Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) - Departmental Priorities (October 28, 2024)

Logistics

Date: October 28, 2024

Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Location: Room 415, Wellington Building, 197 Sparks Street

Appearing

Committee Membership

• MP Patrick Weiler (LIB – BC) (Chair)
• MP Jaime Battiste (LIB – NS)
• MP Ben Carr (LIB – MB)
• MP Anna Gainey (LIB – QC)
• MP Michael V. McLeod (LIB – NWT)
• MP Brendan Hanley (LIB – Y.T.)
• MP Jamie Schmale (CPC – ON) (Vice-Chair)
• MP Eric Melillo (CPC – ON)
• MP Martin Shields (CPC – AB)
• MP Bob Zimmer (CPC – BC)
• MP Sébastien Lemire (BQ – QC) (Vice-Chair)
• MP Lori Idlout (NDP – Nunavut)

Parliamentary Analysis

• MP Patrick Weiler (LIB) (Chair) may ask questions about housing for Indigenous communities, as well as efforts for increased consultation with Indigenous peoples.
• MP Michael V. Mcleod (LIB) will likely ask questions that pertain to communities in his riding of the Northwest Territories, including the Indigenous and Northern housing and infrastructure funding gap in communities in the territories. He has previously asked questions related to climate change response and mitigation, including wildfire recovery supports for Indigenous and Northern communities. He also may ask questions related to tuberculosis elimination strategies in Inuit and on-reserve areas, inconsistencies regarding medical travel escorts, and the inability for Métis children with autism to get support from Jordan's Principle. During officials' appearance on Main Estimates, he asked how the government is supporting economic development and creating jobs in the Northwest Territories, and about funding for the Nutrition North program.
• MP Brendan Hanley (LIB) may ask questions specific to his riding, Yukon. He may ask about self-governance for Indigenous communities, specifically those in his riding. He may also ask questions on Northern economic development and support for Indigenous-owned businesses.
• MP Jaime Battiste (LIB), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, has been a strong advocate for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit issues throughout his career. He may ask questions about Jordan's Principle, as well safe drinking water in Indigenous communities. During officials' appearances on Main Estimates, he asked about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the government's efforts towards implementing the TRC's calls to action.
• MP Ben Carr (LIB), may ask questions that pertain to Indigenous communities in his province (Manitoba). He may also ask about child and family services, as well as the opioid crisis. During officials' appearance on Supps C, he asked about supports for Indigenous education and investments in Churchill, MB.
• MP Anna Gainey (LIB), asked about the state of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station during officials' appearance on Supps C. She also asks questions about the implementation of UNDRIP.
• MP Jaime Schmale (CPC) (Vice-Chair), is also the CPC Critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Critic for Indigenous Services. He will likely highlight economic reconciliation in his questions. He may ask questions related to: the department's progress on payments for out-of-court settlements; the Nutrition North Canada Program's targets and timelines and tie his questions to the carbon tax; updates about MMIWG recommendations and a Red Dress Alert, and be critical of how slow the Government has been to act on this; the failure to provide Indigenous communities with support to manage environmental emergencies like floods and wildfires; and remaining boil water advisories on reserves and ISC's failure to provide Indigenous communities with support to manage environmental emergencies like floods and wildfires. He has previously asked about measuring outcomes for Indigenous housing, and why increased funding has not led to better outcomes. During officials' appearance on Main Estimates, he asked questions about the measures the department was taking to ensure that non-Indigenous peoples are not able to access compensation from finalized settlements. He also asked about the department's failure to fulfill the TRC's Calls to Action.
• MP Eric Melillo (CPC), may ask questions about food insecurity, medical transportation in northern and remote communities, the Grassy Narrows care facility, and infrastructure gaps in Indigenous communities. He may criticize the Nutrition North program and ask what steps are being taken to lower food costs in the North. His questions will likely support an economic reconciliation approach. During officials' appearance on Main Estimates, he asked why recent Parliamentary Budget Officer and Office of the Auditor General reports show that increased ISC spending has not led to increased departmental results and what measures were being taken to increase productivity. He also asked what actions are being taken for the people of Grassy Narrows and why the government has not acted sooner.
• MP Bob Zimmer (CPC) is the CPC Critic for Northern Affairs and Arctic Sovereignty, as well as the Critic for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. He has previously asked for breakdowns of funding for several Specific Claims by community. He may ask questions about the funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program needing to benefit people rather than corporations, as well as about Arctic security and defence. He may ask questions regarding boil water advisories in Indigenous communities and cancelled or delayed critical infrastructure projects in Nunavut. During officials' appearance on Supps C, he asked about affordability and the carbon tax in the territories.
• MP Martin Shields (CPC) may ask questions about food insecurity and may tie food insecurity to the carbon tax. He may also ask questions on water security and water and wastewater systems.
• MP Sébastien Lemire (BQ) (Vice-Chair), is also the BQ critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs. He will likely ask questions related to funding for the TRC's Calls to Action, wildfires, water insecurity, and housing. He may ask about the lack of funding for Indigenous issues. During officials' appearance on Main Estimates, he asked about mental heath services available for Indigenous youth, specifically teenagers. He also asked about funding requests for the Yänonhchia' housing initiative, the Indigenous and northern infrastructure gap, as well as Indigenous housing programs and supports.
• MP Lori Idlout (NDP), the critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, will likely ask questions that pertain to her riding in Nunavut. She will likely be critical about the sunsetting of funding for various ISC programs, including ones for mental health and wellness, the legacy of residential schools, Jordan's principle, the Inuit Child First Initiative, and housing, water, and community infrastructure. She will likely highlight the infrastructure gap in Indigenous communities and ask about the correlation between poor housing and health issues, a lack of affordable housing in Nunavut, funding for infrastructure, water infrastructure challenges on reserves, and the low funding for education infrastructures, including calling for the funding of 13 Inuit-language and cultural schools in the near future. She may also ask about health, tuberculosis rates, medical transportation in the North, and the Grassy Narrows care facility. She will likely be critical of the funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program benefiting corporations rather than people in the north. She may ask questions related to reconciliation, including on Bill S-16, Red Dress Alert, MMIWG, police-involved Indigenous deaths, and unmarked graves.

Recent INAN studies, reports and government responses

• Nutrition North Canada (last meeting on May 8, 2024)
• Bill S-16, An Act respecting the recognition of the Haida Nation and the Council of the Haida Nation (submitted to committee on June 19, 2024)
• Bill C-61, An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nations lands (last meeting on October 3, 2024)
• Report 15: Main Estimates 2024-2025 (presented on May 30, 2024)
• Report 14: "We Belong to the Land": The Restitution of Land to Indigenous Nations (presented on May 8, 2024)
• Report 13: Braiding Learning and Healing: A Pathway to Improving Graduation Rates and Successful Outcomes for Indigenous Students (presented on May 8, 2024)
• Report 2, Housing in First Nations Communities (last meeting on April 29,2024)
• Report 3, First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (last meeting on April 29,2024)
• Report 12 - Bill C-53, An Act respecting the recognition of certain Métis governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan, to give effect to treaties with those governments and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (presented on February 8, 2024)
• Government Response to Report 14 – "We Belong to the Land": The Restitution of Land to Indigenous Nations (presented September 16, 2024)
• Government Response to Report 13 – Braiding Learning and Healing: A Pathway to Improving Graduation Rates and Successful Outcomes for Indigenous Students (presented September 16, 2024)
• Government Response to Report 11 - Food Security in Northern and Isolated Communities: Ensuring Equitable Access to Adequate and Healthy Food for All (presented on January 29, 2024)
• Government Response to Report 10 - Arctic Security and Sovereignty, and the Emergency Preparedness of Indigenous Communities (presented on October 19, 2023)
• Government Response to Report 9 - Reclaiming, Revitalizing, Maintaining and Strengthening Indigenous Languages in Canada (presented on October 16, 2023)
• C-51 - An Act to give effect to the self-government treaty recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (last meeting on June 19, 2023)
• Government Response to Report 6 - Moving Towards Improving the Health of Indigenous Peoples in Canada: Accessibility and Administration of the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (presented on April 17, 2023)

Recent Correspondence

Lori Idlout (NDP): June 17, 2024 – Capital allocation policies on school expansions and renovations

Lori Idlout (NDP): May 9, 2024 – Requests submitted through Jordan's Principle & Inuit Child First Initiative

Eric Melillo (CPC): March 4, 2024 – Tragic fire in Cat Lake Cat First Nation that destroyed their nursing station.

Bob Zimmer (CPC): January 29, 2024 – Transfer of parcels on the Summit Lake watershed

Recent MP Order Paper Questions (OPQs)/Petitions

Q-2059 Jamie Schmale (CPC): December 5, 2023 – Compliance audit to be included in the Government's Indigenous Business Directory. Response tabled January 29, 2024.

Q-2058 Jamie Schmale (CPC): December 5, 2023 – With regard to CIR: what criteria, framework, and legal test was used by the Government to determine that each of the communities represented by the Métis Nation of Ontario holds rights under Section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982. Response tabled January 29, 2024.

Q-2642 Bob Zimmer (CPC): May 1, 2024 – Northern Affairs Canada's Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program. Response tabled June 17, 2024.

Q-2449 Bob Zimmer (CPC): March 18, 2024 – Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program. Response tabled May 3, 2024.

Q-2448 Bob Zimmer (CPC): March 18, 2024 – 2024-25 CIRNAC Main Estimates, $94,603,783 listed under "Contributions for promoting sage use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development" and $4,151,000 listed under "Grants for promoting the sage use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development." Response tabled May 3, 2024.

OPQ-2357 Lori Idlout (NDP): February 15, 2024 – Indigenous Services Canada's 2023-24 Departmental Plan

Q-2358 Lori Idlout (NDP): February 15, 2024 – Federal funding committed to the creation and maintenance of housing stock in Nunavut, broken down by fiscal year since 2015-16. Response tabled April 10, 2024.

Q-2367 Lori Idlout (NDP): February 22, 2024 - Bill C-61, An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nations land, since December 7, 2022.

Q-2703 Lori Idlout (NDP): May 9, 2024 – Requests submitted through Jordan's Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative. Response sent to PCO July 17, 2024, not yet tabled.

Q-2897 Lori Idlout (NDP): June 17, 2024 – Capital allocation policies on school expansions and renovations. Response sent to PCO July 30, 2024, not yet tabled.

Q-2991 Lori Idlout (NDP): September 20, 2024 – Contracts with healthcare agencies to serve rural and remote Indigenous communities at ISC, broken down by fiscal year, since 2017-18. Not yet tabled.

In the Media

• Six Indigenous deaths after interacting with police in last 2 weeks | aptnnews.ca
• Blood Tribe man dies after altercation with Calgary police | aptnnews.ca
• First Nations leaders call for clear path forward on rights-based fisheries | CBC News
• NDP MP urges policy changes in emergency debate on First Nations deaths by police | CBC News
• Thousands rally at Queen's Park to demand action on mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows First Nation | CBC News
• 'Deeply ashamed': Canadian Medical Association apologizes for harms to Indigenous peoples | Globalnews.ca
• Auditor general considering probe into Indigenous procurement program - National | Globalnews.ca
• Alberta First Nation suing federal government over unclean tap water | CBC News
• Plastics industry treats Indigenous lands as 'sacrifice zones' | Canada's National Observer: Climate News
• Ottawa failing to meet Jordan's Principle deadlines for First Nations kids' care most of the time | CBC News
• $349B needed now to close infrastructure gap by 2030, Assembly of First Nations says in report | CBC News

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled for October 28th, 2024, from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

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

It is recommended that all speakers speak at a moderate pace and at an appropriate volume to ensure they are heard by the interpreters. All witnesses are asked to mute their microphones unless they are speaking. A new practice that was recently instituted as a measure to protect interpreters from injury, is that when earpieces are not in use by witnesses, that they be placed on the designated white circles installed on the table.

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

Departmental Officials appearing as witnesses should avoid making commitments to parliamentarians outside of the meeting's official proceedings. If a Member of Parliament or Senator approaches a witness asking for information, they should politely redirect that request to the Clerk of the Committee, who will then officially liaise with the Department.

The current political climate has led to some committee meetings being overtaken by debates and motions. Witnesses should be prepared for interruptions and heated exchanges and remain calm and poised while at the table.

Committee members will pose their questions in the following order:

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

The meeting can be watched via ParlVU, however there may be an up to 70-second delay with the webcast.

Other Information for Appearing In-Person

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

Treaties and Aboriginal Government

• Action: Co-Development of Rights-Based Solutions
  • Outcome
    • 174 active negotiation tables with Indigenous communities receiving negotiation support funding to participate in discussions
    • Over 120 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Discussion tables (RIRSD) established since 2016
    • 106 preliminary-type agreements signed since 2016, setting the stage for substantive rights-based discussions
• Action: Concluded Treaties, Self-Government Agreements and Other Constructive Arrangements
  • Outcome
    • 42 treaties, self-government and other constructive arrangements concluded since 2016; representing 110 Indigenous communities, organizations or governments, including:
      • 5 agreements that recognize an inherent right to self-government
      • 5 apologies or exonerations
    • 12 treaties, self-government and other constructive arrangements signed in 2023-24. Notable agreements signed in 2023-24:
      • Nang K̲'úulaas Recognition Agreement signed with the Council of the Haida Nation
      • Interim Land Reconciliation Agreement signed with the Snuneymuxw
      • Hybrid Fisheries and Parks Reconciliation Agreements signed with the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik
    • 3 special claims settled since 2016, including:
      • Canada's $666 million as part of the Williams Treaties First Nations Settlement Agreement
      • Canada's $95 million in compensation to Lubicon Lake Band
      • $1.3 billion to Siksika First Nation
• Action: Litigation Settlements
  • Outcome
    • Since 2016, 5 settlements have been negotiated with Indigenous partners, which would have otherwise been litigated through the courts:
      • Includes Canada's $5 billion contribution to settle litigation with Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations to honour the Crown's treaty obligations regarding Annuities announced on June 17 2023
• Action: Collaborative Fiscal Policy Process
  • Outcome
    • 26 Self-Governing Indigenous Governments worked with Canada to complete co-development of funding proposals relating to Infrastructure (Stage 2), Lands, resources and treaty management, and language revitalization.
• Action: Financial Mandating Framework
  • Outcome
    • 11 Indigenous groups received comprehensive treaty financial offers and 4 groups received offers for incremental benefits in 2023-24. All 15 groups accepted the offers.
• Action: UNDA Action Plan Measures
  • Outcome
    • Eight United Nations Declaration Action Plan Measures (UNDA APMs) to advance rights-based issues with partners:
      • APM 1.23 – Withdrawal of the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right Policies, an issuance of a public statement clarifying Canada's rights recognition approach
      • APM 1.24 – Remove and jointly address identified barriers to settlement and co-development of approaches for the right to self-determination.
      • APM 2.2 - Re-affirm pre-1975 treaty relationships based on the principles of mutual respect, self-determination and the nation-to-nation relationship
      • APM 3.1 - The Crown will respect and support the right of Inuit to exercise their right to self-determination
      • APM 4.1 - Canada will recognize, support and advance the exercise of Métis rights to self-determination, and the inherent right to self-government
      • APM 4.2 - Canada will continue to engage with Métis governments and partners to develop measures and approaches for the redress of Métis claims and historical wrongs
      • APM 4.3 - Canada will continue to collaborate with Métis governments and partners through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Discussion Tables
      • APM 4.4 - Canada will continue to advance reconciliation between Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and Canada by fulfilling its commitments in the MOU by co-developing agreements and shared solutions

Resolution and Partnerships

• Action: Prairie Green Landfill: Transfer funds ($20 million) to the Government of Manitoba by means of a grant
  • Outcome
    • $20 million transferred to the Government of Manitoba in August 2024.
    • The Government of Manitoba is currently leading a search of the Prairie Green Landfill for the purpose of trying to locate, recover and identify the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, two murdered First Nation women.
  • Context
    • $200,000 has been flowed by ISC to the Long Plain First Nation to support victims' families during the period of the trial.
    • Criminal trial of Jeremy Skibicki, found him guilty of four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of four First Nations women, including Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myron. He was sentenced to four concurrent life sentences with no possibility of parole for 25 years.
• Action: Specific Claims are resolved
  • Outcome
    • Since the program began in 1973 to August 31, 2024, settled 715 claims through negotiations for more than $15.6 billion in compensation.
    • From January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2024, 310 claims resolved for close to $11.8 billion in compensation.
    • In FY 2023-24:
      • 42 claims settled for $2.5 billion in compensation
      • 88 claims filed with the Minister
      • We made an offer to negotiate on 84 claims
    • So far in FY 2024-25, 16 claims settled for $884 million in compensation
    • As of August 31, 2024, there were 727 claims in the Specific Claims inventory.
    • Proportion of claims accepted for negotiation has increased from 65% in 2014-15 to 95% in 2023-24
  • Context
    • Past injustices are recognized and resolved (Departmental Plan)
    • Accelerate the resolution of outstanding land claims (Mandate Letter)
• Action: Unmarked Burials
  • Outcome
    • 60% (84 of 140 Indian Residential Schools)^{Footnote 1} of former residential schools for which investigation work has been conducted (Target: 86% by March 2025).
    • 98% (174 of 177)^{Footnote 1} of funding requests for which engagement between the Department and the partner/community is underway within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt (Target: 85% by March 2023).
    • As of September 20, 2024, CIRNAC has received 182 funding requests under the Residential Schools Missing Children - Community Support Fund totaling $612.4 million. 146 funding agreements totaling $216.6 million (2021-22 to 2024-25) have been put in place.
    • The Government of Canada has invested $323.1 million to date to support the implementation of Calls to Action 74 to 76.
  • Context
    • The Residential Schools Legacy Program aims to provide support to Indigenous communities and partners to advance Calls to Action 72-76 through 4 distinct funding streams:
      • the Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support stream
      • Sustainability Funding for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation stream
      • Project-based Funding to Develop and Maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register stream
      • Project-based Funding to Develop and Maintain a National Residential School Cemetery Register stream
• Action: Additions to Reserve
  • Outcome
    • Budget 2021: $43 million over four years to redesign the Additions to Reserve Policy ($10.8 million to CIRNAC for policy redesign and $32.2 million to ISC to accelerate work on existing ATR proposals).
    • Approximately $4 million to 58 First Nation in Call for Proposals communities and organizations to conduct First Nation-led engagement on redesign. Reports anticipated in Summer 2024.
    • Bilateral table with the AFN on ATR Policy redesign.
    • Table and working groups set with the LAB on ATR Policy redesign.
    • Consultations ongoing with provinces and Self-Governing Nations on ATR Policy redesign.
    • What We Heard Report published on the departmental website.
    • ATR Redesign website updated with current reports to ensure transparency.
  • Context
    • Statistics on ATRs completed and in process
      • Since 2016-17, 437 ATRs approved for 260,613 acres.
      • 17 ATRs completed for 1,544 acres in 2023-2024.
      • 748 Active ATRs in the inventory for 700,000 acres.
    • Policy Redesign Call for Proposals
      • 42 Single communities for a total of $1,563,026
      • 13 Multi-communities for a total of $2,056,787
      • 1 Regional Indigenous Organizations $155,580
      • 2 National Indigenous Organizations $218,900
    • Extensive literature review of 30 reports, audits, case studies, and action plans on ATR completed.
• Action: First Nation Land Governance Registry
  • Outcome
    • Budget 2023: $35.3 million over 3 years to co-develop a new First Nation Land Governance Registry (FNLGR) with the Lands Advisory Board and First Nations Land Management Resource Center Inc.
    • Initial phased operation targeted for late 2025 with full implementation by 2027-28.
    • Work is on-schedule and progressing well.
    • Registry will be managed and operated by an independent, not-for-profit, First Nation-led organization to support First Nations with a land code in force under the Framework Agreement for First Nation Land Management.
    • The Lands Advisory Board and First Nations Management Resource Centre have partnered with the Land Title and Survey Authority (LTSA) of British Columbia to develop the FNLGR technology.
    • CIRNAC, ISC and NRCan are working closely with the First Nations Land Management Resource Center Inc. and LTSA to ensure project completion.
  • Context
    • The current First Nations Land Registry System (FNLRS) is operated by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) based on out-of-date technology that does not allow for information to be easily inputted or retrieved creating negative impacts on Land Code First Nations wishing to accelerate economic development opportunities, and advance self-determination utilizing their land.
    • The proposed system would allow work at the speed of business critical for any government to effectively manage development and land use.
    • Funding has been provided to the First Nations Land Management Resource Center Inc. as follows:
      • 2023-24 - $8,765,000
      • 2024-25 - $9,589,000
• Action: The First Nations Fiscal Management Act
  • Outcome
    • 364 First Nations have opted into the First Nations Fiscal Management Act.
    • 281 First Nations passed a Financial Administration Law under the Act.
    • 230 First Nations obtained Financial Performance certification.
    • 126 First Nations currently taxing under the FNFMA, collecting approximately $100 million annually. An additional 34 First Nations passed taxation laws under the FNFMA, but not currently taxing.
    • 24 First Nations collect property taxes under s.83 of the Indian Act, collecting approximately $27 million per year.
    • FNTC is working with Finance Canada to develop the Fuel, Alcohol, Cannabis and Tobacco (FACT) tax framework.
    • 87 First Nations are borrowing from the FNFA.
    • Almost $2 billion in loans have been accessed by First Nations for economic development and infrastructure projects.
    • CIRNAC is currently engaging on regulations that would allow self-governing and treaty First Nations, Indigenous aggregates and organizations to access financing through the First Nations Finance Authority.
    • Bill C-45 established a national First Nations Infrastructure Institute under the Act.
  • Context
    • First Nations exercise self-determination under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act
    • First Nations have access to stable revenues in the form of taxation powers under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act
    • The First Nations Fiscal Management Act regime contributes to Economic Reconciliation
    • The First Nations Fiscal Management Act regime contributes towards reducing the access to capital and infrastructure institutional gaps
• Action: Strategic Management of Indigenous Childhood Claims
  • Outcome
    • Resolution of 42 claims outside the courts including 5 national settlements: Newfoundland Residential Schools (Anderson), Sixties Scoop, Indian Day Schools (McLean), Indian Day Scholars (Gottfriedson), and Gottfriedson Band Class. Class actions settlements seek to balance individual compensation with forward looking investments to support healing and commemoration.
  • Context
    • Newfoundland Residential Schools (2016)
      • No. of class members compensated: 800
      • Total compensation paid: $33.5M
    • Sixties Scoop (2018)
      • Claims received: 34,816
      • Claims paid: 21,208
      • Total compensation paid: $530M
    • Federal Indian Day Schools (2019)
      • Claims received: 186,912
      • Claims paid: 152,295
      • Total compensation paid: $5.98B
    • Indian Day Scholars (2021)
      • Claims received: 26,249
      • Claims paid: 9,292
      • Total compensation paid: $92.92M
    • Gottfriedson Band Class (2023)
      • Total compensation paid: $2.8B

Modern Treaties, Consultation and Intergovernmental Relations Sector

Policy and Strategic Direction

Northern Affairs Organization

Key Messages

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

Background

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

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

Current Status

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

Key Messages

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

Background

• Work continues with partners through the implementation of co-developed housing strategies and the delivery of current investments. Higher costs and other challenges are having a compounding impact on housing delivery in Indigenous and northern communities. For example, the cost of constructing a basic residential home in Inuit Nunangat has increased dramatically and estimates are now in the range of $700,000 to $1 million per unit. This varies for multi-unit buildings, but costs have increased and remain extremely high which has an impact on overall effectiveness of current investments.
• Most recent federal investments supporting infrastructure and housing include:
  • Budget 2021 announced historic investments for Indigenous communities to support critical infrastructure through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund, totalling $4.3 billion over four years. Investments are helping to address immediate infrastructure needs, including multi-purpose community buildings, improved transportation infrastructure, day care facilities, and social housing. This funding sunsets in fiscal year 2024-25.
  • Budget 2022 included $1.6 billion over seven years for dedicated housing investments. This funding will help further address the critical housing needs of Indigenous communities to ensure adequate and affordable housing to achieve better health and socio-economic outcomes.
  • Budget 2024 announced $918 million for Indigenous Housing and Community Infrastructure investments to accelerate work to narrow housing and infrastructure gaps in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities as follows:
    • $426 million for First Nations on reserve;
    • $62 million for Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations;
    • $370 million for Inuit communities; and,
    • $60 million for Métis communities.
• Through dedicated investments made through Budget 2021 and Budget 2022 and ongoing partnerships with the territorial governments, Canada is also empowering territorial partners to support Northerners in accessing sustainable and safe housing. Specifically, these investments are going directly to territorial governments to respond to their call for greater support to address the northern housing crisis that is driven by geographic challenges, unique building conditions, climate change, and often challenging economic conditions.

Current Status

• Since 2016, Inuit have constructed over 626 new housing units, repaired over 469 existing units, enhanced Inuit-led housing programs, and have undertaken critical land acquisition and development work with the direct, distinctions-based investments.
• Since 2018-19, Métis governments helped with the construction or purchase of 1,575 houses; provided downpayment assistance to 1,537 households; renovated 4,600 houses; and provided rent supplements to 9,528 families.
• Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations received funding through Budgets 2021 and 2022 for infrastructure and housing. These were first-of-their-kind investments for Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations who are not part of existing National Housing Strategies. To access these funds, Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations submitted Action Plans identifying their proposed projects in these areas as well as reporting indicators. Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will receive updates from Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations partners by the end of these funding initiatives.
• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is currently working through the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development process with Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations to develop a second stage life-cycle infrastructure funding model. This model will be based on infrastructure standards prevailing in comparable communities and will support partners who are economically disadvantaged catch up to those standards over time.
• In 2022-23, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada amended fiscal arrangements with 24 Modern Treaty and Self-Government First Nations to implement a lifecycle infrastructure funding approach developed through the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Process. This resulted in $39.8 million in incremental funding for their agreements on an ongoing basis which represented a 154% increase.
• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has also established dedicated Intergovernmental Housing Steering Committees for Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to advance solutions and recommendations in response to the critical housing and infrastructure needs.
• Territorial government investments have focused on new and replacement public housing units, repairs to existing public housing units, making housing stock more energy efficient, and continued investment in people through training and apprenticeship. Results to date include:
  • Delivery of 109 new public housing units;
  • 22 modular housing units were purchased and delivered to communities where new housing projects are underway;
  • remediation initiatives, minor repairs and maintenance projects to existing housing stock and infrastructure facilities; and,
  • 116 major modernization and improvement (repair) projects to sustain and preserve existing public housing stock.

Key Messages

• The Framework provides "a shared vision of the future where Arctic and northern people are thriving, strong and safe". The Framework is intended to guide the Government of Canada's priorities, activities and investments in the Arctic to 2030 and beyond, and to better align Canada's national and international policy objectives with the priorities of Northerners.
• We continue to work with Framework partners to ensure that Northerners priorities are reflected in federal policies. Housing and infrastructure needs were key priorities raised by Framework partners in advance of the 2024 Leadership Committee meeting, held on October 11 in Iqaluit, along with Arctic and northern security and defence, international Arctic policy, and mental health and wellness. These priorities were all on the 2024 meeting agenda.
• Other priorities noted by partners include the need for a formalized mechanism for sharing information with territorial and First Nation governments; economic development (including clean energy/green economic measures); climate change; and measures to address the high cost of living.
• Since the release of the Framework, the Government of Canada has allocated significant funding in support of northern people and economies, and to move forward on social and political self-determination. These investments, such as the Child First Initiative – which will help to ensure that Inuit children have access to essential government-funded health, social and educational services and supports – are contributing to the codeveloped goals and objectives of the Framework.
• These investments have also been in areas that reflect both the co-developed Framework goals and the direct advocacy of partners. However, they have not been sufficient to bridge gaps- the north continues to fall behind the rest of the nation in almost all areas.

Background

• Released in 2019, the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework was co-developed with Inuit, First Nations, and northern Métis, the territorial governments of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon, and the provincial governments of Manitoba, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The Framework builds on 8 overarching and interconnected goals – people and communities, strong economies, comprehensive infrastructure, environment and biodiversity, science and Indigenous knowledge, global leadership, safety, security and defence, and reconciliation.
• Framework goals and objectives were co-developed with northern partners. Goal 1, "Canadian Arctic and northern Indigenous peoples are resilient and healthy," includes objectives related to ending poverty, hunger and homelessness, and strengthening mental and physical well-being (e.g. a specific objective to "create an environment in which children will thrive, through a focus on education, culture, health and well-being").

Current Status

• Framework partners attended the 2024 meeting of the Leadership Committee in Iqaluit on October 11 (co-hosted by the Premier of Nunavut). Agenda topics were Arctic and northern security and defence, international Arctic policy, mental health and wellness, and Arctic and northern housing infrastructure.
• Issue briefs for the agenda items were prepared and circulated to ANPF partners, at the officials level, to facilitate their leaders' preparations for the meeting. Agenda time was also allocated for partners' leaders to raise their own priorities.
• The Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities participated in person in the October 11 meeting. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of National Defence and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health participated virtually.
• Targeted federal investments in Budgets 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 are contributions toward the achievement of the co-developed Framework goals and objectives.
• Securing resources specifically allocated for Framework implementation remains, for partners, a foremost concern. Partners expect ongoing collaborative work on their regional priorities for new investments which will contribute to Framework implementation.
• Addressing the range of infrastructure gaps in the North, including housing, continues to be identified as a top priority by northern partners. Territorial Premiers, Indigenous leaders, and other Northern stakeholders stress the need for increased federal funding and coordinated whole-of-government support to address the significant gaps, not only to support the communities in the region, but as a critical step in the process of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Key Messages

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

Background

• CIRNAC delivers 5 climate change programs that support Indigenous Peoples and northerners to take a leadership role in climate action, through clean energy, adaptation, and climate policy engagement. Projects are community-led, build capacity and skills, and yield economic opportunities for communities.
• Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan and Canada's Emissions Reduction Plan supports Indigenous Climate Leadership which invests in the agency of Indigenous communities and rights-holders on addressing climate change. Funding is being provided to over 50 national and regional Indigenous governments and representative organizations to support an Indigenous-led engagement process with communities and rightsholders. The Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda will establish a transformational, long-term partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners on climate change, and will help to ensure that Indigenous Peoples have the resources and authorities necessary to take self-determined climate action on adaptation and mitigation. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada jointly lead this initiative.
• Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan and Budget 2021 delivered $300 million to transition Indigenous and remote communities from diesel to clean, renewable and reliable energy. To deliver this funding, the Government has established Wah-ila-toos – a single-window initiative to better support communities in accessing federal funding and expertise to support their self-determined clean energy priorities.

Current Status

• Through its climate change programs, CIRNAC continues to support Indigenous and northern communities, in addressing climate change impacts and developing clean energy projects. CIRNAC's climate change programs have supported more than 1125 projects/initiatives across Indigenous and northern communities with investments totaling more than $327 million.
• CIRNAC's clean energy program, Northern REACHE, met its interim diesel reduction target of 2 million liters by 2023. The program has a target to reduce 7 million litres of diesel annually by 2030. As projects supported at an earlier stage of development come on-line over the next several years, the pace of diesel reduction will accelerate, making progress towards achieving the 2030 target of 7 million litres.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Northern REACHE:

• 216 projects funded since 2017
• 13 hydro projects funded since 2021

Climate Change Preparedness in the North

• 216 projects funded since 2017
• 13 hydro projects funded since 2021

First Nation Adapt

• 241 projects funded since 2016

Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring

• 227 projects funded since 2017

Engaging Indigenous Peoples in Climate Policy

• 60 projects funded since 2017

Key Messages

• The Western Arctic Tariuq Accord establishes a direct role for Indigenous peoples in natural resources development in the North.
• We are co-developing with northern governments and Indigenous peoples a science-based approach to oil and gas in the Arctic offshore.
• The Accord advances Indigenous political, economic and social self-determination.

Background

• The Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord was signed on August 10, 2023, between Canada, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Government of Yukon and the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Accord established an offshore oil and gas co-management agreement and resource revenue sharing arrangement with northern partners. The Inuvialuit are an equal management partner that will benefit directly from resource revenues generated in the Accord area. The signing of the Accord fulfilled a lands and resources devolution agreement commitment in the 1993 Canada-Yukon Oil and Gas Accord and the 2013 Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement. Budget 2022 announced $2.5 million over five years to support Inuvialuit participation in the management and administration of the Accord.
• In December 2016 Canada announced and indefinite moratorium on oil and gas in Canada's Arctic waters, to be reviewed every five years through a climate and marine science-based review. CIRNAC works with the territorial governments, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to co-develop the review. In summer 2023, the "Report of the Western Arctic Review Committee" and the "Report of the Committee on the Science-Based Assessment of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development in the Eastern and Central Arctic" were finalized. Canada maintained the moratorium for five more years and launched another science-based review that is being co-developed with northern partners. Budget 2023 announced $6.9 million to continue to advance the science-based review and to implement the Tariuq Accord.

Current Status

• CIRNAC is working with the Department of Justice to draft the implementing legislation for the Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord, in consultation with northern Accord partners.
• CIRNAC is working with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Government of Yukon and the Government of the Northwest Territories in the western Arctic, and the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Nunavut in the eastern Arctic, to plan and co-develop another five-year climate and marine science-based review.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Funding to Support Future Arctic Offshore Energy / 5,197,251

• Vote 1 in new funding, performance indicators included in Department PIPs under: Implementation of the Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord; and Northern participation in a science-based approach to oil and gas in Canada's Arctic

Funding to Support Future Arctic Offshore Energy / 1,732,417 – to be funded internally

• Vote 1 in existing funding, performance indicators included in Department PIPs under: Implementation of the Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord; and Northern participation in a science-based approach to oil and gas in Canada's Arctic

Key Messages

• The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, launched in 2019 with territorial, Indigenous and provincial partners, and now focused on implementation, includes a Safety, Security and Defence chapter led by the Department of National Defence.
• The 2023 Leadership Committee meeting – held on October 13th in Whitehorse, Yukon – served as an important opportunity for the Minister of Northern Affairs and his colleagues to hear directly from partners on their key priorities, including a presentation by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of National Defence on Arctic and northern security and defence.
• The Minister of National Defence is expected to participate in the October 11th 2024 Leadership Committee meeting. This is part of ongoing commitment, which I and my officials have been supporting, to ensure that Northern priorities are reflected in new initiatives related to security and defence.
• Conversations with Framework partners related to Arctic security are important and will continue, to ensure that their priorities and contributions to a safe and secure North and to Canada's overall strength are appropriately reflected.

Background

• Goal 7 of the Framework is that "the Canadian Arctic and North and its people are safe, secure and well-defended." The Framework goals also reflect a broad definition of security, encompassing goals and objectives that address the human dimension of security.
• The Minister of Northern Affairs has been mandated to work with the Minister of National Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and partners to assert Canada's Arctic sovereignty and implement the Framework to create a future where Canada's Northern and Arctic residents are thriving, strong and safe.
• Since its release, the Government of Canada has made significant investments in areas reflective of both Framework priorities and the direct advocacy of Framework partners. Defence related investments apply across Canada but have implications for the North and Arctic; they have included investments in NORAD modernization and continental defence.

Current Status

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

Key Messages

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

Background

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

Current Status

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

Key Messages

• Climate change is impacting the North at a rate that is three times the global average.
• As demonstrated during the 2023 wildfire season, emergency management (EM) across Canada's three territories is faced with unique challenges due to large geographies, small populations, remote communities, and accelerated impacts of climate change.
• The 2023 fires in NWT illuminated gaps in federal EM programming, mostly in terms of Indigenous eligibility and programmatic barriers to access in Public Safety's DFAA, as well as ISC's EMAP. In response, CIRNAC provided one-time funding in the amount of $15 million to Northwest Territories Indigenous partners to address emergency management policy gaps.

Background

• Successful preparation for and response to emergencies in the North requires coordinated communication and cooperation between all levels of government, including (and most importantly) Indigenous governments and leadership.
• Following the 2023 fire season, the Minister of Northern Affairs was tasked to work with other federal departments to develop a long-term strategy to address culturally appropriate emergency management services in the North and to present a long-term emergency management strategy for the North in fall 2024.
• A policy analysis was undertaken between federal programs (Public Safety's DFAA and Indigenous Services Canada's EMAP) which demonstrated a significant gap in Emergency Management, particularly as it relates to planning and preparation for Indigenous communities who are not EMAP eligible (Metis, Inuit, and First Nations people living off reserve).
• Northern Affairs is undergoing engagement session with Indigenous partners across the North, as well as with the territories, in order to further understand policy gaps and community needs

Current Status

• Engagements with Indigenous partners have shown a need for increased community capacity in order to better prepare communities for future EM events.
• Future steps in the strategy will be further refined through engagement with territorial governments, Indigenous communities, as well as other federal departments.

Key Messages

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

Background

• Nunavut is the last territory without control of its own lands and resources. Completing devolution places the Government of Nunavut at par with provinces and territories in this respect.
• Devolution enables the federal government to increase its focus on other core federal responsibilities, such as intergovernmental relations, sovereignty and defence, land claims implementation, climate change, remediation of contaminated sites and economic development.
• Devolution is a key step for the self-determination of Nunavummiut, closing the last steps for a fully federated Canada. It follows through on the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in 1993, and the creation of the territory of Nunavut in 1999.
• Devolution creates stronger public governments that are more responsive to local issues and priorities while ensuring that social, economic and other benefits of resource development in the region are shared with Nunavummiut.
• The Transitional Human Resource Development Strategy was co-developed to support capacity building within the Government of Nunavut, with a primary goal of maximizing Inuit education and employment opportunities to ensure a viable workforce on the transfer date. This will further build capacity to ensure that responsibilities carried out currently by the Government of Canada will transfer to the Government of Nunavut seamlessly.
• The Government of Canada has committed $15 million to co-implement the Transitional Human Resources Development Strategy. $6 million of this was transferred during the negotiation phase, the remaining $9 million will be transferred over the next three years.

Current Status

• The signing of the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement launched a three-year implementation phase towards bringing the Devolution Agreement into effect on April 1, 2027.
• On February 14, 2024, the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Canada launched Inunnguqsaivik: Learning for a purpose. This new learning support initiative is one of several planned under the Transitional Human Resources Development Strategy to provide opportunities for Nunavut Inuit and other northerners to access supports to build the skills and knowledge to manage and steward Nunavut's lands, waters, and resources when these roles and responsibilities are transferred from the federal government to the Government of Nunavut.
• The initial stage of the implementation phase has included the establishment of the required internal and external implementation governance structures and plans, as well as the initial technical work with subject matter experts.
• Nunavut Devolution will require legislative amendments to give effect to land and resource authorities being assumed by the Government of Nunavut. Mirroring legislation will be established by the Government of Nunavut to ensure a predictable regulatory environment immediately following transfer on April 1, 2027.
• Next steps for implementation include: drafting and passing of legislation to give effect to the final agreement; provision of implementation funding to the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated; legally describing and/or surveying lands; and furthering deliverables related to the transfer of lands, human resources, properties and assets.
• Section 35 consultations with Indigenous Groups with rights within Nunavut will continue over the course of the implementation of the Devolution Agreement.

Program-Level Data

One-Time Implementation Funding

• $13.85 million over 4 years to Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
• $70.25 million over 3 years to the Government of Nunavut (Includes $9 million for transitional human resources strategy)
• $85.8 million annually added to Government of Nunavut Territorial Formula Financing transfer (escalated)
• $3.3 million over 3 years to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

Post-Devolution Funding

• $85.8 million annually added to Government of Nunavut Territorial Formula Financing transfer (escalated)
• $3 million annual ongoing funding for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated

Departmental Reference Level Reductions

• $19.2 million in reference level reductions across for 4 federal departments take effect 2027

Key Messages

• On April 16, 2024, it was announced that NNC's expanded funding through B2021, was to sustain the Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund for another three years, with additional funding for the Food Security Research Grant for three years, and funding for the subsidy for one year.
• Collectively, these recent investments in Nutrition North Canada's expanded food security programs have been lauded by Indigenous and northern partners, who view sustained investments in these shared solutions as a core requirement to continued progress.
• Nutrition North is committed to continuous improvement. We are in the process of appointing a Ministerial Special Representative to undertake an external review.
• Across the north, food being shipped by land and air across provincial or territorial boundaries are included as an exemption from the carbon pricing model.

Background

• Traditionally, the Nutrition North Program's primary focus was not food security, but health and nutrition as a function of northern development.
• The Program adjusted its mandate through Budget 2021 to include food security as a policy driver in both northern and southern Canada's remote communities
• Since its inception in 2011, Nutrition North Canada's retail subsidy has helped to lower the prices of eligible food and essential items in isolated northern communities, while increasing the amount of perishable nutritious food available. The number of eligible communities has increased from 79 to 124.
• Nutrition North Canada's food security programming was co-developed with Indigenous and community partners, and included involvement from all four Inuit modern treaty holders organizations and is the first formal federal recognition of the Inuit Nunangat Food Security Strategy.
• Use of the retail subsidy continues to rise. Between 2011 and March 2023, the average volume of eligible items shipped to northern isolated communities increased by approximately 106 percent. Nearly 324.9 million kilograms of eligible items were subsidized, with an average of 4.2 million kilograms added each year.
• Budget 2021 provided funding to enhance and expand the retail contribution program. In particular, the funds enabled food banks and registered charities to join the program and subsidize donated food and essentials at a flat rate of $3 per kilogram. Thanks to this breakthrough, it is now possible to provide real help to those who need it most.
• As part of Budget 2022, an additional $20 million in funding was allocated for the retail contribution. These funds are used to cover the rising cost of food due to inflation.
• Budget 2024 is providing $124 million into NNC's expanded programming:
  • Harvesters Support Grant: $36 million over 3 years
  • Community Food Programs Fund: $60.8 million over 3 year
  • Subsidy: $23.2 million in 2024-2025
  • Food Security Research Grant: $2.1 million over 3 years
• Through Budget 2024, NNC is sustaining the expanded subsidy program to food banks and registered charities, as well as maintaining subsidy rates to address rising inflation.
• The Harvesters Support Grant & Community Food Programs Fund promote local decision making and increase access to country foods by providing funding to support traditional hunting, harvesting and food sharing in 112 eligible communities.
• In the first two years, the Harvesters Support Grant supported 15,000 harvesters, 410 hunts and harvests, and over 717 food sharing initiatives in over 110 isolated communities.
• Late in 2022-2023, five agreements were signed with successful Food Security Research Grant applicants, totaling $1.25M. The Research Grant is driving Indigenous-led research on food access and the high costs of living in the North. Results are expected throughout the 2024/2025 fiscal year and will inform ongoing improvements to the retail subsidy program, including subsidy pass-through.

Current Status

• Program officials are working closely with key partners, including the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, Indigenous Working Group, the Inuit Food Security Working Group, community and community leaders to further expand the retail subsidy to food banks, non-for-profits, and local food producers.
• NNC has onboarded 4 food banks, and is currently working with an additional 3 organizations to register them for the program, as well as 1 local food producer.
• Clear opportunities exist to profile the innovative food security work being led by communities, and enhance communication efforts on Nutrition North Canada's four programming areas. Through a series of engagements, northerners are learning more about how Nutrition North Canada works with its Indigenous and northern partners to co-develop and deliver new food security programming to northerners.
• Nutrition North Canada is committed to on-going improvements of the program. In order to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of the Nutrition North Canada program, a Departmental internal evaluation has been launched that is targeted to be completed by Spring 2025.
• Two additional projects on subsidy pass-through and retailer accountability measures are being undertaken by Wilfred Laurier University and York University. The program is eagerly waiting for the initial findings from these projects and the five grant projects to leverage improvements to the subsidy program.
• Through Budget 2024 investments NNC will:
  • Launch Phase 2 of the Food Security Research Grant to focus on developing policy options to make the subsidy work better for those it serves, as well as;
  • Enter into new Harvesters Support Grant & Community Food Programs Fund agreements with recipients representing over 110 eligible communities across the 3 territories and northern parts of 6 provinces.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

• Program/Investment – Budget 2024
  • Funding / Performance Indicator Data – $124 million

Key Messages

• Indigenous communities in Canada are disproportionately affected by climate change, including natural disasters, ecosystem changes, impacts on infrastructure and economic development, increased costs of living, and negative effects on health and wellbeing.
• Recognizing the urgency and severity of climate impacts on Indigenous communities, the federal government has been taking action to support Indigenous peoples on climate change, such as:
  • $1.3 billion in investments targeted towards Indigenous peoples under the Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan;
  • $1.6 billion in investments in the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan for the National Adaptation Strategy; and
  • $29.6 million commitment announced in the 2030 Emissions Reductions Plan and Budget 2023 to co-develop Indigenous Climate Leadership agendas with Indigenous partners.
  • Budget 2022 invested $29.6 million over three years, starting in 2022-23, to support co-development and provided a mandate to CIRNAC and ECCC to return to Cabinet in Fall 2024 with distinctions-based recommendations and strategies to implement a renewed, long-term partnership between Canada and Indigenous Peoples on climate.
  • Budget 2024 proposes $145.2 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, for Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to work with First Nations to develop greater climate resiliency and deploy structural mitigation strategies that protect communities, homes, and essential infrastructure from climate disasters, including $10.4 million for Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations.
• Since 2016, ISC has allocated approximately $1.4billion in program funding to Indigenous communities for climate-related actions, including transitioning to clean energy and off-diesel, building sustainable and resilient infrastructure, providing services for physical and mental health, enhancing food security, and supporting emergency management and preparedness services.
• Discussions with First Nations partners have outlined the importance of moving towards self-determined climate actions, greater First Nations agency with respect to climate change, and ultimately the transfer of federal programs and services to communities. First Nations also seek to secure earlier and deeper forms of engagement, greater coordination across jurisdictions, and greater access to federal climate programming.
• ISC currently delivers $20 billion worth of programs and services to Indigenous communities. A significant opportunity exists to ensure that these investments support Indigenous communities to build resilience and advance climate actions.

Background

• Indigenous communities in Canada are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts and environmental risks. This is in part due to a close relationship and reliance on lands and natural resources, often remote geographic locations, as well as socio-economic inequality and infrastructure challenges.
• Climate change and environmental impacts are causing detrimental effects to Indigenous communities, including increased costs of living, damaged infrastructure, food and water security challenges, impacts on physical and mental wellness, decreased ability to safely conduct cultural practices, and damages to historic and cultural sites.
• At the same time, Indigenous communities are demonstrating strong leadership in climate action by building resilient communities, investing in clean energy, reducing pollution, and exemplifying ways to respect and protect nature.
• Climate change is a top priority for the government, and Canada has developed ambitious plans to take strong action on climate change.
• In the federal mandate letters of December 2021, all ministers were called to support work to exceed Canada's emissions reduction target and prepare Canada to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate. In particular, the Minister of Indigenous Services was called on to work in partnership with Indigenous partners to address climate change and its impacts.
• Indigenous Services Canada currently delivers several programs that support Indigenous peoples in taking action on climate change in key areas, such as transition to clean energy and off-diesel, building sustainable and resilient infrastructure, providing services for physical and mental health, enhancing food security, and providing emergency management and preparedness services.
• In 2023, ISC adopted its first Working Strategy on Climate Change (2023-2028) to help integrate climate considerations in existing programs and services.

Current Status

• Since 2016, ISC has allocated approximately $1.4 billion in program funding for Indigenous communities in areas connected to climate action. For example, some key investments include:
  • $177.1 million since 2016 in the First Nation Infrastructure Fund to support 273 First Nation communities to better protect themselves from climate change impacts like flooding or forest fires.
  • $1.86 billion since 2016 in the First Nation Infrastructure Fund to support 185 First Nation communities to transition to clean, reliable and affordable energy systems through a combination of alternative energy projects featuring solar, hydroelectric, wind and others. For example, in partnership with ISC, the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project is supporting the connection of 16 remote First Nations communities in northern Ontario to the provincial electricity grid. These Investments made since 2016 have ensured that many more First Nations people live in a cleaner environment that promotes health and safety of community members.
  • $58.9 million since 2016 under the Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program for First Nations and Inuit community-led projects to identify, assess, and respond to the health impacts of climate change by developing and implementing health-related adaptation or action plans, as well as by developing knowledge-building and communication materials.
  • Between 2012 and 2023, EMAP has reimbursed over $808 million for response costs and more than $545 million for recovery efforts. Additionally, during this period, EMAP allocated around $175 million to support non-structural mitigation and preparedness projects.
  • $36 million in the Strategic Partnerships Initiative program supports First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities' capacity and readiness to develop local or regional economically sustainable clean energy projects.
• In addition, ISC's Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program received $12 million total over 5 years under the National Adaptation Strategy in 2022 to continue supporting multi-year First Nation and Inuit-led health adaptation projects in the North ($10 M) and the Climate Resilient Health Systems Initiative, which supports Indigenous organizations in engaging on the climate change gaps and needs in the health services funded and/or delivered by ISC.
• ISC further supports Indigenous priorities on climate action through its participation on federal steering committees for Indigenous Climate Leadership and the National Adaptation Strategy, and membership in the Joint Committee on Climate Action (co-led by the Assembly of First Nations and Environment and Climate Change Canada), the horizontal Climate Plan Implementation Committee, and several other climate-focused interdepartmental committees and initiatives.

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada is committed to the protection of human health and safety and the environment, as well as the development of economic opportunities for Northerners and Indigenous Peoples.
• Significant investments were made in implementing the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program and we continue to work with Environment and Climate Change Canada towards renewing the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.
• We continue to collaborate meaningfully with communities, Indigenous Peoples, Territories and interested stakeholders to protect Canadians and the environment.

Background

• CIRNAC's Northern Contaminated Sites Program is responsible for the management of 163 contaminated sites across the North, representing an estimated environmental liability of $6.2 billion (Public Accounts of Canada March 2024).
• The Northern Contaminated Sites Program operates under two funding programs. The eight largest abandoned mine projects in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories are administered through the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program; this includes the Giant Mine and Faro Mine remediation projects, two of the largest contaminated sites in Canada. CIRNAC's remaining sites in the North are funded through Environment and Climate Change Canada's Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.
• The Northern Contaminated Sites Program contributes to the renewal of the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canada by creating socio-economic benefits for affected Indigenous communities. The Program is committed to making procurement opportunities accessible to Indigenous businesses and individuals through the use of Indigenous Opportunities Considerations, engaging with communities through Industry Days, and ensuring that work packages are accessible and right-sized for Indigenous businesses. Moreover, project teams work with Indigenous communities to co-develop project-specific governance agreements, procurement frameworks, and socio-economic strategies that promote reconciliation and meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples through the full project lifecycle. For more information, please refer to The Northern Contaminated Sites Program Procurement Procedure.

Current Status

• The Government of Canada has invested $9.1 billion over 15 years (2020-2035) in the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to remediate Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's eight largest abandoned mine projects. This includes an initial investment of $2.2 billion in Budget 2019 and an additional $6.9 billion in Budget 2023.
• Led by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Government is working to renew the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan into Phase roman numeral 5V. Budget 2024 announced funding for the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan Phase roman numeral 5V (2025-2026 to 2029-2030).
• The Giant Mine Remediation Project moved into the remediation phase in the Fall of 2022 and broke ground on the new permanent water treatment plant in the Summer of 2023, with commissioning expected in 2026. The project also signed a Community Benefits Agreement with the Yellowknives' Dene First Nation and North Slave Metis Alliance and a Procurement Framework Agreement with the Yellowknives' Dene First Nation.
• The Faro Mine Remediation Project has advanced the design and tendering for the construction of a permanent water treatment plant as an urgent work item. Evaluation of tenders is ongoing. Construction is expected to take four years following the award. In collaboration with Ross River Dena Council's Dena Cho Environmental, the project completed the fourth Annual Community Based Revegetation Initiative this summer, planting the 100,000th tree on-site. This unique community-led initiative has allowed Elders and community members to begin re-connecting with the site while supporting revegetation planning and implementation.

Program-Level Data (if applicable)

Key Messages

• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is committed to fostering economic reconciliation leading to opportunities for Indigenous businesses through the mandatory minimum target of 5% of the dollar value of federal contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses.
• In 2023-24, CIRNAC issued a total of $44 million in contracts, of which $2.6 million were issued to Indigenous businesses for a result of 5.9%. The Indigenous Benefit Component of the Northern Contaminated Sites Program is estimated at $60 million out of a total of $200 million for a result of 30%.
• Contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses include:
  • Research and Development
  • Translation services
  • Professional Services
  • Education and Training Services
  • Computer Equipment
  • Management Consulting
  • Office furniture and furnishings

Background

• The majority of contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses are done using a competitive process through mandatory PSPC supply arrangements and standing offers. These PSPC tools provide the opportunity to issue the solicitation to pre-qualified Indigenous businesses in the stream and category of the services needed. These businesses are all identified in the Indigenous Business Directory.
• The services provided by these companies were all as per scope identified in the contract and they delivered accordingly.
• When initiating a procurement requirement the Department supports and promotes the participation of Indigenous businesses in contract opportunities by ensuring project authorities have considered Indigenous businesses.

Key Messages

• Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the duty to consultation is met prior to recommending nuclear projects for approval by the Government of Canada.
• CIRNAC will continue to support the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Natural Resources Canada by providing advice on the duty to consult and the Government of Canada's relationship with potentially impacted Indigenous groups as questions arise during the assessment of nuclear waste projects.
• Given the complexity and substantial concerns regarding nuclear waste, early and transparent engagement with Indigenous groups will be crucial to working collaboratively to identify opportunities that advance economic reconciliation, and are aligned with Indigenous groups' priorities.

Background

• The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is a federal lifecycle regulator that operates at arms-length from the Government of Canada to regulate the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security, and the environment.
• For designated nuclear projects under the Impact Assessment Act, 2019, including facilities for the storage and disposal of nuclear waste, the Agency and the Nuclear Commission will collaborate to conduct a single, integrated assessment.
  • The Agency will coordinate the whole-of-government consultation activities with potentially impacted Indigenous groups for integrated assessments, with the Nuclear Commission participating, to the extent possible, in all Crown consultation activities.
• Various Indigenous groups have raised concerns regarding the potential impacts of nuclear waste sites located on their traditional territories, including the potential multi-generational impacts to Aboriginal and treaty rights, cumulative effects, and the health risks associated with radioactive waste.
• There are also concerns associated with the potential transportation of nuclear waste across numerous Indigenous groups' traditional territories to reach the nuclear waste facility site.
• There are currently 28 radioactive waste facilities in Canada.
  • This includes the nuclear waste disposal site for Chalk River Laboratories that was recently approved by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in January 2024.

Current Status

• The Nuclear Waste Management Organization is currently implementing a voluntary siting process to find a willing and informed community with a suitable site for a deep geologic repository to enable the long-term management of nuclear waste.
  • Two locations in Ontario near Ignace (northwest of Thunder Bay) and the Municipality of South Bruce (north of London) are being considered for the construction of a deep geologic repository for radioactive waste.
    • In July 2024, the town of Ignace decided it would be willing to be a site for the storage of nuclear waste. The Municipality of South Bruce is set to hold a referendum in October 2024.
    • Impacted Indigenous groups, including Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, have yet to decide on their consent.

Key Messages

• Between April 2023 and March 2024, CanNor invested $62.5 million across 240 projects fostering short and long-term economic development and sector diversification.
• Of these, $35 million was provided through CanNor's flagship IDEANorth program, supporting capacity and skills development and economic infrastructure.

Background

• CanNor continues to invest in key areas with significant potential to contribute to economic growth, including: a skilled northern workforce;
• major infrastructure projects; sustainable development of the mining and energy sectors; and economic diversification and innovation.

Current Status

• This fiscal year, CanNor has already allocated another $33 million in funding across 87 projects.

Key Messages

• CanNor will implement efficiencies totaling over $1.5 million through 2027:
  • 2024-25: $308,480
  • 2025-26: $480,000
  • 2026-27 and after: $714,560
• CanNor identified efficiencies within operational expenses and internal services that would result in minimal impact to the Agency's objectives and commitments moving forward.
• CanNor continues to work with its partners to ensure the Agency delivers its programs and expertise in the most efficient way possible.

Background

• If asked to explain how CanNor has conducted its spending review:
  • As a micro-Agency supporting northern economic development, CanNor prioritized its core mandate focusing on the economic diversification of the North, and the Agency's role as a convener of parties through the Northern Projects Management Office, preserving Indigenous programming, and ensuring alignment with whole-of-government priorities.

Current Status

• CanNor will implement the following measures starting fiscal year 2024-25:
  • Reducing in-person travel for CanNor staff in favour of virtual attendance when possible, but recognizing that the Agency may not be able to maintain the same level of monitoring of funding recipients in remote communities where virtual attendance is limited or not available.
  • Minimizing the budget for procuring outside professional services, and prioritizing the expertise of staff internal to the organization.
  • Optimizing CanNor's funding envelope to ensure maximum flexibility while meeting Northern and Indigenous commitments.

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada is committed to raising Inuit employment within the federal public service in Nunavut to representative levels.
• In the last few months, we released a renewed Whole-of-Government Inuit Employment Plan alongside renewed departmental Inuit Employment Plans.
• Together, these plans outline actions that the Government of Canada will take to support Inuit through recruitment, retention, and advancement over the next 10 years.

Background

• Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement outlines the obligation to advance Inuit Employment Within Government at all occupational groupings and levels.
• Inuit representation rates rose from 37% in 2017 to 49% in 2023 across all federal departments and agencies within Nunavut.
• The Government of Canada is targeting 64% of Inuit representation rates by March 31, 2028, and these numbers will be renewed by March 31, 2033.
• The representative rate of 85% across Nunavut is a multi-generational target that will be achieved and maintained in the long-term.

Current Status

• Pilimmaksaivik (the Federal Centre of Excellence for Inuit Employment), completed the Whole-of-Government Inuit Employment Plan on June 28, 2024.
• Using the Whole-of-Government Inuit Employment Plan as a guide, all nine federal departments and agencies with Article 23 obligations in Nunavut completed their departmental Inuit Employment Plans on September 16, 2024.
• Pilimmaksaivik has subsequently shared all departmental plans with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

Baffinland Suspends SOP2 Proposal

• Our government is aware of Baffinland's recent notice of request to suspend the Nunavut Impact Review Board's assessment of the Mary River Sustaining Operations Proposal 2 (SOP2).
• The Government of Canada will be ready to re-engage in the assessment and to provide capacity support to participants when Baffinland decides to resume the process for the Sustaining Operations Proposal 2.
• In the meantime, our Government will continue to work with Baffinland as it seeks the necessary regulatory permits and authorizations to advance its Steensby operations.

If Pressed:

• As always, our government is in close coordination with partners, and we are actively monitoring this situation and its impact in Nunavut.
• Our government is aware of the important role the resource sector has in the economic development of the territories.
• CanNor, through the Northern Projects Management Office, will continue supporting resource development in the territories by helping partners and stakeholders navigate regulatory processes.

If pressed on the economic impact of the mine

• Mining plays an important role in Nunavut's economy, accounting for over 45% of the territory's GDP in 2023.
• Currently, the Mary River mine employs over 900 Canadians, approximately 13 percent of the workforce is Inuit.
• According to Baffinland, the Mary River project contributes significantly to Nunavut's economy, accounting for $19.3 billion to Nunavut GDP to date.

Background

In a letter dated October 3, 2024, to the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) and Crown-Indigenous Services Canada (CIRNAC), Baffinland has informed both parties that it is requesting a suspension of the NIRB's review of the Sustaining Operations Proposal 2 (SOP2), in accordance with Section 143 of the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act (NuPPAA).

Baffinland will advise the NIRB in due course when it wishes to resume the SOP2 review and anticipates that at that time, the NIRB will issue an updated process map which provides for the outstanding procedural steps (i.e., response to Baffinland information requests, technical comments, technical meeting, community roundtable(s), final written submissions, public hearing).

According to Baffinland, the Mary River project contributes significantly to the economy. Over the lifetime of the mine, it has contributed $30.7 billion to Canadian GDP and $19.3 billion to Nunavut GDP.

The company has invested over $3.5 billion into the project and total payments to governments and Inuit organizations are projected to exceed $4 billion over the next 21 years.

The Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO), housed within the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), is responsible for coordinating federal participation in northern regulatory review processes.

NPMO acts as a convenor between businesses and various levels of government but does not act as a decision-making body.

NPMO acts as the Crown Consultation Coordinator for consultations on Baffinland's Steensby Inlet railroad application. NPMO is responsible for ensuring logistics, and a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to consultations.

The Northern Affairs Minister is a decision maker for NIRB processes, and CIRNAC will be issuing permits and licences related to the Steensby railroad and port development proposal. CIRNAC also provides capacity funding to Inuit and other Northerners to enable meaningful participation in NIRB processes.

Baffinland 2024 Workforce Reduction

• The Government of Canada is aware of the proposed workforce reduction by Baffinland Iron Mine by 10% in 2024.
• Inuit employees and customer commitments will not be affected.
• As always, our government is in close coordination with partners, and we are actively monitoring this situation and its impact in Nunavut.
• Our government is aware of the important role the resource sector has in the economic development of the territories.
• CanNor, through the Northern Projects Management Office, will continue supporting resource development in the territories by helping partners and stakeholders navigate regulatory processes.

If pressed on the economic impact of the mine

• Mining plays an important role in Nunavut's economy, accounting for over 45% of the territory's GDP in 2023.
• Currently, the Mary River mine employs over 900 Canadians, approximately 13 percent of the workforce is Inuit.
• According to Baffinland, the Mary River project contributes significantly to Nunavut's economy, accounting for $19.3 billion to Nunavut GDP to date.

Background

According to Baffinland, the Mary River project contributes significantly to the economy. Over the lifetime of the mine, it has contributed $30.7 billion to Canadian GDP and $19.3 billion to Nunavut GDP.

The company has invested over $3.5 billion into the project and total payments to governments and Inuit organizations are projected to exceed $4 billion over the next 21 years.

The Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO), housed within the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), is responsible for coordinating federal participation in northern regulatory review processes.

NPMO acts as a convenor between businesses and various levels of government but does not act as a decision-making body.

NPMO acts as the Crown Consultation Coordinator for consultations on Baffinland's Steensby Inlet railroad application. NPMO is responsible for ensuring logistics, and a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to consultations.

NPMO is not a decision making body on the Steensby Inlet railroad application. Any questions on the application should be directed to the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB).

Key Messages

• The Government of Yukon has primary regulatory responsibility for mine operations, via the Department of Energy Mines and Resources (EMR) and is working with all responsible government parties and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND) to address the environmental impacts of the incident.
• Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) has been court appointed as the receiver and has retained Parsons to manage and control the environmental issues on site and implement remedial measures.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), as the lead federal regulatory party, have opened a joint investigation with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).
• Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister, along with departmental officials, engage in regular discussions with the Chief of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun and the Yukon Minister of EMR to ensure open communication channels, and allows space for concerns to be raised and addressed.

Background

• On June 24, 2024, a heap leach facility failure occurred at Victoria Gold Corp.'s Eagle Gold Mine, near Mayo, Yukon located within the traditional territory of the FNNND. Several million tons of ore saturated with sodium cyanide solution was released into the Dublin Gulch Watershed.
• The current environmental risks include:
  • ~2 million tonnes of cyanide laden ore material remain in the valley;
  • Cyanide solution from the heap leach continues to overflow the facilities embankment into the local environment;
  • The four existing water storage ponds on site contain untreated mine wastewater are near capacity;
  • The water treatment facility was partially damaged during the failure of the heap leach facility and is not operating at full capacity;
  • The heap leach facility remains geotechnically unstable, and a secondary failure may occur. An uncontrolled release of mine wastewater from the storage ponds could heighten the chances of a second failure.
• Winter conditions are rapidly approaching, and the construction season will end shortly.
• The Yukon government has filed a court application for receivership of Victoria Gold to ensure that urgent remediation work is carried out.
• FNNND has called on the Government of Yukon to conduct a public inquiry to investigate how heap leach failure occurred and place an immediate moratorium on all mineral development in their traditional territory during this period.
• On August 6, 2024 Premier Pillai announced a partial moratorium on mineral development in FNNND traditional territory. The moratorium includes a 60 day pause on consultations for projects before the Yukon Environmental Socio-Economic Board. The moratorium impacts thirty-nine proposed projects. The Yukon Government's pause delayed consultations by DFO, Transport Canada (TC) and Natural Resources Canada. This moratorium expired on October 1, 2024.
• The Yukon Government brought an application to Court to place Victoria Gold in receivership with the objective of ensuring urgent remedial work was completed. On August 14, 2024 Victoria Gold entered receivership. PWC was appointed as the receiver and is responsible for site operations. PWC is supported by Parson as the lead environmental consultant. Upon the appointment of a receiver the Victoria Gold Board of Directors resigned.
• On August 30, 2024 the Government of Yukon appointed an Independent Review Board to identify the root causes of the heap leach failure. FNNND has been invited to participate in the review. The Yukon Chamber of Mines is supportive of the Independent Review Board.

Current Status

• Since August 14, 2024, PWC has advanced the following works to stabilize the heap leach failure:
  • Commissioned two water storage ponds to contain contaminated water;
  • Retained a new water system contractor, procured additional water treatment equipment, and advanced commissioning of the new water treatment system;
  • Installed 18 new groundwater monitoring wells and commenced the construction of a berm that will allow the construction of groundwater inception wells to pump groundwater to surface for treatment;
  • Established a new 130-person camp for workers and contractors;
  • Upgraded the access road to the site; and
  • Started planning to stabilize the heap leach facility.
• Canada continues to monitor the situation and provide technical support as appropriate to the Yukon Government and FNNND.

Key Messages

• In 2023-24 PrairiesCan greatly surpassed its goals of jobs created, value of exports, revenue growth rate of firms supported by PrairiesCan programs, and number of PrairiesCan clients that are majority-led by underrepresented groups.
• By helping small- and medium-sized enterprises with tools to commercialize and adopt new technologies, 131 technologies were brought to market and $148.5 million in export value was achieved – a subset of $667.8 million in export growth from the region through PrairiesCan supported entities.

Background

• Minister Vandal's PrairiesCan-specific mandate letter commitments include:
  "Ensure the continued strength of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Prairies Economic Development Canada and that they continue to promote short- and long-term job creation and economic development in the Northern and Prairie regions, particularly through the delivery of regionally tailored programs, services, knowledge and expertise, so that all regions, and in particular rural and small communities, have access to place-based programming and support."
• PrairiesCan serves Prairie businesses and communities based across the region with local expertise to support economic development needs unique to Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This work advances short- and long-term job creation and economic development across the Prairies.
• The department is also advancing local economies through eleven (11) service locations throughout the Prairies.

Current Status

Key Messages

• Since December 2023, PrairiesCan has made progress on its commitment to working differently, by increasing coordination among federal departments, and collaborating more closely with Prairie governments, businesses and communities for a prosperous and sustainable Prairie economy.
• PrairiesCan, and partner departments, have launched projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to meet the ambitions of the late Honourable Jim Carr, who sponsored the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act.
• Since December 2023, PrairiesCan has invested nearly $45 million in green economy projects. These include co-investments with other federal, provincial, and regional partners.
• Other significant Federal investments for the Prairies include:
  • Six (6) Canada Infrastructure Bank projects totalling $902 million; and
  • Four (4) of the Canada Growth Fund's first investments worth $1.3 billion.
• Federal departments are also standing up new clean growth programs like the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund (ESDC) and Critical Mineral Infrastructure Fund (NRCan), while new Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits have been finalized.
• A progress report is scheduled to be tabled in the House of Commons by in December 2025.

Background

• The Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy was developed with widespread input from stakeholders and people living and working on the Prairies.
• The Framework identified five (5) priority areas for implementation, which are:
  • Growing Key regional sectors including natural resources, agriculture and manufacturing,
  • Effective movement of goods people and information,
  • Expanding and capitalizing on clean electricity,
  • Community economic development, and
  • Economic reconciliation and inclusive growth.

Current Status

• PrairiesCan has committed $100 million over three-year projects of its funding to advance the Framework's priorities.
• To date, these investments include:
  • $10 million towards NFI Group's expanded manufacturing of zero-emission buses in Winnipeg.
  • Nearly $19 million for the Saskatchewan Research Council's Rare Earth Element Processing Facility in Saskatoon; and,
  • $4 million for Calgary-based Kuva Canada's methane monitoring technologies.

Key Messages

• The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, or REGI, is delivered by Regional Development Agencies across Canada to fuel economic growth, innovation and the creation of well-paying jobs for Canadians.
• Budget 2024 includes $158.5 million over two years, beginning in 2024-25, for the REGI program.
• $50 million of the REGI funds will go toward homebuilding innovation.
• That means supporting solutions like designing and upscaling modular homes, and using 3D printing, mass timber construction, and panelized construction to make more homes available for Canadians

Background

Minister Vandal's housing-related mandate letter commitments include:

"Support the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion in their work to co-develop an Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, a stand-alone companion to the National Housing Strategy, supported by dedicated investments, and in the creation of Canada's first-ever National Indigenous Housing Centre."

Current Status

• Further details on RDAs' housing program will be available soon.

Key Messages

• Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) was created by the Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act of 2015. POLAR operates the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Designed to facilitate and lead innovation in Arctic science and technology in collaboration with Indigenous knowledge holders, CHARS is a world-class hub for supporting research in the North.
• POLAR is responsible for advancing Canada's knowledge of the Arctic, strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology and promoting the development and distribution of knowledge of circumpolar regions, including Antarctica.
• In collaboration with Indigenous knowledge holders, POLAR funds and undertakes research that advances its pan-Northern science and technology goals:
  • Improving knowledge of dynamic northern terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems in the context of rapid change;
  • Increasing understanding of the connections between northern community wellness and environmental health; and
  • Advancing sustainable energy, technology and infrastructure solutions for the unique environmental, social and cultural conditions in the North.
• Examples of research activities include monitoring changes in biodiversity, contaminants, permafrost and ecosystem dynamics; testing the performance of clean energy technologies to help Northern communities reduce their dependence on fossil fuels; and understanding impacts of emerging diseases on caribou and muskoxen populations that are essential to food security in the North.
• CHARS is a major node in the network of national and international research infrastructures across the circumpolar North. It provides researchers with accommodations and a wide range of technical services to support their research needs—from ecosystem monitoring to DNA analysis. This knowledge is mobilized to support the development of evidence-based policies to address climate change.

Background

• CHARS was first conceived in the 2007 Speech from the Throne "We will now proceed with … the establishment of a world-class research station to be located in the Arctic itself. It will become the hub of our scientific activities in the North, gathering knowledge that will support our sovereignty and assist with resource development and environmental protection."
• Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, was selected as the site in 2010, and in 2019, CHARS was opened. Operational custodianship of CHARS was fully transferred to Polar Knowledge Canada in 2023.
• CHARS has been welcoming visitors officially since 2019. Its design and construction are a result of close cooperation with community members, researchers, governments, organizations, and businesses in Cambridge Bay and across the North.

Today

• CHARS is the Northern-most LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver-level certified building. The design, artwork and specialized infrastructure of the facility made use of sustainable materials and methods and involved engagement and partnership with Indigenous communities.
• The 2024-25 voted budgetary appropriation is $34,114,936.
• In 2015, when funding was provided for POLAR, Treasury Board established a requirement to return in 2024 to validate on-going funding requirements and confirm adjustments to the initial reference level. POLAR returned to the Treasury Board this fall to meets its condition for the implementation of the:
  • Science and technology program, knowledge mobilization and engagement activities, and partnership engagement;
  • CHARS operations and support for research equipment and logistics; and
  • Grants and contributions to support the advancement of Northern science and technology.