Archived - Evaluation of Shelter Allowance as it Relates to On-Reserve Housing - Follow-up Report Status Update as of December 31, 2012
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Action Plan Implementation Status Update Report to the Evaluation, Performance Measurement and Review Committee - As of December 31, 2012
EDUCATION & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
| Project Recommendations | Action Plan | Expected Completion Date | Program Response |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Review the National Shelter Allowance policy, including the objectives and eligibility criteria to:
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Social Policy and Programs Branch (SPPD) is in the process of developing a strategy to address the shelter allowance issues as part of the Income Assistance reform process. | Completion Date Fall 2011 Work plan |
Status: Underway Update/Rationale: As of 31/12/2012 Social Policy and Programs Branch is developing a strategy to implement incremental changes to the shelter allowance component of the Income Assistance (IA) program in order to align more closely with provincial/territorial guidelines. The proposed strategy takes into consideration specific needs across the regions, the coast implications, specifically in the Prairie regions and the linkages with other housing policies and programs. Estimates of total cost implications were developed as well as costing of the options. A working group has been established and meets regularly to discuss a proposed strategy to move forward, consisting of AANDC HQ and regional offices, as well as CMHC and Health Canada. Roles and responsibilities of the various players have been defined. As a step to move towards provincial alignment, FNs in BC have been engaged and have been offered an opportunity to sign and Interim Agreement while SPPB continues to review the shelter allowance component of the IA Program. Directives for shelter compliance have been developed to support the compliance reviews taking place in 2012-12 and early 2013-14. AES: UNDERWAY Work is continuing to ensure the scope and intent of Shelter Allowance, as well as its consistent application regionally. |
| SPPB has initiated discussions with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada's (AANDC) Community Infrastructure Branch and regional offices, as well as Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to identify issues and provincial comparability. A work plan is being developed targeting Fall 2011 to identify options for the renewal of the policy. A Working Group (including, AANDC's Community Infrastructure, Regional offices, Income Assistance Program and CMHC is in the process of being established. Its mandate will consist of:
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Spring 2012 Policy Revisions |
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| 2. Clarify AANDC's role and responsibilities with regard to monitoring the implementation of Shelter Allowance in First Nation communities. | The Working Group will facilitate discussions with SPPB, AANDC's regional offices and Community Infrastructure Branch, CMHC and other stakeholders.
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Spring 2012 | Status: Recommend to Close Update/Rationale: As of 30/09/2012 Social Policy Programs Branch has clarified the roles and responsibilities with regions, Community Infrastructure Branch, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Health Canada and other partners. These roles and responsibilities will be shared with First nations and other stakeholders. AANDC has developed an evergreen multi-step plan (see above) for the IA program that includes:
Structures and processes are in place to address this recommendation. |
| 3. Clearly communicate the objectives of the Shelter Allowance program, as well as the determination of rates and eligibility criteria, to First Nations and other stakeholders. | SPPB is aware that changes to policy need to be clearly communicated to all parties. SPPB will work with the Working Group, partners and stakeholders to develop a communication strategy to communicate the objectives of the Shelter Allowance program and the recommended policy option with First Nation communities, partners and stakeholders. |
Summer 2012 | Status: Underway Update/Rationale: As of 31/12/2012 Since the Shelter Allowance component of the IA program is under review the implementation plan has not been approved yet, the Communication Strategy and media lines are still to be completed and shared. AES: UNDERWAY No change. |