Departmental Results Report 2019 to 2020
ISSN: 2561-990X
Table of contents
Ministers' message
The Minister of Northern Affairs and I are pleased to jointly present the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) 2019–20 Departmental Results Report. This is the first Departmental Results Report for CIRNAC, which was formally established on July 15, 2019.
Based on a recommendation from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), Indigenous and Northern Affairs was formally dissolved in 2019 to create two new departments – Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and the department of Indigenous Services Canada. The Commission was clear that as self-determination was realized, the jurisdiction for the delivery of services like health and education would be asserted by Indigenous peoples, and programs would no longer be delivered by the Government of Canada.
The work of anti-racism and decolonizing our institutions means we need to meaningfully advance and accelerate reconciliation and renew our relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The Departmental Results Report reflects the progress the department is making to promote self-determination, strong governance and prosperity for Indigenous peoples. While we know there is much more work ahead of us than behind us, real progress has been made by working in true partnership with Indigenous communities in a manner that affirms and respects rights, especially the right of Indigenous peoples to self-determination.
One way that Canada has advanced the Crown-Indigenous relationship is through the forgiveness and reimbursement of all comprehensive land claims negotiation loans. The use of loans has often been a barrier to Indigenous participation in negotiations and to concluding subsequent agreements. Having these loans off the books has benefited more than 200 Indigenous communities, allowing them to invest in governance, infrastructure, and economic development opportunities. Those returned resources have enhanced the ability of communities to increase health and well-being for all community members and to pursue better economic development.
The Government recognizes the importance of creating an environment that supports self-determination and economic growth for Indigenous communities. I am particularly proud of our work with Indigenous partners to co-develop Canada's Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy, which provides for stable, predictable funding that better reflects the expenditure needs of self-governing nations. As well, we continued to work with partners to expand access to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. This work has resulted in the negotiation of 25 new fiscal arrangements with self-governing Indigenous groups. The work continues to advance Indigenous communities visions of self-determination as they now have the resources to run their governments.
On September 4, 2019, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and the First Nations Summit released the co-developed Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia. This rights-based policy will support and enable approaches to the negotiation of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements between Canada, British Columbia and participating First Nations without extinguishing their rights.
This is a model that Canada is ready, willing and able to implement in other areas of the country where there is interest.
In 2019–20, we continued our regular permanent bilateral mechanism meetings with the Assembly of First Nations, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the four Inuit Nunangat Regions, and the Métis National Council and its governing members. Work also continued in support of the Canada – Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum. What we heard at these meetings was instrumental in developing landmark legislation on Indigenous languages and on child and family services. We remain committed to this process which has supported real transformative change in how the Government of Canada works with Indigenous peoples and their Governments.
We will also continue to collaborate with our provincial and territorial partners on moving our shared work forward. A priority has been the co-development of the National Action Plan to respond to the National Inquiry on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls and 2-SpritLGBTQ+ people.
On August 15, 2019, the Government of Canada removed the 1951 cut-off from the Indian Act. This was the last remaining provision of the Indian Act: An Act to amend the Indian Act in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux c. Canada (Procureur général) (Bill S-3) to come into force. As a result, all known sex-based inequities in the Indian Act have been eliminated. Bringing Bill S-3 fully into force to ensure women receive the same rights as men complied with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Calls for Justice.
As indicated above, we did not wait for the Final Report from the National Inquiry to act. As well as the legislation respecting Indigenous languages, legislation reforming the child and family services system and legislation to toughen criminal law in cases of domestic assault, we have taken concrete actions by investing in healing, education, housing, Family Information Liaison Units and community-based supports as well as commemoration activities.
As part of our decolonization work and in support of the Calls to Action and the Calls for Justice, we continue to work towards the implementation of the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We believe that these three together further advance the vital work of reconciliation and provide a clear road map forward for everyone in Canada to participate in reconciliation.
Righting past wrongs is an important part of relationship renewal, reconciliation, and healing. Resolving childhood claims and settling specific claims was a priority in 2019–20, and will continue in the years ahead.
For far too long, Canada has put up barriers to true partnership with Indigenous peoples. We know we can do better; indeed, we must. Collectively, we must chart a new path toward a Canada that honours, respects and is fully inclusive of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples — with renewed relationships and partnerships that are fundamental to the growth and prosperity of our country.
We look forward to continuing our work with Indigenous peoples to build strong, respectful relationships between Indigenous communities and all Canadians.
_____________________________________________________
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
The 2019–20 Departmental Results Report outlines the important work the Government is undertaking to create more economic opportunity and a higher quality of life in Canada's North, while also supporting our sovereignty and national interest.
The creation of a stand-alone ministry focused solely on the Arctic and North is a testament to the region's importance to Canada.
As a Government, we are investing in the priorities of Northerners, and ensuring that economic opportunities in the North benefit everyone. As Minister, I am working to ensure any decisions about the North are made in full collaboration, and partnership, with the people who live there.
The new Arctic and Northern Policy Framework is an excellent example of collaboration in action. The federal government, Indigenous peoples — First Nations, Inuit and Métis — and six territorial and provincial governments contributed to this framework, which was launched in September 2019. The framework represents a shared vision which will be co-implemented over the next ten years in order to support healthy families and build strong communities; invest in infrastructure; address climate change and invest in clean energy; strengthen Arctic and northern economies that work for everyone; and continue Canada's place as an international Arctic leader. At the beginning of the fiscal year, CIRNAC launched the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program, which will remediate the largest, most complex contaminated sites in the North. The project is a massive undertaking, with a total budget of $2.2 billion over 15 years to clean up eight abandoned mines in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. As part of this work, Indigenous and northern communities must be able to meaningfully participate in and benefit from the Government of Canada's investment in cleaning up northern contaminated sites. Our government is committed to prioritizing engagement with the Indigenous and northern communities impacted by each site and supports their access to the employment and business opportunities associated with its clean-up.
The Government of Canada is continuing the work toward a final devolution agreement in Nunavut. The transfer, or devolution, of responsibilities and powers for land and resource management to the Government of Nunavut is an essential step in the political and economic development of the territory. The Government of Canada is committed to providing Nunavut with more control over its economic and political future, including negotiating the transfer of public lands, legislative authority, and resource management responsibilities. The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated have been negotiating a devolution agreement for many years. I'm pleased that on August 15, 2019, the parties signed an agreement-in-principle which will serve as a guide for these negotiations.
Finally, our government has been working with northern and Indigenous partners to address the unique and critical needs of Northerners in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The response has been a whole-of-government approach, working in partnership, as we keep people healthy and supported, protect jobs, and ensure we come out of the pandemic stronger than before.
Since the onset of the pandemic, we have announced a number of measures to ensure that northern residents have the supports they need to prepare for, and respond to, the pandemic with funding for health services; maintaining supply chains by supporting air carriers; and making investments in greater subsidies on food and other essential items. Our government will be there to support all Northerners during this difficult time.
I look forward to continuing this joint work to advance policies that protect Canada's rich natural environment, build healthier communities, respect the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples and support a strong and dynamic economy in the North.
_____________________________________________________
The Honourable Daniel Vandal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Northern Affairs
Results at a glance and operating context
| Core Responsibilities | Actual Spending | Full-time Equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| Rights and Self-Determination | $5,608,508,662 | 909 |
| Community and Regional Development | $456,582,019 | 462 |
| Internal Services | $172,862,467 | 862 |
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) continues to work in partnership to facilitate greater self-determination and governance, as well as promote the self-reliance, prosperity and well-being of northern residents and communities.
On June 21, 2019, enabling legislation creating the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs received Royal Assent. The Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Act came into force on July 15, 2019 and formally established the department.
In 2019–20, CIRNAC, Indigenous peoples and Northerners continued to work together to achieve progress in the following 3 priority areas:
- accelerating the renewal of the relationship with Indigenous peoples
- modernizing institutional structures and governance to support self-determination
- advancing work in the North
Accelerating the renewal of the relationship with Indigenous peoples
CIRNAC continued to coordinate regular meetings with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the 4 Inuit Nunangat Regions, as well as the Métis National Council and its governing members. These discussions informed Bill C-91 and Bill C-92. These marked historic legislation on Indigenous languages and on family and child services, which came into force on June 21, 2019, have distinct provisions for First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
Following the tabling of the second report to Parliament on the Collaborative Process on Indian Registration, Band Membership and First Nation Citizenship, the Government of Canada removed the 1951 cut-off from the Indian Act on August 15, 2019, by bringing the last remaining provision of Bill S-3 into force.
The Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia was co-developed by the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, and the First Nations Summit. It provides greater flexibility to incrementally develop agreements in British Columbia.
CIRNAC continued to collaborate with provincial and territorial partners to respond to the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The department has added as a priority the development and implementation of a national action plan to address the Calls to Justice identified in the report.
Childhood claims settlements continued to focus on balancing individual compensation with forward-looking investments in healing, wellness, education, language, culture and commemoration as demonstrated through the ongoing implementation of the Sixties Scoop Settlement Agreement, the Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement Agreement and the continuing work to support survivors through the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and McLean Day Schools Settlement Corporation. In negotiating specific claims, the department increased communications with First Nations at the front end of the process, and expanded collaborative approaches to improve efficiencies in the process of research, negotiation and settlement. Further, CIRNAC advanced policy dialogue with Indigenous partners, exploring options to improve the specific claims process and to identify a pathway for policy and legislative reforms. In 2019–20, 33 specific claims were settled, a significant improvement over previous years, where 26 claims were settled on average.
Following the loan reform announcement via Budget 2019, all outstanding comprehensive land claims negotiation loans have been forgiven, effective March 31, 2020. Additionally, all loan reimbursement requests have been received and processing has been initiated to issue the first installment in Spring 2020 to all modern treaty holders who applied.
Discussions continue in partnership with Indigenous groups to help inform Canada's policy and program decision-making process and address issues that matter most. Examples of achievements include:
- the launch of the Canada-Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Accord Implementation Forum, representing off-reserve status and non-status Indians, Métis, and Southern Labrador Inuit
- the implementation of the Canada-Native Women's Association of Canada Accord, representing Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people
- the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, representing Inuit women in Canada
- the launch of a 3-year Indigenous youth pilot program led by the Canadian Roots Exchange to work towards building relationships and recognizing the voices of Indigenous youth, as part of the Government's commitment to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 66
- the signature of a consultation protocol with Stó:lō Nation in September 2019 (the 10th in the country) promoting relationship-building and supporting a collaborative approach between the federal government and Indigenous communities
Modernizing institutional structures and governance to support self-determination
The successful release of Canada's Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy in the Fall of 2019 has established a renewed and transparent funding model to better support the implementation of self-government agreements and treaties with self-government arrangements. This policy also supports continued collaborative fiscal policy development with self-governing Indigenous governments.
Work continued with partners to expand access to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act to self-governing First Nations and included not-for-profit organizations, to provide them with access to capital through the First Nations Finance Authority. Currently, 294 First Nations have chosen to participate under the Act and several of these are now in negotiations for self-governance.
The department, in collaboration with fiscal institutions, also continued to explore innovative infrastructure financing approaches and options for the establishment of a national First Nations Infrastructure Institute that would build First Nations capacity and support them with infrastructure financing, planning, development and maintenance. All of these activities are in support of First Nations transitioning away from the Indian Act.
Funding from the Powley program, as well as the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables have helped advance Métis self-determination and self-government goals. More specifically, the Powley program provided support to governing members of the Métis Nation towards initiatives such as the harvester identification systems, the Métis Nation Registries, and community-based governance structures. The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables have facilitated the signing of the first self-government agreements for the Métis Nation of Ontario, the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan and the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Advancing work in the North
On August 15, 2019, an Agreement-in-Principle was signed by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Premier of Nunavut, and President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, concluding the Nunavut Devolution Agreement-in-Principle negotiation process. The next step is the negotiation of a Final Agreement.
On September 10, 2019, the Government of Canada launched the co-developed Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. The Framework is designed to help address longstanding inequalities in transportation, energy, communications, employment, community infrastructure, health and education in First Nation, northern Inuit and Métis communities.
The department also finalized the creation of the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program, which launched April 1, 2020. This program will ensure CIRNAC has the ability to manage the significant environmental, human health and safety, legal and financial risks and will be able to remediate the 8 largest abandoned mines in the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
CIRNAC continued to support the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change through 5 climate change programs. These programs invested $41 million in Indigenous and northern communities to build capacity, identify adaptation risks and measures, monitor climate change impacts, and develop clean energy projects.
In March 2020, Nutrition North Canada (NNC) introduced the Harvesters Support Grant, a new initiative aimed at supporting individual communities in traditional subsistence activities. Developed in direct collaboration with Indigenous partners, the grant increases access to country and traditional foods by reducing the high costs associated with traditional hunting and harvesting. It is anticipated that the new program will strengthen inclusiveness and traditional practices, and will increase the sustainability of food systems in NNC eligible communities in the North.
For more information on CIRNAC's plans, priorities and results achieved, see the "Results: what we achieved" section of the report.
Results: what we achieved
Rights and Self-Determination
Description
Support Indigenous and northern organizations, individuals, communities and governments in controlling and managing their own affairs and interests based on the affirmation and honouring of rights, respect, collaboration and partnerships. Activities include: governance capacity and community planning, negotiating and implementing treaties, self-government agreements and specific claims; addressing historic grievances; consulting and engaging on issues of importance to Indigenous peoples and Northerners as well as registration, estates, trust moneys administration and implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
As per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109, programs related to governance capacity and community planning, as well as registration, estates and trust moneys administration were transferred from CIRNAC to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), effective July 22, 2019. All information and results for these programs are reported in the GC InfoBase.
Results
The renewal of a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government distinctions-based relationship with Indigenous peoples is critical to moving forward with the unfinished business of Confederation. The renewed relationship, based on the affirmation of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership, while integrating distinctions-based approaches wherever possible and appropriate, forms the foundation of the department's approach to the self-determination of Indigenous peoples. In 2019–20, the department focused on 3 departmental results.
1. Indigenous peoples and Northerners determine their political, economic, social and cultural development
The Government of Canada recognizes that all relations with Indigenous peoples need to be based on the affirmation and implementation of their inherent right to self-determination, including the inherent right of self-government. The 2019–20 results are outlined below.
Joint priorities were developed to ensure Gender-Based Analysis Plus considerations were taken into account in various accords, including the relationship Accord with the Native Women's Association of Canada (which includes First Nations, Inuit and Métis representation) and the Memorandum of Understanding with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada.
As of March 31, 2020, over 150 active modern treaties, self-government and other types of negotiation tables were underway with Indigenous communities across the country. These negotiation tables represent over 500 First Nations, 23 Inuit communities and 8 Métis organizations across the country, with a total population of almost 1 million people.
Key accomplishments include:
- the establishment of 13 new negotiation tables
- the signature of 8 agreements (including the first self-government agreement with the Métis)
On September 4, 2019, the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia came into effect to replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and the Inherent Right Policy for treaty negotiations in British Columbia. The tripartite policy supports and enables rights-based approaches to the negotiation of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements between Canada, British Columbia and participating First Nations in British Columbia. It enables the continuation of rights without those rights being modified, surrendered or extinguished when a treaty is reached, and also provides greater flexibility to incrementally develop agreements. It is consistent with the Constitution and federal and provincial commitments to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The policy is a first step and may inform future policy development work elsewhere in the country toward the redesign of the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and the Inherent Right Policy. Canada is continuing to engage with Indigenous rights holders and governments who wish to be involved in the policy redesign process, including National Indigenous Organizations.
A total of 234 Indigenous communities across Canada have benefitted from the Comprehensive Land Claim Negotiation Loan Reform. Among these communities, 83 had their outstanding loans forgiven in the total amount of $914.02 million.
The department supported the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning in the Northwest Territories to enhance access to local and culturally-appropriate education for Northerners and Indigenous peoples. The department also supported the Government of the Northwest Territories in their Taltson hydroelectric expansion project.
On September 10, 2019, the Government of Canada launched the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework that sets a long-term plan for the region until 2030 and beyond. It was co-developed by federal departments, including CIRNAC, Transport Canada and Global Affairs Canada, as well as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and the governments of Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Manitoba, Québec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The Framework includes a policy statement, a vision, and 8 goals with associated objectives that address domestic and international policy issues. The shared vision is of strong, self-reliant people and communities working together for a vibrant, prosperous and sustainable Arctic and northern regions at home and abroad, while expressing Canada's enduring sovereignty.
The department also worked in partnership with the Arctic Council's domestic Permanent Participant (Indigenous) organizations to advance mutual priorities across 12 projects in the Sustainable Development Working Group. Several project iterations saw completion such as Blue Bioeconomy in the Arctic Region, Wealth of the Arctic Group of Experts (WAGE), Zero Arctic, Arctic Renewable Energy Atlas (AREA), and Circumpolar Resilience, Engagement and Action Through Story (CREATeS). The projects pursue initiatives that provide practical knowledge in areas such as renewable energy, mental health, and food security in the Arctic. Project activities contribute to building the capacity of Indigenous peoples and Arctic communities, and assist in responding to challenges and benefits from existing and emerging opportunities in the Arctic region.
The department continued to work in partnership with the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan. This collaboration continued to advance greater understanding and awareness of historic treaties, increased partnerships and supported reconciliation through a number of initiatives, such as:
- treaty education in public schools, colleges and universities, and training for teachers
- treaty awareness sessions with government, private industry and the general public
- facilitation of discussions on treaty issues
- research and publications
Additionally, the commissions are working to develop a common vision and tools for truth and reconciliation across the treaty territories. CIRNAC also continues to listen to perspectives regarding the review, maintenance and enforcement of Canada's treaty obligations, including the design and establishment of a National Treaty Commissioner's Office.
To further the implementation of self-government agreements and modern treaties in a way that reaffirms the central importance of section 35 rights, four of the five planned meetings of the Deputy Ministers' Oversight Committee were held in 2019–2020, hosting both modern treaty and standalone self-government Indigenous partner attendees. A planned September 2019 meeting was cancelled in favour of holding a combined Deputy Ministers' Oversight Committee and Deputy Minister Task Force on Reconciliation meeting to focus on medium-term planning.
CIRNAC successfully met its treaty obligations to represent the federal government in all Implementation Committee/Panel meetings for modern treaties and self-government agreements. In 2019–20, 51 Implementation Committee/Panel meetings were held for 30 modern treaty partners and self-governing Indigenous groups. In addition, to improve federal officials' awareness of modern treaties and the implications for federal businesses, 8 training sessions took place in partnership with the Canada School of Public Service and the Land Claims Agreements Coalition. Approximately 535 federal officials received the training on the fundamentals of Modern Treaty Implementation and the Assessment of Modern Treaty Implications.
To honour the treaty relationship, CIRNAC provided financial support to the Land Claims Agreements Coalition for participation in training activities, as well as supported the organization of the February 2020 national conference: Making Modern Treaties Work. Building today for a Better Tomorrow . Additionally, financial support was provided to The Gordon Foundation for the Modern Treaty Negotiation and Implementation Simulation, which prepares Indigenous youth for working on modern treaty issues and assuming leadership positions within their communities.
In partnership with modern treaty and self-governing First Nations, through the Lands Claims Agreement Coalition and Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee working group, discussions on the elaboration of an implementation policy took place. A proposed Modern Treaties Implementation Review Commission, and changes to the federal Interpretation Act were also part of the ongoing discussions towards reconciliation. Canada's focus has been to identify machinery of government considerations for possible application across government, beginning with the mapping of implementation gaps and needs, and linkages with mandate commitments.
CIRNAC, through the Modern Treaty Implementation Office, assisted federal departments and agencies with the development of 46 Assessment of Modern Treaty Implications, required for all Cabinet submissions pursuant to the Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation.
CIRNAC continued to support the establishment of provincial Powley-compliant registries for each governing member of the Métis Nation. This funding has established robust registries within each provincial jurisdiction and supported the negotiation of harvesting agreements that facilitate Métis cultural fishing and hunting activities. Notable achievements include:
- bilateral discussion processes and tripartite self-government negotiations with federal and provincial governments
- capacity building (to enhance the professional development of personnel, enabling more effective representation of their interests in negotiation processes)
- electoral reform and financial accountability projects (to enhance accountability to membership and to the federal government)
- specific projects to recognize Métis contributions to Canada
The department continued to support the permanent bilateral mechanisms with the AFN, the ITK and the 4 Inuit Nunangat Regions, as well as with the Métis National Council and its' governing members, to make progress in addressing key joint priorities. In 2019–20, there were a total of 7 meetings attended by the Prime Minister or key Cabinet ministers. Notable achievements for 2019–20, are listed below.
The Government of Canada and First Nations bilateral mechanism:
- Supported the co-development of Bill C-91, An Act Respecting Indigenous Languages, and Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. These received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019 and respond to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 4, 13 and 14.
- Established tables to review key federal policies (Specific Claims and Additions to Reserve) and continued the ongoing work to establish tables to review the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies
- Implemented sustainable and predictable funding models
CIRNAC has been working in partnership with various organizations, including Pauktuutit and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, to ensure that their voices are heard during the permanent bilateral mechanism meetings, where they are regularly invited to attend by ITK and the Métis National Council.
Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee:
- Federal apology in response to the findings of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission and financial support to promote Inuit culture, healing and well-being
- Co-development and implementation of the Harvesters Support Grant
- Signature of the Pikialasorsuaq Joint Leaders Statement, committing to work together to protect the Pikialasorsuaq Region
- Inuit-specific Budget 2019 investments in the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy and an Inuit-led post-secondary strategy
The Government of Canada and Métis Nation bilateral mechanism:
- Signature of 3 key sub-accords in June 2019 in post-secondary education, homelessness and economic development/infrastructure
- The Housing Sub-Accord reached year 2 of its implementation, and important strategic planning efforts were led by each housing authority among the Métis governing members to identify areas for a housing needs assessment
- Distinctions-based legislation to support improved health outcomes for Métis people is advancing
- The Canada-Métis Nation Joint Committee on a new fiscal relationship co-developed approaches to streamline funding through various engagements with federal and Métis partners
In October 2019, a sharing of experiences and systems in place on performance measurement amongst the Métis governing members took place, which provided a first opportunity to discuss an anticipated data strategy to support data collection and understand progress towards the key objectives of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. Canada also continued to collaborate with the Manitoba Métis Federation on the project to see a Métis Nation Heritage Centre constructed in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
To advance co-developed distinctions-based policy and improve our capacity as a government to consider and respond to the unique realities of Indigenous peoples, CIRNAC also continued to:
- partner with the governing members of the Métis Nation to implement the Housing Sub-Accord, which was signed in 2018, to support the design, delivery and administration of housing services.
- work with Canadian Roots Exchange in a 3-year Indigenous youth pilot program to advance the related goals of reconciliation, self-determination, co-development and strengthening and rebuilding the Crown-Indigenous relationship with Indigenous youth. Canadian Roots Exchange has launched a suite of initiatives which will inform recommendations for long-term sustainable options for the full implementation of Call to Action 66.
The department continued to implement the 2018 amendments to the First Nations Land Management Act, including:
- provisions for First Nations with a land code in force to add lands to reserve (while no lands were added during 2019–20, the first such addition occurred in June 2020).
- provisions for a more direct mechanism for First Nations to have greater control over the administration of all their current and future capital moneys without Crown oversight.
Furthermore, as part of the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, $305 million was announced on March 18, 2020 for a new, distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund (administered by ISC) to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. CIRNAC facilitated funding agreements for Inuit and Métis communities, including the announcement of $45 million for the ITK and the regional Inuit land claims organizations, and $30 million for the Métis National Council and its governing members.
2. Indigenous peoples and Northerners advance their governance institutions
Renewal of the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships, including treaty relationships, encompasses putting in place effective mechanisms to support the transition away from colonial systems of administration and governance through support to Indigenous peoples and Northerners to advance their governance institutions. The 2019–20 results are outlined below.
In 2019–20, 8 Ministerial Orders added 26 First Nations to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act for a total of 294 First Nations. Under this regime, First Nations can take up jurisdiction in key governance areas, as well as access long-term financing to meet their economic development and infrastructure needs. In addition, 210 First Nations now have financial administration laws and 123 have established property taxation regimes in their communities under the Act. To date, 58 First Nations have accessed long-term financing to meet their economic development and infrastructure needs. In collaboration with fiscal Institutions, the department continued to explore innovative infrastructure financing approaches and the establishment of a national First Nations Infrastructure Institute that would build First Nations capacity and provide support for infrastructure financing, planning, development and maintenance.
Additionally, on August 15, 2019, the Agreement-in-Principle was signed by the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations, Premier of Nunavut, and President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, concluding the Nunavut Devolution Agreement-in-Principle negotiation process. The next step is the negotiation of a Final Agreement.
3. Past injustices are recognized and resolved
Assimilationist and colonial policies and practices have led to the denial of Indigenous rights. Reconciliation is an ongoing process which requires affirmation of rights, acknowledgement of past wrongs, including the disenfranchisement of women under the Indian Act, and working with Indigenous peoples to co-develop solutions. The 2019–20 results are outlined below.
The Office of the Auditor General's November 2016 report called for Canada to review its specific claims practices jointly with First Nations. Since June 2016, CIRNAC has been reviewing specific claims reform options through a Joint Technical Working Group that includes representatives from several First Nation organizations, including the AFN. Collaboration with Indigenous groups is ongoing. For instance, in fall 2019, CIRNAC funded an AFN-led national engagement process with First Nations that examined process and policy elements, including but not limited to, increasing transparency, fairness and independence from government-centric decision making. Findings have been informing options for policy reform in 2020–21, to be co-developed with Indigenous partners such as the AFN. The department also continued to increase communications with First Nations in initial stages of the claims submission process, to reach a common understanding of a claim prior to final assessment. Furthermore, the department has adopted a more collaborative approach to claims negotiations. CIRNAC continues to seek opportunities to collaborate with First Nation claimants during the pre-submission, research, and assessment phases of the specific claims process. These steps seek to build stronger relationships with First Nations and are aimed at improving transparency, information sharing and communications, as well as addressing the longer-term reconciliation commitments of Canada.
CIRNAC continued to implement the 2016 Policy on Additions to Reserve/Reserve Creation, which streamlines the processing of Additions to Reserve proposals. The Policy divides the process into 4 clear phases with an overarching focus on project management. This provides for early collaboration with implicated stakeholders and the First Nations. The Addition of Lands to Reserves and Reserve Creation Act came into force by Order in Council on August 27, 2019. The new legislation facilitates the setting apart of lands as reserves for the use and benefit of First Nations.
The department worked in partnership with ISC, Service Canada, and the Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat, to continue implementing and fulfilling the terms of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Of the 38,275 Independent Assessment Process claims received to date (including a small number of claims received this year following an Order of the British Columbia Supreme Court), 38,264 (99.97%) have been completed. It is anticipated that 100% of claims will be completed by March 31, 2021.
In addition, in 2019–20, CIRNAC continued to support the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line to provide multilingual 24/7 access. The department also continued to work with ISC to ensure continued access to culturally-appropriate mental health and emotional support services for former Residential School students and their families. The Adjudication Secretariat implemented and completed the application and admissions process for Kivalliq Hall claimants and continued the implementation of the court-ordered, nationwide Notice Program to inform claimants of their rights related to their Independent Assessment Process documents. In addition, the Adjudication Secretariat continued to work with CIRNAC, the Oversight Committee and stakeholders, with direction from the courts, for the disposition of records and completion of the process.
CIRNAC supported the Department of Justice in advancing the December 2019 Speech from the Throne Commitment and associated ministerial mandate commitments to introduce legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples before the end of 2020. The department also continued to support a whole-of-government approach to consultation and accommodation to ensure that the Crown meets its constitutional obligations and commitments to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
In 2019–20, CIRNAC provided Duty to Consult training to more than 316 federal officials, and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and Information System (ATRIS) training to a total of 528 federal officials through 76 webinars. ATRIS supports assessments of Duty to Consult obligations by detailing the geographic location and nature of potential and established Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
Consultation protocols that promote relationship-building and support collaborative approach between the federal government and Indigenous communities were put in place with a number of Indigenous communities across Canada. In September 2019, the Stó:lō Nation and Canada signed such a Protocol bringing the total to 10 signed protocols in the country (supporting 43 Indigenous communities and 15 Métis regions, representing more than 263,000 people). In addition, the department held regular virtual meetings and 1 in-person meeting of the Federal/ Provincial/Territorial Working Group on Consultation and Accommodation in June 2019 to share best practices, developments in consultation policy, relevant case studies on common challenges and policy impacts of litigation.
CIRNAC continued to support and advance the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 76 Calls to Actions which are under shared or federal purview. By the end of 2019–20, 12 Calls to ActionFootnote 1 had been fully implemented, 46 were well underway and 18 remained in early planning stages. The Government of Canada provides periodic updates on how it is responding to the Calls to Action.
The department continued to work in collaboration with the Department of Justice to:
- review litigation strategies and placing an emphasis on other resolution approaches over litigation, such as alternative dispute resolutions and out-of-court settlements
- implement the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous Peoples and the Attorney General of Canada's Directive on Civil Litigation Involving Indigenous Peoples in order to pursue an approach to litigation that promotes resolution and settlement, and seeks opportunities to avoid litigation
CIRNAC also continued to work with the Department of Finance and the Treasury Board Secretariat to secure settlement mandates and access funding to help resolve litigation through out-of-court settlements. Financial compensation provided through these settlements enabled Indigenous communities to freely invest towards their priorities.
The department worked to resolve litigation with Indigenous peoples. It concluded 15 out-of-court settlements in 2019–20. In response to the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC), an apology was delivered in August 2019 by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations to Qikiqtani Inuit for a variety of harmful practices including forced relocations and the slaughter of Inuit sled dogs by federal officials. The federal response included $20 million to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association for QTC-related programming. In addition, childhood claims settlements continued to focus on balancing individual compensation with forward-looking investments in healing, wellness, education, language, culture and commemoration. This work continued to be demonstrated through the ongoing implementation of the Sixties Scoop Settlement Agreement (First Nations and Inuit) and the Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement Agreement, as well as the continuing work to support the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and McLean Day Schools Settlement Corporation in their work to support survivors.
On June 12, 2019, the second report to Parliament identified in Bill S-3 on the Collaborative Process on Indian Registration, Band Membership and First Nation Citizenship was tabled. The consultation process sought input from First Nation communities and Indigenous organizations, including Métis, urban and non-status groups, on the removal of the 1951 cut-off from the Indian Act and other broader issues. On August 15, 2019, the Government of Canada removed the 1951 cut-off from the Indian Act. This was the last remaining provision of Bill S-3 to come into force. As a result, all known sex-based inequities in the registration provisions of the Indian Act have been eliminated.
In respect to the Rights and Self-Determination core responsibility, one key risk related to this core responsibility was that the directions and actions of CIRNAC, other government departments, provinces and territories, and Indigenous partners are not sufficiently aligned to achieve the departmental mandate. This risk was managed by whole-of-government efforts, including governance structures (e.g. Deputy Minister's Oversight Committee, Deputy Minister Task Force on Reconciliation), Cabinet Committees and relationship-building mechanisms, that aim to enhance trust, alignment and coordination.
Another risk that the department faced in this area was that it would not adequately meet the expectations of Indigenous communities as they relate to self-determination and reconciliation. This risk was managed through various engagement, relationship-building and implementation efforts, including the permanent bilateral mechanisms, implementation committees, related implementation efforts and continued government-wide funding to implement the reconciliation agenda.
The department is conscious of the importance of clear direction and capacity in order to fulfill its mandate, and of the potential impacts of a deficiency in those areas for the negotiation, implementation and administration of modern treaties and other agreements. This risk was managed by a variety of whole-of-government committees and treaties implementation committees.
Measures were taken to enhance the whole-of-government governance structures, strengthen the clarity and guidance on the federal interests as they relate to the negotiation of new agreements and to reinforce the resources necessary to effectively negotiate and then implement these important agreements.
Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
CIRNAC promoted the application and monitoring of fulsome, culturally-competent GBA+ throughout the department, working in partnership with national Indigenous women's organizations. To advance reconciliation with Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQ+ peoples, CIRNAC is working with the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC), which includes First Nations, Inuit and Métis representation, on established priorities under the Canada–NWAC Accord, which was signed on February 1, 2019. Following the signature of the Accord, NWAC signed a funding agreement with the department for an amount of $7.3 million over 3 years.
In addition, to advance reconciliation with Inuit women and support the implementation of the Canada-Pauktuutit Memorandum of Understanding, an interdepartmental working group was established to develop and implement joint priorities.
CIRNAC also engaged Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak – Women of the Métis Nation in support of a Métis-specific GBA+ Toolkit and a relationship agreement to ensure the perspectives of Métis women were included in the voices of Indigenous women in Canada. Through the permanent bilateral mechanism structures with Inuit and the Métis Nation, GBA+ considerations have been applied to planning and policy discussions. For example, GBA+ has been woven into key agreements reached under the Canada-Métis Nation Accord.
CIRNAC fostered a number of new relationships with regional Indigenous women's organizations to discuss priorities and built linkages between them and other government departments. These linkages, while helping to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, strengthened the relationships CIRNAC had with other departments, especially within the regions, for better advancing our shared priorities.
Furthermore, as part of the work of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, the development and implementation of a national action plan was added as a priority area to address the Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
The Government of Canada recognizes that through colonial and paternalistic laws such as the Indian Act, women have often been excluded from governance, negotiation and decision-making processes within their communities due to factors that include gender-based oppression, male-dominated leadership structures, and lack of affordable child care. The result is that decisions affecting community life and governance may be made without their participation and therefore may not account for their interests. In response, the department is adopting mitigating measures to promote widespread and meaningful inclusion to ensure that no one is disadvantaged on the basis of gender, sexuality, language, religion, age and/or mental and physical disability as part of ongoing measures to develop new policy approaches for the affirmation and implementation of Indigenous rights.
In 2019–20, Canada undertook 8 GBA+ associated with section 35 rights discussions and negotiation tables, highlighting the following opportunities for:
- collaborative efforts to enhance the collection of gender-disaggregated quantitative and qualitative data to address existing data gaps, particularly with respect to official Statistics Canada surveys
- ensuring the inclusion of women, men, youth and elder voices in discussions and negotiations to seek gender balance in decision-making roles at tables through the participation of youth, women, and elder councils
- enshrining gender equality provisions into agreements to ensure the applicability of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Indigenous governments and institutions for all matters within their respective jurisdictions and authorities; furthermore, criteria for determining beneficiaries will provide equal access to the rights and benefits of self-government negotiations
In addition, a GBA+ process that was conducted in June 2019 for Nunavut Devolution found that, in the short term, no groups would be disproportionately affected during the final agreement.
Finally, following the Government of Canada's removal of the 1951 cut-off from the Indian Act, Bill S-3 will ensure women receive the same rights as men. This will ensure that all descendants born prior to April 17, 1985 (or of a marriage that occurred prior to that date) of women who lost status or were removed from band lists because of their marriage to a non-entitled man going back to 1869 will be entitled to registration. Therefore, all known sex-based inequities in the registration provisions of the Indian Act have been eliminated.
Results-based innovationFootnote 2
The department has experimented with several new policy development activities as part of the work toward the redesign of the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and the Inherent Right Policy. For example, the successful co-development of the tripartite Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia has increased the depth of understanding and strengthened the relationships among the 3 partners, setting the stage for further collaboration through additional tripartite policy co-development. The department will measure the effectiveness of this experimental activity through the ability of federal, provincial and First Nations negotiators to achieve progress at negotiation tables using the new policy, including the number of concluded agreements.
CIRNAC is also piloting socio-economic gap-closing initiatives with self-governing Indigenous governments through the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy. Self-governing Indigenous governments can access funding for initiatives that are aimed at demonstrating how targeted investment can close gaps in the areas of education, health and housing. After 5 years, the initiatives will be assessed by these Indigenous governments and the Government of Canada to identify opportunities for knowledge sharing and future gap-closing projects.
| Indicators | Target | Actual results 2018–19 |
Actual results 2019–20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| % of First Nations adopting alternatives to the Indian Act | 55% by March 31, 2021 | 50% | 53%a |
| Number of communities where Indigenous rights and self-determination processes are underway | 620 by March 31, 2020 | 509 | 532b |
| Number of communities where Indigenous rights and self-determination agreements have been concluded | 23 by March 31, 2020 | 54 | 161 |
| % of First Nations that exercise options to collect, manage and/or access revenues held in trust | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase. | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase. | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase. |
| % of Arctic Council initiatives that correlate to or advance Canadian Indigenous permanent participants' priorities | 100% by March 31, 2020 | 100% | 100% |
a The result pertains to the First Nations Land Management Act and the First Nations Fiscal Management Act only. Results concerning the First Nations Elections Act and the First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act can be found in the GC Infobase. |
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| Indicators | Target | Actual results 2018–19 |
Actual results 2019–20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| % of First Nation communities with Financial Management System Certification through the First Nations Financial Management Board | 3.5% by March 31, 2020 | 2.9% | 6.6% |
| % of First Nation communities with land governance regimes established | 24% by March 31, 2020 | 18% | 23%a |
| % of First Nation communities with real property taxation regimes supported through the First Nations Tax Commission | 29% by March 31, 2020 | 21.4% | 25.7%b |
| Completion of devolution phases in Nunavut | Complete phase 2 (Agreement-in-Principle) by October 31, 2019 | Adjusted target | Phase 2 completed |
a The target was not met due to the lingering effects of a slowdown in 2018, as communities waited for amendments to the First Nations Land Management Act to be completed before voting to establish their land governance regimes. However, the department saw an increase in 2019–20, and noted that the target was met in the summer of 2020. |
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| Indicators | Target | Actual results 2018–19 |
Actual results 2019–20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The annual % of specific claims accepted for negotiation that are resolved by means of a negotiated settlement agreement | 50%a by March 31, 2020 | 74.5% | 48.5%a |
| Hectares of land added to the reserve land base to fulfill legal obligations | 34,000 by March 31, 2020 | 13,906 | 15,595b |
| % of Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement claims completed through the Independent Assessment Process | 100% by March 31, 2021 | 99.8% | 99.97% |
| Number of litigation claims concluded | Not availablec | 16 | 15 |
a 68 claims were accepted and 33 settlement claims were resolved. The target was not met as CIRNAC placed priority on assessing claims near the 3-year timeline to address a high volume at this stage of the specific claims process. In addition, the program was required to seek and be able to obtain financial mandates and other approvals to support the claims process settlements during a federal election year. |
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| 2019–20 Main Estimates |
2019–20 Planned spending |
2019–20 Total authorities available for use |
2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) |
2019–20 Difference (actual spending minus planned spending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,144,130,833 | 5,144,130,833 | 7,201,786,580 | 5,608,508,662 | 464,377,829 |
In 2019–20, the department spent $464.4 million more than the original planned spending as incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates and Budget Implementation Vote was received for:
- funding for loan forgiveness of comprehensive land claim negotiation loans (+$919.0 million)
- funding for advancing reconciliation by settling specific claims (+$883.0 million)
- funding for renewal of 25 self-governing Indigenous government fiscal transfer arrangements incorporating Canada's Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy and associated costing methodologies (+$94.9 million)
- funding for Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (+$53.2 million)
- funding to advance reconciliation on Aboriginal rights issues and fisheries with Atlantic and BC First Nations and the Labrador Innu (+$36,9 million)
This increase is partially offset by the following main deferral of funds: specific claims settlements (-$760.1 million), Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement Agreement (McLean) (-$481.2 million), Sixties Scoops settlement (-$262.1 million); Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (-$16.1 million) and the funding to engage Indigenous organizations on the Government's response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (-$2.8 million). These funds will be re-profiled to future years when they would be available for their intended purposes.
| 2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Actual full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Difference (actual full-time equivalents minus planned full-time equivalents) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,101 | 909 | -192 |
In 2019–20, portions of the federal public administration, primarily the Individual Affairs and Lands and Economic Development programs, were transferred from CIRNAC to ISC as per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109.
Financial, human resources and performance information for CIRNAC's program inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.
Community and Regional Development
Description
Support the efforts of Indigenous and northern communities in sustainable economic development, sustainable food, natural resources and environmental management. This includes: investment in Indigenous and northern entrepreneurs and businesses; land management and resource development; clean energy development and climate change adaptation; remediation of contaminated sites; and protection of the Arctic ecosystems and advancement of northern (Arctic) science and technology.
As per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109, programs related to sustainable economic development, investment in Indigenous and northern entrepreneurs and businesses, land management and resource development, as well as remediation of contaminated sites (South of the 60th parallel) were transferred from CIRNAC to ISC, effective July 22, 2019. All information and results for these programs are reported in the GC InfoBase.
Results
Community and regional development is critical to the well-being of Indigenous peoples and Northerners, and underpins their full participation in Canada's social and economic development. CIRNAC supports the efforts of Indigenous peoples and Northerners to live in strong and healthy communities with thriving cultures that are self-determining and self-governing. In 2019–20, the department focused on 3 departmental results.
1. Indigenous communities advance their business development and economic growth
All information and results for this departmental result are reported in the ISC 2019–20 DRR. The information is also available in the GC InfoBase.
2. Indigenous and northern communities strengthen their capacity to adapt to changing environments
Indigenous and northern communities face many challenges that demand the capacity to adapt to changing environments. These include managing the impacts of a changing climate, addressing the high and often fluctuating costs of food and accessibility to perishable nutritious food, as well as promoting sustainable development that balances environmental, social, and economic well-being. Other important factors include remoteness and inaccessibility, cold climate, aging and inefficient infrastructure, flooding, and reliance on diesel for electricity generation and heating. The 2019–20 results are outlined below.
CIRNAC supported the implementation of the adaptation pillar of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change through $29.6 million in investments to support 269 northern and Indigenous communities across Canada.
In 2019–20, CIRNAC funded projects that enabled participating partners to better understand and respond to the challenges of climate change:
- the Climate Change Preparedness in the North program funded 133 projects with Indigenous and northern communities, territorial governments, and regional governments and supported them in completing climate change vulnerability and risk assessments, hazard maps and adaptation plans, adaptation planning exercises to prioritize options, and the implementation of structural/non-structural adaptation measures to make communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
- the First Nation Adapt program funded 79 community-led projects that supported First Nations in assessing climate change impacts through risk and adaptation assessment projects; floodplain mapping enabled First Nations to participate in regional watershed management initiatives. First Nations were also supported in receiving training on the use of climate change adaptation tools specifically designed by and for use in First Nations communities.
- the Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring program funded 63 self-determined, Indigenous-led projects that apply Indigenous Knowledge Systems and science, towards tracking climate and the impacts of climate change. In addition, the program adopted an innovative approach to distinctions-based program delivery, tailored to the unique ways of working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation partners which resulted in 3 unique governance models and funding approaches.
CIRNAC continued to implement the modernized and reformed Nutrition North Canada (NNC) program. The fully revised food list, the new highest-level subsidy rate and the increase to the 2 existing subsidy rates were applied to all 116 eligible communities as of January 1, 2019. Residents in eligible communities are able to access the revised subsidized food list and rates. In August 2019, the department announced the implementation of a new surface transportation subsidy for the cost of certain eligible non-perishable items transported by winter road, sea lift or barge, and added feminine hygiene products to the subsidized eligibility list. Furthermore, CIRNAC implemented the Harvesters Support Grant in March 2020. The program has 2 funding streams. Under stream 1, grant funding is provided to land claim organizations, who decide how the grant is spent and how harvesting support programs are administered. Under stream 2, Indigenous organizations representing communities without a settled land claim receive and administer the grant. In 2019–20, the program administered 100% of funding for eligible communities under stream 1 and approximately 85% of funding under stream 2. The department is also an active participant in the Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group, established in early 2019, and has worked closely with Inuit partners to develop and implement the new Harvesters Support Grant. The Working Group is currently focusing on a whole-of-government response to food insecurity.
3. Land and resources in Indigenous communities and the North are sustainably managed
Many remote Indigenous and northern communities are not connected to power grids and rely on high-cost diesel-powered electrical generation. Investment in alternative energy sources, where possible, can provide reliable, clean energy at a lower cost to Indigenous and northern communities. The North also has a number of contaminated sites, abandoned by previous occupants that include legacy contamination, primarily from private sector mining, and oil and gas activities as well as military activities by the Government. In addition, contaminants that reach the Arctic via long-range transport from source areas around the globe, including persistent organic pollutants and mercury, continue to be of concern as they accumulate in wildlife populations that serve as important sources of country foods. The 2019–20 results are outlined below.
The department continued to manage high-priority contaminated sites in the North, which included care and maintenance, planning, remediation and monitoring activities. Remediation was completed at 9 sites in 2019–20, while risk reduction activities continued at the other contaminated sites in the department's portfolio.
Preparation for the start of the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program was an important milestone for CIRNAC. The new 15-year program provides the department with long-term funding to remediate the 8 largest and highest-risk abandoned mines in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. CIRNAC continued care and maintenance work, as well as remediation planning at its 2 largest sites:
- Faro Mine, Yukon: the department submitted a project proposal to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board for review in May 2019 and was able to begin construction of the North Fork of Rose Creek diversion channel, which will redirect the stream away from contamination seeping into the waterway.
- Giant Mine, Northwest Territories: CIRNAC submitted the water licence application in April 2019. Upon review and approval of the water licence, the project will be able to begin remediation work.
CIRNAC supported 2 Indigenous women's organizations, Pauktuutit and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, to build their capacity to provide input into environmental assessments from an Indigenous GBA+ lens.
In support of environmental decision making, CIRNAC supported 25 Indigenous and northern groups to participate in 6 environmental assessments in Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. The department provided funding to 100% of Indigenous groups that could be affected by major projects undergoing environmental assessments in the territories. Moreover, 100% of the determinations made by co-management boards during the fiscal year incorporated the views of the Indigenous groups who participated in the environmental assessments. The department supported the attendance of 15 Inuit organizations at engagement sessions, and, based on feedback, is adjusting programing to better meet the needs of its Indigenous and northern partners.
In support of the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity (REACHE) Program led federal horizontal engagement with northern energy stakeholders across the 5 northern regions (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut) which included provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous governments and economic development organizations, utility companies, and municipalities. The results of the engagement were used by CIRNAC and other federal departments to better inform decision making with respect to policy and program development as it relates to clean energy in northern and Indigenous communities.
In addition, Northern REACHE invested $3.75 million in 30 clean energy and energy efficiency projects in 21 communities across the Territories and Inuit Nunangat in 2019–20. Currently, 72 of 99 northern communities are dependent on diesel. Since 2016, Northern REACHE has funded projects in 63% of diesel-dependent communities. The program focused on supporting capacity-building initiatives, including regional energy coordinators, and bringing proven technologies such as solar, biomass heating, and LED lighting to communities. These projects resulted in an estimated reduction of 342,000 litres of diesel fuel in 2019–20 and a total reduction of 775,000 litres since 2016, which represents a reduction of over 2,178,000 kilograms of greenhouses gas emissions.
The department supported the northern regulatory framework by:
- Working with officials from the Government of the Northwest Territories on a number of occasions to discuss the path forward, including initiating an analysis of a draft Terms of Reference prepared by Indigenous governments. These Terms of Reference detail a partnership framework for working on amendments to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and related legislation. Establishing this framework is the first step needed to initiate the review under the Northwest Territories Devolution Agreement.
- Passing Bill C-88, An Act to amend the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and the Canadian Petroleum Resources Act and to make consequential amendments to other acts, which received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. The changes to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act were made in collaboration with the affected Indigenous governments and organizations to resolve the litigation regarding the amalgamation of land and water boards.
- Working with the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as well as the Boards in Nunavut to improve the implementation and enforcement of the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act.
The department supported the engagement of Northerners and scientists in monitoring of contaminant levels in the environment, country foods and people, and the transfer of this knowledge to Northerners, health authorities and the general public. The October 2019 Northern Contaminants Program Results Workshop was held in Whitehorse, Yukon, bringing 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. Additional meetings were held with each of the 5 regional contaminants committees (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut) and the national management committee. The department also launched a new stream to improve our understanding of plastic pollution in the North, as part of Canada's Plastics Science Agenda. Finally, 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 and climate change for the 2019 Arctic Council ministerial meeting.
The implementation of risk mitigation strategies enables the department to achieve the expected results. In respect to the Community and Regional Development core responsibility, CIRNAC faced the risk that it lacked sufficient capacity building or institutional supports in place to support community and regional development. The reconciliation efforts being led by CIRNAC involved a fundamental shift towards devolution and self-determination through co-development and co-management. Critical to this direction was the capacity of Indigenous communities to be active partners. While the department has historically devoted resources to capacity building, additional investments were made to ensure Indigenous and northern communities had the capacity to participate fully in the setting of new directions and, importantly, that their self-determination and governance are facilitated going forward. In addition, work continues to advance new fiscal arrangements that aim to provide long-term and sustainable support to Indigenous and northern communities.
Specific to this core responsibility was the risk that CIRNAC would be unable to manage environmental issues and liabilities in a timely and cost-effective manner. This risk was mitigated by investments in contaminated sites programs, most notably through the renewal of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) program and through various monitoring and oversight activities and programs.
Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
A GBA+ lens was applied during the co-development of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and will continue to be applied for all initiatives in the North and Arctic. All federal partners have committed to integrating the outcomes of GBA+ in the planning and implementation processes for specific initiatives under the Framework. As a result, the Framework did not show any significant gender-based issues. It is anticipated that future initiatives under the Framework will address a broad array of issues related to low social and economic outcomes in northern and Arctic communities, including poverty, levels of educational attainment, high costs of living, systemic discrimination and social marginalization, mobility barriers due to geography, and access to quality health care services.
Changes to the NNC subsidy and the introduction of the Harvesters Support Grant have been developed to recognize and account for the fact that food insecurity has disproportionate impacts on women (particularly single parents) and elders in communities. The list of items eligible for a subsidy has been redeveloped to provide more support for family-friendly items such as diapers and infant formula, and more basic non-perishable items including feminine hygiene products.
The Harvesters Support Grant was created to allow participation of people with a wide variety of skills, incomes, abilities, and roles in harvesting. For instance, the grant can be used to fund food preparation, storage, and other tasks integral to harvesting where women, elders, and those with less harvesting experience can participate. Proposals are reviewed by a women's council within the department to provide feedback and guidance and to consider whether funding is being allocated in a way that considers the food security experiences of women, single parents, elders, and other community members.
Results-based innovation
Building on the results of recent evaluations and consultations, NNC is considering how to maximize program benefits to improve access to and affordability of market foods in communities, particularly for the most vulnerable members of isolated communities. Additionally, the program has begun to reach out to Indigenous organizations regarding potential food security measures that could address foundational economic and structural deficits in isolated and semi-isolated northern communities more broadly. In order to understand where policy gaps exist, NNC has engaged with both Indigenous organizations and academic institutions to ensure that the wide range of regions served are represented, and will continue to do so.
| Indicators | Target | Actual results 2018–19 |
Actual results 2019–20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| % of First Nation communities where non-government revenues represent 25% or more of total revenues | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase |
| Number of Indigenous businesses created and/or expanded | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase |
| % growth of federal procurement contracts set aside for Indigenous businesses | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase |
| Indicators | Target | Actual results 2018–19 |
Actual results 2019–20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| % of climate change impact assessments that identify adaptation measures | 50% by March 31, 2020 | 70% | Available in the summer of 2021 |
| The annual growth rate of food prices in isolated northern communities compared to the national growth rate | At or below the annual growth for the Consumer Price Index basket for food by March 31, 2020 | -0.01% | -1.17%a |
| a According to Statistics Canada, Consumer Price Index food purchased from stores prices elsewhere in Canada raised by 2.4% between March 2019 and March 2020. | |||
| Indicators | Target | Actual results 2018–19 |
Actual results 2019–20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| % of contaminated sites on reserve that pose imminent danger to public health and safety where clean-up or containment is occurring to reduce risk | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase |
| % of contaminated sites in the North that pose imminent danger to public health and safety and the environment that are being actively managed | 80% by March 31, 2020 | 85% | 89% |
| % of First Nations with land use plans | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase |
| % of First Nation communities with certified land managers | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase |
| % of First Nationa, Inuit and northern communities that are dependent on diesel | 73% of Inuit and northern communities by March 31, 2020b |
73% of Inuit and northern communities | 73% of Inuit and northern communities |
| % of First Nationa, Inuit and northern communities that are implementing projects that reduce dependency/reliance on diesel | 20% of Inuit and northern communities by March 31, 2020 | 58% | 65% |
| % of First Nation communities with adequate solid waste management systems | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase | Results for this indicator can be found in the GC InfoBase |
aThis indicator applies to Inuit and northern communities only. Responsibility for this indicator pertaining to First Nations communities has been transferred to ISC in 2019–20. |
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| 2019–20 Main Estimates |
2019–20 Planned spending |
2019–20 Total authorities available for use |
2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) |
2019–20 Difference (actual spending minus planned spending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 695,066,509 | 695,066,509 | 478,477,278 | 456,582,019 | -238,484,490 |
The difference between planned spending and actual spending is primarily the impact of programs, such as Lands and Economic Development programs, that were transferred from CIRNAC to ISC as per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109, effective July 22, 2019. The transferred programs accounting for most of that variance are under Economic Development Capacity and Readiness (-$73.7 million) and Land, Natural Resources and Environmental Management (-$162.0 million).
| 2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Actual full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Difference (actual full-time equivalents minus planned full-time equivalents) |
|---|---|---|
| 884 | 462 | -422 |
In 2019–20, portions of the federal public administration, such as Lands and Economic Development programs, were transferred from CIRNAC to ISC as per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109.
Financial, human resources and performance information for the CIRNAC Program Inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.
Internal Services
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:
- Acquisition Management Services
- Communication Services
- Financial Management Services
- Human Resources Management Services
- Information Management Services
- Information Technology Services
- Legal Services
- Material Management Services
- Management and Oversight Services
- Real Property Management Services
With regards to internal services functions, CIRNAC and ISC have an internal service structure with a large number of shared services functions located in one or the other department.
Results
The graduation ceremony for the Aboriginal Leadership Development Initiative took place on February 7, 2020. There were 21 participants from 11 departments, including CIRNAC. 84 public servants graduated since its inception in 2000.
CIRNAC continued to recruit Indigenous students from the Public Service Commission's student recruitment programs, such as the Indigenous Student Employment Opportunity through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), the Co-operative Education and Internship Program, and the Research Affiliate Program. To continue Indigenous workforce renewal, CIRNAC has increased collaboration and partnership with various organizations, communities, post-secondary institutions, and associations through the Indigenous Ambassadors Initiative to provide more information about careers in the federal public service and the importance for Indigenous students to self-declare as they could benefit from programs and initiatives intended for Indigenous people.
In collaboration with the Public Service Commission, CIRNAC created a Treaty Pay Indigenous Student Jobs program through FSWEP to hire Indigenous students to distribute treaty annuity payments. This unique experience provided an opportunity for Indigenous students to visit remote communities, be part of a historic tradition, and gain knowledge about treaties. Each year, CIRNAC hires around 35 students within certain regions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. With respect to Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, which sets out an objective to increase Inuit participation in government employment in the Nunavut Settlement Area to a representative level, this component was included in all internal or external job postings located in Nunavut.
The department continues to work to achieve representation rates that meet or exceed workforce availability for members of the 4 designated employment equity groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities). Furthermore, CIRNAC established a new structure that will better enable human resources management and promote recruitment, retention and representation of members of the designated groups. This restructuring included the establishment of an Indigenous programs directorate that will focus on recruitment, retention and advancement of Indigenous employees.
With respect to the Accessible Canada Act, CIRNAC created a plan to identify and remove accessibility barriers and prevent new barriers for persons with disabilities. This also included a focused effort to ensure the recruitment of Indigenous persons with disabilities.
Since joining the Pay Pod Model in May 2019, CIRNAC reduced the number of pay backlog cases by approximately 30% and continued to work on improving its timeliness.
CIRNAC also implemented a 3-year Workplace Well-being and Mental Health Strategy, and employees at all levels have received a significant amount of mental health training and support. CIRNAC aligned all areas that touch on mental health and wellness to better support positive culture change, which includes using data from the Public Service Employee Survey, the Employee Assistance Program, and pulse check surveys to inform actions undertaken to improve employees' overall well-being.
The department continued to lead the development and implementation of information management and information technology (IM/IT) strategies and solutions to enable successful outcomes and service delivery. CIRNAC developed the IT plan focusing on the vital work required to modernize IT solutions, address risks and strengthen the ability to deliver on commitments. In addition, the department initiated the development of a Digital Service Strategy to enable the digital government vision, moving toward an open and service-oriented organization operating and delivering programs and services to people, communities, and businesses in simple, modern and effective ways.
A number of milestones were achieved to provide a stable IM/IT operating environment, in cooperation with Shared Services Canada and private sector partners. The department transitioned departmental applications to cloud solutions and increased the bandwidth in both the eastern and western gate to enable a stable dedicated connection for remote workers and the ability to onboard new and emerging technologies. The department also implemented the Government of Canada Secure Remote Access. Furthermore, CIRNAC continued to focus on services and solution for delivery challenges in remote locations in Canada, including the North. Major milestones included doubling of the satellite bandwidth to Iqaluit and the development of the planned remote cache server for GCdocs in Iqaluit.
To ensure that programs and services delivered by CIRNAC are relevant, efficient and effective, the department conducted audits, evaluations, financial investigations and risk assessments. Special attention was given to identifying, assessing, and responding to the risks that have emerged due to internal and external changes.
The department established a Director General Finance Council Committee to provide guidance and direction with respect to the financial management and strategies of the department. In 2019–20, the department created its own planning and resource management function to provide advisory services focused on CIRNAC's specific mandate and financial needs. In addition, CIRNAC, in collaboration with ISC, initiated the development and implementation of service-level agreements for the internal services being provided by one department to both. CIRNAC also advanced work on financial business process redesign and standardization for the continued transition into 2 departments (CIRNAC and ISC) that involved the development of independent costing tools and salary forecasting tool regularization and standardization.
Furthermore, in 2019–20, the department:
- continued implementing recommendations to mitigate health and safety risks in CIRNAC properties, and developing strategic plans in view of divestiture
- collaborated closely with the Treasury Board Secretariat to ensure Indigenous interests were being considered in the new Policy on the Management of Real Property
- worked with central agencies to reflect the real property portfolio split in their various databases including the Federal Inventory of Registered Storage Tank Systems and the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory
- initiated the transfer of over 140 properties from CIRNAC to ISC
- took numerous steps to improve procurement service levels (i.e. implementing electronic processes and updating procurement policies and procedures to streamline processes), as well as implemented initiatives, tools and processes aimed at encouraging the use of Indigenous businesses in departmental acquisitions
Finally, CIRNAC provided funding that contributed to the production of several research publications regarding Indigenous peoples. Several key research studies were produced such as the Community Well-Being and the 2016 Census Aboriginal Community Portraits. Contributions to various research tools were also made. These studies and tools provide key information to help further the discussions on programs and policies design that impact Indigenous peoples. The team also co-led the development and implementation of a Departmental Interim Data Strategy that will contribute to a whole-of-government approach and managed departmental investments in 3 major national surveys, including the Aboriginal Peoples Survey and the First Nations Labour and Employment Development Survey.
| 2019–20 Main Estimates |
2019–20 Planned spending |
2019–20 Total authorities available for use |
2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) |
2019–20 Difference (actual spending minus planned spending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 204,767,708 | 204,767,708 | 198,730,687 | 172,862,467 | -31,905,241 |
The most significant item explaining the net difference between planned spending and actual spending is the decrease in funding available to CIRNAC resulting from the 2019–20 credits transferred to ISC as per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109 (-$49.9 million), in order for ISC to provide internal services in support of the newly transferred programs such as Lands and Economic Development.
| 2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Actual full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Difference (actual full-time equivalents minus planned full-time equivalents) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,213 | 862 | -351 |
CIRNAC and ISC operate under a shared internal services model. The department providing the service charges the other for the service. The difference between planned and actual full-time equivalents primarily reflects the transfer of positions to ISC as per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109.
Analysis of trends in spending and human resources
Actual expenditures
The following graph presents voted and statutory actual spending (2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20) and planned spending (2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23).
Text alternative for: Actual expenditures - Departmental spending trend graph
This stacked bar graph depicts voted and statutory actual spending from 2017 to 2020 and planned spending from 2020 to 2023:
- In 2017–18, total actual spending was $8,029 million. Of this amount, $7,871 million is voted spending and $158 million is statutory spending.
- In 2018–19, total actual spending was $4,431 million. Of this amount, $4,322 million is voted spending and $109 million is statutory spending.
- In 2019–20, total actual spending is $6,237 million. Of this amount, $6,146 million is voted spending and $91 million is statutory spending.
- In 2020–21, total planned spending is $4,885 million. Of this amount, $4,837 million is voted spending and $48 million is statutory spending.
- In 2021–22, total planned spending is $4,527 million. Of this amount, $4,497 million is voted spending and $30 million is statutory spending.
- In 2022–23, total planned spending is $2,248 million. Of this amount, $2,218 million is voted spending and $30 million is statutory spending.
Note: Due to rounding, figures may not add to totals shown.
For the period 2017–18 to 2019–20
Spending has decreased from $8.0 billion in 2017–18 to $4.4 billion in 2018–19. The decrease of $3.6 billion primarily reflects the transfer of the Education and Social Development Programs and Partnerships and Regional Operations sectors to ISC effective November 30, 2017.
Actual spending has increased from $4.4 billion in 2018–19 to $6.2 billion in 2019–20. The increase of $1.8 billion primarily reflects: funding for loan forgiveness of comprehensive land claim negotiation loans (+$919.0 million) and advancing reconciliation by settling specific claims (+$883 million).
For the period 2019–20 to 2022–23
Spending is expected to decrease from $6.2 billion in 2019–20 to $4.9 billion in 2020–21. The net decrease of $1.3 billion can be explained in 2 parts:
- decreased funding for the Federal Indian Day School settlement claims (-$1.0 billion)
- the sunset of funding for the Sixties Scoop settlement as it is expected to be completed in 2019–20 (-$750.0 million)
Partially offset by the increase in funding:
- for the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (+$220.8 million)
- for comprehensive lands claims and self-government agreements and other agreements to address section 35 rights (+$103.9 million); and for the renewal of 25 self-governing Indigenous government agreements (+$100.0 million)
Spending is expected to decrease from $4.8 billion in 2020–21 to $2.2 billion in 2022–23. This decrease of $2.6 billion is in large part due to:
- the decrease in approved funding level related to the specific claims settlements (-$1.4 billion)
- the sunset of time-limited funding for the Federal Indian Day School settlement claims as it is anticipated that claims will be completed in 2021–22 (-$1.0 billion)
The planned spending figures above reflect the current approved funding level for the department, and these figures will be adjusted as new funding is approved. Decisions on the renewal of the sunset initiatives will be taken in future budgets and reflected in future estimates.
| Core Responsibilities and Internal Services | 2019–20 Main Estimates |
2019–20 Planned spending |
2020–21 Planned spending |
2021–22 Planned spending |
2019–20 Total authorities available for use |
2019–20 Actual spending (authorities used) |
2018–19 Actual spending (authorities used) |
2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rights and Self-Determination | 5,144,130,833 | 5,144,130,833 | N/A | N/A | 7,201,786,580 | 5,608,508,662 | 3,384,512,145 | 2,974,204,869 |
| Community and Regional Development | 695,066,509 | 695,066,509 | N/A | N/A | 478,477,278 | 456,582,019 | 811,942,939 | 818,093,579 |
| Crown-Indigenous Relations* | N/A | N/A | 4,205,480,925 | 3,942,686,046 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Northern Affairs* | N/A | N/A | 529,963,087 | 440,445,545 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Budget Implementation Vote – unallocated authorities | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 37,476,415 | N/A | N/A | 3,951,757,345** |
| Subtotal | 5,839,197,342 | 5,839,197,342 | 4,735,444,012 | 4,383,131,591 | 7,717,740,273 | 6,065,090,681 | 4,196,455,084 | 7,744,055,793 |
| Internal Services | 204,767,708 | 204,767,708 | 149,979,495 | 144,706,811 | 198,730,687 | 172,862,467 | 235,202,221 | 285,366,302 |
| Total | 6,043,965,050 | 6,043,965,050 | 4,885,423,507 | 4,527,838,402 | 7,916,470,960 | 6,237,953,148 | 4,431,657,305 | 8,029,422,095 |
Notes:
|
||||||||
The $1.9 billion difference between the 2019–20 planned spending of $6.0 billion and the total authorities available for use of $7.9 billion in 2019–20 primarily reflects incremental funding provided for the following major items:
- funding for loan forgiveness of comprehensive land claim negotiation loans (+$919.0 million)
- funding for advancing reconciliation by settling specific claims (+$883.0 million)
The -$1.7 billion difference between the 2019–20 actual spending of $6.2 billion and the total authorities available for use of $7.9 billion in 2019–20 primarily reflects the transfer of programs to ISC as per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109 ($-366.8 million) effective July 2019, and the deferral of funds to future years, such as:
- the specific claims settlements (-$760.1 million)
- the Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement Agreement (McLean) (-$481.2 million)
- the Sixties Scoops settlement (-$262.1 million)
| Core responsibilities and Internal Services | 2019–20 Actual gross spending |
2019–20 Actual gross spending for specified purpose accounts |
2019–20 Actual revenues netted against expenditures |
2019–20 Actual net spending (authorities used) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rights and Self-Determination | 5,608,508,662 | 0 | 0 | 5,608,508,662 |
| Community and Regional Development | 456,582,019 | 0 | 0 | 456,582,019 |
| Subtotal | 6,065,090,681 | 0 | 0 | 6,065,090,681 |
| Internal Services | 173,266,107 | 0 | (403,640) | 172,862,467 |
| Total | 6,238,356,788 | 0 | (403,640) | 6,237,953,148 |
| Note: Due to rounding, figures may not add to totals shown. | ||||
Actual human resources
| Core Responsibilities and Internal Services | 2017–18 Actual full-time equivalents2 |
2018–19 Actual full-time equivalents2 |
2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents2 |
2018–20 Actual full-time equivalents3 |
2020–21 Planned full-time equivalents | 2021–22 Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rights and Self1 Determination 1 | 1,149 | 1,119 | 1,101 | 909 | N/A | N/A |
| Community and Regional Development1 | 1,400 | 864 | 884 | 462 | N/A | N/A |
| Crown-Indigenous Relations1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 704 | 617 |
| Northern Affairs1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 388 | 385 |
| Amount not allocated to the above core responsibilities4 | 326 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Subtotal | 2,875 | 1,983 | 1,985 | 1,371 | 1,092 | 1,002 |
| Internal Services | 1,434 | 1,304 | 1,213 | 862 | 762 | 755 |
| Total | 4,309 | 3,287 | 3,198 | 2,233 | 1,854 | 1,757 |
Notes: |
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Expenditures by vote
For information on CIRNAC's organizational voted and statutory expenditures, consult the Public Accounts of Canada 2019–20.
Government of Canada spending and activities
Information on the alignment of CIRNAC's spending with the Government of Canada's spending and activities is available in the GC InfoBase.
Financial statements and financial statements highlights
Financial statements
As per the legislated changes (July 2019), CIRNAC is presenting 2 sets of financial statements for 2019–20. The financial statements of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada for the period from April 1, 2019 to July 14, 2019 and the financial statements of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the period from July 15, 2019 to March 31, 2020 are available on the departmental website.
Financial statements highlights
| Financial Information* | 2019–20 Planned results** | 2019–20 Actual results | 2018–19 Actual results |
Difference (2019–20 actual results minus 2019–20 planned results) |
Difference (2019–2020 actual results minus 2018–19 actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Expenses | 5,174,024,798 | 6,094,157,123 | 7,166,767,746 | 920,132,325 | (1,072,610,623) |
| Total Revenues | 14,724,944 | 424,689 | 2,450,550 | (14,300,255) | (2,025,861) |
| Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | 5,159,299,854 | 6,093,732,434 | 7,164,317,196 | 934,432,580 | (1,070,584,762) |
| *Totals may not match financial statements due to rounding. **Please refer to the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations on CIRNAC's website. |
|||||
Expenses
Total expenses were $6,094 million in 2019–20. The main expenses represent transfer payments for a total of $4,542 million (75%), of which $1,952 million related to First Nations and $1,830 million related to claims and litigation. Another significant operating expense in 2019–20 is the increase in the environmental liabilities provision totaling $1,064 million (17%).
Revenues
Total revenues for 2019–20 amounted to $0.4 million, and included resources royalties, leases and rentals, respendable revenues, interest on loans and miscellaneous revenues.
Significant changes
The $1,073 million decrease in expenditures is mainly due to a decrease in the provision for claims and litigation ($3,154 million), partially offset by an increase of $1,857 million in court awards and other settlements as CIRNAC continued to advance on its reconciliation efforts with the resolution of childhood claims.
| Financial information* | 2019–20 | 2018–19 | Difference (2019–20 minus 2018–19) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total net liabilities | 27,931,688,683 | 27,684,816,551 | 246,872,132 |
| Total net financial assets | 1,065,473,649 | 665,663,661 | 399,809,988 |
| Departmental net debt | 26,866,215,034 | 27,019,152,890 | (152,937,856) |
| Total non-financial assets | 219,287,622 | 228,479,796 | (9,192,174) |
| Departmental net financial position | (26,646,927,412) | (26,790,673,094) | 143,745,682 |
| *Totals may not match financial statements due to rounding. | |||
Liabilities
Total net liabilities were $27,932 million at the end of 2019–20. The provision for contingent liabilities associated with claims and litigation represents the largest portion of liabilities at $19,553 million (70%). Other significant liabilities include environmental liabilities of $4,336 million (16%) and accounts payable of $3,972 million (14%).
Net Assets
Total net financial assets at the end of 2019–20 were $1,065 million and included the amount due from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of $957 million (90%) and accounts receivable and advances of $108 million (10%).
Total non-financial assets include tangible capital assets and land held for future claims settlements.
Significant changes
The change in liabilities is primarily due to a net decrease in contingent liabilities of $2,844 million offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $2,559 million, the largest contribution to these variances being the childhood claims that were settled and became payable.
The change in total net financial assets is due to an increase of $312 million in the amount due from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Additional information
Organizational profile
Appropriate ministers: The Honourable Carolyn Bennett and the Honourable Daniel Vandal
Ministerial portfolio: Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
Enabling instrument: Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Act, S.C. 2019, c. 29, s. 337
Date of establishment: July 15, 2019
Other: None
Special operating agency: None
Administrative tribunals and agencies: Polar Knowledge Canada
Adjudicative and advisory bodies: Specific Claims Tribunal
Raison d'être, mandate and role: who we are and what we do
"Raison d'être, mandate and role: who we are and what we do" is available on CIRNAC's website.
For more information on the department's organizational mandate letter commitments, see the mandate letters for the Honourable Carolyn Bennett and the Honourable Daniel Vandal
Reporting framework
The CIRNAC Departmental Results Framework and Program Inventory of record for 2019–20 are shown below:
Core responsibility: Rights and Self-Determination
Support Indigenous and northern organizations, individuals, communities and governments in controlling and managing their own affairs and interests based on the affirmation and honouring of rights, respect, collaboration and partnerships. Activities include: governance capacity and community planning, negotiating and implementing treaties, self-government agreements and specific claims; addressing historic grievances; consulting and engaging on issues of importance to Indigenous peoples and Northerners as well as registration, estates, trust moneys administration and implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
| Departmental Result | Indicators | Program inventory |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous peoples and Northerners determine their political, economic, social and cultural development |
|
Statutory, Legislative and Policy Support to First Nations Governance2 Negotiations of Claims and Self-Government Agreements Specific Claims Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties Consultation and Accommodation Consultation and Policy Development Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program Basic Organizational Capacity Other Claims First Nation Jurisdiction over Land and Economic Development3 Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships Individual Affairs2 Residential Schools Resolution |
| Indigenous peoples and Northerners advance their governance institutions |
|
|
| Past injustices are recognized and resolved |
|
|
1 This indicator is linked to a program that was transferred to ISC on July 22, 2019. |
||
Core responsibility: Community and Regional Development
Support the efforts of Indigenous and northern communities in sustainable economic development, sustainable food, natural resources and environmental management. This includes: investment in Indigenous and northern entrepreneurs and businesses; land management and resource development; clean energy development and climate change adaptation; remediation of contaminated sites; and protection of the Arctic ecosystems and advancement of northern (Arctic) science and technology.
| Departmental Result | Indicators | Program inventory |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous communities advance their business development and economic growth |
|
Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development2 |
| Indigenous and northern communities strengthen their capacity to adapt to changing environments |
|
|
| Land and resources in Indigenous communities and the North are sustainably managed |
|
|
1 This indicator is linked to a program that was transferred to ISC on July 22, 2019 |
||
Supporting information on the Program Inventory
Financial, human resources and performance information for CIRNAC's Program Inventory is available in GC InfoBase.
Supplementary information tables
The following supplementary information tables are available on CIRNAC's website:
- Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
- Gender-based analysis plus (GBA+)
- Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more
- Horizontal initiative: Nutrition North Canada
- Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
- Status report on transformational and major Crown projects
Federal tax expenditures
The tax system can be used to achieve public policy objectives through the application of special measures such as low tax rates, exemptions, deductions, deferrals and credits. The Department of Finance Canada publishes cost estimates and projections for these measures each year in the Report on Federal Tax Expenditures. This report also provides detailed background information on tax expenditures, including descriptions, objectives, historical information and references to related federal spending programs. The tax measures presented in this report are the responsibility of the Minister of Finance.
Organizational contact information
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Les Terrasses de la Chaudière
10 Wellington Street, North Tower
Gatineau, Quebec
Mailing Address: Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H4
Internet: https://www.canada.ca/en/crown-indigenous-relations-northern-affairs.html
Email: aadnc.webmestre-webmaster.aandc@canada.ca
General and statistical inquiries and publication distribution
Telephone (toll-free): 1-800-567-9604
TTY (toll-free): 1-866-553-0554
Email: aadnc.infopubs.aandc@canada.ca
Departmental library
Telephone: 819-997-0811
Email: aadnc.reference.aandc@canada.ca
Media inquiries — Communications
Telephone: 819-934-2302
Email: RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca
Appendix: definitions
appropriation (crédit)
Any authority of Parliament to pay money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
budgetary expenditures (dépenses budgétaires)
Operating and capital expenditures; transfer payments to other levels of government, organizations or individuals; and payments to Crown corporations.
core responsibility (responsabilité essentielle)
An enduring function or role performed by a department. The intentions of the department with respect to a core responsibility are reflected in one or more related departmental results that the department seeks to contribute to or influence.
departmental plan (plan ministériel)
A report on the plans and expected performance of an appropriated department over a 3-year period. Departmental plans are usually tabled in Parliament each spring.
departmental priority (priorité)
A plan or project that a department has chosen to focus and report on during the planning period. Priorities represent the things that are most important or what must be done first to support the achievement of the desired departmental results.
departmental result (résultat ministériel)
A consequence or outcome that a department seeks to achieve. A departmental result is often outside departments' immediate control, but it should be influenced by program-level outcomes.
departmental result indicator (indicateur de résultat ministériel)
A quantitative measure of progress on a departmental result.
departmental results framework (cadre ministériel des résultats)
A framework that connects the department's core responsibilities to its departmental results and departmental result indicators.
departmental results report (rapport sur les résultats ministériels)
A report on a department's actual accomplishments against the plans, priorities and expected results set out in the corresponding departmental plan.
experimentation (expérimentation)
The conducting of activities that seek to first explore, then test and compare the effects and impacts of policies and interventions in order to inform evidence-based decision-making, and improve outcomes for Canadians, by learning what works, for whom and in what circumstances. Experimentation is related to, but distinct from innovation (the trying of new things), because it involves a rigorous comparison of results. For example, using a new website to communicate with Canadians can be an innovation; systematically testing the new website against existing outreach tools or an old website to see which one leads to more engagement, is experimentation.
full-time equivalent (équivalent temps plein)
A measure of the extent to which an employee represents a full person-year charge against a departmental budget. For a particular position, the full-time equivalent figure is the ratio of number of hours the person actually works divided by the standard number of hours set out in the person's collective agreement.
gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) (analyse comparative entre les sexes plus [ACS+])
An analytical process used to assess how diverse groups of women, men and gender-diverse people experience policies, programs and services based on multiple factors including race ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or physical disability.
government-wide priorities (priorités pangouvernementales)
For the purpose of the 2019–20 Departmental Results Report, those high-level themes outlining the government's agenda in the 2019 Speech from the Throne, namely: Fighting climate change; Strengthening the Middle Class; Walking the road of reconciliation; Keeping Canadians safe and healthy; and Positioning Canada for success in an uncertain world.
horizontal initiative (initiative horizontale)
An initiative where 2 or more federal organizations are given funding to pursue a shared outcome, often linked to a government priority.
non-budgetary expenditures (dépenses non budgétaires)
Net outlays and receipts related to loans, investments and advances, which change the composition of the financial assets of the Government of Canada.
performance (rendement)
What an organization did with its resources to achieve its results, how well those results compare to what the organization intended to achieve, and how well lessons learned have been identified.
performance indicator (indicateur de rendement)
A qualitative or quantitative means of measuring an output or outcome, with the intention of gauging the performance of an organization, program, policy or initiative respecting expected results.
performance reporting (production de rapports sur le rendement)
The process of communicating evidence-based performance information. Performance reporting supports decision making, accountability and transparency.
plan (plan)
The articulation of strategic choices, which provides information on how an organization intends to achieve its priorities and associated results. Generally, a plan will explain the logic behind the strategies chosen and tend to focus on actions that lead to the expected result.
planned spending (dépenses prévues)
For departmental plans and departmental results reports, planned spending refers to those amounts presented in Main Estimates.
A department is expected to be aware of the authorities that it has sought and received. The determination of planned spending is a departmental responsibility, and departments must be able to defend the expenditure and accrual numbers presented in their departmental plans and departmental results reports.
program (programme)
Individual or groups of services, activities or combinations thereof that are managed together within the department and focus on a specific set of outputs, outcomes or service levels.
program inventory (répertoire des programmes)
Identifies all the department's programs and describes how resources are organized to contribute to the department's core responsibilities and results.
result (résultat)
A consequence attributed, in part, to an organization, policy, program or initiative. Results are not within the control of a single organization, policy, program or initiative; instead they are within the area of the organization's influence.
statutory expenditures (dépenses législatives)
Expenditures that Parliament has approved through legislation other than appropriation acts. The legislation sets out the purpose of the expenditures and the terms and conditions under which they may be made.
target (cible)
A measurable performance or success level that an organization, program or initiative plans to achieve within a specified time period. Targets can be either quantitative or qualitative.
voted expenditures (dépenses votées)
Expenditures that Parliament approves annually through an appropriation act. The vote wording becomes the governing conditions under which these expenditures may be made.