2023-2024 Horizontal initiatives: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

ISC

Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism in Health Systems Initiative (AAIR): Through Budget 2021 funding, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has supported the Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism (AAIR) in Health Systems Program, which includes 152 Indigenous-led initiatives across all distinctions, in every province and territory, and in urban centres. The program focuses on improving cultural safety, health systems navigation, patient advocacy, targeted data collection, midwifery and doula services, and increasing Indigenous representation in health and human resources.

In 2023–24, AAIR funds supported the hiring and training of an estimated 94 health system navigators and 20 patient advocates, who provide targeted support and resources to Indigenous patients, including women, girls, members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, to help them safely navigate health systems.

ISC also funded 4 National Indigenous Women's Organizations (National Council of Indigenous Midwives, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, Pauktuutit, Native Women's Association of Canada) to support key priorities for 2023–24, including:

• Sexual and reproductive health, including the issue of forced and coerced sterilization of Indigenous women;
• Maternal and child health, including restoring Indigenous midwifery; and
• Parental support, social support, wrap-around services.

As of December 2023, 95 Indigenous communities and organizations received funding to implement midwifery projects focused on one or more of the following priorities:

• Community readiness and planning;
• Growing the workforce via community based, Indigenous-designed and delivered midwifery and doula education and training;
• Sustaining the workforce via funding for Indigenous midwives and doulas and new or expanded programming;
• Infrastructure for service delivery; and
• Addressing legal and policy barriers to Indigenous midwives practising in their communities.

Currently, 14 communities and organizations across the country are providing doula and birth support worker training, accounting for approximately 110 new workers trained as of March 2024. Other examples of projects implemented in 2023–24 include:

• The National Council of Indigenous Midwives is piloting a new national Indigenous midwifery education framework. 15 Indigenous students and staff from 4 communities across the country are enrolled in the program;
• The Labrador Innu have launched their newly created community-based midwifery education program, adapted from the internationally recognized Inuulitisvik Midwifery Program in Nunavik. The training officially launched in April 2023 with a midwife instructor and 4 students from the communities of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish. The program includes educational laddering, with maternity care support workers that graduated in March 2024;
• 14 seats were added to current Licensed Practical Nursing programs in Saskatchewan to support new and current health workforce in rural and remote communities; and
• Implementing a Dental Therapy Program at the University of Saskatchewan.

Distinctions-Based Mental Wellness Strategies and Trauma-Informed Mental Wellness Services: Through funding from Budgets 2021 and 2022, ISC has maintained and expanded access to trauma-informed, culturally-appropriate, Indigenous-led services aimed at improving mental wellness and supporting distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategies. Specific highlights of this work include:

• Ensuring that trauma-informed mental wellness supports continue to be available to communities undertaking the painful work of searching for unmarked burials and missing children at the sites of former Indian Residential Schools;
• Continuing to provide access to community-based cultural and emotional supports (peer counsellors, trained health workers, Elders, and Traditional Healers) to all Indigenous people in 2023–24. This expansion acknowledges the intergenerational nature of trauma from Indian Residential Schools and the profound impact of announcements regarding unmarked burials;
• Continuing to work directly with Indigenous-led service delivery organizations to improve the accessibility and appropriateness of services for 2SLGBTQI+ people, women, youth, and Sixties Scoop Survivors. This includes supporting the development of specialized training for service providers and providing funding for new service providers;
• Continuing to provide access to free, professional mental health counselling services for Survivors of Indian Residential Schools and their family members, Survivors of Indian Day Schools and their family members, and Survivors, family members, and others directly impacted by the ongoing tragedy of MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ people;
• Providing cultural and emotional support at community, regional, and national events including Survivors gatherings, pow-wows, conferences, MMIWG National Family and Survivors Circle, activities for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous Peoples' Day, and the National Gatherings for the Office of the Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools; and
• Continuing to provide access to immediate, culturally grounded crisis line services through the IRS Crisis Line and MMIWG crisis line. In 2023–24, the IRS Crisis Line and MMIWG Crisis Line responded to 46,295 calls.

Health Facilities: ISC continued to support multi-year health infrastructure projects for First Nations. In 2023–24, funding contributions supported completion of 7 projects through the pre-capital phase, 5 projects through the design phase and 2 projects through the construction phase. Additionally, funding supported the completion of 7 high priority repairs and renovation projects, enhancing the delivery of health programs and services.

Infrastructure: Under the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund, ISC invested $1.15 billion in fiscal year 2023–24. During this period, 249 projects supported by the Fund were completed. Cumulatively, as of March 31, 2024, the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund has supported a total of 1,958 projects, with 418 completed and 1,540 ongoing. Since April 2023, funds have been allocated to 30 approved projects resulting from a call for proposals for the 2023–24 and 2024–25 urban infrastructure funding component.

Water: Everyone in Canada should have access to safe, clean drinking water. ISC continues to work with First Nations communities to support access to safe drinking water on-reserve. In 2023–24, 6 long-term drinking water advisories on public water systems on-reserve were lifted, along with 29 short-term drinking water advisories. Initiatives are underway in 28 communities to resolve the remaining 30 long-term drinking water advisories.

ISC continues to support water and wastewater operator initiatives at both national and regional levels. For example, ISC spends approximately $24 million annually to provide First Nations water and wastewater operators with hands-on training and 24/7 technical support through the Circuit Rider Training Program to ensure First Nations can operate and maintain their water and wastewater infrastructure. Over 750 operators are supported and trained in approximately 540 First Nations communities across the country.

ISC has also provided a total of $499,817 for the Native Women's Association of Canada's Water Carriers project: 'Engaging Traditional Knowledge to Build Capacity,' which began in 2022 and continues through 2023–24. The 2-year project, rooted in traditional knowledge, seeks to empower Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people as protectors of the water, and amplify the voices of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people in their role as water carriers.

PCH: In 2023–24, Stream 3 of the Sport Social Development Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) program continued to enhance access to meaningful sports and recreational activities for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, contributing to their overall health and wellness. The program allocated $1.25 million to Provincial Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASBs) for sport programming, funding 10 projects across multiple regions. Additionally, $2.5 million was made available through an open call, resulting in 37 funded projects out of 145 applications. These projects, which spanned across Western, Central, Eastern, and Northern Canada, focused on promoting physical and mental health, suicide prevention, and safe and healthy relationships. The program also made significant strides in ensuring that Indigenous-led and self-determined processes were at the forefront of its design and delivery, with new eligibility criteria set for future intakes.

HC: The goal of the Addressing Racism and Discrimination in Canada's Health Systems Program is to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination. Preliminary results indicate the program has had a positive impact in improving Indigenous Peoples' health experiences and health and wellbeing outcomes. For instance, the Ontario Native Women's Association established 38 new collaborations with health system partners to create, implement, and share knowledge. This has led to the development, piloting, and expansion of a culturally relevant curriculum focused on Indigenous women's health. Additionally, Lakeridge Health developed a curriculum for Indigenous Cultural Safety Training and conducted training sessions for 64 staff members, significantly enhancing the regional health system's cultural safety and appropriateness for Indigenous patients.

CIRNAC: The Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People program, operated by the MMIWG Secretariat within CIRNAC, continued to provide funding for 13 multi-year projects from the call for proposals that was held in 2022–23.

ISC

Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy: Throughout the 2023–24 fiscal year, the Family Violence Prevention Program spent a total of $43.5 million for violence prevention under the Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy. In 2023–24, a total of $21.7 million was spent to support the start-up of shelter operations and project development to help expedite construction. In total, 47 shelter projects were selected.

Elementary and Secondary Education on Reserve — Additional Funding: Elementary and Secondary Education Program indicators support the departmental result that Indigenous students receive an inclusive and quality education. The performance indicators below reflect impacts of the support provided through ISC. Results for key performance indicators:

• 8,261 First Nations students were provided full-day kindergarten services in First Nations administered schools. This is a slight decrease from the previously reported 8,446. It should be noted that the delivery of full-day kindergarten is at the discretion of individual First Nations and the decision to send students to full-day kindergarten programs is a matter of personal choice.
• 93% of students attending First Nations administered schools were taught at least 1 subject in a First Nations language. The delivery of education programming in a First Nations language has remained consistent with the level in 2022–23.

Before and after-school programming (BASP) for First Nations students on reserve:

• Number of First Nations administered schools offering BASP on reserve: current results reporting for fiscal year 2022–23 has 67 First Nations administered schools offering BASP on reserve. This is an increase from 41 schools in fiscal year 2021–22.
• Number of First Nations students ordinarily resident on reserve participating in BASP on reserve: current results reporting for fiscal year 2022–23 has 6,502 First Nations students ordinarily resident on reserve participating in BASP on reserve. This is an increase from 3,742 students in fiscal year 2021–22.
• The results reported for the BASP indicators use 2022–23 data due to different data collection cycle timing between the data collection period for the 2023–24 report containing before- and after-school data and the drafting of the CIRNAC Departmental Results Report.

PS: The department is working to prevent incidents of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ persons through coordination with other federal departments and implementation of initiatives to support: professional, dedicated and culturally responsive policing services; culturally-sensitive crime prevention practices in Indigenous communities; and support to Indigenous communities in the development of community safety plans that identify their unique safety priorities and design community-led solutions in an holistic, culturally relevant, and long-term manner. For instance, for 2023–24, PS funded the development of new community safety plans in 14 communities, contributing to prevent incidents of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. The department also worked with Indigenous communities to build capacity and knowledge to identify and promote best practices for crime prevention. Finally, Public Safety Canada continued engagement on the development of legislation on Indigenous police services.

CMHC: As of March 31, 2024, the federal government's National Housing Strategy (NHS) has committed an estimated $13.10 billion towards meeting the housing needs of women and their children, which includes funding for the construction, repair and support of 280,337 housing units. Of the $13.10 billion, $3.16 billion is targeting the needs of women and their children, and $9.94 billion is supporting the needs of women and their children. This represents 26% of all NHS funding committed. The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) committed funding to support 2,418 new units and 1,955 repairs targeted towards survivors of gender-based violence. The 3 rounds of the Rapid Housing Initiative committed funding to support 845 new units targeted towards survivors of gender-based violence. The figures above represent overall totals for the NHS, AHF and RHI, they do not reflect distinctions-based figures for Indigenous populations.

Through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative (ISTHI), CMHC committed $159.34 million toward the construction of 20 shelters and 14 transitional homes for Indigenous women, children and LGBTQ2S+ people escaping gender-based violence.

JUS

Implementation of Gladue Principles: In 2023–24 the Indigenous Justice Program (IJP) provided funding to 41 programs for Gladue aftercare programming. Through the Indigenous Courtwork Program (ICW), the department continued to expand the availability of Gladue reports in Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The ICW supported the development of community-led frameworks and pilots in New Brunswick, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland and Labrador, where justice officials are collaborating with provincial and territorial counterparts to secure long-term, cost-shared support for the ongoing delivery of Gladue reports.

Justice capacity related to Administration of Justice Agreements: During 2023–24, the Department of Justice increased the number of negotiation tables with Indigenous communities where the administration of justice is being discussed, from 16 to 21. In collaboration with CIRNAC, Public Safety, and other federal government departments, the department is continuing to work with Indigenous communities on revitalization of Indigenous laws and legal systems, the administration of justice, and the enforcement of Indigenous laws. This work includes participation at negotiation tables as part of the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination process, as well as in the negotiation of Modern Treaties and Self-Government Agreements.

Responding to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) Action Plan Measure 28 as well as Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 42 and 50, the Department of Justice has continued to work with CIRNAC, ISC and other federal departments to determine the best way forward regarding potential new collaborative tables and funding to support discussions on justice and community safety. These discussions will also include engagement on issues related to the administration of justice through the next phase of the Indigenous Justice Strategy.

Over the past year the department has continued to co-chair a Tripartite collaborative technical table on enforcement of First Nations laws with the Chiefs of Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General. This table has examined obstacles to the enforcement of First Nations laws and has started to identify potential solutions that could support First Nations in regaining increased control over administration of justice in their communities.

The Department of Justice has also begun participating in discussions with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) on topics related to law enforcement, community safety, and other matters concerning the administration of justice. With funding support from the Indigenous Justice Program, MKO has developed their own Indigenous justice strategy.

Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act: On June 21, 2023, the UN Declaration Act Action Plan, developed in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples from across Canada, was released. This work marks a turning point in ensuring lasting positive change for all.

Canada's UN Declaration Act Action Plan is a collaborative effort between the Canadian government and Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration).

• Focus on Reconciliation: The plan aims to advance reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples and Canada.
• Joint Development: It incorporates the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, reflecting their vision for a better future.
• Measures for implementation: The Action Plan outlines a comprehensive approach with 181 measures led by various federal departments and agencies.
• Evergreen Document: It is designed to be an evolving document, adapting as progress is made.

Overall, the Action Plan serves as a guide for Canada to uphold the rights and principles outlined in the UN Declaration, contributing to a more equitable future for Indigenous Peoples and a more inclusive Canada.

In July 2023, the Department of Justice tabled the second annual progress report on the implementation of the UN Declaration Act. This progress report focused more on establishing processes and frameworks for implementing the measures rather than reporting on completed actions.

Strengthen Indigenous-led community-based programs: Budget 2021 announced 3 years of funding for 3 initiatives through the Indigenous Justice Program (IJP) and the Indigenous Courtworker Program (ICW) to help Indigenous families navigate the family justice system and access community-based civil and family mediation services. The funding for these initiatives ended in 2023–24. However, Budget 2024 announced the continuation of funding for each initiative, specifically:

• The IJP received funding to alleviate program integrity pressures in community-based justice programs.
• The IJP also received funding to support civil and family mediation programming aimed at addressing community and family conflicts and preventing their escalation. In 2023–24, 42 project agreements were supported.
• The ICW received funding to assist Indigenous individuals who are navigating the family justice system. As of 2023–24, the ICW provided funding for Family Courtwork services in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Northwest Territories. Additionally, frameworks were completed in Yukon, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. Department officials continue to work with provinces and territories to implement the funding announced in Budget 2024.

Engaging with Indigenous partners on an Indigenous Justice Strategy: Throughout 2023–24, the Department of Justice continued to engage with various Indigenous partners, including Indigenous women's organizations, in developing a national Indigenous Justice Strategy. As part of Wave 2 of the Department-led engagement, which concluded in December 2023, in-person regional sessions were held across the country, followed by broader virtual gatherings that convened over 500 participants. This wave also included in-person dialogue sessions at 11 federal correctional institutions and 3 community-run Section 81 Healing Lodges, involving approximately 230 participants. In parallel, 38 federally funded Indigenous governments, communities and organizations — reflecting the diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis perspectives — continued to undertake their own engagement activities. These partners submitted a second summary report in late December 2023 and early 2024, describing the outcomes of their engagement.

ISC: An additional $20 million over 3 years (2023–24 to 2025–26) was invested in the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities initiative, delivered by Indigenous Services Canada, to continue to provide Indigenous-led solutions to community safety.

Bill S-3: Addressing sex-based inequities in the Indian Act through the implementation of former Bill S-3 contributes to Call for Justice 1.2v by ensuring that women and their descendants (of all genders) are entitled to register and seek band membership. In 2023–24, 12,141 First Nations women and their descendants (of all genders) were registered and able to seek band membership through the dedicated processing location for S-3 applications. ISC will continue to process applications within its 6-month service standard in 2024–25 allowing individuals to access programs and services associated with registration and band membership. ISC has been operating within its service standard for S-3 applications since September 2022.

PPSC: The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) is committed to enhancing the level of justice provided to Indigenous victims, witnesses, and communities experiencing sexual violence and gender-based violence in Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The PPSC is advancing in its path to reconciliation through the work of specialized legal teams, targeted recruitment strategies, active review of prosecutorial policies and practices, and community engagement.

In 2023–24, the PPSC continued its Northern Recruitment Strategy that focuses on addressing immediate gaps and reaching full staff complement through outreach programs, partnerships, innovative advertising and branding techniques, as well as targeted hiring strategies by region and job category.

The Inuit Courtworker (ICW) program is now fully operational, with Inuit Courtworkers successfully overseeing the summary offences court in Iqaluit. They have also begun going on circuit to address summary matters in all communities across Nunavut.

The PPSC's Nunavut Regional Office has dedicated a team, led by an Inuk senior counsel, to implement Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᒪᔭᑐᖃᖏᑦ) in prosecutorial decision-making. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is a complex concept that extends beyond the idea of "Inuit traditional knowledge". It provides a framework for thinking about and approaching life. This broad concept varies between regions, communities, and even families, functioning as a fluid, organic system. It relies on multiple sources of input, typically involving Elders discussing an issue to reach a common understanding. Additionally, it remains adaptable as societal changes occur.

Finally, 9 training sessions on historical and current Crown-Indigenous relations, anti-racism, bias and stereotypes of Indigenous Peoples, trauma and Gladue reports have taken place since the launch of the training in 2023. Each session is tailored to integrate the Indigenous-specific realities of the region.

RCMP: One of the key commitments of the RCMP's Intercultural Learning Strategy (ILS), which responds to the Calls for Justice and the Calls for Miskotahâ, is to engage in meaningful consultation with internal and external stakeholders, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, to inform training practices, policies, development, delivery, and evaluation. In order to advance culturally appropriate learning, the RCMP participated in 1 working group meeting with a national Indigenous organization and 3 RCMP Employee Network Leads meetings, and hosted 3 ILS consultation sessions with RCMP Indigenous Employee Networks. Sessions included an online instant poll, 8 discussion questions, and an online self-identification survey. Consultations with internal stakeholders were completed in 2023 and a RCMP Policy Centre Consultation Report was submitted in February 2024. The report provides a summary of internal consultations conducted under the ILS with RCMP Policy Centres and other units, outlining key findings and recommendations for Learning and Development. The ILS enhances training to reflect the lived experiences of learners and the communities they serve, while also acknowledging community concerns and aiming to strengthen public trust in law enforcement. In 2023–24, 3 learning products were launched that train employees to implement culturally appropriate practices, including:

• Uniting Against Racism Learning Series — The learning series aims to help learners develop knowledge and skills that will assist them in becoming more respectful and compassionate allies who advocate against racism. In October 2023, an evaluation report on the national Uniting Against Racism course was completed. Over 14,000 employees responded to the evaluation; an unprecedented number. Overall, positive feedback was received.
• What's Your Perspective — These learning products are part of an ongoing micro-learning series that showcase unique perspectives on various topics of cultural significance. Several products from the Canadian Police Knowledge Network and the Canada School of Public Service were sourced to be part of this series (e.g. The Uncomfortable Truth, 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous Learning Series, etc.). In addition, the video: "Towards Understanding: A Conversation on Islamophobia," was made available in November 2023.
• Race-Based Data Collection Training — The development of a Race-Based Data Collection Job Aid is aligned with the RCMP's ongoing efforts to address and mitigate systemic racism within the RCMP. The Job Aid is designed to equip frontline members at pilot site detachments with the necessary skills and context to collect race-based data proficiently during specific policing interactions. The Job Aid was made available in November 2023.

Contact information

Canadian Heritage

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Languages and Cultures

Horizontal initiative activity: Investments in Indigenous languages

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $275,000,000 over 5 years and $2,000,000 ongoing

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $128,145,031

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $128,145,031

Link to department's program inventory:

• Cultural Marketplace Framework
• Cultural Industries Support and Development

Horizontal initiative activity: Indigenous Screen Office

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $40,100,000 over 3 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $13,365,569

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $13,740,569

Library and Archives Canada

Link to department's program inventory:

• Acquisition and processing of private archives
• Preservation
• Public services
• Outreach and support to communities

Horizontal initiative activity: Supporting the digitization of and access to Indigenous documentary heritage

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $14,934,856 over 4 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $5,206,234

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $5,034,331

Canadian Heritage

Link to department's program inventory: Sport development and High Performance

Horizontal initiative activity: Reconciliation and strength for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people through sport

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $14,300,000 over 5 years and $2,900,000 ongoing

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $4,100,060 (this includes $2.85 million for 2023–24 and $1.25 million reprofiled from 2021–22)

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $4,077,279

Health Canada

Link to department's program inventory: Health Care Systems — Healthy People and Communities

Horizontal initiative activity: Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism in Canada's Health Systems

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $14,941,632 over 3 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $9,662,180

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $10,826,650

Indigenous Services Canada

Link to department's program inventory: Health Systems Support

Horizontal initiative activity: Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism in Canada's Health Systems

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $111,778,779 over 3 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $46,844,724

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $41,686,998

Link to department's program inventory: Public Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Horizontal initiative activity: Distinctions-Based Mental Wellness Strategies and Trauma-Informed Mental Wellness Services

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $597,502,785 over 3 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $213,492,775

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $212,234,031

Link to department's program inventory: Health Systems Support

Horizontal initiative activity: Co-development of Distinctions-Based Indigenous Health Legislation

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $15,578,047 over 2 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: 0$ (sunset 2022–23)

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: 0$

Link to department's program inventory: Community Infrastructure

Horizontal initiative activity: Co-development of Infrastructure Plans

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $25,900,000 over 2 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $0 (sunset in 2022–23)

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $0

Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Link to department's program inventory:

• Community Infrastructure (ISC)
• Indigenous Engagement and Capacity Support (CIRNAC)

Horizontal initiative activity: Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $3,028,527,989 (ISC), $1,309,923,649 (CIRNAC)

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $1,116,141,448^{Footnote 3} (ISC: First Nations and Urban Indigenous Peoples), $460,175,180 (CIRNAC: Inuit, Métis and Self-Government/Modern Treaties)

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $1,153,996,718 (ISC), $460,175,180 (CIRNAC)

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous-led Services

Horizontal initiative activity: Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Program

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $12,500,000 over 5 years and $2,500,000 ongoing

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $4,958,366

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $4,046,965

Indigenous Services Canada

Link to department's program inventory: Elementary and Secondary Education

Horizontal initiative activity: Elementary and Secondary Education on Reserve — Additional Funding

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $726,000,000 over 5 years and $188,000,000 ongoing

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $144,194,128

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $144,526,625

Link to department's program inventory: Elementary and Secondary Education

Horizontal initiative activity: Before- and after-school programming for First Nations students on reserve

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $515,000,000 over 5 years and $112,000,000 ongoing

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $103,952,978

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $103,952,978

Link to department's program inventory: Safety and Prevention Services

Horizontal initiative activity: Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $103,800,000 over 5 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $28,499,160

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $28,121,687

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development

Horizontal initiative activity: Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $22,000,000 over 3 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $6,175,613

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $6,422,861

Indigenous Services Canada / Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Link to department's program inventory:

• Safety and Prevention Services (ISC)
• Financing for Housing (CMHC)

Horizontal initiative activity: Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $724,100,000 ($420,000,000 CMHC, $304,100,000 ISC) over 5 years and $96,600,000 ongoing

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $65,167,213^{Footnote 4} (ISC) and $174,559,750^{Footnote 5} (CMHC)

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $65,559,623 (ISC), $50,993,858 (CMHC)

Public Safety

Link to department's program inventory: Crime Prevention

Horizontal initiative activity: Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $6,270,000 (Fall Economic Statement 2020) and an additional $64,600,000 over 5 years, and $18,100,000 ongoing

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $9,124,010 (Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative), $6,551,025 (Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund)

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $6,386,807 (Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative), $1,310,205 (Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund)

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Link to department's program inventory: Financing for Housing

Horizontal initiative activity: National Housing Strategy — Affordable Housing Fund

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: Reallocation of $1,300,000,000 in the Affordable Housing Fund, previously known as National Housing Co-Investment Fund, is to further offer subsidies and additional contribution for construction, repair and support of affordable housing units, and includes: $250,000,000 from 2021–22 to 2022–23 for transitional housing units and shelter beds for women fleeing gender-based violence and their children.

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $871,055,497^{Footnote 6}

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $1,121,524,590

Link to department's program inventory: Assistance for housing needs

Horizontal initiative activity: National Housing Strategy — Rapid Housing Initiative

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $1,500,000,000 for 1 year

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $873,278^{Footnote 7}

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $7,358,276

Link to department's program inventory: Assistance for housing needs

Horizontal initiative activity: National Housing Strategy — Canada Housing Benefit

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $315,400,000 over 7 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $42,200,000

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $2,842,166

Link to department's program inventory: Assistance for housing needs

Horizontal initiative activity: National Housing Strategy — Federal Community Housing Initiative, phase 2

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $118,200,000 over 7 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $18,690,000

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $7,115,226

Transport Canada

Link to department's program inventory: Transportation Infrastructure

Horizontal initiative activity: Remote Passenger Rail Program — Providing safe and accessible transportation options in rural, remote and northern communities

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $43,172,821

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $14,808,167

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $10,494,317

Department of Justice

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Justice

Horizontal initiative activity: Implementation of Gladue Principles

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $49,340,000 over 5 years (ending in 2025–26) and $9,660,000 ongoing

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $12,135,000

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $9,911,720

Link to department's program inventory: Legal Policies, Laws and Governance

Horizontal initiative activity: Justice capacity related to Administration of Justice Agreements

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $8,082,900 over 5 years (ending in 2025–26)

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $1,596,980

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $1,676,292

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Justice

Horizontal initiative activity: Strengthen Indigenous-led community based programs — Program Integrity

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $13,575,170 over 3 years (ending in 2023–24)

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $5,386,829

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $5,342,329

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Justice

Horizontal initiative activity: Strengthen Indigenous-led community based programs — Civil and Family Mediation

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $6,800,000 over 3 years (ending in 2023–24)

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $2,900,000

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $2,789,302

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Justice

Horizontal initiative activity: Strengthen Indigenous-led community based programs — Indigenous Family Courtwork Services

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $6,700,000 over 3 years (ending in 2023–24)

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $3,000,000

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $1,913,794

Link to department's program inventory:

• Legal Policies, Laws and Governance
• Indigenous Justice

Horizontal initiative activity: Engaging with Indigenous partners on an Indigenous Justice Strategy

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $24,249,709 over 3 years (ending in 2023–24)

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $8,353,903

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $9,277,586

Department of Justice and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Link to department's program inventory:

• Legal Policies, Laws and Governance (JUS)
• Consultation and Accommodation (CIRNAC)

Horizontal initiative activity: Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $5,785,782 over 2 years (ended in 2022–23) (JUS), $25,670,380 over 2 years (CIRNAC)

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $0 (JUS), 0$ (CIRNAC)

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $0 (JUS), $0 (CIRNAC)

Indigenous Services Canada

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Governance and Capacity Supports

Horizontal initiative activity: Address sex-based inequalities in the Indian Act through the Implementation of S-3

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $54,762,375 over 6 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $10,600,000

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $11,465,280

Indigenous Services Canada and Public Safety

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Policing

Horizontal initiative activity: Co-development of legislation that recognizes First Nations policing as an essential service

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $26,123,989 (PS) and $7,600,000 (ISC) over 5 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $2,508,866 (PS) and $1,031,584 (ISC)

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $2,401,761 (PS), $1,911,079 (ISC)

Public Safety

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Policing

Horizontal initiative activity: Expansion and Stabilization of the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP)

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $523,825,163 over 5 years and $126,837,250 ongoing

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $113,473,949

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $102,732,688

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Policing

Horizontal initiative activity: Additional Funding for Policing Infrastructure Program

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $108,060,270 over 5 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $50,407,997

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $5,037,805

Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC)

Link to department's program inventory: Federal Prosecutions

Horizontal initiative activity: Create and staff 4 Inuktut-speaking Inuit paralegal positions in Nunavut

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $23,462,360 over 3 years (shared by all 4 Public Prosecution Service of Canada initiatives)

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $1,549,119

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $269,251^{Footnote 8}

Link to department's program inventory: Federal Prosecutions

Horizontal initiative activity: Improve the Inuit Justice training curriculum and develop new Justice training curriculums that reflect First Nations and Métis realities respectively

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $23,462,360 over 3 years (shared by all 4 Public Prosecution Service of Canada initiatives)

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $0^{Footnote 9}

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $158,450^{Footnote 10}

Link to department's program inventory: Federal Prosecutions

Horizontal initiative activity: Increase prosecutorial capacity, including Indigenous victim and witness support in the 3 territories

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $23,462,360 over 3 years (shared by all 4 Public Prosecution Service of Canada initiatives)

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $6,221,155

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $8,771,340^{Footnote 11}

Link to department's program inventory: Federal Prosecutions

Horizontal initiative activity: Develop and pursue a one-time engagement strategy

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $23,462,360 over 3 years (shared by all 4 Public Prosecution Service of Canada initiatives)

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $0^{Footnote 12}

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $0^{Footnote 13}

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Link to department's program inventory: Human Resources Management Services

Horizontal initiative activity: RCMP Intercultural Learning Strategy

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $75,000,000 over 5 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $1,026,832^{Footnote 14}

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $767,258

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Engagement and Capacity Support

Horizontal initiative activity: Funding to enhance support for Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $36,300,000 over 5 years and $8,600,000 ongoing

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $6,627,361

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $6,627,361

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous-led Services

Horizontal initiative activity: Indigenous-Led Data Research Projects Program/ National Indigenous Data Advisory Group on MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ People

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $8,500,000 over 6 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $1,582,236

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $1,871,742

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Engagement and Capacity Support

Horizontal initiative activity: Establishment of a permanent MMIWG Secretariat

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $16,000,000 over 6 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $2,338,753

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $2,219,156

CIRNAC and Statistics Canada

Link to department's program inventory: Indigenous Engagement and Capacity Support

Horizontal initiative activity: National strategy to ensure consistency in practices for reporting missing Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people

Total federal funding allocated to the horizontal initiative activity: $1,486,000 over 5 years

2023–24 planned spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $365,723

2023–24 actual spending for the horizontal initiative activity: $365,722