Archived - Details on Transfer Payment Programs

Transfer Payments for Governance and Institutions of Government

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Grants and contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Support good governance, rights and interests of Indigenous peoples

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 1.1: Governance and Institutions of Government

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

Expected results: First Nation governments and institutions are supported in their efforts to be transparent to their communities and membership

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The last evaluation completed under the Governance and Institutions of Government Program was for the implementation of theFirst Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act in 2011–2012.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of Matrimonial Real Property, a component of the Governance and Institutions of Government Program, is planned for 2016–2017. An evaluation of the sub-program Governance and Institutions of Government is currently underway and is scheduled for completion in 2016-2017.

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nation communities
• Tribal councils
• First Nation and Inuit employers
• First Nation and Inuit individuals
• First Nation Fiscal Management Act institutions
• Other Indigenous recipients and organizations (e.g. Inuit, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.)
• Industry-related entities (e.g. for-profit businesses)
• Municipalities and local organizations (e.g. governments at municipal or regional level, cities)
• Non-profit organizations (e.g. charities, foundations,NGOs, universities, colleges and research institutions)
• Provinces and territories (e.g. governments at provincial or territorial level)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Recipients are engaged through the General Assessment process, and, where appropriate, discussions on potential for longer-term agreements are ongoing.

Transfer Payments for Rights and Interests of Indigenous Peoples

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Grants and contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Support good governance, rights and interests of Indigenous peoples

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 1.2: Rights and Interests of Indigenous Peoples

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

Expected results: Certainty and/or clarity of rights and interests through strengthened collaboration between governments and Indigenous groups

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The Rights and Interests of Indigenous Peoples Program's last evaluation, Engagement and Policy Development, was completed in 2013–2014.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation for Métis Relations and Rights Management, and Non-Status Indian Relations, a component of Rights and Interests of Indigenous Peoples, is planned for 2016-2017.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Métis Aboriginal Representative Organizations
• Non-Status Indian Aboriginal Representative Organizations
• Research institutes and universities
• Non-Indigenous not-for-profit organizations completing projects for the benefit of Métis or Non-Status Indians

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Applicants and recipients will be engaged through the General Assessment process, through the call-for-proposals process, and through the agreement monitoring process. In addition, Métis and Non-Status Indian Aboriginal Representative Organizations will be engaged through regular meetings and communications with the Department as a means of building and maintaining strong relationships, and identifying and addressing areas of shared priorities.

Transfer Payments for Transfer Payments for Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Grants and contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Support good governance, rights and interests of Indigenous peoples

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 1.3: Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties

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

Expected results: Creation and maintenance of ongoing partnerships to support treaty structures

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The last evaluation to be completed under the Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties Program was the November 2013 evaluation of Impacts of Comprehensive Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Pending

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of the Impact of Self Government Agreements, a component of Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties, is to be completed in the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Indigenous communities and governments
• Other Indigenous recipients and organizations (e.g. Métis, Inuit, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Recipients will be engaged through the General Assessment process, in the review and approval of funding proposals, as well as in ongoing discussions to determine the potential for longer-term agreements. Additionally, funding is provided per the obligations outlined in land claims and self-government agreements.

Transfer Payments for Education

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Grants and contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Individual, family and community well-being for First Nations and Inuit

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.1: Education

Description: This Program's overarching goal is to work in partnership with First Nations, provincial and territorial governments and other education stakeholders, to provide eligible First Nation and Inuit students with support in order to achieve educational outcomes that are comparable to those of other Canadians. The Education Program provides funding for culturally-appropriate elementary and secondary education for eligible First Nation students ordinarily resident on reserve, and financially supports post-secondary education for eligible First Nation and Inuit students.

Expected results: First Nation and Inuit students are enabled, through funding, to progress in their education

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The Elementary and Secondary Education and the Post-Secondary Education programs were last evaluated in 2012–2013.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: The next evaluations for the Elementary and Secondary Education and Post-Secondary Education programs are to be completed in 2017–2018.

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nations and Inuit

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In 2016–2017, INAC will continue to implement and deploy the Education Information System (EIS), which will house all reported education-related information to improve results-based program management and facilitate the tracking of education outcomes. The system is accessible by INAC employees and recipients. Users can be trained on-line.

In 2016–2017, other proposal-based programs administered by INAC, including the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy, Cultural Education Centres Program, New Paths for Education Program, High-Cost Special Education Program, and Post-Secondary Partnerships Program will also operate within structures that maintain ongoing engagement through proposal applications, funding and reporting processes with ongoing communication and feedback cycles.

In 2016-2017, INAC will continue to engage with First Nations and provincial partners to build stronger education systems that deliver better education outcomes for First Nation students.

Transfer Payments for Social Development

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Grants and contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Individual, family and community well-being for First Nations and Inuit

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.2: Social Development

Description: This Program provides funding to five social sub-programs: Income Assistance, National Child Benefit, Assisted Living, First Nations Child and Family Services, and Family Violence Prevention. Together, these sub-programs assist First Nation individuals and communities in becoming more self-sufficient, protect individuals and families at risk of violence, provide prevention supports that allow individuals and families to better care for their children, and support greater participation in the labour market. The Program assists First Nation men, women and children to achieve greater independence and self-sufficiency in First Nation communities across Canada by providing funding for First Nations, First Nation organizations, provinces and others that provide individual and family services to on-reserve residents (and Yukon First Nation residents). These services help First Nation communities meet basic and special needs, support employability and participation in the workforce, and support the safety of individuals and families. Through these five social sub-programs, First Nations are better able to advance their own development, leverage opportunities and actively contribute to the broader Canadian economy and society.

Expected results: Communities and organizations have the capacity to deliver the social development programs provided to meet the basic, special and self-sufficiency needs of First Nations men, women and children.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The last evaluation to be completed under the Social Development Program was the November 2014 evaluation of the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach for the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Manitoba.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluations for Income Assistance, National Child Benefit Reinvestment, Assisted Living and Family Violence Prevention are planned for 2016–2017.

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nation communities
• Individuals
• Other Indigenous recipients such as tribal councils

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• INAC will continue to work in collaboration with Employment and Social Development Canada to support First Nations communities across the country in their continued efforts towards income assistance reform.
• INAC will support Maritime First Nations in their ongoing work to provide income assistance services in alignment with the Maritime Provinces' policies on income assistance in a way that will minimize the impact on recipients while remaining consistent with national policy.
• INAC will continue supporting First Nation communities in their efforts to progressively align with the Department's income assistance policies, while minimizing the impact on clients and recipients.

Transfer Payments for First Nations Individual Affairs

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Grants and contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Individual, family and community well-being for First Nations and Inuit

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.3: First Nations Individual Affairs

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

Expected results: 1) Eligible, voluntary applicants are registered as Status Indians, and 2) Registered Indians are enabled to demonstrate eligibility for programs, services and benefits to which they are entitled

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: An evaluation for Indian Moneys, Estates and Treaty Annuities, all of which were components of the First Nations Individual Affairs Program, was completed in 2013–2014.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of the Registration and Membership component of the First Nations Individual Affairs Program is planned for 2016-2017.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Indigenous peoples

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• Estate management is a mandatory statutory requirement pursuant to theIndian Act. In support of this statutory requirement, grants and contributions will be made available to First Nations to encourage capacity building (will-writing workshops). A call for proposals provides access to grants and contributions.
• The Registration and Membership sub-program provides training to Indian Registration Administrators to keep them engaged in changes to the program.

Transfer Payments for Indigenous Entrepreneurship

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Full participation of First Nations, Métis, Non-Status Indians and Inuit individuals and communities in the economy

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 3.1: Indigenous Entrepreneurship

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

Expected results: Viable Indigenous businesses are created and/or expanded.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: An evaluation of Business Capital and Support Services was completed in 2015-2016.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of Indigenous Entrepreneurship is planned for 2018-2019.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Aboriginal Financial Institutions
• National Association of Aboriginal Capital Corporations
• First Nation and Inuit communities and their governments, including Tribal councils, municipal governments, labour organizations, universities, colleges and other learning institutions
• Organizations and associations controlled by Indigenous people except for those with charitable or religious purposes
• Non-Indigenous organizations and associations, except for those with charitable or religious purposes
• Indigenous individuals, including businesses owned and controlled by Indigenous people
• Canadian owned and controlled banks, credit unions and trust companies that are authorized to make commercial loans and are provincially or federally regulated
• Private equity providers
• A provincial or federal Crown corporation

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• Aboriginal Development Loan Allocation
• Aboriginal Business Capacity Program
• Aboriginal Business Financing Program
• Capital Leveraging Instrument

The Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program has been designed to engage applicants and recipients directly through the network of community owned and controlled by Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI) across Canada. Funding and program management support to AFIs is provided by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) which has an agreement with INAC. The NACCA has sub-agreements for the above initiatives with AFIs, providing them with financial support to conduct marketing and outreach activities to engage potential applicants and recipients for developmental lending and non-repayable contributions in their respective service areas.

INAC works closely with AFIs and the NACCA to monitor efficiency and effectiveness of Indigenous business program delivery activities and consider potential improvements including development of new financial instruments to attract additional capital to the network.

Transfer Payments for Community Economic Development

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Grants and contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Full participation of First Nations, Métis, Non-Status Indians and Inuit individuals and communities in the economy

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 3.2: Community Economic Development

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

Expected results: First Nation and Inuit communities have the capacity to pursue economic development

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: An evaluation of Administration of Reserve Land was completed in fiscal year 2015-2016.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation for the Investment in Economic Opportunities component of Community Economic Development is planned for 2018-2019.

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nations communities
• Other Indigenous recipients and organizations
• Non-profit organizations (foundations,NGOs, universities and research institutions, health-related entities)
• Provinces and territories (e.g. governments at provincial and territorial level)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Through stakeholder engagement:

• INAC will work with the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association and similar organizations to empower First Nations to manage and administer their natural resources, and will continue to administer justice on reserve, particularly through theFamily Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act.
• INAC will expand and integrate community land and economic development planning, including land use planning and joint strategic economic development planning between First Nations and neighbouring municipalities.
• INAC will work with First Nations to remediate contaminated sites on reserve lands.
• INAC will work with the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association to increase the capacity of First Nations to fully benefit from their land and environment.
• INAC will work with First Nations and other governments and organizations to improve waste management services on reserve.

Through calls for proposals:

• INAC will support First Nation and Inuit communities in preparing for and participating in large and complex economic opportunities, where First Nation and Inuit communities do not have the means to pursue these opportunities without assistance.

Transfer Payments for Strategic Partnerships

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Full participation of First Nations, Métis, Non-Status Indians and Inuit individuals and communities in the economy

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 3.3: Strategic Partnerships

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

Expected results: Regional economic opportunities and large resource development projects impacting Indigenous communities are pursued in partnership with public and private sectors.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: An evaluation of Strategic Partnerships Initiative was completed in 2014–2015.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: The next evaluation of the Strategic Partnerships Initiative is planned for 2018–2019.

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nation communities
• Other Indigenous recipients and organizations (e.g. Métis, Inuit, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.)
• Industry-related entities (e.g. for-profit businesses, airport authorities, specific industry sector)
• International organizations and foreign countries (e.g. international organizations, international conventions/for-profit/non-profit)
• Municipalities and local organizations (e.g. governments at municipal or regional level, cities)
• Persons (e.g. individual farmers and fishers, veterans, Forces members, families, researchers, workers, students)
• Non-profit organizations (e.g. charities, foundations,NGOs, universities and research institutions, health-related entities)
• Provinces and territories (e.g. governments at provincial or territorial level)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: INAC engages applicants and recipients through local governance structures established for SPI, including Labrador Trough, Ring of Fire, BC Liquefied Natural Gas, Potash Mining, Northern Resource Development and Community Readiness and Lower Churchill.

INAC is working with the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board through the SPI Investment Committee to engage in opportunities that support Indigenous participation in resource development.

INAC is continuing to work with other government departments and has identified Indigenous organizations such as the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Kitikmeot Inuit Association and the BC First Nations Energy Mining Council, to assess the needs and opportunities for existing and emerging major resource development initiatives.

Transfer Payments for Infrastructure and Capacity

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Full participation of First Nations, Métis, Non-Status Indians and Inuit individuals and communities in the economy

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 3.4: Infrastructure and Capacity

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

Expected results: First Nation communities have infrastructure that protects their health and safety.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The First Nations Infrastructure Fund component of the INAC Infrastructure and Capacity Program was evaluated in 2013–2014.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of the Housing On-Reserve component of the Infrastructure and Capacity Program is planned for completion in 2016-2017.

General targeted recipient groups:

• First Nation communities
• Other Indigenous recipients and organizations
• Industry-related entities (e.g. for-profit businesses, airport authorities, specific industry sector)
• Municipalities and local organizations (e.g. governments at municipal or regional level, cities)
• Non-profit organizations (e.g. charities, foundations,NGOs, universities and research institutions, health-related entities)
• Provinces and territories (e.g. governments at provincial or territorial level)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Eligible initiatives and projects are those that assist First Nations in acquiring, constructing and operating and maintaining housing and community infrastructure, including water and wastewater systems, schools, roads and bridges, electrification, and community buildings.

NOTE: The ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program sunsets March 31, 2016; therefore there will be no funds to allocate through a call-for-proposals process.

Transfer Payments for Urban Indigenous Participation

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Full participation of First Nations, Métis, Non-Status Indians and Inuit individuals and communities in the economy

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 3.5: Urban Indigenous Participation

Description: This Program supports participation of urban Indigenous individuals and communities in the economy. It is comprised of two streams: Community Capacity Support and Urban Partnerships. The Community Capacity Support stream provides funding to urban Indigenous community organizations to deliver programs and services that are designed to remove barriers and encourage innovative partnerships. The Urban Partnerships stream is comprised of a planning component and an implementation component. The planning component supports communities with multi-stakeholder engagement (private sector, municipalities, Indigenous groups) in the design and development of regional strategic plans and the identification of community priorities. These plans are then shared with the National Association of Friendship Centres which, in turn, implements the priorities through community projects.

Expected results: Urban Indigenous participation in the economy is enhanced through collaborative planning, knowledge management and research

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: An evaluation of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy was completed in 2011–2012.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of the Urban Indigenous Participation Program is planned for 2017–2018.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Indigenous peoples
• Other Indigenous recipients and organizations (e.g. Métis, Inuit, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.)
• Municipalities and local organizations (e.g. governments at municipal or regional level, cities)
• Non-profit organizations (e.g. charities, foundations,NGOs, universities and research institutions, health-related entities)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The National Association of Friendship Centres delivers the Community Capacity Support Program and part of the Urban Partnerships Programs (both of which are components of the Urban Indigenous Participation Program), through a call for proposals. The remaining portion of the Urban Partnerships Program is administered by INAC through a targeted process to support community and regional planning and partnership development.

Transfer Payments for Northern Governance and People

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Grants and contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Self-reliance, prosperity and well-being for the people and communities of the North

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.1: Northern Governance and People

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

Expected results: 1) Northerners have greater control over their economic and political affairs; 2) Affordability of perishable, nutritious food in eligible communities is strengthened, and 3) Community health and safety in the North is strengthened.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: An evaluation for Nutrition North was completed in 2013–2014.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of the Northern Governance component of the Northern Governance and People Program is planned for completion in 2016-2017.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Northerners
• Residents of eligible isolated northern communities

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: INAC will fulfill its obligation to provide ongoing funding, as of April 1, 2014, to Indigenous parties to the final Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement. This funding will enable the Indigenous parties to participate in the post-devolution lands and resources management regime with the Government of the Northwest Territories. Finance Canada will manage the ongoing funding to the Government of the Northwest Territories as part of Territorial Formula Financing.

INAC will proactively engage with the governments of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to finalize their annual grant agreements. Under these agreements, the Department will reimburse a portion of the costs each territorial government incurs to provide hospital and physician services to Indian and Inuit residents.

INAC will also continue working with both the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. to advance negotiations towards an agreement in principle for the devolution of responsibilities with respect to land and resource management in Nunavut.

INAC will continue ongoing discussions with Nutrition North Canada (NNC) recipients (registered food suppliers, retailers and stakeholders) to further increase transparency and accountability. In addition, the NNC Advisory Board will continue to engage with Northerners and provide advice to the Minister.

NOTE: The Climate Change Adaptation Program sunsets March 31, 2016; therefore there will be no funds to allocate through a call-for-proposals process.

Transfer Payments for Northern Science and Technology

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Self-reliance, prosperity and well-being for the people and communities of the North

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.2: Northern Science and Technology

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

Expected results: 1) Domestic and international policy on northern health and sustainable development is better informed by a scientific knowledge base, and 2) Canada is positioned as an international leader in Arctic science and technology

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The Evaluation of the Northern Contaminants Program and Northern Scientific Training Program was completed in 2013–2014.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of the Northern Science and Technology Program is planned for 2019-2020.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Northerners
• Other Indigenous recipients and organizations (e.g. Métis, Inuit, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.)
• Municipalities and local organizations (e.g. governments at municipal or regional level, cities)
• Persons (e.g. individual farmers and fishers, veterans, Forces members, families, researchers, workers, students)
• Non-profit organizations (e.g. charities, foundations,NGOs, universities and research institutions, health-related entities)
• Provinces and territories (e.g. governments at provincial or territorial level)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Potential recipients of the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) will be engaged through the annual call for proposals. During the fiscal year, the Department will continue to work with recipients by requesting mid-year and final project reports, asking for their participation at regional workshops and integrating their final project results into the NCP annual Synopsis Report.

Transfer Payments for Northern Land, Resources and Environmental Management

Start date/end date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payments: Contributions

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

Strategic Outcome: Self-reliance, prosperity and well-being for the people and communities of the North

Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.3: Northern Land, Resources and Environmental Management

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

Expected results: 1) Canada's responsibilities to support effective regulatory regimes in the territories are carried out in a manner that provides certainty for Indigenous people, Northerners, and project proponents and 2) Environmental stewardship of contaminated sites is responsible and sustainable

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: An evaluation of the Petroleum and Minerals sub-program was completed in 2015-2016.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: An evaluation of the Northern Land, Resources and Environmental Management Program is planned for 2016–2017.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Northerners

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Indigenous groups and resource co-management boards involved in section 5 and/or statutory consultation processes on northern initiatives (e.g. amendment of resource management regulations in the North) are invited and encouraged to respond to calls for proposals to access funding to help them participate in these consultation processes.

The Northern Contaminated Sites Program actively engages with Indigenous and northern communities to ensure community perspectives are considered in planning remediation of contaminated abandoned mines and military sites.

Indigenous organizations and the territorial government participate in a committee that steers research priorities, issues calls for research proposals and allocates funding for the Nunavut General Monitoring Plan (NGMP). NGMP fund recipients provide summary reports with results that are shared on the NGMP website.