Evaluation of Shelter Allowance as it Relates to On-Reserve Housing - Follow-up Report Status Update as of March 31, 2014
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Action Plan Implementation Status Update Report to the Evaluation, Performance Measurement and Review Committee - As of March 31, 2014
EDUCATION & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Project Recommendations | Action Plan | Expected Completion Date | Program Response |
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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. 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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Completion Date Fall 2011 Work plan Policy Revisions |
Status: Request to Close (Completed) Update/rationale: As of 30/06/2013 Social Policy and Programs Branch, through a Working Group (involving Community Infrastructure Branch, Regional Operations, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) has conducted a review of the Income Assistance Program’s shelter allowance component. The review determined that there are considerable inconsistencies in practices across regions and fundamental challenges with comparability between on-reserve and off-reserve regimes (e.g. ownership and maintenance constructs). The Branch is adopting an incremental approach, focusing on potential links with the Income Assistance reform initiative, and promoting short-term pilots that may yield better alignment of regional and on/off-reserve regimes. The Assembly of First Nations is also being engaged through the annual workplan. A more comprehensive action plan will need to await a subsequent phase of the Income Assistance reform and the availability of additional resources. AES: Closed – Fully Implemented ESDPP has put in place the structures to address issues of scope and consistency, particularly through aligning work with Income Assistance Reform, and pilots to promote better alignment across regions. |
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 31/03/2014 In support of the Social Programs - National Manual, program compliance review activitieshave strengthened regional program management practices to achieve consistency in the management of the ShelterAllowance. The Social Programs - National Manual is in the final stages of the approval process and will be available online by Q1 FY 2014-15. An approved copy of the manual can be provided to recipients prior to the online release. The National Manual communications plan is drafted and will be finalized in Q1 2014. AES: Closed – Fully Implemented SPPB has developed and is in the process of distributing a national manual designed to address this recommendation. |