2017-18 Departmental Results Report

Description

This Program provides support to First Nation governments, as well as Indigenous governance institutions and organizations. The intent of this support is to facilitate capacity development in the Indigenous public service, the elected leadership, and entities that administer aggregate services on behalf of or to First Nation governments and their communities. Transparent and accountable First Nation governments attract investment, create opportunities, and effectively support their citizens. Transparent and accountable institutions and organizations strengthen the fabric of Indigenous governments across Canada, assist Indigenous communities and their governments in attracting investment, and support Indigenous participation in the Canadian economy. Ultimately, good governance practices are essential for active Indigenous participation in Canadian society and the economy.

Results

The Prime Minister announced permanent bilateral mechanisms with national Indigenous organizations in December 2016. In 2017–18, there have been 11 meetings between key cabinet ministers and Indigenous leaders. As a result of these meetings, Canada and the Métis Nation have signed sub-accords on various subjects, such as housing, which will guide the delivery of funds, and the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee pledged to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) across Inuit Nunangat by 2030 with a 50 percent reduction in active TB cases by 2025, as well as advancing the early learning and Inuit housing priorities. In addition, the First Nations policing program, delivered in partnership between provinces/territories, First Nations, Inuit communities and the Government of Canada, through Public Safety Canada, received long term funding commitment of $291 million over five years.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 25 federal departments or agencies. Progress has been made on implementing over 80 percent of the Calls to Action under federal or shared purview. Four Calls to Action are complete, with at least 29 others expected to be completed within the next 18 months. Information on the implementation status of all 76 Calls to Action within federal or shared responsibility can be found on the new Calls to Action webpage entitled Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada's unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which directly relates to Calls to Action number 43 and 44. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. Taking into account the scope of the task and the wide range of partners involved, it will take time to ensure it is done right, with careful consideration of how best to support ongoing healing. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation will support the efforts to advance the Calls to Action. To this end, on December 14, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a six member interim board that will provide advice on the establishment of the Council, the scope and scale of its proposed mandate, and will undertake independent engagement. The Interim Board submitted their interim report on May 14, 2018 and their final report on June 12, 2018. The Government is examining proposed next steps.

In 2017–18, CIRNAC helped to build the financial, fiscal and governance capacity of First Nation governments through its support for the three First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA) institutions (the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Financial Management Board, and the First Nations Finance Authority). These institutions assist First Nation governments in building capacity and exercising greater control over core government functions, such as the generation of own-source revenues, local taxation, governance, financial management, and access to long-term financing through the issuance of bonds on capital markets.

In addition to existing core operational funding of $12.3 million for these institutions, CIRNAC, through internal re-allocations, provided additional support of over $6 million for the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority, and the First Nations Tax Commission. These additional funds contributed towards the addition of 18 new First Nations to the schedule of the FNFMA, and the collection of $80 million in property tax revenues in 150 First Nations. Budget 2018 also committed $50 million over five years and $11 million per year ongoing, to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority, and the First Nations Tax Commission's operational funding base.

The Department, the institutions, the province of British Columbia, treaty and self-governing First Nations continued regulatory co-development to enable treaty and self-governing First Nations to access the FNFMAregime. Other proposed changes will enable the First Nations Financial Management Board to work with First Nations not yet scheduled to the FNFMA and provide them with a compliance report on their financial management performance and financial administration laws. These proposed changes are subject to parliamentary approval and regulatory development through the Governor-in-Council.

Given that ISC was established as per the Orders in Council, effective November 30, 2017, the Public Accounts for ISC only covered the period of November 30, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Therefore the financial and human resources were split accordingly in the tables below:

Description

This Program seeks to strengthen collaboration between governments and Indigenous groups through mutual respect, trust, understanding, shared responsibilities, accountability, dialogue and negotiation concerning the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples. Partnerships will be established helping to contribute to the strengthening of the social, economic and cultural well-being of Indigenous communities to support conditions for more active participation in Canadian society. The Program also addresses reconciliation objectives, constitutional and historic obligations and public policy by: negotiating agreements that achieve clarity with respect to law-making authority and the ownership, use and control of lands and resources; addressing specific claims; dealing with special claims; developing multi-partner processes in areas identified by Indigenous groups and the federal government; and supporting effective and meaningful consultation and accommodation with Indigenous groups and their representation in federal policy and program development.

Results

On February 14, 2018, the Prime Minister announced the Government of Canada's commitment to developing a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. While the contents of the Framework are being determined through national engagement activities led by Minister Bennett, as a starting point, it may include new legislation such as, the foundation for rights recognition and implementation and a new policy to replace the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies.

In 2017–18, CIRNAC supported calls from Indigenous groups for venues to meaningfully discuss their rights and self-determination interests. As of March 31, 2018, over 55 discussions tables were underway with Indigenous communities across the country to explore new ways of working together. These discussions represent over 300 First Nations, 1 Inuit community, and with 6 Métis groups across the country. More than 700,000 people (over 520,000 First Nation peoples, 200 Inuit, and over 170,000 Métis individuals) are members of these communities. A number of milestone documents, including Memoranda of Understanding and Framework Agreements to advance reconciliation, were concluded through these processes in 2017–18. Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, the Government is working with Indigenous people to co-develop mandates that better address their needs and priorities and help advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. These discussions provide a forum for the Government to support the reconstitution of Indigenous nations, as well as self-determination and self-government.

Through these processes, Canada is also engaging new partners. For example, Canada is engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables with each of the five governing members of the Métis National Council and the Metis Settlements General Council to explore shared priorities and to co-develop mandates to advance interests in fostering self-determination. The parties are adopting a phased approach which will employ a series of incremental measures to move the parties towards lasting reconciliation while advancing the Métis vision of self-determination.

In 2017–18, CIRNAC exceeded its target of having 594 departmental processes and programs in place that support Crown and Indigenous groups in addressing rights and interests of Indigenous peoples by 90 (684 in total). More specifically, there was an increase of 10 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination tables (55 tables instead of 46 tables and an increase in the number of specific claims resolved by means of negotiated settlement agreements from 19 in 2016–17 to 31 in 2017–18. However, there was a decrease in the number of consultations by 30 (150 instead of 180, which includes Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System training sessions, Duty to Consult training sessions, Interdepartmental meetings and meetings with Consultation protocol holders (negotiation/implementation) and a decrease in the number of comprehensive land claim and self-government negotiations tables by 28 (52 tables instead of 80). For the most part, the decrease in the number of comprehensive land claim and self-government negotiations tables can be attributed to a shift to Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions and others that have concluded processes. Significant progress is also being achieved in the negotiation of comprehensive claims and self-government agreements with Indigenous groups and provincial and/or territorial governments at over 52 active negotiation tables representing 185 Indigenous communities with a population of about 195,000. New tools and processes are being developed to help advance negotiations. CIRNAC is also engaging with Indigenous groups with overlapping claims and/or territories to consult on and accommodate overlapping interests affecting over a dozen active negotiation tables.

CIRNAC achieved major agreement milestones in 2017–18.  For example, on December 14, 2017, Bill C-61, the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement Act, received Royal Assent, marking the first self-government agreement in Ontario with 23 Anishinabek First Nations. The Agreement, the largest education self-governing agreement in Canada, came into effect on April 1, 2018, recognizes Anishinabek law-making powers and authority over kindergarten through the 12th grade education on reserve and a new education system grounded in Anishinabek culture and language. A bilateral stand-alone self-government agreement-in-principle was also signed with the Whitecap Dakota First Nation on April 27, 2017 to advance their vision of self-determination. The Cree Nation Governance Agreement Act received Royal Assent on March 29, 2018. This Act gives effect to the Cree Nation Governance Agreement which advances self-determination for approximately 18,000 Cree on their communities' land. Pursuant to the 2008 New Relationship Agreement, Canada has provided the final settlement payment of $200 million dollars to the Cree.

CIRNAC worked closely with British Columbia and the First Nations Summit to improve and expedite modern treaty negotiations in the BC treaty process. In the process of implementing the proposals in the Multilateral Engagement report, the tripartite technical working group met regularly and continued to develop proposals and work plans. The working group focused on, among others, key recommendations to establish a forum on rights recognition approach to certainty and to develop a document that clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the BC Treaty Commission. The technical working group and senior officials group drafted and advanced work on a political accord to be signed by the Principals to the BC treaty process.

Since May 2016, the Government and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments have been engaged in the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy Development Process, to develop a new policy framework for the provision of federal financial support to self-government. A co-developed draft policy proposal was completed in December 2017.

CIRNAC has continued to advance reconciliation through relationship building by supporting the negotiation of new consultation protocols with several communities and organizations, including in the context of Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-determination discussions. CIRNAC also supported an additional two consultation resource centres, which support the capacity needs in Indigenous communities by providing access to consultation-related resources and services to facilitate community involvement in consultation processes.

CIRNAC delivered training to approximately 475 federal officials in 17 sessions to improve their understanding of their legal duty to consult obligations. CIRNAC also provided federal support on Indigenous consultation issues related to the environmental assessment and regulatory reviews.

CIRNAC continued to enhance the functionality of the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System, through the addition of 631 new records and the updating of 2,808 existing records, with a major focus on the update of records for Métis groups to provide more complete information to support consultation and, where appropriate, accommodation.

The Department continued to participate in the Assembly of First Nations – Canada Joint Technical Working Group on Specific Claims in 2017–18. Discussions in respect of interim process reform focussed on a more collaborative approach to Specific claim resolution. Based on direction received from stakeholders, the Working Group began discussing a proposal to explore an independent mechanism to oversee the assessment of claims and negotiation processes.

Information on Program 1.2 lower-level is available on the CIRNAC website and in the GCInfobase.

Description

This Program aims to create and maintain ongoing partnerships to support fulfillment of Canada's legal obligations pursuant to both pre- and post-1975 treaties, while considering ongoing rights and interests of Indigenous peoples. This Program supports Indigenous communities in articulating their interests, participating in economic activities, and managing and developing land and resources, where applicable. It also helps to demonstrate the importance of treaties and related partnerships between the Crown and Indigenous peoples. This is achieved by honouring Canada's obligations as set out in final settlement agreements and treaties, and by improving collaboration between Canada and Indigenous peoples, and between Canada and pre- and post-1975 Treaty groups. Creating and maintaining relationships and partnerships that honour pre- and post-1975 treaties contributes to strengthened, healthy, self-reliant and sustainable Indigenous communities while promoting delivery of programs and services vital to the health and advancement of Indigenous peoples.

Results

CIRNAC continued to support nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships with its treaty partners this year. It successfully met its treaty obligations to represent the federal government in all implementation committee/panel meetings for modern treaties and self-government agreements. In 2017–18, 55 implementation committee/panel meetings were held for 32 modern treaty partners and self-governing First Nations. It should be noted that the Yukon Implementation Working Group meetings were held jointly with 11 First Nations and the Maa-nulth Implementation Committee meetings were held jointly with five First Nations.

CIRNAC has continued the negotiation, coordination and administration of financial arrangements and implementation plans with respect to comprehensive land-claim agreements and self-government agreements by administering and negotiating Fiscal Financing Agreements, which provide the funding to support the responsibilities and obligations established under these agreements.

Through a Whole-of-Government approach, the Deputy Ministers' Oversight Committee supports nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous peoples by providing executive oversight of the implementation of the Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation. The Committee met five times over the 2017–18 fiscal year, where Indigenous partners participated in three of these meetings.

The Modern Treaty Management Environment enables federal officials to create and manage activity records related to obligation implementation. In 2017–18, 116 training sessions were delivered to 23 departments/agencies. In addition to training federal officials on how to use the system, work remains ongoing to improve and make it a more user-friendly tool. In 2017–18, five system updates were implemented.

As required under the 2015 Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation, the Modern Treaty Implementation Office initiated work with Indigenous and federal partners on an annual report to provide information on Canada's efforts to implement modern treaties and self-government agreements. Also, the Modern Treaty Implementation Office continued its collaborative work, with the Indigenous modern treaty partners, on developing the Modern Treaty Implementation performance measurement framework. As a result, the Indigenous modern treaty partners and the Modern Treaty Implementation Office co-identified six common objectives of modern treaties for use in the development of performance indicators.

In support of the implementation of the Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation and the Government of Canada's broader commitment to reconciliation, CIRNAC provides training to federal officials on the Assessment of Modern Treaty Implications and Modern Treaty Implementation. In 2017–18, 191 federal officials participated in 13 training sessions in the National Capital Region. Working with the Land Claims Agreements Coalition, the Department is redesigning the Modern Treaty Implementation Course for delivery in 2018–19. CIRNAC also supported the Land Claims Agreements Coalition in the development of an on-line course on Modern Treaties and Land, which will be available to the public.

Through the Department's partnership with the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan, these Commissions have continued to advance greater understanding and awareness of historic treaties, increased partnerships and supported reconciliation through a number of initiatives including: treaty education in public schools and training for teachers; treaty awareness sessions with private industry and the general public; facilitated discussions on treaty issues; and, research and publications.

Information on Program 1.3 is available in the GCInfobase.

Description

This Program addresses payments related to the resolution of litigation and/or out-of-court settlements for any claim that cannot be designated to any other existing CIRNAC program. Key activities could include: the assessment of the merits of the claim; the completion of a settlement agreement where appropriate; payment of any monetary compensation and funding and implementation of related activities pursuant to the terms of a settlement agreement and/or direction by a Tribunal or court.

Results

The Government of Canada is committed to ongoing reconciliation and to renewing Canada's relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, based on recognition, rights, cooperation and partnership.

The Department continued to work closely with Justice Canada to settle claims out of court and resolve litigation through negotiation, where possible, instead of proceeding to trial. In 2017–18, the Department resolved seven litigation cases initiated by eight First Nations in four different provinces/territories. The Department also supported Justice Canada in its review of litigation strategies and court pleadings. The Department worked with Justice Canada to make earlier decisions to end appeals or positions not consistent with Canada's commitments, values or the Charter of Rights. The Department also worked with Justice Canada to discuss options on streamlining the settlement process where possible.

The Department worked with Justice Canada to engage Indigenous groups, other parties and stakeholders to explore interests and options, and resolve litigation where possible. Additionally, the Department worked with Justice Canada and other federal departments to explore the potential resolution of multi-departmental litigation where possible. The Department also maintained an internal mechanism to track, monitor and report on litigation settlement and resolution activities.

The program tracks and monitors settlement and resolution activities to report on this work. In 2017–18, the program sought 11 financial settlement mandates and concluded eight out-of-court settlements, seven of which were settled by CIRNAC, while one was settled by ISC (no out-of-court settlements were shared between CIRNAC and ISC). By the end of March 2018, the Program had 18 approved mandates to support out-of-court settlement negotiations.

On November 30, 2017, the parties signed a proposed settlement agreement as the first step in resolving the Sixties Scoop class litigation. In addition to providing individual compensation, the proposed settlement established a Foundation to support healing, wellness, education, commemoration, and language and culture.

Given that ISC was established as per the Orders in Council, effective November 30, 2017, the Public Accounts for ISC only covered the period of November 30, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Therefore the financial and human resources were split accordingly in the tables below:

Description

This Program contributes to ensuring federal stewardship of the legislative and administrative responsibilities of the federal government pertaining to registration, membership, status cards and estates. Results are achieved through direct client services and partnerships with First Nations to determine eligibility for registration under the Indian Act, issuing proof of registration documents such as the Secure Certificate of Indian Status, and administering estates under the Indian Act. Through client-centric service delivery, the sound administration of individual affairs contributes to the well-being of First Nation individuals, families and communities.

Results

In 2017–18, the Department continued efforts to offer Indian Registration and Secure Certificate of Indian Status program application processes electronically. This year, to support the creation of a seamless, client-centric delivery model for secure certificates, CIRNAC implemented simplified, integrated application forms for Indian Registration and Secure Certificate of Indian Status, though online PDF fillable forms. This was done with a view to implementing a portal access application process in upcoming years as more permanent sources of funding become available.

Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Indian Act in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux c. Canada (Procureur général),received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017. All provisions, except those related to the removal of the 1951 cut-off, came into force on December 22, 2017. The removal of the 1951 cut-off will come into force once consultations with First Nations, on how best to implement this change, are completed. The provision will effectively extend entitlement to Indian status, to descendants of women who were removed from band lists or who were not considered an Indian due to marriage going back to 1869.The Department created a team to be trained prior to implementation of the Bill, as well as a recruitment strategy to provide additional resources for the increased applications for registrations expected once the Bill came into force.

In 2017–18, the percentage of complete registration applications for which a decision was rendered was 62 percent, which was below the target of 80 percent by March 31, 2018. This result is due to more time being allotted to accommodate cases where additional documentation was required rather than requiring applicants to reapply at a later date.

Since the coming into force of the Bill S-3 legislative amendments, the Department has received 6,150 applications for registration, of which 256 decisions were rendered as of March 31, 2018. These numbers will continue to increase steadily over the course of the upcoming years.

The design of the Collaborative Process on Indian registration, band membership and First Nation citizenship was launched on October 31, 2017 and concluded on March 31, 2018. The design of this consultation process provided First Nations and Indigenous organizations an opportunity to determine how the consultation process would take place, the issues to be examined, and the types of activities undertaken by participants. It was recommended by some participants that there should be Indigenous involvement in consultation development. As a result, the government has created an Indigenous advisory panel to provide guidance throughout the consultation process. Five themes emerged following analysis of the input: information sharing, inclusiveness, flexibility, timing and duration, and support. Comprehensive consultations under the Collaborative Process were launched on June 12, 2018. Issues relating to children of same-sex parents and non-cisgender identities, such as transgender identity, as they relate to eligibility to Indian registration and Band membership were identified in the legislation for further discussion. There is a need for further analysis and broader discussions with First Nations and impacted individuals on these matters, and the issues will be included in the consultations with a focus on the key themes such as inclusiveness and support.

Efforts to emphasize the value of the Secure Certificate of Indian Status have resulted in an increased intake, but not at the desired levels. The percentage of Registered Indians with an active Secure Certificate of Indian Status reached 23 percent in fiscal year 2017–18. As the Secure Certificate of Indian Status is voluntary, the Department will continue to promote the advantages of possessing a Secure Certificate, security features, as well as other positive aspects of the card through outreach and increased communications with First Nations.

The Department met with its provincial counterparts during the annual meeting of the National Association of Public Guardians and Trustees, and participates in various estates-specific joint working groups and subcommittees with the Association and with the Canada Revenue Agency. In addition, the Department continues to participate in federal-provincial consultations on the development and establishment of a centralized national framework and policy on death notifications.

The Department has partnered with Indigenous organizations like the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association to develop educational and reference materials for stakeholders on estates issues, and to participate in engagement sessions with First Nations on Matrimonial Real Property.

The Department updated its survey questions for regional offices concerning the program delivery aspect of the Dependent Adult program. The Department also produced a report/guide on developing partnerships with various stakeholders such as the First Nations Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) in ISC and AFOA Canada. Talks will continue in 2018–19 with FNIHB.

On August 31, 2017, the Minister's Special Representative issued his report on First Nations' Canada-United States Border Crossing Issues. In collaboration with other government departments (ISC; Public Safety Canada; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; the Canada Border Services Agency; Global Affairs Canada; and Transport Canada), the Department pursued its detailed review of the proposed solutions identified in the report of the Minister's Special Representative in order to develop recommendations for the Government on next steps that might be taken in partnership with First Nations to address their border crossing concerns. These recommendations are to be presented to the Government early in 2018–19.

Identity factors were central considerations in the themes discussed with First Nations representatives in the engagement process on border crossing issues – with First Nations participants underscoring the role that perceptions of race and ethnicity may play in the treatment they are accorded at ports of entry to Canada and the United States.

Information on Program 2.3 is available in the GCInfobase.

Description

The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) – a multi-party negotiated settlement monitored by the courts – is a commitment to a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. The IRSSA supports the Government of Canada's goal of reconciliation with former students, their families and communities, and other Canadians. The Independent Assessment Process – the one remaining component of the IRSSA is a non-adversarial, out-of-court process for claims of sexual abuse, serious physical abuse, and other wrongful acts causing serious psychological consequences to the claimant. The IAP aims to bring a fair and lasting resolution to harm caused by residential schools through a claimant-centered and neutral process. Updates on the IAP are posted quarterly on the Department's website.

Results

Through the Residential Schools Resolution Program, CIRNAC continued to help implement the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement by participating as a defendant in the remaining Independent Assessment Process (IAP) claims in a timely manner. Implementation activities included: attending hearings; processing payments within the 20-day service standard; and providing corporate and administrative services to support the Adjudication Secretariat's mandate to deliver the IAP.

During 2017–18, the service standard for processing payments was exceeded by 2.5 percentage points. The 85 percent target for this service standard is considered to be a minimum acceptable target; therefore the program strives to exceed this target.

Former residents of Indian residential schools, including all First Nations, Inuit, Metis and Non-Status individuals, regardless of sex/gender or geography are eligible under the IAP. Female and male former students have applied to the IAP in numbers that resemble the overall Indigenous population. The largest number of claims is from the western provinces due to the large number of residential schools in these provinces historically.

CIRNAC worked with FNIHB in ISC to ensure mental health and emotional support services, including a crisis line, continued to be available to approximately 80,000 eligible former students and their families for the duration of the Settlement Agreement (prior to the creation of ISC, these services were at Health Canada). These services help to mitigate health risks, such as substance abuse, depression, suicide, and family violence arising from the rates of unresolved trauma experienced by this population and the heightened stress that may be experienced by those reliving the past through Settlement Agreement events and processes. Further information on these services is available in supplementary tables.

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is operated by trained crisis counsellors. Callers may select Indigenous or non-Indigenous, male or female counsellors, and, services are available in both official languages, Cree, Inuktitut and Ojibway. Since its inception, 47 percent of callers identified as female, 36 percent as male and 17 percent did not disclose their sex/gender.

As of March 31, 2018, the Adjudication Secretariat (an independent, arm's-length organization funded and administratively supported by the Government of Canada through CIRNAC) had resolved 37,660 of 38,098 applications received (98.9 percent). Per projections, fewer than 30 first claimant hearings remained. All applications received have now received an admissions decision. Challenges to resolution, including procedural and legal questions, real and potential impacts of court actions, and individual file complexities, have continued through the year; however, thanks to ongoing work with parties, the Oversight Committee, and other stakeholders and partners, the Adjudication Secretariat has made great strides in resolving barriers to resolution for these cases, which represent some of the most difficult and complex in the IAP. In the summer of 2017, the Chief Adjudicator submitted an updated Completion Strategy to the Courts outlining timeline projections for the completion process, risks to the wind-down process, and measures underway to address these risks.

The Adjudication Secretariat has also continued the implementation of the Group IAP contribution program, which this year provided funding totalling $997,500 to 20 groups of IAP claimants to engage in healing and mutual support activities such as ceremonies, traditional crafts, healing circles, and workshops.

A great deal of progress has been made in planning the implementation of the Supreme Court of Canada's 2017 decision on the disposition of IAP records, which affirmed claimants' control of their private documents. This has involved outreach and consultation efforts with parties, stakeholders and community groups to design an effective, comprehensive Notice Program to claimants, supporting informed decisions while ensuring respectful treatment of each claimant's cultural and individual dignity. The Chief Adjudicator has submitted two Requests for Direction to the Courts, which were pending decision as of March 31, 2018.

As the end of its mandate approaches, the Adjudication Secretariat is finalizing two comprehensive retrospective reports: an administrative report examining its challenges and successes as an independent, arm's-length organization administratively supported by the Government of Canada; and a comprehensive IAP Final Report to the Oversight Committee. The preparation of the IAP final report has been a multi-year project gathering perspectives from claimants, parties, stakeholders, and others involved in the creation and implementation of the Process.

Information on Program 2.4 is available in the GCInfobase.

Description

This Program supports and strengthens the long-term viability of Indigenous entrepreneurial business, greater participation in the economy, and improved economic prosperity for Indigenous peoples. This Program — guided by the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development — helps create and grow viable Indigenous businesses through increasing access to capital, capacity, networks, business development services and business opportunities.

Results

The transition of the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program from CIRNAC to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (Association) and the Aboriginal Financial Institutions Network, initiated in 2014-15, continues to evolve with increased success. In 2017–18, CIRNAC established a five-year funding agreement with the Association (2017–22). This agreement manages and delivers key initiatives, including the Aboriginal Developmental Loan Allocation, the Aboriginal Business Financing Program, the Enhanced Access Loan Fund, the Interest Rate Buy-Down and the Aboriginal Capacity Development Program. Through the course of this agreement, CIRNAC will engage with Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) and other key stakeholders to determine how to define and measure success, design financial instruments and policies to sustain the network, and foster the diversification of capital sources and business lines. The Association has demonstrated its capacity to manage enhanced programming in support of AFIs and Indigenous business development.

In addition, the Department continues to implement the five-year Métis Economic Development Strategy announced in Budget 2016. This innovative policy initiative supports the diversification and enhancement of Métis AFIs' business lines.

In 2016–17, the most recent year for which data is available, AFIs advanced $108 million in loans, supporting 1,206 businesses, while creating over 4,400 jobs and contributing approximately $391 million to the Gross Domestic Product. Approximately 23 percent of businesses created and/or maintained with the support of NACCA and the AFI network are owned and operated by Indigenous women. The two percent target for Indigenous businesses created and/or expanded has not been achieved with a 13 percent decrease from the previous year, the result of less capital being available to meet the needs and rising costs of Indigenous entrepreneurship. The Association continues to successfully implement a new information management system that will make performance reporting more efficient and consistent.

In addition, the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program supported key Indigenous business organizations (including the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and Indigenous Works) through grants and contributions. The program helps to develop economic strategies that will assist in creating and developing Indigenous businesses. In 2017–18, these grants and contributions were worth a total of more than $6.5 million. This program cultivates a culture of entrepreneurship in the Indigenous business community; improves opportunities for Indigenous businesses; enhances the capacity of Indigenous business organizations (e.g. Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business); informs employers about the advantages of hiring Indigenous peoples; and, supports Indigenous business women and youth.

The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) aims to increase federal contracting opportunities and to gain access to the overall federal procurement process for Indigenous businesses. Set-asides contracts by Government of Canada departments and agencies under the PSAB had a dollar amount of $93.5 million in 2015, which is the most recent data available. To strengthen the performance of PSAB, the Department reviewed current procurement policies, guidelines and mechanisms; examined best practices in other jurisdictions; and, conducted one engagement session with Indigenous economic development organizations. The result was a better understanding of program gaps and an improved way forward for the PSAB program. Additional engagements are scheduled for fiscal year 2018–19 to co-develop a new Indigenous procurement strategy in support of Canada's procurement modernization agenda.

In 2017–18, CIRNAC, Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS), and Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC) developed and presented the Nunavut Land Claim Procurement Directive to the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI). NTI perceived the Directive to fall short of their expectations. CIRNAC, TBS, and PSPC then held exploratory sessions with the NTI to clarify the language of the Directive and its guidance. In January 2018, the NTI invoked the dispute resolution mechanism article of the land claim, and negotiations are taking place to rectify the Directive to address their concerns. As per the first stage of the dispute resolution process, discussions between the Parties via the Nunavut Implementation Panel were held on shared concepts to inform a revised federal Directive. Discussions are ongoing in 2018–19.

Information on Program 3.1 lower-level is available on the CIRNAC website and in the GCInfobase.

Description

This Program promotes conditions that will help improve community economic development and prosperity for Indigenous peoples. Guided by the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development — and its vision of "Enhancing the Value of Indigenous Assets" — this Program promotes greater self-reliance and participation in the mainstream economy and community well-being. This is achieved through supports to institutions and First Nations for land and environmental management and economic development.

Results

In 2017–18, the Community Economic Development Program supported First Nations across Canada in developing partnerships with the private sector and pursuing economic development opportunities. CIRNAC has invested approximately $39.6 million in 35 projects with values over $250,000 (i.e., industrial parks, commercial centres, heritage parks, a community store, a sports complex). For every dollar invested by the Department through this program, more than three dollars was leveraged from the private sector, as well as from other sources outside the Department. These 35 projects were regionally distributed as follows: Atlantic (10), British Columbia (7), Manitoba (7), Quebec (4), Alberta (3), Ontario (2), and Saskatchewan (2).

CIRNAC is also taking part in the Major Project Management Office Initiative with other federal departments including: ISC, Natural Resources Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada and others to support the efforts of Indigenous peoples and Northerners in developing self-sufficient communities and playing a bigger role in the achievement of Canada's economic and social development objectives. CIRNAC is mandated to foster and promote full partnership and consultation, meaningful engagement, and participatory capacity of Indigenous people to take part in the monitoring of major resource development projects.

In 2017–18, CIRNAC continued the multi-year process of revising the Indian Act Land Management policies in collaboration with First Nation stakeholders. Through a number of joint working sessions, new policy concepts were co-developed in Lands Management. The primary goal of these sessions was to develop an updated, user friendly manual that will streamline reserve land development processes to better meet the needs of all stakeholders. The revisions aim to facilitate economic development on reserve, promote good governance, and encourage the development of First Nation land use plans. The Department will continue working with the National Aboriginal Lands Management Association (NALMA) in anticipation of a draft manual completed by the end of 2019.

In addition, a draft Indigenous Land Registry Standard was developed by the Canadian General Standard Board on behalf of the Department to set a standard for future Indigenous land registries. The draft standard was disseminated for public comment by the Canadian General Standards Board in May 2018.  Furthermore, line entry guidelines for the Indian land Registry System were developed and disseminated to all regional offices to regularize the registration of land instruments and improve accuracy.

The Land Use Planning Initiative is being implemented in partnership with Indigenous Organizations such as NALMA, the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics and the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund. In 2017–18, these partnerships supported 55 First Nations communities with the development of land use plans and the completion of nine land survey projects, and provided capacity building activities in these fields, benefiting over 150 First Nations communities.

On reserve, the Department supported contamination assessment and remediation activities on 90 high-priority sites in 47 communities benefitting approximately 76,000 people. This resulted in decreased risk to human health and safety, an increase in land available for development, and a reduction in federal liability related to contaminated sites. The number of sites completely remediated is 33, and the reduction in financial liabilities $54.3 million greatly exceeded the targets due to higher than normal levels of financial support through the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan and Budget 2016. Funding amounts are lower in 2018–19 and will be lower again in 2019–20, which should bring the results back in line with the target amounts.

Additionally, the Department conducted a series of regional engagement sessions across the country in May and June 2017 to ensure that the Environmental Review Process is meeting the needs of First Nation communities. Approximately 200 First Nations representatives from over 160 communities participated in the discussions. As a result, the Department is undertaking a comprehensive review of its Environmental Review Process to better align with recent legislative changes to the federal impact assessment process and facilitate increased participation and ownership of Indigenous communities in this process.

CIRNAC, in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada and Natural Resources Canada, also led an innovative, single-window mechanism to streamline the funding process for Indigenous communities and organizations that wished to take part in discussions on the review of environmental assessment processes. In 2017–18, $2.3 million was provided to Indigenous groups through 195 contribution agreements. This supported the development of proposed legislation to enact better rules for major project reviews to protect Canada's environment and grow the economy. The new approach proposes to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples throughout the process, to lead to better project decisions.

Moreover, the Department partnered with NALMA to engage with First Nation leaders and land managers on how to make Reserve Land and Environment Management Program more responsive to First Nation needs. Between May and September 2017, 351 participants from 224 First Nations, attended eight engagement sessions. At this time, a total of 125 First Nations are participating in the Reserve Land and Environment Management Program.

The target of 35 percent was not met as the target included the accumulative number of First Nations under Reserve Land and Environment Management Program and First Nation Lands Management Regime (both operational and developmental First Nations). The target incorrectly included all FNLM Developmental First Nations becoming operational although some First Nations only began this stage in 2017–18 (53 FNLM Developmental First Nations completing the two year stage).

In 2017–18, 26 new entrants entered FNLM, exceeding the target of 15 First Nations to join the Regime and underscoring Canada's commitment to this historic Nation-to-Nation partnership.

The new operational funding formula was jointly negotiated between the Lands Advisory Board and the Government of Canada and announced in Budget 2018. This operational funding will be in effect for a five year period ending in 2023.

Budget 2016 committed to improving waste management on reserve by investing a historical $409 million over five years starting in 2016. With this investment, the Department has been able to support more waste projects (458 in 2016–17 and 2017–18) than before. The implementation of the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative has been widely supported by First Nation communities, Tribal Councils and other organizations. The key factors that contributed to the better-than-projected-results in waste management include the investment of additional financial and human resources, better project tracking systems, and active participation of First Nation communities in the waste initiative with support from headquarters and regional offices.

Through the Lands and Economic Development Services sub-program, the Department has provided more than $50 million directly to First Nation and Inuit communities to enhance their delivery of economic development services, while supporting activities that create the conditions for economic development to occur. In addition, targeted investments have been used to support communities through institutions (e.g., Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, National Aboriginal Forestry Association), which strengthen community capacity to identify and develop economic opportunities. There is a growing demand for economic resources, particularly to support smaller and more remote communities, which have, historically, struggled economically due to lack of proximity to urban centers and a diversity of economic prospects.

The successful Community Economic Development Initiative with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers has been extended for five more years. This Initiative supports strategic joint economic development planning between municipalities and neighboring First Nation communities, leading to stronger ties and mutually beneficial economic and community development. The resulting collaborative relationships between First Nations and municipalities help promote reconciliation.

Given that ISC was established as per the Orders in Council, effective November 30, 2017, the Public Accounts for ISC only covered the period of November 30, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Therefore the financial and human resources were split accordingly in the tables below:

Description

This Program supports Indigenous community preparedness activities to engage with partners in economic opportunities, including the Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) — an innovative, horizontal program intended to align federal efforts to support Indigenous participation in complex economic opportunities, particularly large regional opportunities and major resource developments. The Strategic Partnership Initiative provides a mechanism for federal partners to collectively identify emerging opportunities, target investment decisions and streamline program application and approval processes to support Indigenous communities at the early stages of large and complex economic opportunities. In doing so, closer partnerships with non-federal partners, including provincial and territorial governments, the private sector and Indigenous communities can be built. By addressing gaps in programming, this ensures that Indigenous peoples can participate in and benefit from priority regional opportunities and major resource developments.

Results

Multi-year projects under the Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) that recently ended in 2017–18 made way for new investments to emerge in areas such as freshwater fisheries, food security, and Indigenous tourism. For example, the commercial freshwater fishing industry in Manitoba is a major provider of employment and a significant contributor to the economy. The SPI Prairie Regional Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PRCFI) is a coordinated effort of the federal and provincial government to support activities which will best allow Manitoba Indigenous fishers to take advantage of this opportunity. The Indigenous Agriculture and Food System Initiative aims to support Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs to become "opportunity-ready" in the agriculture and Agri-food system sector, supporting local value chains and participation in economic development opportunities. The SPI's on-going, single-window funding approach to simplify applications and reporting has shown to be an effective option in determining how some federal partners administer project funding.

Since its launch in 2010, the Strategic Partnerships Initiative has invested more than $101 million over 38 large-scale initiatives; leveraged an additional $190 million; and fostered the creation of more than 125 partnerships. These efforts are benefitting over 400 Indigenous communities and organizations across the country in various sectors of the economy such as tourism, clean energy and fisheries.

Regional economic opportunities and large resource development projects impacting Indigenous communities are pursued in partnerships with public and private sectors. The values of these investments are gauged by looking at the funding that the SPI generates from other partners. For every $1 of SPI investment, an additional $1.50 is leveraged from other sources, including private and other public sectors. By the end of Fiscal 2017–18, the SPI's target was exceeded, a direct impact of participation by other government departments, provincial ministries, and the private sector, in initiatives that focus on opportunities not only in natural resources, but in growing sectors of the economy such as those mentioned above.

Information on Program 3.3 is available in the GCInfobase.

Description

This Program provides funding and advisory assistance to First Nation communities for the construction, acquisition, operation and maintenance of community infrastructure assets on reserves. These assets include drinking water systems, wastewater systems and community buildings. The Program also includes support for emergency management assistance, climate change adaptation projects, and funding and advisory support for water and wastewater systems, education facilities, housing and other community infrastructure such as roads and bridges, electrification, and community buildings (these four sub-programs are collectively known as the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program). Ultimately, this Program enables First Nations to participate more fully in the Canadian economy by establishing infrastructure that meets established standards, and the needs of First Nation communities.

Results

In support of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Department is supporting First Nation peoples to increase their resilience through the identification of adaptation risks and adaptation measures.

The First Nation Adapt program has exceeded its target with respect to the number of community risk and adaptation plans completed. A number of projects conducted assessments on multiple communities, meaning that more assessments could be completed than initially expected. The program sought and secured additional funds through Budget 2017 to address the impacts of flooding.

The program is also on track to meet its future targets. Many communities already have adaptation measures identified and are ready to move forward on implementation.

The program strongly encourages involvement from a diverse range of community members, including women, men, elders and youth. With regard to gender, in 2017–18, First Nation Adapt funded 49 projects with 53 people listed as leads or co-leads, 24 (45 percent) of which were women. In 2016–17, 9 (53 percent) out of 17 project leads were women.

The program is innovative in its design, using an ongoing and non-competitive intake process for project proposals. This differs greatly from the "call for proposals" process that is implemented for most targeted funding programs, as there are no deadlines to submit applications for funds. Initial feedback on this innovative model from communities has been very positive.

Given that ISC was established as per the Orders in Council, effective November 30, 2017, the Public Accounts for ISC only covered the period of November 30, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Therefore the financial and human resources were split accordingly in the tables below:

Description

This Program strengthens the North's communities and people by: devolving responsibilities for lands and natural resources to territorial governments; fostering effective intergovernmental relations with territorial and Inuit governments; collaborating with Inuit organizations and providing support to Territorial Commissioners; subsidizing the costs of nutritious perishable foods and other essential items in isolated northern communities; providing grants for hospital and physician services in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories; working with northern communities, governments, and organizations to address the risks and challenges posed by climate change and reduce reliance on diesel; and advancing Canadian and northern interests through circumpolar forums such as the international Arctic Council. Canadians and Northerners will benefit from territorial governments ultimately having more control over their own affairs.

Results

In 2017–18, CIRNAC worked with territorial, provincial and Indigenous partners, as well as other federal departments and agencies, to advance the co-development of a new Arctic Policy Framework. A co-developed discussion guide supported broad public engagement and targeted engagement with Northerners and stakeholders, including 25 engagement sessions: 10 regional roundtables held in northern locations, and 15 stakeholder sessions focussed on youth, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and science and research.

On July 9, 2016, the Minister announced the appointment of a Chief Federal Negotiator to reconvene negotiations on an Agreement-In-Principle for the devolution of management responsibilities for lands and resources in Nunavut, and negotiations were officially re-started in October 2016. Previous devolution negotiations were halted due to the 2015 federal election, leading to an expiration of the negotiating mandate. Following the October 2016 mandate renewal, negotiation sessions occurred regularly throughout the year. The timeline for reaching an Agreement-in-Principle is October 2019, with implementation of devolution projected by March 31, 2023. In order to support their participation in the negotiation process, CIRNAC signed a grant agreement with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to participate in this negotiation process.

In 2017–18, the Department and Inuit partners collaborated to develop a common vision and strategies to address joint priorities, including Nanilavut, the Qikiqtani Truth Commission, and Inuit housing. The Department also concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada to ensure increased horizontal collaboration on key issues impacting Inuit women and children.

The Department continued support for the Inuit Art Foundation, which has resulted in the transfer of responsibility for management of the Igloo Tag trademark to the Inuit Art Foundation and the release of a study on the impact of the Inuit arts economy for Inuit producers and art consumers alike. This helped to increase the Inuit art community's ability to regulate art in a way that benefits Inuit artists and helps preserve the value of Inuit cultural heritage for future generations. Continued support of "A Taste of the Arctic"; "Seal Day on the Hill"; and National Seal Products Day also brings attention to the significance of the seal harvesting industry for northern and coastal communities.

Through participation in the September 2017 Northern Development Minister's Forum and other intergovernmental fora in each northern territory, CIRNAC continued collaborating to build and maintain effective relationships with Northerners, territorial governments, Indigenous, Inuit and Metis organizations and other partners necessary to advance issues that pertain to them. Topics addressed at the Northern Development Ministers' Forum included: alternative heating sources for remote northern communities; impacts of labour force develop strategies to better take advantage of economic opportunities and the implications for understanding and advancing development in the North through the use of regional data. The Government of Canada will host the Northern Development Ministers' Forum in 2018–19.

CIRNAC continued to ensure Canadian interests are advanced through international circumpolar cooperation activities, including leading Canada's engagement in the activities of Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working Group. In addition to leading on the development and approval of the group's first ever Strategic Framework, the Department (through the Circumpolar Affairs Directorate) supported Canadian contributions to 14 multi-stakeholder circumpolar initiatives spanning a range of thematic areas of mutual importance to Arctic Council member states and Arctic Indigenous Peoples organizations. Of these initiatives, 100 percent reflected collaborative engagement from federal and territorial governments, and Canadian Indigenous stakeholders.

CIRNAC contributed to lower food prices in Canada's isolated northern communities through the provision of the Nutrition North Canada (NNC) food subsidy. Between March 2017 and March 2018, the cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket increased by 2.16 percent; remaining below the 2011 baseline value established when the program was launched. In addition, the weight of nutritious perishable food shipped to eligible communities increased by 8.84 percent, continuing to improve the availability of perishable, nutritious foods in these communities. To support the sharing of program information with the public, compliance reviews, shipping data and price reports were posted to the program website.

Following the NNC community engagement process, the Department continued to work with key stakeholders and program partners to collaboratively develop policy options to inform program updates.

In support of the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and to build resilience of Northerners, the Climate Change Preparedness in the North program funded 45 risk assessments and adaptation plans, and funded the implementation of 14 non-structural adaptation measures.

In order to identify northern priorities, a draft framework for the Northern Adaptation Strategy was developed. Further engagement is underway and completion is expected in late 2018 (rather than by March 31, 2018, as previously anticipated). The revised timeline is due to an enhanced engagement process that has been aligned to the diverse needs of stakeholders.

Northern Regional diagnostics, which identify diesel reduction priorities, were developed through collaborative work with other federal departments and regional partners to replace the federal plan and timeline, as they better met our stakeholder's needs. Further engagement with regional stakeholders is required to validate the diagnostics and develop regional action plans to reduce reliance on diesel in the North.

In support of reducing the reliance on diesel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Northern REACHE (Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity) program funded 29 renewable energy and/or energy efficiency projects. The projects funded by Northern REACHE are increasingly large and complex and often require negotiations between utilities, governments and other stakeholders as well as extended planning.  As a consequence these projects are staying in the planning stage (52 percent) for a longer period of time than expected and lowered the percentage of projects that are in the construction stage (24 percent) and operational (24 percent).

Information on Program 4.1 lower-level is available on the CIRNAC website and in the GCInfobase.

Description

This Program supports scientific research and technology in the North through programs and infrastructure to ensure domestic and international policy on key northern issues is better informed by a scientific knowledge base. The focus of this Program is to: research and monitor contaminants and their impacts on the ecosystem and human health through the Northern Contaminants Program; assess, manage and communicate scientific data and results, and contribute expertise to help inform public policy making and international controls on certain contaminants; and support the construction of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station. Northerners and all Canadians will benefit from a knowledge base that supports health and sustainable development and the positioning of Canada as an international leader in Arctic science and technology.

Results

The Northern Contaminants Program Results Workshop was held in Yellowknife, September 26-28, 2017. It brought together scientists, Northerners, Indigenous organizations, and governments to review and discuss the current state of knowledge vis-à-vis contaminants from long-range sources and their connection to country foods. This event marked a significant milestone: the program's 25th anniversary. It provided an occasion to reflect on achievements over that time, including the efforts that led to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Minamata Convention on Mercury; and the Program's enduring commitment to partnerships with Indigenous people and organizations, based on mutual respect.

CIRNAC–led and coordinated Canada's engagement in the Arctic Council's Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, contributing to the development and release of reports on issues of pollution, climate change, adaptation and resilience for the 2017 Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting. By the target date for completion, (July 1, 2017), the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) campus was largely operational. The substantial performance inspections, including those for the mechanical and electrical systems of the Main Research Building occurred in the fourth quarter of 2017–18. In June 2018, partial substantial performance was granted and access was allowed to the Main Research Building. The final phase of construction is focused on outstanding items, including aspects of the mechanical systems and civil works (i.e. outside road and landscaping).

Community integration has been a key objective for the CHARS project, involving a mutually beneficial relationship between the CHARS campus and the community of Cambridge Bay. In 2017–18, CIRNAC provided over $1.5 million in funding for a sewage truck, a garbage truck and a fire truck to reduce stress on the existing fleet with the addition of the CHARS campus' needs. CIRNAC worked with the local power authority, Qulliq Energy Corporation, to ensure the CHARS campus integrated seamlessly into the community, and does not place undue pressure on utilities. In support of the Government's commitment to the North, an Inuit Benefits Plan developed by the Construction Management Firm was put in place to meet obligations under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

CIRNAC continues to support Polar Knowledge Canada on meeting requirements for the transition of the CHARS campus and is working collaboratively with Polar Knowledge Canada to ensure alignment between infrastructure and science and technology program needs. Amendments to the CHARS Act received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018, allowing the transfer of all real property associated with the station to Polar Knowledge Canada. The transfer of title through Order in Council by March 31, 2019, will mark CIRNAC's last step in establishing Polar Knowledge Canada.

Information on Program 4.2 lower-level is available on the CIRNAC website and in the GCInfobase.

Description

This Program focuses on the management, sustainable development and regulatory oversight of the land, water, natural resources, and environment of the North, delivering on the Department's role as the Government of Canada's natural resource manager in Nunavut and the northern offshore and its post-devolution responsibilities in the Northwest Territories and Yukon. This Program involves: managing oil and gas resources development; supporting the sustainable management of active mineral exploration and development; supporting the sound management of contaminated sites and the few remaining CIRNAC-managed land and water areas in the North; and ensuring the completion of territorial land-use planning including zones for conservation, development and other uses. Northerners and Canadians will benefit from economic opportunities and sustainable development.

Results

Amendments to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (Bill C-17) received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017. The amendments responded to concerns of Yukon First Nations, and included: the removal of the beginning-to-end time limits on environmental assessments; removal of a provision that exempted projects from re-assessment unless the project had been significantly changed; removal of Ministerial policy direction to the Board; and removal of a provision which would have allowed the Minister to delegate any of his/her powers under the Act to a territorial minister.

Potential amendments to address Indigenous Governments' concerns with the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act (MVRMA) in the Northwest Territories have been the subject of consultation with Indigenous organizations and the territorial government.

Revised targets for the development of Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (AMPs) were achieved in 2017–18 for policy consultations. Completion of first draft of regulations under the MVRMA, and the conclusion of consultations on that first draft were also achieved.

Targets were revised in 2017–18 due to a shortage of regulatory drafting resources. A revised plan was instituted to draft the three separate sets of AMPs regulations for each of the MVRMA, the Territorial Lands Act (TLA) and the Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Act (NWNSRTA) separately.

In 2017, the percentage of Canadian Frontier Lands under license managed by CIRNAC increased to 25 percent because of decreases in the total number of hectares under licence.

In 2017, out of a total of $2,111.3 million in Canadian exploration and deposit appraisal expenditures, 8 percent or $169.3 million were made in Nunavut.

In September 2017, Canada, the Kivalliq Inuit Association and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited signed a security management agreement to enable the Department and the Inuit land owner to co-manage financial assurance for mine site reclamation of Agnico's Whale Tail mining project.

One year consultation process was completed with existing oil and gas licence holders in the Beaufort Sea, and other key Northern and Indigenous stakeholders, focusing on the status of the rights and interests of the licence holders within the context of an emerging policy framework for the Arctic.

CIRNAC worked closely with Indigenous communities to implement work on the Beaufort Regional Strategic Environmental Assessment and the Strategic Environmental Assessment for Baffin Bay and Davis Strait.

The Beaufort Regional Strategic Environmental Assessment and the Strategic Environmental Assessment for Baffin Bay and Davis Strait are using science and traditional knowledge to inform decision making around potential future oil and gas activity in these regions. Traditional knowledge is being gathered by the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association for inclusion in these assessments.

In 2017–18, the Department, using a risk-based approach, successfully undertook a program of inspections to ensure that proponents were complying with their land and water authorizations. This work helps to ensure that environmental impacts were minimized and that Crown interests were addressed.

Ensuring that the Department's views on the marine offshore are known and respected requires the participation in various national and international fora. Towards that end, the Department has been actively engaged in various federal interdepartmental committees related to ocean management as well as the Arctic Council's Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Working Group as a member of the Canadian delegation and a co-lead of the Meaningful Engagement of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Marine Activities (MEMA) Project.

CIRNAC participated throughout four project reviews submitted for Ministerial approval in 2017–18, including the final hearings for all. The Report of Environmental Assessment for the Prairie Creek project was submitted for the responsible Ministers' consideration on September 12, 2017; while the Tlicho All Season Road was submitted March 29, 2018. On January 19, 2018, the responsible Ministers issued an information request to the Prairie Creek proponent, in an effort to address issues raised by Indigenous groups. Decision on both projects are pending, however both are still within regulated timelines under the MVMRA. In Nunavut, positive decisions were made on the Back River Gold Mine and the Whale Tail Pit; only the latter was subject to regulated timelines.

CIRNAC undertook remediation and/or risk management activities at 22 contaminated sites, to ensure the protection of human and environmental health and safety.

The Department continued to engage with Indigenous partners and interested stakeholders in remediation planning and implementation for contaminated sites, 213 community consultation events held in 2017–18 throughout the North. Events included public meetings, meetings with affected First Nations, site tours and school outreach. Feedback from these engagement sessions was used to inform key project decisions within the contaminated sites remediation process. For example, CIRNAC conducted a number of community consultations in the area surrounding Faro Mine in order to develop a list of environmental and socio-economic interests linked to the contaminated site that local stakeholders would like to see examined during site's assessment phase. At the Giant Mine, input from community engagement meetings informed the Department's decision making on remediation and closure activities, and supported community-based monitoring programs, training programs, archaeological impact assessments, stress assessments, and traditional knowledge studies.

CIRNAC updated risk assessments for every active project in the Northern Contaminated Sites Program's portfolio to identify risks to project management and delivery. The results of risk assessments informed the project planning process, including the development of risk contingencies, and the implementation of risk treatments and mitigation strategies were subject to regular reporting and senior-level oversight. Below are descriptions of risk management activities at the Department's two largest contaminated sites:

• At the Faro Mine, CIRNAC undertook a number of important risk mitigation and care and maintenance activities. Notably, the Department continued to work on the design of the North Fork Rose Creek Diversion. As well, experts have begun to remove fish from a contaminated waterway near the site. CIRNAC also continued to engage with local communities with the goal of having a remediation plan submitted to the Yukon Environmental and Socio Economic Assessment Board in the fall 2018. Finally, based on significant schedule delays, CIRNAC took over the lead on all work to procure the urgent works Construction Manager which will now be awarded in summer 2018.
• For Giant Mine, CIRNAC tendered a contract to Nahanni Construction Ltd in order to stabilize the mine's last high-risk stope complex. Additionally, contractors continued repairs to heads covers, ground control upgrades and improvements to power feeds and communication lines to ensure that the underground mine was safe for workers to access. In preparation for remediation work, the Department undertook significant consultation and engagement with Indigenous and other stakeholders to assist in developing a draft closure and reclamation plan. The draft plan has been provided to the public for comment prior to submitting as part of the water licencing process in 2018–19. The Department also hired a construction manager in December 2017 and continued work to address requirements from the 2014 environmental assessment that must be fulfilled in advance of water licensing, such as the Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment, exploring options for long-term funding for the projects, and finalizing options for the new water treatment plant.

Information on Program 4.3 lower-level is available on the CIRNAC website and in the GCInfobase.

Description

Internal Services are those groups of related activities and resources that the federal government considers to be services in support of programs and/or required to meet corporate obligations of an organization. Internal Services refers to the activities and resources of the 10 distinct service categories that support Program delivery in the organization, regardless of the Internal Services delivery model in a department. The 10 service categories are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Materiel Services; and Acquisition Services.

Results

In August 2017, the Prime Minister announced that the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada would be dissolved and replaced by two departments, namely CIRNAC and ISC. CIRNAC is focusing on advancing nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships, supporting Indigenous Peoples' visions of self-determination; and leading Canada's work in the North. ISC is improving access to high-quality services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, supporting and removing barriers to the Indigenous control of the delivery of services, and working to improve health and socio-economic outcomes in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. The transformation process is being supported through common internal services. Therefore, the internal services results section is the same for both departments.

Management and Oversight Services

In our commitment to evidence-based policy making, the Department continued strengthening its demographic and socio-economic research and analytical capacity. Significant investments were made in 2017–18, both in the collection and dissemination of Indigenous survey data, including the Aboriginal Peoples Survey and the First Nations Labour and Employment Development Survey. As part of these efforts, the Department continued working with partners such as the First Nations Information Governance Center, Statistics Canada, and academia to better understand socio-economic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. With the recent release of the 2016 Census of Population data, the Department is updating many measurement tools and research products, including the Community Well Being Index, the Community Remoteness and Environmental Indices, and Indigenous demographic projections.

The Department also strengthened its efforts towards ensuring greater performance transparency and accountability. In this regard, the Department successfully implemented the Policy on Results, introduced by Treasury Board on July 1, 2016. This involved the development and subsequent approval of two transitional Departmental Results Frameworks for both CIRNAC and ISC. The Department also developed forty-nine Program Performance Information Profiles to facilitate performance monitoring and evaluation. In addition, a total of 113 performance indicators have been made publicly available through the Government of Canada InfoBase system to enable a clearer communication of results to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The Department also supports reporting the progress of the Minister Bennett's and Minister LeBlanc's Mandate Letter Commitments via the Mandate Letter Commitment Tracker.

Internally, departmental efficiency and effectiveness were strengthened in CIRNAC and ISC through a number of assurance activities, including: six internal audits projects; seven evaluation projects; sixteen risk management projects and seventeen financial reviews and investigations. Specific audit and risk assessment work was completed to support transformation activities.

In 2017–18, the Evaluation, Performance Measurement and Review Branch managed an internship project entitled "Why Aren't Some First Nations Moving Beyond the Indian Act?" that explored the path to self-determination envisioned by First Nations. In 2018–19, interns are exploring how the departments can better co-develop evaluations and work with Indigenous partners.

Communications Services

In 2017–18, several innovative activities were undertaken in order to continue building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, especially young people. These activities included extensive awareness-raising through Web and social media on #IndigenousSuccess and innovation, celebrating Indigenous language and culture, progress on Government of Canada commitments to Indigenous peoples and Northerners (for example, infrastructure progress through mapping) and on the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. Web, social media and outreach activities also focused on amplifying Indigenous voices, whether it was through #IndigenousReads, #IndigenousSuccess or work with Indigenous youth groups, and groups that support Indigenous youth, such as Canadian Roots Exchange, We Matter, Indspire and youth involved in the North American Indigenous Games.

Human Resources Management Services

The organization's desire to have a workforce that is culturally sensitive and representative of Indigenous communities is directly related to its mission. It employed focused, innovative, strategic and culturally considerate recruitment approaches while increasing awareness of employment opportunities among Indigenous peoples and communities. Language training targeted to Indigenous employees under the Deputy Minister's Aboriginal Workforce Initiative is also well underway, with both French and English groups being trained. The Aboriginal Leadership Development Initiative continued to build strong Indigenous leaders within the Public Service through the graduation of its Cohort 4 and the launch of Cohort 5, with ten other government departments participating in Cohort 5.

The Departments continue to address the pay issues related to the implementation of the Phoenix Pay System. The in-house Phoenix Response Team provided support to employees and the organizations on pay and other issues associated with the challenges resulting from the transformation. The process of integrating employees into the newly created ISC was started, including the transfer of employees from the Regional Operations and Education, Social Development Programs and Partnerships sectors of the former INAC and from the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada.

Financial Management Services

In 2017–18, the Department modernized and enhanced its funding processes to ensure funding was allocated to First Nations in a more timely and efficient manner. In this regard, the Department improved its Federal Budget process and was successful in securing Federal Budget funding to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples. It also further developed its Costing Centre of Expertise, which was instrumental in providing cost estimation direction, assistance and guidance to stakeholders.

Information Management and Information Technology Services

The Department continues to move forward with the implementation of key initiatives, outlined in the 2016-19 Information Management Strategy, and has established an Information Management Transformation Office to support implementation of the Strategy. In support of the Government of Canada-led E-mail Transformation Initiative, the Department has completed onboarding efforts. In addition, GCDOCS implementation is progressing as planned, scheduled for completion in 2019–20. The Department also continues to support Shared Services Canada with Government of Canada-led Workload Migration work specific to operating system upgrades (Win2003) and other infrastructure-related initiatives. The overall number of corporate systems in the Department continues to be reduced through decommissioning and rationalization efforts. The Department continues to mature data management practices through the implementation of key governance, processes and tools.

Real Property Services; Materiel Services; and Acquisition Services

As part of its commitment to improving service delivery and advancing the Government's procurement modernization agenda, the Department's procurement Case Management System (implemented in 2016) was successfully automated in 2017–18. The Case Management System is fully in line with the Government's information technology modernization strategy, and will improve service levels to Departmental clients by increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement services.

In 2017–18, the Department also continued the implementation of its three-year 2016-19 Real Property Management Action Plan to address the Department's real property issues, including health and safety risks in the Department's off-reserve structures. Significant progress was made in a number of areas, including fire protection inspections, designated substances surveys (including asbestos), and building condition assessments. Remedial measures to address the results of these assessments have been implemented, with the remaining recommendations and asset-specific strategic planning expected to be implemented in the final year of the Real Property Management Action Plan (2018–19).

Expenses by Type

Total expenses were $13,661 million in 2017–18, representing a 12 percent increase from the previous year's expenses of $12,252 million. $3,936 million of total expenses relate to the results of programs transferred to ISC on November 30, 2017. Transfer payments, the majority to Indigenous peoples and for claims and litigation, amounted to $6,453 million (47 percent of total expenses). Other significant operating expenses included claims and litigation of $2,581 million (19 percent) and salaries and employee future benefits totaling $366 million (3 percent).

Revenues by Type

Total revenues for 2017–18 amounted to $3.6 million, representing a 14 percent decrease over the previous year's total revenues of $4.2 million. Respendable revenues earned for the provision of financial and administrative services represent $2.4 million (67 percent). Respendable revenues from the proceeds from the sale of surplus Crown assets, included in miscellaneous revenue, account for most of the remaining $1.3 million (36 percent). The total revenues earned on behalf of Government totaled $4.7 million.

Significant changes

The change in total expenses is largely due to an increase in the provision for claims and litigation of $2,272 million due to increases in the estimated settlement amounts as well as an increase of $1,221 million in transfer payment to Indigenous peoples and organizations. This increase was slightly offset due to the transfer of some programs to ISC on November 30, 2017.

The change in total revenues is mainly attributed to a decrease of $3,879 million in miscellaneous revenues which is offset by an increase of $3,494 million in revenues earned on behalf of Government.

Liabilities by Type

Total net liabilities were $24,916 million at the end of 2017–18, which is an increase of $4.689 million (23 percent) from the previous year's total net liabilities of $20,227 million. The provision for claims and litigation represents the largest portion of liabilities at $20,836 million (84 percent) of total liabilities. Other significant liabilities include environmental liabilities of $3,320 million (13 percent), accounts payable of $583 million (2 percent), and the liability for settled claims of $142 million (0.6 percent).

Net Financial Assets by Type

Total net financial assets at the end of 2017–18 were $596 million, which represents a decrease of $974 million (62 percent) from the previous year's total net financial assets of $1,569 million. Of the total net assets, the asset due from the Consolidated Revenue Fund accounted for $578 million (97 percent) and accounts receivable and advances accounted for $17 million (3 percent).

Non-Financial Assets by Type

Total non-financial assets were $219 million at the end of 2017–18 which represents an increase of $6.7 million (3 percent) from the previous year's total non-financial assets of $213 million. Tangible capital assets represent $174 million (79 percent) of total non-financial assets while land held for future claims settlements represents $44 million (20 percent).

Significant changes

The change in total liabilities is primarily due to an increase in contingent liabilities of $5,770 million which is due to the increase in the provision for claims and litigations. This increase was slightly offset by a decrease of $754 million in trust accounts and $43 million in other liabilities resulting from transfers to ISC.

The change in total net financial assets is due to a decrease of $924 million in the assets of due from the consolidated revenue fund and a decrease of $50 million in accounts receivable and advances. These decreases resulted from the transfers of assets and liabilities to ISC.