Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more

Transfer payments for Negotiations of Claims and Self-Government Agreements

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15

Contributions to promote social and political development in the North and for Northerners: 2016–17

Contributions to supply public services in Indian Government Support and to build strong governance, administrative and accountability systems: 2018–19

Contributions to support the negotiation and implementation of Treaties, Claims and self-government agreements or initiatives: 2018–19

Contributions to support the Indigenous Nation Rebuilding Program: 2018–19

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Negotiations of Claims and Self-Government Agreements

Description: This program supports Canada's commitment to the negotiation of claims and self-government agreements to reconcile Aboriginal rights, as recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, with the sovereignty of the Crown. It also supports Canada's commitment to negotiating self-government agreements to address aspirations for greater Indigenous autonomy and self-reliance and to promote good governance. With the participation of provincial and territorial governments, Canada negotiates claims and self-government agreements that provide Indigenous groups with a solid foundation for self-reliance and for the improvement of social, cultural and economic conditions within their communities.

Canada is undertaking affirmation of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with Indigenous groups across Canada. These interest and distinctions-based discussions work toward the development and advancement of shared priorities through collaboratively developed mandates for Indigenous rights and self-determination agreements. Through these processes, the parties will develop a common understanding of what is required to advance reconciliation based on affirmation of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. This will also contribute to the renewal of the Indigenous-Crown relationship and work towards closing socio-economic gaps between Indigenous peoples and the rest of Canada to develop healthier, more sustainable communities.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019–20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20: An Evaluation of Negotiations of Claims and Self Government Agreements is expected to be completed by March 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2019–20, the department engaged with recipients at discussion tables and negotiation tables to advance the affirmation of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination by providing contribution funding for the participation of Indigenous groups in those discussions. As well, applicants and recipients were engaged through the application processes and through regular meetings and discussions to monitor the management of the funding agreements.

Métis and Non-Status Indigenous representative organizations were engaged through regular meetings and communications as a means of building and maintaining strong relationships to address areas of shared priorities and interests.

The Nation Rebuilding program held a call for proposals in order to continue support the rebuilding efforts of Indigenous nations. Recipients submitted project proposals outlining their plans. The department assessed these proposals and provided $20 million in funding in 2019–20.

Transfer payments for Specific Claims

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Grants to First Nations to settle specific claims negotiated by Canada and/or awarded by the Specific Claims Tribunal, and to Indigenous groups to settle special claims: 2018–19

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15

Contributions to support the negotiation and implementation of treaties, claims and self-government agreements or initiatives: 2018–19

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Specific Claims

Description: Specific claims are past grievances made by a First Nation against the federal government which relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets and to the fulfilment of Indian treaties. Examples include the failure to provide enough reserve land, the improper management of First Nation funds, and the unlawful surrender of reserve lands. Key activities include the assessment of the historical and legal facts of a claim, the negotiation of settlement agreements, supporting the presentation of Canada's interests before the Specific Claims Tribunal, and payment of monetary compensation to First Nations pursuant to the terms of a settlement agreement or an award of the Tribunal. Resolving specific claims fairly and expeditiously supports the affirmation and respect of First Nations' rights, discharges outstanding legal obligations of the Crown, and provides certainty for all Canadians.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019–20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20: An Evaluation of Specific Claims is underway and is expected to be completed by January 2021.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2019–20, the department engaged with recipients at discussion tables and negotiation tables to advance the affirmation of Indigenous rights and self-determination by providing contribution funding for the participation of Indigenous groups in those discussions. As well, applicants and recipients were engaged through the application and general assessment processes and through regular meetings and discussions to monitor the management of the funding agreements.

Transfer payments for Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Grants to implement comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements and other agreements to address Section 35 Rights: 2018–19

Grants to First Nations to settle specific claims negotiated by Canada and/or awarded by the Specific Claims Tribunal, and to Indigenous groups to settle special claims: 2018–19

(S) Grants to Aboriginal organizations designated to receive claim settlement payments pursuant to Comprehensive Land Claim Settlement Acts: Please refer to Final Agreements and Related Implementation Matters webpage.

(S) Indian Annuities Treaty payments: Please refer to section 72 of the Indian Act^{Footnote 1}.

Grants to Participating First Nations and the First Nation Education Authority Pursuant to the First Nations Jurisdiction over Education in British Columbia Act: 2014–15

Contributions to support the negotiation and implementation of Treaties, Claims and self-government agreements or initiatives: 2018–19

Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure: 2016–17

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties

Description: This program supports the department's Core Responsibility: Rights and Self-Determination, through the implementation of treaties and self-government agreements, advancing renewed treaty relationships and consultation and engagement on issues of importance to Indigenous peoples.

It aims to create and maintain ongoing relationships to support the fulfilment 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, particularly between Canada and pre- and post-1975 treaty groups. Creating and maintaining relationships 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 achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019–20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20: An Evaluation of the Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation is underway and is expected to be completed by January 2021.

An Evaluation of Management and Implementation of Agreement and Treaties is expected to be completed by March 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: 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 agreements, which provide the funding to support the responsibilities and obligations established under these agreements. In 2019–20, CIRNAC successfully negotiated renewed fiscal agreements with 25 Self-Governing Indigenous groups.

Transfer payments for Consultation and Accommodation

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15

Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program: 2014–15

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Consultation and Accommodation

Description: This program provides support to federal departments and agencies as they work to fulfill the Crown's legal duty to consult, and where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous peoples whose asserted or established Aboriginal or treaty rights may be impacted by a federal activity. The program's core responsibilities may be summarized as:

• leading the whole-of-government approach to consultation and accommodation
• providing advice, guidance, information, tools (including web-based information services), and training to support federal officials in working to meet their duty to consult obligations
• leading policy work on emerging issues associated with consultation and accommodation
• building consultation capacity among Indigenous groups by negotiating and providing funding for consultation protocols and resource centres

The work of the Consultation and Accommodation Unit supports the Departmental Result of "Indigenous Peoples and Northerners determine their political, economic, social and cultural development" by providing advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders so that they may consult and engage effectively on issues of importance to Indigenous peoples and Northerners. Further, through support in negotiating consultation protocols and contributions to resource centres, the unit supports Indigenous organizations and communities in controlling and managing their interests based on the recognition of and respect for their rights.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: The Review of Consultation and Accommodation is currently in progress and expected to be completed in August 2020.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: There are no evaluations scheduled for this program.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Applicants and recipients were engaged through meetings, national webinars and communications as planned, including participation of Indigenous partners to Interdepartmental network meetings with federal officials from a variety of departments and agencies across Canada.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Consultation Workshop with Indigenous partners was postponed.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects incremental funding provided through the Budget Implementation Vote to Continue Indigenous Consultation (Budget 2019) (+$1.5 million).

Transfer payments for Consultation and Policy Development

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15

Contributions to supply public services in Indian Government Support and to build strong governance, administrative and accountability systems: 2018–19

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Consultation and Policy Development

Description: The Consultation and Policy Development Program is intended to be a vehicle for a wide range of engagements between the department and Indigenous peoples for the development and implementation of departmental policy and programming. Eligible activities are those which investigate, develop, propose, review, inform or consult on policy matters within the mandate of the department. Eligible activities include workshops, studies, meetings, and policy development, all of which relate to and are in support of the department's policies and programming. The funding supports the department as a whole to collaborate with Status Indians, Innu and Inuit on key policy issues.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019-20. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of Engagement and Capacity Support, which includes Consultation and Policy Development, is underway and is expected to be completed by December 2020.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: CIRNAC has had regular meetings with the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada as part of their relations with these organizations and to support the implementation of the Canada-NWAC Accord and the Canada-Pauktuutit MOU. To support the implementation of these Accord and Memoranda, CIRNAC has provided funding to the NWAC for an amount of $7.3M over 3 years starting in 2018–19 and $1M per year to Pauktuutit.

CIRNAC has also had regular meetings with Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) and regional Indigenous women's organizations to establish new partnerships and help ensure that the voices of Indigenous women are reflected in policies, programs and legislation.

Transfer payments for Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program: 2014–15

Contributions to support Métis Housing: 2018–19

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program

Description: The Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program aims to enhance the capacity, stability and accountability of both Métis and Non-Status Indian Aboriginal Representative Organizations to represent their members, and to build partnerships with federal and provincial governments and with the private sector. The program also works more specifically to:

1. Support the Métis National Council and its governing members in their transition to self-government and self-determination by enhancing their governance capacity
2. Develop and standardize "objectively verifiable membership systems" for s. 35 rights-holding Métis collectives in accordance with the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Powley in 2003
3. Provide capacity and support for engagement on and development of key policy positions by Métis and Non-Status organizations
4. Address Métis housing priorities, improve housing outcomes, and advance reconciliation with the Métis Nation by supporting Métis self-determination

The program supports departmental results that Indigenous and northern governments and institutions are effective and accountable by ensuring core governance capacity exists and is enhanced in key national and provincial Métis and Non-Status representative bodies.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of Engagement and Capacity Support, which includes the Federal Interlocutor's Program, is underway and is expected to be completed by December 2020.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Applicants to the program were engaged through a targeted call-for-proposal processes, regular meetings and other forms of engagement. Under the Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program -Projects stream, the Accord Implementation Forum for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples was designed and launched to address joint priorities, Métis women's organizations were engaged and funded to achieve greater governance and capacity, and other off-reserve Indigenous organizations were engaged and funded to support their capacity needs. Relationships were formed with several new and emergent off-reserve organizations to identify and address Métis and Non-Status priorities.

Transfer payments for Basic Organizational Capacity

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Contributions to support the basic organizational capacity of Indigenous representative organizations: 2017–18

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Basic Organizational Capacity

Description: Basic Organizational Capacity funding supports basic administration costs and provides a minimum level of capacity so that organizations can advise the federal government of their members' needs and interests. Basic operations such as salaries, rent and utilities are also covered.

In 2016–17 the department provided a total of $26.5 million in core funding to the 5 national and the 41 regional Indigenous representative organizations. This program aligns to the core departmental responsibility of "Rights and self-determination" by supporting Indigenous and northern organizations, individuals and communities in controlling and managing their own affairs and interests based on collaboration and partnerships.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019-20. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of Engagement and Capacity Support, which includes Basic Organisational Capacity, is underway and is expected to be completed by December 2020.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: CIRNAC provided support for the core operations (e.g. staff salaries, travel costs, accommodation costs, professional services, meeting/workshop cost, communications and office overhead) of national, provincial, territorial and/or regional representative Aboriginal organizations and national women's organizations such as Pauktuutit, the Assembly of First Nations and Métis National Council.

Transfer payments for First Nation Jurisdiction Over Land and Fiscal Management

This program was previously called First Nation Jurisdiction Over Land and Economic Development. Elements of this program related to matrimonial real property protection and capacity building, and the management of oil and gas are now reported in the ISC 2019–20 Departmental Results Report.

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Grant to implement the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management: 2019–20

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15

Contributions to support Land Management and Economic Development: 2018–19^{Footnote 1}

Contributions to supply public services in Indian Government Support and to build strong governance, administrative and accountability systems: 2018–19

Link to Department's Program Inventory: First Nation Jurisdiction Over Land and Economic Development

Description: This program contributes to the development of strong First Nations governance and capacity and provides them with options to exercise jurisdiction, control and management over their own affairs and resources and pursue economic development activities. With the support of Indigenous institutional partners (Lands Advisory Board, First Nation Land Management Resource Centre), the department continues to remove barriers for First Nations that decide to opt-out of sections of the Indian Act relating to land management and participate in alternative legislative regimes to exercise their own jurisdiction and lawmaking authority. The department and Indigenous Institutions are working together with First Nations to develop the tools they need to drive local economic development, empower their communities, and promote prosperity. The department, in collaboration with First Nations-led institutions (First Nations Tax Commission, First Nations Financial Management Board, First Nations Finance Authority) is providing legislative and institutional frameworks for First Nation's jurisdiction over local taxation and financial management, as well as provides First Nations with access to long-term and affordable financing.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20: An Evaluation of First Nation Jurisdiction over Land and Fiscal Management is expected to be completed by March 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2019–20, the department continued to engage with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions on their annual work plans and specific initiatives and with the Province of British Columbia and self-governing First Nations on upcoming regulatory changes that will provide treaty and self-governing First Nations with access to the pooled borrowing regime of the Act.

Similar work is under way to provide organizations with the same access to the regime. Engagement with the institutions is done through regular ad hoc calls and meetings, correspondence, formal face to face meetings and discussions related to corporate plans and specific projects.

The department also participates in broader engagement sessions through the annual First Nations Leading the Way conferences which include all First Nations under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, First Nations Land Management Act and the 10-year grant participants.

Transfer payments for Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Grants to the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Nunavut for health care of Indians and Inuit: 2014–15

Grants for the political evolution of the Territories, particularly as it pertains to devolution: 2014–15

Grants to implement comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements and other agreements to address Section 35 Rights: 2018–19

^*Grant to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to establish the Saimaqatigiingniq Fund: 2019–20

^*Grant to the Manitoba Métis Federation to support construction of the Métis National Heritage Centre: 2018–19

Contributions to promote social and political development in the North and for Northerners: 2016–17

Contributions for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development for Indigenous peoples and the North: 2017–18

Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure: 2016–17

^*Terms and conditions were not developed for these grants because they were provided through authority for a one-time transfer payment to a named recipient.

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships

Description: This program strengthens the northern 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; providing grants for hospital and physician services in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories; 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 achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019–20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20: An Evaluation of Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships is expected to be completed by March 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

• Northwest Territories Devolution Grant: The department continued its ongoing engagement with the Government of the Northwest Territories and 9 Indigenous parties to the Northwest Territories Land and Resources Devolution Agreement. Funding agreements with Indigenous parties in the Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement were completed in summer 2019. This funding helps Indigenous parties play a role in managing post-devolution land and resources with the Government of the Northwest Territories.
• Nunavut Devolution Negotiation Grant: CIRNAC engaged with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to negotiate an Agreement-in-Principle for the devolution of lands and resources responsibilities in Nunavut. The department signed an agreement with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated in 2019 to fund 50% of their participation in Agreement-In-Principle negotiations. Between May and July 2019 the department undertook Section 35 Crown Consultations with Indigenous groups regarding the impact of the draft Agreement-in-Principle on their existing or asserted rights in Nunavut. The department signed 7 funding agreements for their participation in these Section 35 consultations. Following these consultations, the Agreement-in-Principle was signed by the Government of Canada, Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated in August 2019.
• Nunavut Capacity-Building Contribution: The department engaged with the Government of Nunavut to discuss the government's financial management systems. In December 2019, CIRNAC entered another funding agreement with the Government of Nunavut to help the territory undertake activities such as developing their public accounts strategy and financial information system during the fiscal year necessary to improve its financial management capacity.
• Hospital and Physician Services Grant: The department had regular ongoing engagements with the Government of Nunavut and Government of the Northwest Territories. In spring 2019, the department signed 5-year grant agreements with the governments of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories that would reimburse each territorial government a portion of costs incurred to provide hospital and physician services to Indigenous residents during the year.

Transfer payments for Individual Affairs

This program was transferred to ISC as per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109, effective July 22, 2019. Consequently, the Public Accounts for CIRNAC cover the period of April 1, 2019 to July 21, 2019, as reflected in the table below. The information and results for the remaining portion of the 2019–20 fiscal year are reported in the ISC 2019–20 Departmental Results Report.

Transfer payments for Residential Schools Resolution

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Grant to the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund: 2018–19

Contributions for Groups of Indian Residential School survivors who wish to resolve their claim as a group under the Independent Assessment Process: 2006

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Residential Schools Resolution

Description: The Group Independent Assessment Program (IAP) provides funding to qualified groups across Transfer payments for Economic Development Capacity and Readiness members, their families, and communities. This program provides an opportunity for individuals to come together as they go through their individual IAP claim and/or shortly thereafter. The overall objectives are:

• To affect healing by helping former residential school students who have been admitted to the IAP who share similar experiences (school, community, issues) to support each other in their journey towards healing and reconciliation.
• To empower individuals by giving them access to tools and resources to develop, enhance and strengthen relationships between former students, their families, their communities, and with other Canadians in support of healing and reconciliation during the IAP and/or after their IAP hearing.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2018–19: An audit was not completed in 2019–20. An Audit of the Implementation of the Anderson Settlement agreement is currently planned for 2020–21.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2018–19: There are no evaluations planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: 2019–20 was the final funded year for the Group IAP Contribution Program. Following a Call for Proposals held in late 2018–19, eleven^{Footnote 2} groups of IAP claimants in Ontario, Nunavut, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia were selected for funding.

With the opening of IAP applications to former attendees of Kivalliq Hall in April 2019, a separate, targeted Call for Proposals process was held in 2019–20 to ensure that all eligible claimants had the opportunity to apply. Adjudication Secretariat staff partnered with community stakeholders and organizations to distribute updated information products including information specific to Group IAP; however, no Group IAP applications were received for this Call for Proposals.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation or postponement of some groups' planned activities. Following a review of the situation, and in response to requests from organizations impacted, approval to extend Contribution Agreements was secured. This will permit 5 existing groups to complete their activities and requirements in 2020–21.

Transfer payments for Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development

This program was transferred to ISC as per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109, effective July 22, 2019. Consequently, the Public Accounts for CIRNAC cover the period of April 1, 2019 to July 21, 2019, as reflected in the table below. The information and results for the remaining portion of the 2019–20 fiscal year are reported in the ISC 2019–20 Departmental Results Report.

Transfer payments for Economic Development Capacity and Readiness

This program was transferred to ISC as per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109, effective July 22, 2019. Consequently, the Public Accounts for CIRNAC cover the period of April 1, 2019 to July 21, 2019, as reflected in the table below. The information and results for the remaining portion of the 2019–20 fiscal year are reported in the ISC 2019–20 Departmental Results Report.

Transfer payments for Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management

This program was transferred to ISC as per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109, effective July 22, 2019. Consequently, the Public Accounts for CIRNAC cover the period of April 1, 2019 to July 21, 2019, as reflected in the table below. The information and results for the remaining portion of the 2019–20 fiscal year are reported in the ISC 2019–20 Departmental Results Report.

Transfer payments for Climate Change Adaptation and Clean Energy

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Contributions for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development for Indigenous peoples and the North: 2017−18

Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure: 2016−17

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Climate Change Adaptation and Clean Energy

Description: This program contributes to increasing the resilience of Northern and Indigenous communities by supporting the integration of climate information in decisions, reducing reliance on diesel and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The program takes a collaborative and capacity-building approach, working with provincial and territorial governments, communities and Indigenous organizations to first identify priorities and then provide direct funding support for territorial governments and Indigenous communities to:

• monitor, collect and develop climate data and information
• conduct assessments to identify the impacts of climate change that affect them
• plan to address these risks

Funding is also provided to support northern communities, governments, and organizations to plan and construct renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

The implementation of adaptation measures will lead to increased resilience and support the ultimate outcome that Indigenous and northern communities strengthen their capacity to adapt to changing environments. This program supports the Core Responsibility Community and Regional Development.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019–20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20. The Audit of the Northern Responsibility Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program is currently planned for 2021–22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20: An Evaluation of Climate Change Adaptation and Clean Energy is expected to be completed by March 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The programs engage directly with program recipients on an on-going basis through routine calls to support proposal development, discuss project progress and support implementation. Indigenous advisory committees provided strategic program guidance and support on funding decisions. Based on previous engagements, the adaptation programs are using the Indigenous Climate Hub, an external website, to engage recipients and to use as a community network tool. The website provides information on programming, links to resources, inspiring community projects and news about upcoming climate change events. The programs engaged with recipients at meetings, forums and conferences across the country, including Adaptation 2020 and ArcticNet.

Northern REACHE led federal horizontal engagement with northern energy stakeholders in the Spring of 2019. The goals of the engagement were to develop a better understanding of the northern energy landscape, identify energy priorities across the range of stakeholder groups, and receive feedback on federal clean energy efforts and programming to date.

Transfer payments for Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Contributions for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development for Indigenous peoples and the North: 2017–18

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability

Description: Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability contributes to a healthy and sustainable environment for the benefit of Northerners and Canadians by a sustainable management of land and resources in Indigenous communities and the North. The program ensures that decision making is fully informed by providing scientific and policy reports and advice and by co-developing strategic plans to address environmental concerns and impacts. The program ensures efficient and effective monitoring systems in the North by coordinating, generating and managing scientific and environmental data and by publishing results and data.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019–20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20: An Evaluation of Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability is expected to be completed by March 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The department engaged with Indigenous organizations, territorial governments, academia and environmental non-government organizations through the regional strategic environmental assessments. Advisory Committees provided advice to the department on the development of the regional strategic environmental assessments.

Transfer payments for Northern Contaminated Sites

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Financial information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Grant to support the Giant Mine Oversight Board and research on arsenic trioxide: 2018−19

Transfer payments to the Government of Yukon for the care and maintenance, remediation and management of the closure of contaminated sites in Yukon: 2013−14

Contributions for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development for Indigenous peoples and the North: 2017−18

Transfer payments to the Government of Yukon for the remediation of the Marwell Tar Pit Site to support the Contaminated Sites Program: 2013−14

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Northern Contaminated Sites

Description: The Northern Contaminated Sites Program contributes to community and regional development in the North, and the sustainable management of the lands and resources in Indigenous communities and the North. The program ensures that contaminated sites in the territories are managed to reduce risk to human and environmental health and safety for all Northerners through site assessments, care and maintenance, remediation and monitoring. Indigenous and northern communities benefit from the program's engagement activities that facilitate improved accessibility of employment and business opportunities created by the program's projects. This leads to the development and maintenance of long-term partnerships with Indigenous and northern communities through governance and partnering opportunities, as well as capacity building activities facilitated through the program's active contaminated sites projects.

Northern contaminated sites originated primarily from mining, petroleum, and government military activity dating back over half a century and pose risks to human health and safety, and the fragile northern environment.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of Northern Contaminated Sites Program is underway and is expected to be completed by December 2020.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The department engaged with Indigenous and Northern communities affected by contaminated sites in the North as local perspectives continue to be an important part of all phases of these remediation projects. For example, CIRNAC held bi-weekly technical review committee meetings with First Nations affected by the Faro Mine. These committee meetings allowed project stakeholders to review and discuss current site conditions, care and maintenance activities, urgent works and specific design components as the remediation plan continues to evolve. Furthermore, CIRNAC hosted project working group meetings with rights holders and stakeholders affected by the Giant Mine. Participants provided insight and recommendations on project activities. In particular, the working group was able to oversee the development of the Quantitative Risk Assessment, the Perpetual Care Plan and the Wellness Study. Additionally, the department held monthly Socio-Economic Working Group Meetings, which allowed rights holders and stakeholders to provide insight and recommendations on social and economic aspects of the Giant Mine Remediation Project.

Transfer payments for Nutrition North

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Transfer payments are voted unless otherwise denoted with an (S) in below Planning Information table.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Grants to land claim organizations, self-government agreement holders and First Nations organizations to support harvesting of country foods: 2019–20

Contributions to support access to healthy foods in isolated northern communities: 2017–18

Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Nutrition North

Description: The purpose of Nutrition North Canada (NNC) is to help lower the high cost of food in northern isolated communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut by providing a subsidy on perishable, nutritious foods. The program's objective is to make these foods more accessible and more affordable than they otherwise would be to residents of eligible isolated northern communities without year round surface (road, rail or marine) access.

The program is a horizontal initiative, with ISC and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) complementing the NNC retail subsidy by providing funding to support culturally appropriate retail and community-based nutrition education initiatives that aim to increase knowledge of healthy eating and develop skills for the selection and preparation of healthy store-bought and traditional/country foods. The ISC component of the program serves residents of eligible First Nations and Inuit communities, and PHAC serves residents of isolated northern communities that fall outside the mandate of ISC.

Results achieved: Performance results for this transfer payment program are available in GC InfoBase.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20: An audit was not completed in 2019–20. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20: An Evaluation of NNC was completed in 2020. The evaluation found that the program is successful with giving residents in remote and northern communities more access to nutritious perishable food at a subsidized rate. It also found that greater subsidy is associated with greater consumption of healthy foods. However, in its current design, while the program reduces and controls the prices of a select number of goods, a typical household of 4 is able to afford less than half of the contents of the Revised Northern Food Basket. The next Evaluation is expected to be completed by March 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2019–20, NNC continued to build and strengthen its relationships with Indigenous and northern partners by enacting important enhancements to the program based on their feedback. On August 21, 2019, the Government of Canada announced that it would expand the list of eligible non-perishable items which are subsidized to include those transported via sealift, barge, or winter road, as well as family-friendly items such as macaroni, flour and diapers. In addition, it was announced on the same day that the program would add feminine hygiene products to the NNC eligibility list to make these products more accessible and affordable and help the health and well-being of women and girls in isolated Northern communities. These changes have been informed by participation on the Inuit Crown Food Security Working Group, which was established in early 2019, as well as the NNC Indigenous Working Group, and the advice of the NNC Advisory Board.