2023-2024 Details of transfer payment programs

Transfer payments for Basic Organizational Capacity (BOC)

This program was removed in 2023–24. Program activities are included in the new Indigenous Engagement and Capacity Support Program to better support results-based management and reporting.

Transfer payments for Consultation and Accommodation

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15
• Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program: 2021–22
• Contributions to promote social and political development in the North and for Northerners: 2020–21

Link to departmental results: Indigenous Peoples advance their governance institutions and regimes

Link to department's Program Inventory: Consultation and Accommodation

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. An Evaluation of Consultation and Accommodation is underway and is expected to be completed by March 2025. Also, an Evaluation of the Impact Assessment and Regulatory Processes Horizontal Initiative, led by the Impact Assessment Agency (ECCC) is expected to be completed by March 2027.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: CIRNAC engaged with recipients across the country who received funding under the Federal Initiative on Consultation Program through regular meetings, program capacity support and by collaboratively working together to identify and address shared priorities. Further, engagement for the renewal of the consultation and accommodation guidelines was launched in February 2024. Engagement consists of regional sessions and bilateral discussions. 2 phases of regional engagement sessions will take place between 2023-24 and 2025-26. The first regional sessions were held in Whitehorse, Edmonton and Vancouver in February and March 2024.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects the internal realignment of funds between programs (+$3.6 million).

Transfer payments for Consultation and Policy Development

This program was removed in 2023–24. Some program activities are included in the new Indigenous Engagement and Capacity Support Program, and other activities are included in the new Indigenous-led Services Program to better support results-based management and reporting.

Transfer payments for Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program

This program was removed in 2023–24. Some program activities are included in the new Indigenous Engagement and Capacity Support Program, and other activities are included in the new Indigenous-led Services Program to better support results-based management and reporting.

Transfer payments for First Nation Jurisdiction over Land and Fiscal Management

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grant to the First Nations Finance Authority pursuant to the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act: 2013–14
• Contributions to supply public services in Indian government support and to build strong governance, administrative and accountability systems: 2020–21
• Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15

Link to departmental results:

• Indigenous Peoples determine their political, economic, social and cultural development
• Indigenous Peoples advance their governance institutions and regimes
• Past injustices are recognized and resolved

Link to department's Program Inventory: First Nation Jurisdiction over Land and Fiscal Management

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: An Evaluation of First Nation Jurisdiction over Land and Fiscal Management was completed in 2023-24. The evaluation found that significant progress was achieved, particularly in establishing a constructive relationship between the CIRNAC and the First Nations-led institutions and organizations, which is based on trust and a shared vision as reflected in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Progress was also achieved in strengthening the legislative and policy frameworks related to land and fiscal management.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: The department continued to maintain strong working relationships with the 4 institutions operating under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA) through regular engagement. This was done through ad hoc calls, regular meetings (virtual and in-person) with working-level and senior officials, formal correspondence, and participation in events related to the FNFMA and economic reconciliation. These numerous engagement opportunities enabled the department and fiscal institutions representatives to discuss ongoing projects and advance joint priorities in an open and collaborative fashion.

In particular, the department worked closely with the FNFMA institutions on Bill C-45, An Act to Amend the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, which received Royal Assent on June 20th, 2023. The amendments to the FNFMA in Bill C-45 included the establishment of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute (FNII), and sought to advance Indigenous self-determination and economic reconciliation by expanding and strengthening the FNFMA Institutions.

In 2023-24, the terms and conditions for the contributions to support Indigenous governments and institutions, and to build strong governance in relation to First Nation Land Management was updated to include First Nation organizations. The department engaged with the Lands Advisory Board and the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre (LAB/RC) that represent 209 First Nations as signatories to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management. The LAB/RC set priorities on First Nation land management in consultation with signatory First Nations. Engagement between the department and the LAB/RC is done through regular meetings, ad hoc calls and meetings, participation at the LAB/RC annual general meetings, correspondences, and discussions related to strategic plans, polices, the First Nation Land Governance Registry and project proposals.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for :

• funding for the co-development of a First Nations-led National Land Registry (+$8.8 million)
• reprofiled funding for Additions to Reserve Land for First Nations Economic Recovery (+$0.9 million)

Transfer payments for Indigenous Engagement and Capacity Support

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grant under the Innovative Solutions Canada program
• Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15
• Contributions to promote social and political development in the North and for Northerners: 2020–21
• Contributions to support Indigenous governments and institutions, and to build strong governance: 2023–24
• Contributions to support the basic organizational capacity of Indigenous representative organizations: 2017–18
• Contributions to support the wellbeing of families and survivors of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people: 2020–21
• Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program: 2014–15
• Contributions for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development: 2018–19
• Contributions for Métis Nation Early Learning Child Care: 2023–24

Link to departmental results: Indigenous Peoples determine their political, economic, social and cultural development

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous Engagement and Capacity Support

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. An Evaluation of Indigenous Engagement and Capacity Support is expected to be completed by March 2027.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Ongoing and newly established relationships were strengthened over this period. An engagement process assisted with representative organizations both understanding the Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program (transfer payment program) and receiving information about other relevant CIRNAC and programs from other government organizations. Engagement consisted of numerous meetings and other communication with organizations.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for :

• transfers from the Department of Employment and Social Development to support Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (+$98.8 million)
• funding to engage on the whole-of-government approach to consultation (+$2.4 million)

Transfer payments for Indigenous-led Services

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grants to implement comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements and other agreements to address section 35 rights: 2018–19
• Grant to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to establish the Saimaqatigiingniq Fund: 2021–22
• Contributions to support Métis housing: 2018–19
• Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program: 2014–15
• Contributions to promote social and political development in the North and for Northerners: 2019–20

Link to departmental results:

• Indigenous Peoples strengthen their socio-economic conditions and well-being
• Past injustices are recognized and resolved

Link to department's Program Inventory: Indigenous-led Services

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. Currently, a planned Audit of Indigenous-Led Services is expected to be completed by March 2026.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. An Evaluation of Indigenous-led Services is expected to be completed by March 2027.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Significant engagement was conducted. Regular contact was maintained, new relationships initiated, and extensive negotiations with organizations regarding applications for Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program (transfer payment program) proposals.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for :

• funding for the final federal response to the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (+$19.2 million)
• the internal realignment of funds between programs (+$301.5 million) for the Métis/Inuit Community Infrastructure Fund and Inuit Housing

Transfer payments for Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grants to implement comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements and other agreements to address section 35 rights: 2018–19
• (S) Grants to Aboriginal organizations designated to receive claim settlement payments pursuant to comprehensive land claim settlement acts: Please refer to Final Agreements and Related Implementation Matters webpage.
• Grants to First Nations to settle specific claims negotiated by Canada and/or awarded by the Specific Claims Tribunal, and to Indigenous groups to settle special claims: 2018–19
• Grants to participating First Nations and the First Nation Education Authority pursuant to the First Nations Jurisdiction over Education in British Columbia Act: 2014–15
• Grants to reimburse treaty negotiation loans to Indigenous groups who have settled a comprehensive land claim: 2019–20
• Grant to the Métis Nation British Columbia from the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund: 2021–22
• Contributions to support the negotiation and implementation of treaties, claims and self-government agreements or initiatives: 2018–19
• Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure: 2016–17
• Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15

Link to departmental results: Indigenous Peoples determine their political, economic, social and cultural development

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

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. An Audit of the Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties is expected to be completed by March 2026.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. An Evaluation of the Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties is expected to be completed by March 2028.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: There were no engagement initiatives in 2023–24.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects the internal realignment of funds between programs (+$301.3 million) and incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for :

• Funding for legacies mandate payments to 4 Northern British Columbia Indigenous groups (+$90.3 million)
• Funding to Extend Interim Fiscal Financing Agreements with 4 Métis Governments and for Research by Métis Nation British Columbia into s.35 Rights (+$31.3 million)
• Funding for the Implementation of Tsawwassen First Nation's Stewardship Framework (+$25 million)
• Various Adjustors for Comprehensive Claims and Self-Government Agreements (+$20.1 million)
• A transfer from the Department of Employment and Social Development to support Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (+$17 million)

The increase is offset by the deferral of funding for Compensation Related to Losses Incurred Through the Diminishing Purchasing Power of Annuity Payments with Treaty 8 First Nations (-$593 million).

Transfer payments for Negotiations of Treaties, Self-Government Agreements and other Constructive Arrangements

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grants to reimburse treaty negotiation loans to indigenous groups who have settled a comprehensive land claim: 2019–20
• Contributions to promote social and political development in the North and for Northerners: 2019–20
• Contributions to support Indigenous governments and institutions, and to build strong governance: 2023–24
• Contributions to support the negotiation and implementation of treaties, claims and self-government agreements or initiatives: 2018–19
• Contributions to support Indigenous Nation Rebuilding Initiative: 2021–22
• Contributions to support the establishment and revitalization of cultural spaces in Indigenous communities: 2021–22
• Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15

Link to departmental results: Indigenous Peoples determine their political, economic, social and cultural development

Link to department's Program Inventory: Negotiation of Treaties, Self-Government Agreements and other Constructive Arrangements

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. An Audit of Negotiation of Treaties, Self-Government Agreements and Other Constructive Arrangements is expected to be completed by March 2026.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: An Evaluation of Negotiations of Treaties, Self-Government Agreements and other Constructive Arrangements (2013-14 to 2020-21) was completed in 2023–24. Findings include the following:

• Relevance: Legal imperatives dictates a continued need for the negotiation of treaties, self-government agreements and other constructive arrangements. While Indigenous groups have expressed cautious optimism of Canada's reforms to the Negotiations Program, there is widespread concurrence that mutually agreed arrangements between Indigenous parties and the Crown remain relevant and are in the collective interests of all Canadians.
• Design and Delivery: Policy, program and process improvements introduced over the evaluation period have contributed to substantially improving the negotiations process. However, with the introduction of the new Recognition of Rights and Self-Determination approach, delivery and governance limitations have surfaced regarding the federal mandating and transparency relating to approval processes, the coordination of other government departments as well as provincial and territorial participants at the negotiations table, and the recruitment and retention of negotiators.
• Efficiency and Economy: The introduction of many improvements – most notably co-developed solutions during the early stages of negotiations through the Recognition of Rights and Self-Determination approach – improved the efficiency and economy of the negotiations process. While these have required additional upfront effort and resources, there have been substantial downstream benefit. Most importantly, negotiations have been expedited and the conditions have been created for improved cost containment.
• Results-Based Management: While components of a results-based approach were found, a stable performance framework at the program level, informed by stakeholders, to clarify interests, expectations and results, including service standards, was found to be largely absent.

An Evaluation of Negotiations of Treaties, Self-Government Agreements and other Constructive Arrangements is expected to be completed by March 2029.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: There were no engagement initiatives in 2023–24.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:

• Reprofiled funding for Negotiations with Treaty 8 First Nations to Modernize Past Annuities under the Numbered Treaties (+$4.4 million)
• Funding for Negotiations related to the settlement United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising Historical Claims (+$1.4 million)

Transfer payments for Other Claims

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15
• Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program: 2021–22

Link to departmental result(s): Past injustices are recognized and resolved

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Other Claims

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future evaluation planned for this program.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: There were no engagement initiatives in 2023–24.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending reflects the internal realignment of funds between programs (+$135 thousand).

Transfer payments for Residential Schools Legacy

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grant to the University of Manitoba to support the construction of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's new headquarters: 2022–23
• Contributions to address the legacy of residential schools: 2022–23
• Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15
• Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program: 2021–22

Link to departmental result(s): Past injustices are recognized and resolved

Link to Department's Program Inventory: Residential Schools Legacy

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. An Evaluation of Residential Schools Legacy is expected to be completed by March 2028.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: In addition to the ongoing collaboration with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), the department provided financial support to the NCTR for its work on missing children and unmarked graves, including the co-administered National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials.

CIRNAC and the NCTR established the National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials (Committee) in 2022 to serve as an independent and trusted source of technical advice for communities in their efforts to locate, identify, honour, and memorialize children who died while in the care of residential schools. The Committee is guided by a Circle of Survivors, comprised of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation members, working to ensure that Survivors' voices and perspectives remain central to the Committee's work. In 2023-24, the Committee held information webinars to support communities' efforts to search for their missing children and held knowledge sharing gatherings in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; Truro, Nova Scotia; and Regina, Saskatchewan. The Committee also created a summary explaining the possible components of a search process and key considerations in developing an associated plan. Other resources are available on the National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials website.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:

• reprofiled funding for the continued implementation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action 74 to 76: Missing Children and Burial Information (+$49.9 million)
• internal reallocation of resources to offset pressures related to Calls to Action 74 to 76 (+$4 million)

Transfer payments for Specific Claims

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grants to First Nations to settle specific claims negotiated by Canada and/or awarded by the Specific Claims Tribunal, and to Indigenous groups to settle special claims: 2019–20
• Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15
• Contributions to support the negotiation and implementation of treaties, claims and self-government agreements or initiatives: 2018–19

Link to departmental results: Past injustices are recognized and resolved

Link to department's Program Inventory: Specific Claims

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023-24. An Audit of Specific Claims is expected to be completed by March 2026.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. An Evaluation of Specific Claims is expected to be completed by March 2028.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Canada and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) launched the Specific Claims Implementation Working Group in November 2022 to co-develop a detailed reform proposal for the specific claims process, including a Centre for the resolution of specific claims. This Working Group has been meeting regularly throughout 2023-24 and progress was achieved in co-developing the proposal. Additionally, Canada has initiated engagement on reform with First Nations rights holders to solicit their views and inform the co-development of a reformed specific claims resolution process.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for :

• Funding to Implement the Expedited Resolution Strategy for Agricultural Benefits Claims (+$4,063 million)
• Reprofiled funding for Advancing Reconciliation by Settling Specific Claims (+$1,596 million)
• Funding to settle land related claims and litigation (+$1,584.1 million)
• Funding to resolve the Lac Seul First Nation's Treaty 3 Flooding specific claim and associated litigation (+$204 million)

This increase if offset by the deferral of funds to future years for Specific Claims, Agricultural Benefits Claims, and Settlements for land-related claims litigation (-$6,483.9 million) to be used for the intended purpose.

Transfer payments for Climate Change Adaptation and Clean Energy

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grants for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development for Indigenous Peoples and the North: 2022–23
• Contributions for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development: 2020–21
• Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15
• Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure: 2016–17

Link to departmental results: Northern and Indigenous communities are resilient to changing environments

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

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. An Audit of the Climate Change Adaptation Program is underway and expected to be completed by March 2025.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. An Evaluation of Climate Change Adaptation and Clean Energy is expected to be completed by March 2026. Also, an Evaluation of Adapting to Impacts of Climate Change (Roll-up of departmental evaluations, horizontal, led by Environment and Climate Change Canada) is expected to be completed by March 2027.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: To advance the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda, CIRNAC engaged recipients through an on-going distinction-based co-development process. In 2023–24, building on initial discussions that launched in late 2022, the department supported over 40 Indigenous partners, including governments and representative organizations at the regional and national level, to lead engagement with their communities. Recommendations from these engagements will shape how CIRNAC, and more broadly, the Government of Canada delivers climate change programming to Indigenous Peoples.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for:

• Reprofiled funding to co-develop an Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda and phased implementation of self-determined climate priorities (+$6 million)
• Funding for Canada's National Adaptation Strategy (+$5 million)

Transfer payments for Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Contributions for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development: 2020–21

Link to departmental results: Northern and Indigenous communities are resilient to changing environments

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

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. Various evaluations are planned as follows:

• An Evaluation of Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability is underway and expected to be completed by March 2025.
• An Evaluation of the Marine Conservation Targets Horizontal Initiative, led by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is expected to be completed by March 2026.
• A Horizontal Evaluation of the Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy Initiative led by Environment and Climate Change Canada is expected to be completed by March 2027.
• An Evaluation of the Impact Assessment and Regulatory Processes Horizontal Initiative, led by the Impact Assessment Agency (Environment and Climate Change Canada) is expected to be completed by March 2027.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Applicants and recipients were engaged in 2023–24 through correspondence, webinars, websites and events hosted by the Northern Contaminants Program Secretariat, as well as through the 5 regional contaminants committees that were active in 2023–24 (in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, with the Northwest Territories committee also covering relevant engagement activities for the Inuvialuit Settlement Region). These regional committees provided social/cultural reviews of submitted proposals, reviewed mid-year reporting, and provided advice and guidance to applicants and project leaders. Engagement with the public included the online release of the 2024 Call for Proposals, and informational webinars from January to March 2024. Additionally, the Northern Contaminants Program Results Workshop was held in person, in Ottawa, and virtually February 27 to 29, 2024, and saw approximately 260 registered participants.

For marine planning and conservation initiatives in 2023–24, CIRNAC remains in contact with relevant Inuit organizations via e-mail and virtual meetings, on an ad-hoc basis, to ensure appropriate research priorities are addressed and that work funded by CIRNAC is supported by regional organizations.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects:

• incremental funding for more inclusive Indigenous participation in northern environmental decision-making (+$3.8 million)
• offset by the deferral of funds to future years for this funding ($-1 million)

Transfer payments for Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grants to the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Nunavut for health care of Indians and Inuit: 2020–21
• Grants for the political evolution of the Territories, particularly as it pertains to devolution: 2014–15
• Grants to promote social and political development in the North and for Northerners: 2021–22
• Contributions to promote social and political development in the North and for Northerners: 2019–20
• Contributions for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development: 2019–20

Link to departmental results: Political, economic and social development in Canada's Arctic and North are advanced

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships
• Northern Strategic and Science Policy

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. An Evaluation of Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships, including Grants to the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Nunavut for health care of Indians and Inuit is underway and expected to be completed by March 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24:

• Northwest Territories Devolution: The department continued its ongoing engagement with the Government of the Northwest Territories and 9 Indigenous parties to the Northwest Territories Land and Resources Devolution Agreement. Funding agreements with Indigenous parties to the Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement were completed in Summer 2023. This funding helps Indigenous parties play a role in managing post-devolution land and resources with the Government of the Northwest Territories.
• Nunavut Capacity-Building Contribution: The department engaged with the Government of Nunavut to discuss that government's financial management systems. In March 2023, CIRNAC entered another funding agreement with the Government of Nunavut to help the territory undertake activities such as developing their public accounts strategy and financial information system during the fiscal year necessary to improve its financial management capacity.
• Hospital and Physician Services Grant: The department had regular ongoing engagements with the Government of Nunavut and Government of the Northwest Territories. In Spring 2023, the department signed a grant agreement with the governments of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories that would reimburse each territorial government a portion of costs incurred to provide hospital and physician services to Indigenous residents during the year.
• Housing and Infrastructure funding: The department had regular engagements with each the Government of Yukon, Government of the Northwest Territories and Government of Nunavut pertaining to matters necessary to address immediate housing and infrastructure priorities. In Summer 2023, the department signed a grant agreement with the governments of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon that provided funding announced in Budget 2022 for those governments to address their immediate housing and infrastructure needs and priorities. Furthermore, through Budget 2022, the department signed contribution agreements with First Nations communities on non-reserve lands (and without a modern treaty or self-government agreement) and Métis communities in the Northwest Territories to respond to urgent critical infrastructure and housing needs.
• Circumpolar Affairs: Following the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine, the work of the Arctic Council was paused. As a result, there was no Ministerial meeting in May 2023 to mark the end of the Russian Federation's chairmanship, and working groups did not submit formal work plans and project deliverables. In 2023–24, projects that did not have Russian involvement resumed and the department entered into contribution agreements with Arctic organizations, Indigenous Permanent Participant organizations and academic institutions to undertake international projects on topics of priority (e.g. gender, mental wellness, renewable energy and food security) for Indigenous and northern communities.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects:

• incremental funding provided through Supplementary Estimates for funding to Address Urgent Capacity Requirements for Indigenous Organizations in the Northwest Territories due to Wildfires (+$9 million)
• internal realignment of funds between programs (+$6.3 million)

Transfer payments for Northern Contaminated Sites

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grant to support the Giant Mine Oversight Board and research on arsenic trioxide: 2018−19
• Transfer payments to the Government of Yukon for the care and maintenance, remediation and management of the closure of contaminated sites in Yukon: 2013−14
• Contributions for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development: 2019–20

Link to departmental results: Northern lands, waters and natural resources are sustainably managed

Link to department's Program Inventory: Northern Contaminated Sites

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: An Audit of the Northern Contaminated Sites Program was completed in 2023–24. The audit found that the program established a guidance framework for risk management and roles and responsibilities, which are essential to ensuring large projects spread across the north are managed efficiently and effectively. For the most part, the program demonstrated successful implementation of the established requirements. However, opportunities for improvement exist. The audit revealed that guidance documentation did not always align with operational practices, and there is an opportunity to review the guidance information on both risk management and roles, responsibilities and authorities to ensure relevance, improve clarity, as well as align with operational needs at different project sites. The audit also identified gaps in the implementation of existing guidance and requirements concerning risk management, roles and responsibilities. In addition, for the effective and efficient management of the program and its projects, it is crucial to implement a robust risk management process and provide clear guidance on roles and responsibilities, which the program has attempted to do and should continue to improve.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. A Horizontal Evaluation of Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, Phase 4, led by Environment and Climate Change Canada, is expected to be completed by March 2025. Also, an Evaluation of the Northern Contaminated Sites Program is expected to be completed by March 2027.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: In the spirit of reconciliation, affected Indigenous and northern communities continued to be engaged in contaminated sites projects. In 2023–24, engagement was completed at various stages of contaminated sites projects. These engagements aimed to understand the historical impacts of the contaminated sites on Indigenous lands and culture as well as consult on different aspects of the selection and implementation of remedial options, the creation and implementation of socio-economic benefits, and participation in the co-developed governance model for some projects. There was also engagement on agreements that promote employment, training and business opportunities for affected communities. The department continues to advance agreement negotiations with several other affected groups.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects:

• transfers to Vote 1 for the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program and the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (-$8 million)
• the deferral of funds to future years for these programs (-$4.9 million)

Transfer payments for Northern Regulatory and Legislative Frameworks

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Contribution for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources and promoting scientific development: 2019–20

Link to departmental results: Political, economic and social development in Canada's Arctic and North are advanced

Link to department's Program Inventory: Northern Regulatory and Legislative Frameworks

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future evaluations planned or underway for this program.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Over the course of 2023–24, CIRNAC worked with northern governments, rights holders, and stakeholders in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to design and implement actions under the Northern Regulatory Initiative (NRI). This included:

• Working to identify gaps and opportunities in Crown consultation.
• Working towards establishing regulatory dialogues in each of the 3 territories, which brings rights holders and stakeholders together to share perspectives, build relationships, and co-develop action plans to advance common regulatory priorities.

Additional program-level engagement included venues such as Geoscience Forums in Yukon and Northwest Territories, Nunavut Mining Symposium, Association of Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver, and Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada in Toronto. During these forums officials met with a broad range of northern partners including territorial governments, Indigenous governments and organizations, resource co-management boards, and industry. In addition to targeted meetings officials also delivered public facing presentations on the NRI at several of the forums listed.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending reflects the internal realignment of funds between programs (+$2.4 million).

Transfer payments for Nutrition North

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grants to land claim organizations, self-government agreement holders and First Nations organizations to support harvesting of country foods: 2019–20
• Grants to Universities and Indigenous Institutions for the Purpose of Research Related to Food Security and its Causal Factors: 2022–23
• Contributions to support access to healthy foods in isolated northern communities: 2019–20
• Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development: 2014–15
• (S) Contributions to support access to healthy foods in isolated northern communities: 2020–21

Link to departmental results: Northern and Indigenous communities are resilient to changing environments

Link to department's Program Inventory: Nutrition North

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. A Horizontal Evaluation of Nutrition North Canada, led by CIRNAC, is underway and expected to be completed by March 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Nutrition North Canada (NNC) works directly with program partners to co-develop short and long-term options for increasing NNC's effectiveness and provides ongoing updates to NNC programming. Throughout 2023–24, NNC engaged regularly with the NNC Advisory Board, the NNC Indigenous Working Group, and the Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group. These engagements aim to support and strengthen the delivery of NNC programming through culturally-appropriate, locally-led solutions.

The NNC Advisory Board held successful meetings in Nain, Nunatsiavut, in September 2023, and met face-to-face with the Minister on January 24, 2024. The NNC Indigenous Working Group held a successful face-to-face meeting in Montreal, Quebec, in October 2023.

Additionally, 3 recipients of NNC's Food Security Research Grant met with Minister Vandal to discuss options for improving the subsidy and their progress so far.

Explanation of variances: The difference between planned spending and actual spending primarily reflects incremental funding for:

• An internal reallocation of resources to offset pressures related to the NNC Program (+$6 million)
• Reprofiled funding for Continuing Local Food Security Efforts in Northern Isolated Communities (+$2 million)
• Reprofiled funding for Northern Food Security: Seeding Local Food Systems in the North (+$1 million)

Transfer payments for Northern Strategic and Science Policy

Start date/End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program and fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• Grants to promote social and political development in the North and for Northerners: 2021–22
• Contributions for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development: 2019–20

Link to departmental results: Political, economic and social development in Canada's Arctic and North are advanced

Link to department's Program Inventory: Northern Strategic and Science Policy

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

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audit was completed in 2023–24. Currently, there are no future audits planned for this program.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluation was completed in 2023–24. An Evaluation of Northern Strategic and Science Policy is underway and expected to be completed by March 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Engagement with recipients of Budget 2019 and 2021 northern post-secondary education funding continued in 2023–24. This included focusing on supporting the ongoing implementation of post-secondary education initiatives at Yukon University and the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning. As funding for Aurora College concluded in 2023, the focus of engagement with the institution shifted to assessing results and potential future needs.

Explanation of variances: not material