, research, development of strategic work plans, development of input into federal policy, programs and legislation.

This work advances SDG 10 where Indigenous women and gender-diverse people live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced by ensuring that the organizations the ability to advocate and influence federal policy, programs and legislation.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada

By providing funding to Territorial Governments, Northwest Territories Métis and Inuit Treaty Organizations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is directly addressing the critical needs for housing and infrastructure within Indigenous communities, and therefore contributes to Goal 11.

Target theme: Affordable Housing and Homelessness

Target: By 2028, reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)

Implementation strategy: Support affordable housing and related infrastructure for Indigenous communities in the North

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships Program

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) provides funding to Territorial and Indigenous partners in relation to affordable housing and related infrastructure for Indigenous communities in the North.

Performance indicator: Specific to Indigenous and territorial partners.
- Starting point: Specific to Indigenous and territorial partners
- Target: Specific to Indigenous and territorial partners.
- Result achieved: $75 million was flowed to the Territorial Governments in fiscal year 2023-2024. This is the remainder of the funding provided to Territorial Governments as outlined in Budget 2022.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The funding provided territorial and Indigenous partners in relation to housing and infrastructure contributes to the Federal sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) Goal 11.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Planned initiative: Funding to Territorial Governments

CIRNAC provides direct funding to Territorial Governments to address critical housing and infrastructure needs.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Budget 2022: $150 million over two-years starting in 2022-23 to address critical housing and infrastructure needs.

Result achieved

Progress in these areas is measured against the Housing Corporation's strategic plan and measured against internal targets in relation to repair and replacement, retrofit, energy efficiency, with the ultimate goal of increasing the wellbeing of individuals and communities by providing fair access to quality housing support for people most in need.

Nunavut

Delivery of 89 new public housing units for the communities of Coral Harbour, Pond Inlet, Gjoa Haven, Sanarijak, Sanikiluaq, Kugaaruk, and Naujaat.
22 modular housing units were purchased and delivered to communities where new housing projects are underway.
Undertake activities associated with mold remediation s to existing housing stock to extend their life span.
Upgrade and improvements to existing public and staff housing in all regions.

Northwest Territories

The delivery of 20 new public housing units for rural and remote communities throughout the Northwest Territories, 10 specifically designed for seniors and persons with limited mobility and 10 for singles, another vulnerable sector of the population.
The replacement of 17 public housing units at the end of their service life.
116 major modernization and improvement (repair) projects to sustain and preserve existing public housing stock.
Alternative energy investments involving the installation of medium-scale biomass district heating systems for a 33-unit public housing senior's complex.
Priority minor repair and maintenance projects for numerous public housing units operating across the territory, including the replacement of aging fuel tanks to mitigate environmental liabilities.
Increased investment in the Community Housing Support Initiative program to support community-based housing projects, including the development of Community Housing Plans, and incremental unit maintenance funding for third-party affordable housing providers.
Additional investments in training initiatives for Local Housing Organizations, including maintenance and financial services.

Planned initiative: Funding for Northwest Territories Métis

CIRNAC provides additional funding for Northwest Territories Métis to support housing and infrastructure needs. This funding is to be determined by recipients (self-determination).

Relevant targets or ambitions

Budget 2022: $34 million over seven years to support housing and infrastructure needs.

Result achieved

At this time, funding recipients are not required to report on how the funds have been used until their respective projects are complete as per the terms and conditions associated with their respective funding agreements. However, early reports indicate that communities are using this funding to undertake renovation and new home construction projects.

Planned initiative: Distinction-based investments to Inuit Treaty Organizations

CIRNAC is providing distinctions-based investments to Inuit Treaty Organizations to help address critical housing and infrastructure needs.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Budget 2022: $845 million over seven years is being delivered to the four Inuit Treaty Organizations to support Inuit-led housing delivery to help address housing needs and meet 2030 Indigenous housing commitments in Inuit Nunangat.

Budget 2021: $517.8 million over four years is being delivered to the four Inuit Treaty Organizations to support Inuit-led infrastructure projects.

Result achieved

Budget 2022 Inuit housing results are aggregated with results associated with remaining Budget 2018 investments. The aggregate total to date for all partners since 2016-2017 distinctions based housing funding is 626 units constructed, and 469 units repaired.

Results from the Budget 2021 Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund for Inuit infrastructure investments are anticipated in 2025-2026. Partners are on track to continue the completion of ongoing projects.

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) contributes to Goal 12 through the remediation of its contaminated sites and the monitoring of plastics in the North. The Northern Contaminated Sites Program contributes to the sustainable management of northern lands and resources. The program ensures that contaminated sites in the territories are managed to reduce risk to human and environmental health and safety for all Northerners. Managing contaminated sites refers to site assessments, care and maintenance, remediation and monitoring activities. The Northern Contaminants Program ensures efficient and effective monitoring systems in the North by coordinating, generating and managing scientific and environmental data and by publishing results and data. Providing scientific data can help research innovative solutions.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy (FSDS) target

Implementation strategy: Remediate high-priority contaminated sites

Departmental action: Northern Contaminated Sites Program

Manage the Department's portfolio of contaminated sites under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action plan and the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program.

Performance indicator: Percentage of high-priority contaminated sites that are actively managed.
- Starting point: 92 percent
- Target: 80 percent
- Result achieved: 90 percent
  In 2023-2024, the Northern Contaminated Sites Program actively managed 64 of the 71 high-priority sites. Below are examples of some of the priority sites that were actively managed in 2023-2024:
  - Giant Mine Remediation Project: construction of the new Water Treatment Plant, underground paste backfill: 340,000 m³ of paste placed to date, approximatly 9,000 m³ remains; investigative drilling to support detailed design; legacy debris pile removal; and ongoing Care and Maintenance activities; dust suppression and water treatment.
  - Mount Nansen Remediation Project: Mobile Water Treatment Plant commissioned , increasing treated water production and reducing tailings pond to a safe level.
  - Akpatok Remediation Project: completed remediation in 2023-2024 and is in the process of being closed.
  - Long-term Monitoring: 29 high- priority sites in Nunavut (11) and Northwest Territories (18) that have completed remediation and are in long-term monitoring.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Actions that reduce the number of contaminated sites will help reduce the risk of contaminants being released to air, water and soil and will allow the department to reduce or eliminate risks to human health and the environment.

Actively managed sites include sites undergoing planning, remediation or long-term monitoring activities. In a given year, the Northern Contaminated Sites Program is able to actively manage the majority of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)'s high priority contaminated sites.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets
- GIF Target 12.4: By 2020. Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

Implementation strategy: Research innovative solutions for plastics

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability Program - Northern Contaminants Program

Monitoring of contaminants in the North

Performance indicator: Percentage of Northern Contaminants Program plastics-related projects that contribute to broader, relevant observation systems and assessments on plastics.
- Starting point: 0 percent
- Target: 80 percent by March 2027
- Result achieved: 93 percent
  In 2023-2024, the Northern Contaminants Program supported 25 plastics pollution projects that are producing data and information in relation to plastic fragments, microplastics and specific plastic additives, and which have the potential to contribute to broader, relevant observation systems and assessments, including under the Arctic Council. Many of these projects are the first to collect data and information from their northern locations or in particular wildlife species, and therefore will provide important foundational contributions to newly established international bodies and assessments, and leading to innovative solutions for plastics.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The seven plastics monitoring and research projects supported in 2022-2023 are all producing data and information that have potential to contribute to broader, relevant observation systems and assessments, including an upcoming (2023-2025) review of national implementation of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) circumpolar Litter and Microplastics Monitoring Plan, and to support negotiation efforts under way on a Global Plastics Treaty.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

The following initiatives demonstrate how CIRNAC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative: Advancing a circular plastics economy for Canada

Found in even the most remote environments, plastic and microplastic pollution is a global concern, although there is currently very limited Arctic data. The Northern Contaminants Program has identified priority science needs to improve the detection, sampling and analysis of plastics in Arctic and northern atmospheric, terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments and wildlife. These research and monitoring activities will contribute to Canada's Plastics Science Agenda (CaPSA), furthering our understanding of how plastics and microplastics are distributed and move through Arctic ecosystems. As plastics science advances, it will better inform policy development and improve the ability to track the effectiveness of actions taken.

Initiatives also support the horizontal core theme of international engagement through links to the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) Circumpolar Monitoring Framework and the negotiations of an international plastics treaty.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

CIF and GIF Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
GIF Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
CIF and GIF Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
GIF Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

Result achieved

In 2023–2024, the Northern Contaminants Program supported monitoring and research projects that add plastic pollution data for 10 unique environmental compartments (air, snow, ice, sediment, sea water, fresh water, Arctic char, freshwater fish, seabirds, and mammals) across Canada's Arctic and Northern regions.

These projects will improve our understanding of where plastics are found in the Arctic environment, including marine ecosystems, where they come from, how they reach the Arctic and their impacts. This work is expected to inform policies on waste management and plastic pollution regulations.

The Northern Contaminants Program supports Indigenous engagement in national and international initiatives and processes that work towards the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes. For example, in 2023-24, it supported the Inuit Circumpolar Council - Canada (ICC) to represent Inuit interests at the Arctic Council's Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme and through relevant bodies under the United Nations Environment Programme, including the Stockholm Convention and its Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the international negotiations to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. At the 5th Conference of the Parties (COP-5) of the Minamata Convention on Mercury (Oct 28 – Nov 3, 2023, Geneva, Switzerland), the ICC delegation gave a plenary presentation on the impacts of mercury contamination on Inuit, and participated in side-meetings of the Open-ended Science Group to discuss mercury data submissions to support the effectiveness evaluation of the Minamata Convention.

Take action on climate change and its impacts

Through its multiple programs related to climate change and climate resilience, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is contributing to Goal 13. Funding is provided to support northern communities, governments, and organizations to plan and construct renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The implementation of adaptation measures will lead to increased resilience and support the ultimate outcome that Indigenous and northern communities strengthen their capacity to adapt to changing environments.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy (FSDS) target

Implementation strategy: Strengthen Indigenous leadership on climate action

Departmental action: Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda

Working alongside Indigenous partners of all distinctions to advance an Indigenous Climate Leadership (ICL) Agenda, including distinctions-based strategies, that builds regional and national capacity and progressively vests authorities and resources for climate action in the hands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and representative organizations.

Performance indicator: Number of distinctions-based co-developed ICL roadmaps established.
- Starting point: 0
- Target: 3 by March 2025 (1 for each First Nation, Inuit and Métis)
- Result achieved: No results available. Work is on-going and will be reported for 2024-2025.
  CIRNAC continued to work with national and regional Indigenous partners across Canada to co-develop an ICL Agenda, including distinctions-based strategies with First Nations, modern treaty and self-governing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The implementation of the ICL agenda will better support Indigenous peoples to implement self-determined climate priorities thus supporting SDG 13 and CIF 13.3.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

By advancing an ICL Agenda, CIRNAC and Environment and Climate Change Canada will transform ways in which Indigenous Peoples access climate funding opportunities by reducing barriers and improving equitable access to funding processes. This work is aligned with the goals and vision of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and will work towards supporting self-determined Indigenous climate action.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
- CIF Ambition 13.3: Canadians are well equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
- UN SDG 13: Climate Action.

Implementation strategy: Support climate change adaptation across Canada

Departmental action: Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program

Supports community driven projects that allow northern and Indigenous communities in northern Canada to take action on climate change. Eligible projects include: climate change risk assessments; development of hazard maps and adaptation plans; development of adaptation options; and the implementation of structural and non-structural adaptation measures.

Performance indicator: Number of funded projects implementing adaptive measures.
- Starting point: 106 (2021)
- Target: 202 by March 2025
- Result achieved: As of March 2024, 124 projects implementing adaptation measures were funded.
  The implementation of adaptation actions is an example of climate action and builds resilience to face the effects of climate change thus supporting SDG 13 and CIF 13.2

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

By supporting community-driven climate adaptation actions, Climate Change Preparedness in the North is helping Indigenous and northern communities build climate resiliency through self- determined adaptation projects. This work is aligned with the Canadian Indicator Framework ambition of being well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change as well as SDG 13 by directly supporting climate action by helping to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, building regional and local capacity, and improving impact reduction.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
- CIF Ambition 13.2: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
- UN SDG 13: Climate Action.

Departmental action: First Nation Adapt Program

Supports community driven projects that allow First Nations south of the 60th parallel to take action on climate change. Eligible projects include: climate change risk assessments; integration of climate change risks into community planning documents; identification of adaptation measures to reduce climate change impacts; collection of Indigenous Knowledge regarding community-based local knowledge of past climate events and trends; floodplain mapping to assess current and future projected flood risks to community infrastructure.

Performance indicator: Number of risk and adaptation assessments completed
- Starting point: 167 (2021)
- Target: 362 by March 2028
- Result achieved: 216 risk assessments and adaptation plans were completed as of March 31, 2023 (data lags by one year)
  Climate change risk assessments and adaptation plans makes climate risk information available to be integrated into planning and decision-making and enables community-led climate action supporting SDG 13 and CIF 13.2

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Through supporting First Nation community driven projects, the First Nation Adapt program helps enable First Nations south of the 60th parallel in taking self-determined climate actions within their traditional territories. This work is aligned with the ambitions set out in the Canadian Indicator Framework's Goal 13 as well as SDG 13 by directly supporting community-led and driven climate actions that support First Nations in building a safe, sustainable, and resilient future.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
- CIF Ambition 13.2: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
- UN SDG 13: Climate Action.

Departmental action: Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program

Supporting Indigenous Peoples in monitoring climate and climate change impacts for use in decision-making using both Indigenous Knowledge and science. Supported projects may include: training and hiring of community members; developing monitoring plans; monitoring key climate indicators; assessing and managing data; communicating results; networking and community engagement.

Performance indicator: Number of communities that participated in community-based climate monitoring (cumulative).
- Starting point: 173 (2022)
- Target: 224 by March 2028
- Result achieved: 181 communities have participated in community-based monitoring projects from 2017 to March 2023 (Data lags by one year)
  Participating in community-based climate change monitoring projects allows Indigenous communities to gather data that can be incorporated into decision making for self-determined climate action thus supporting SDG 13 and CIF 13.2

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

By working with Indigenous Peoples across Canada to monitor climate and climate change impacts, the Indigenous Community-based Climate Monitoring program is supporting Indigenous communities, groups, and governments in gathering data that help them to make informed decisions by using a blend of Indigenous Knowledge and science. This work directly supports progress towards SDG 13 by improving awareness, building capacity, and strengthening the resilience of Indigenous communities.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:
- CIF Ambition 13.2: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
- UN SDG 13: Climate Action.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 13 – Climate Action

Planned initiative: Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:

CIF Goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
CIF Ambition 13: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
GIF Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
GIF Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Result achieved

The Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda will shape a renewed approach to the partnership between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples on climate change. It is expected to support Indigenous communities to take action on self-determined climate priorities. These priorities will support SDG 13 and CIF Goal 13 CIF Ambition 13, CIF Target 13.2 and GIF 13.3.

Planned initiative: Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:

CIF Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
CIF Ambition 13: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
GIF Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
GIF Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
GIF Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Result achieved

Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program funded 116 projects in 2023-2024.

Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program projects support urgent and necessary climate action, while also strengthening community resilience to face the effects of climate change across Canada's North. Some projects support adaptive capacity building towards climate-related hazards such as wildfires, permafrost thaw, and changes to sea-ice thickness. Many projects have a capacity-building component that builds institutional capacity with respect to climate change adaptation.

Planned initiative: First Nation Adapt Program

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:

CIF Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
CIF Ambition 13: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
GIF Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
GIF Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
GIF Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Result achieved

First Nation Adapt Program funded 50 projects in 2023-2024.

First Nation Adapt Program projects support urgent and necessary climate action, while also strengthening First Nation community resilience to face the effects of climate change. Some projects support adaptive capacity building towards climate-related hazards such as wildfires and flooding. Many projects have a capacity building component that builds institutional capacity with respect to climate change adaptation.

Planned initiative: Indigenous Community-based Climate Monitoring Program

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets:

CIF Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
CIF Ambition 13: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
GIF Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
GIF Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
GIF Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Result achieved

In 2023-2024, Indigenous Community-based Climate Monitoring Program funded 65 projects.

Indigenous Community-based Climate Monitoring Program combats climate change by assisting Indigenous Communities to be leaders in monitoring and understanding the impacts that a changing climate is having on a variety of different environmental factors in their local areas. Funded projects help equip Indigenous Peoples across Canada to become more resilient to the effects of climate change through capacity building, knowledge transfer, and tool development projects that help identify, educate, and mitigate climate change impacts of many types such as biodiversity loss and changes to water quality and quantity.

Conserve and protect Canada's oceans

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) contributes to Goal 14 by ensuring marine conservation through funding for scientific researchers and Inuit organization to improve monitoring studies and overall conservation and spatial planning.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy (FSDS) target

Implementation strategy: Marine conservation and spatial planning are informed by science, Indigenous Knowledge, monitoring and stakeholder input

Departmental action: Marine Conservation Targets Initiative

Performance indicator: Percentage of research, harvest and monitoring marine studies that will serve to inform conservation and spatial planning.
- Starting point: 0 percent
- Target: 100 percent by 2026 (program ends in 2026)
- Result achieved: 27 percent of current and previously funded research, harvest and monitoring studies available to inform marine conservation and planning in 2023-24.
  Some studies are ongoing and funded across multiple years. These results are not yet available to inform marine conservation and planning. Once the multi-year studies are complete, we expect to meet the target of 100 percent.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The Marine Conservation Targets Initiative goal is to ensure Canada meets the goal to conserve 25 percent of our lands and waters by 2025, and 30 percent of each by 2030. The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change have the lead on this initiative.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 14 – Life Below Water

The following initiatives demonstrate how Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs), supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative: Marine Conservation Targets Initiative - Marine Studies

CIRNAC provides funding to academia, federal researchers and Inuit organizations for science, Indigenous Knowledge, monitoring to inform marine conservation and spatial planning.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

CIRNAC continues to support the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change in implementation of the Marine Conservation Targets initiative.

In 2023-2024, CIRNAC provided close to $4M for over twenty projects across the North, that will incorporate multiple types of knowledge, including Inuit Quajimajatuqangit, Traditional Knowledge and science in order to strengthen the evidence-base for decision-making around marine conservation and planning.

The funding was distributed directly to Indigenous organizations, or to academia and other federal departments who worked closely with Indigenous organizations and communities on collaborative projects.

This initiative also supports progress toward SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by prioritizing projects that hire and train community members and that offer youth employment, education and/or training.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promote a fair and accessible justice system, enforce environmental laws, and manage impacts

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) contributes to the Goal 16 by administering funding for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Actions 72-76. The program funding supports Indigenous community-led initiatives to locate, document, commemorate, and memorialize unmarked burial sites associated with the 140 residential schools. Ultimately, this program aims to advance the departmental goal of recognizing and resolving past injustices.

The implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by CIRNAC advances Indigenous rights, including those recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act (1982) and described in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The following initiatives demonstrate how CIRNAC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative: Implementation of Calls to Action 72 – 76

The Resolution and Partnerships Sector administers funding for implementation of Calls to Action 72 - 76, for initiatives through to 2026-27. Regarding Missing Children and Burial Information, the department will continue to collaborate with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) to update and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register (Call to Action 72) and support the NCTR in developing and maintaining a registry of residential school cemeteries (Call to Action 73).

This ongoing work will increase the information available to families and Survivors on student deaths and burial places; accelerate the progress made to fill gaps in data collected to date; and improve access to information on missing or deceased family members. Additional planned funding to the NCTR, upon completion of an agreed-upon work plan, to flow Year one of a four-year funding commitment to provide stable, predictable funding and a one-time contribution of $59.7 million towards the overall construction costs of a new building.

In support of Calls to Action 74-76, the department will continue to support funding initiatives to locate, document, commemorate, and memorialize unmarked burial sites associated with former residential schools, as well as honour families' wishes to bring children's remains home, through the Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Fund. The department recently expanded eligibility of community support funding to include five non-Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement residential schools included in the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The department will continue to co-administer the National Advisory Committee on Missing Children and Unmarked burials, which will provide advice and guidance to Indigenous partners.

The department will also lead a horizontal initiative involving six federal departments and agencies to address the ongoing impacts of the residential schools system and commemorate their history and legacy. The appointment of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools is part of the whole-of-government approach. At the end of her two-year mandate, the Special Interlocutor will present final recommendations for a new federal legal framework to identify, protect and preserve unmarked graves and burial sites connected to former residential schools. Those recommendations will inform the appropriate actions to be taken by the Government of Canada towards the implementation of a new federal legal framework and new needed initiatives and measures over and above those currently presented in the Horizontal Initiative.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Extending funding and support to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to update and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register (Call to Action 72) and in developing and maintaining a registry of residential school cemeteries (Call to Action73)
Expanding and extending access to the Community Support Funding program to support Indigenous communities and organizations.
Providing stable, predictable, and long-term funding support to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and making a significant contribution to the overall construction costs of a new building for the Centre.
The National Advisory Committee will provide expertise to Indigenous communities and organizations to support their search efforts.
The Horizontal Framework ensures visibility and a coordinated whole-of-government approach to addressing the legacy of residential schools.

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

GIF Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
GIF Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Result achieved

The department continued to fund and support the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to update and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register (Call to Action 72) and support the ongoing development and maintenance of the National Residential School Cemetery Register (Call to Action 73).

The Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Fund continued to fund Indigenous communities and organizations community-led and Survivor-centric efforts to locate, document, and memorialize burial sites associated with former Indian residential schools, and honour families' wishes to repatriate children's remains. The department has 146 funding agreements in place, providing over $216.6 million to community-led initiatives. This support includes 87 community-led investigations at 84 former residential schools.

Additional information can be found on the Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Funding Recipients website. Provincial and territorial governments have also contributed to supporting communities.

The department has provided stable, predictable, and long-term funding support to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (Call to Action 78) and in 2022, made a significant contribution of $59.7 million to the overall construction costs of a permanent home for the Centre.

The department has continued to support the National Advisory Committee to provide expertise to Indigenous communities and organizations to support their search efforts.

In 2023-2024, the internal federal Horizontal Initiative to Address the Legacy of Residential Schools (HIALRS) Reporting Framework and the related governance structure to support it were established. CIRNAC launched two committees to support the HIALRS, including an Assistant Deputy Minister Oversight Committee and a Director General Steering Committee . These committees were established to provide leadership and coordination on behalf of federal government departments and agencies for the implementation of the HIALRS.

Planned initiative: Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act came into force on June 21, 2021. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act affirms the United Nations Declaration as a universal international human rights instrument with application in Canadian law and provides a lasting framework to advance the implementation of the United Nations Declaration at the federal level.

A key commitment of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was met when the Action Plan developed by the Government of Canada, in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, was released on June 21, 2023.

Implementation of that plan will include 10 measures supported by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) that contribute directly to this goal, such as, combatting gender-based violence; strengthening Indigenous Peoples' participation in decision-making; and establishing credible institutions.

This United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the ongoing dialogue it promotes, create a framework for reconciliation and stronger relationships with Indigenous Peoples stemming from the principles of justice, democracy, respect for human rights, non-discrimination and good faith.

Relevant targets or ambitions

Associated Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets or ambitions and/or Global Indicator Framework (GIF) targets

CIF Ambition 16.5: Canadians have equal access to justice.
CIF Ambition 16.7: Canadians are supported by effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.
GIF Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
GIF Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
GIF Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
GIF Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

Result achieved

CIRNAC is involved in 10 out of the 55 measures in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan 2023-2028 that contribute directly to this goal. Of these 10 Action Plan measures; eight were underway and/or in various states of progress in 2023-24.

The eight Action Plan measures currently underway contributed to addressing gender-based violence (SP009), strengthening Indigenous Peoples' participation in decision-making (SP068, SP070, MT001, MT015); and establishing credible and transparent institutions (SP031, SP108, FN003).

For the remaining two Action Plan measures that are not underway, ways to address operational barriers are being explored in order to commence their advancement.

Integrating Sustainable Development

CIRNAC will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. An SEA for a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant FSDS goals and targets.

Public statements on the results of CIRNAC's assessments are made public when an initiative has undergone a detailed SEA. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision making.

CIRNAC did not complete any detailed SEAs in 2023-24.

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Date modified:: 2024-11-01

2023-24 Departmental Sustainable Developement Strategy Progress Report

Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Commitments for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Goal 2Zero Hunger Support a healthier and more sustainable food system

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy (FSDS) target

Implementation strategy: Enhance Indigenous and northern food security

Departmental action: Nutrition North Canada (NNC) Program

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability Program – Northern Contaminants Program Monitoring of contaminants in the North

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 2 – Zero Hunger

Planned Initiative: Nutrition North Canada (NNC) Program

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Goal 4Quality Education Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 4 – Quality Education

Planned initiative: Implementation of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Goal 5Gender Equality Champion gender equality

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 5 – Gender Equality

Planned initiative: Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) – CIRNAC GBA Plus Centre of Expertise

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Planned initiative: Whole-of-Government Relationship Agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Planned initiative: Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Goal 7Affordable and Clean Energy Increase Canadian's access to clean energy

Implementation strategies supporting the goal but not a specific Federal Sustainable Departmental Strategy (FSDS) target

Implementation strategy: Streamline federal investments to advance clean, reliable energy in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities

Departmental action: Northern REACHE Program

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

Planned initiative: Northern REACHE Program

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Goal 8Decent Work and Economic Growth Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Planned initiative: Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Goal 9Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Planned initiative: Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Goal 10Reduced Inequalities Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality

Implementation strategy: Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Departmental action: United Nations Declaration Secretariat

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Planned initiative: Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Planned initiative: First Nations Fiscal Management Act

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Planned initiative: Planned initiative: Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Planned initiative: Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Political Accord

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Planned initiative: Supporting Indigenous Women's and 2SLGBTQI+ Organizations Program

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Planned initiative: Whole-of-Government Relationship Agreements with National Indigenous Women's Organizations

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Goal 11Sustainable Cities and Communities Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada

Implementation strategy: Support affordable housing and related infrastructure for Indigenous communities in the North

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships Program

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Planned initiative: Funding to Territorial Governments

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Planned initiative: Funding for Northwest Territories Métis

Relevant targets or ambitions

Result achieved

Planned initiative: Distinction-based investments to Inuit Treaty Organizations

Relevant targets or ambitions

Support a healthier and more sustainable food system

Departmental action: Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability Program – Northern Contaminants Program
Monitoring of contaminants in the North

Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development

Champion gender equality

Increase Canadian's access to clean energy

Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada

Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada

Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality

Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada

Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles

Take action on climate change and its impacts

Conserve and protect Canada's oceans

Promote a fair and accessible justice system, enforce environmental laws, and manage impacts