The People

II.2 Strategic Outcome: The People

Strengthened individual and family well-being for First Nations, Inuit and Northerners.

Comprises the following Program Activities (as per PAA):
II.2.1 Managing Individual Affairs
II.2.2 Education
II.2.3 Social Development
II.2.4 Healthy Northern Communities

Financial Resources ($ millions)	Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending
Managing Individual Affairs	16.4	18.7	20.0
Education	1,573.5	1,625.3	1,619.2
Social Development	1,302.1	1,359.8	1,352.5
Healthy Northern Communities	84.7	87.0	97.3

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Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)	Planned	Actual	Difference
Managing Individual Affairs	93	122	29
Education	896	881.8	14.2
Social Development	626	603	23
Healthy Northern Communities	55	57.6	2.6

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Note: As per Treasury Board Guidelines, the full-time equivalents shown here represent an estimate of resources devoted wholly to this Strategic Outcome plus a pro-rata share of Departmental Management and Administration (dollars and full-time equivalents) based on the department's actual spending. In some cases, this number may appear high due to the very nature of the department's business, that is, managing financial relationships with service delivery largely devolved to our partners.

 

II.2.1 Program Activity – MANAGING INDIVIDUAL AFFAIRS

Description

Professionally managing individual First Nations affairs to ensure that the Minister's responsibilities under the Indian Act for Trust Funds, Membership and Estates are properly exercised.

Deliverables and Time Lines — Expected Results and Outputs

PRIORITY: Building healthy, safe and sustainable communities

Expected Result 1
Effective processing of registration applications while maintaining the integrity of the Indian Register.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Applications processed/completed on time.	Ongoing. 5,200 applications processed/completed.	New applications were processed on time. 3494 applications were processed/completed
Monitoring of reporting on the number of applications processed/ completed.	Random monitoring of three regions per year.	Regular monitoring of progress was done with monthly reports. 3 monitoring visits were made to regions during the year.
Output: Issuance of secure Certificates of Indian Status cards.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Number of certificates of Indian Status cards issued.	Ongoing.	There were minimal or no delay in issuing cards. A new Certificates of Indian Status counter opened in Headquarters allowing more suitable access.
Output: Up-to-date Indian Register and Band Lists.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Number of registrations.	Ongoing.	Number of deletions, amendments, protests and adoptions are also important indicators of being “up-to-date”. Register is up-to-date within 90 days due to notice provided to individual on proposed changes.
Expected Result 2
Transfer additional increased delegation of Registrar's authority to Regions and Indian Registration Administrators.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Existing and increased number of First Nations with additional delegation of Registrar's authority.	Increase Indian Registry administrators by one to five over 2004–05 levels.	The number of Indian Registry administrators increased by one.
Output: Increase the number of Indian Registry administrators and operational resources.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Number of Indian Registry administrators. Number of training courses and participants.	Increase Indian Registry administrators by one to five over 2004–05 levels.	A National Indian Registry Administrators workshop was held in February 2006. The number of Indian Registry administrators increased by one.
Expected Result 3
Transfer control of membership to First Nations.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Existing and increased number of First Nations with control over membership.	10–15 additional First Nations will control membership by March 31, 2006.	There was no increase in 2005–06. While there are several membership codes in development, it is a multi-year process for approvals, and none were approved in 2005–06.
Output: Resourcing and support to First Nations for development of membership code(s).
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Membership code(s) developed.	10–15 additional membership codes to be developed by March 31, 2006.	15 First Nations were provided funding towards the development of membership codes. No additional codes developed in 2005–06 due to multi-year approval process.
Expected Result 4
Effective administration of individual (minor/incompetent adult) moneys held in the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Consistent application of the policy.	Ongoing. Annual review.	There was no new litigation during this period relating to the administration of individual moneys.
Output: Collecting, administering and disbursing individual trust moneys.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Number of accounts. Total amount of money disbursed.	Ongoing.	11,479 accounts were held and administered equalling approximately $44.8 million. 1,268 accounts were closed with a total of approximately $7.6 million disbursed to individuals. Approximately $7.9 million was deposited on account of individuals.
Output: Update directives.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Development of a plan.	March 31, 2007.	A project plan was approved in principle for modernization of directives and procedures.
Output: Policy development.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Implementation of the plan.	March 31, 2007.	Funding was targeted for the redevelopment and modernization of policy and procedures, to be allocated in fiscal year 2006-07.
Expected Result 5
Facilitate the settlement of final affairs of the deceased.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Resolution of estates in a timely fashion. All obligations are met in the processing of the estate as outlined in directives.	Ongoing.	The Estates Procedures Manual was updated to include policy that reflects service standards (i.e., 90 day Appointment Policy). Communications materials were developed to instruct First nations on settling family members' estates. Policy was modernized to reflect litigation decisions.
Output: Appointment of departmental and non-departmental administrators.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Number of departmental and non-departmental administrators.	Ongoing.	A total of 4,039 reported estates were under the Minister's jurisdiction. 1,774 new estates were opened in 2005–06 of which 18% were administered by First Nation Administrators. 3,155 estates were closed.
Output: Update procedures manual and policy.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Consistent application of the policy.	March 31, 2007.	The Estates Procedures Manual was updated to include policy that reflects service standards (i.e., 90 day Appointment Policy).
Expected Result 6
Fulfil Canada's Treaty annuities obligations.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Fulfil Treaty annuities in an established manner, in accordance with Treaty provisions.	Ongoing.	Approximately 319 treaty events were held nationally.
Output: Update procedures manual and policy.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Consistent application of the policy.	March 31, 2007.	Phase I of the redevelopment of the automated Treaty Payment System was completed.
Expected Result 7
In partnership with First Nations, create, divide and amalgamate bands.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Number of bands created, divided or amalgamated.	Ongoing. 1–2 per year	One new band was created. It is the O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation Band (South Indian Lake) in Manitoba.
Output: Creation, division or amalgamation of bands.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Number of bands created, divided and amalgamated.	Ongoing. 1–2 per year.	Please see above.

How did these accomplishments support the priority?

Timely and accurate registration ensures application of proper criteria in the determination of legal status under the Indian Act and the issuance of a secure Certificate of Indian Status as confirmation of registration under the Act.

Effective administration of estates, and moneys for minors and incompetent adults, provides security to individuals and families.

The fulfillment of obligations pursuant to Treaty provisions is a legal obligation. Honouring Treaty commitments contributes to the special relationship between First Nations and the Crown and has significant legal and symbolic importance to individuals, families and communities.

 

II.2.2 Program Activity – EDUCATION

Description

Supporting the provision of: Elementary/Secondary Education services, thereby contributing to increased levels of education for First Nations and Inuit students; programming includes Special Education funding, enabling improvement to the quality of education and level of support services for eligible students with special needs that are reasonably comparable with provincial levels of support services; and, financial support for status Indians to participate in Post-Secondary Education studies to increase levels of participation, achievements and employability.

Deliverables and Time Lines — Expected Results and Outputs

PRIORITY: Improvement in educational outcomes.

Expected Result 1
A renewed, comprehensive First Nations Education Policy Framework that supports improved delivery of education services to First Nations students.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Education Policy Framework jointly completed with First Nations.	June 2006.	A draft Education Policy Framework was developed based upon regional dialogue with First Nation organizations. It includes goals, strategies, outcomes and roles and responsibilities. Solid progress has also been made on key components of the education management framework — the performance management strategy with the following issues being addressed: the collection of nominal role data, the teacher information data base has been developed, and the national Education Dashboard was implemented nationally.
Output: Comprehensive First Nations Education Policy Framework.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Jointly completed Education Policy Framework.	June 2006.	See Expected Result 1 above.
Expected Result 2
Strengthened partnerships with First Nations and connections with various partners and stakeholders (provinces, educational institutions, etc.).
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Number of established venues for collaboration with education stakeholders.	June 2006.	Since May 2005, INAC has consulted with First Nations and provincial/ territorial governments leading up to the First Ministers Meeting in November 2005. A number of national AFN/INAC joint working groups with First Nations were used to collaboratively address issues raised in the Auditor General's Report in regard to INAC's elementary/ secondary education programs, as well as to respond to post-secondary education issues. New relationships were developed and collaborative approaches were explored at the regional and/or local level. Solid progress was made, in collaboration with First Nation stakeholders to clearly articulate respective roles and responsibilities, policy objectives and expected outcomes, leading to shared accountability.
Output: Established venues of collaboration with education stakeholders nationally and in each region.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Collaborative efforts undertaken in each region and with national stakeholders.	June 2006.	See Expected Result 2 above.

How did these accomplishments support the priority?

New or reinforced collaborative approaches with First Nations are essential to set up solid supports for First Nation communities, including renewed policy basis.

 

II.2.3 Program Activity – SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Description

Supports the provision of: Income Assistance to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and families consistent with provincial programs and standards; First Nations Child and Family Services to improve their well-being and security; Assisted Living for social support services of a non-medical nature such as in-home care, short term respite care, foster care and institutional care to improve their well-being and security; Family Violence Program to improve safety and security, particularly of women and children at-risk; National Child Benefit Re-investment to support low-income families with children to help prevent or reduce the depth of child poverty; and, Other Social Services to build capacity for First Nations to assume responsibility for and jurisdiction over social development through policy development, program design and service delivery, to build self-reliant, sustainable, healthy and stable First Nation communities.

Deliverables and Time Lines — Expected Results and Outputs

PRIORITY: Building healthy, safe and sustainable communities.

Expected Result 1
Engagement and participation of all partners in clarifying roles and responsibilities for social development.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Active engagement of partners in fora. Access to social services.	Ongoing.	Strengthened the role of the First Nation/INAC Policy Advisory Group in the development of various strategic planning documents. Active engagement of federal, provincial and territories in the development of strategic policy advice.
Output: Accepted approaches and process for clarifying partners' roles and responsibilities for social development.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Protocol agreement outlining roles and responsibilities of partners.	March 31, 2006.	In light of new government priorities, extensive policy discussions are underway to develop a protocol agreement and it will be established by April 31, 2007.
Expected Result 2
Engagement and participation by all partners in the development of a joint Social Development Policy Framework and the delivery of services.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Delivery of services in accordance with business standards.	March 31, 2006.	The Social Development Policy Framework was presented to First Nations and other social development partners, and was also approved by the Branch management before the end of fiscal year 2005–06.
Output: An agreed-upon approach to develop a Social Development Policy Framework.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Joint Social Development Policy Framework.	March 31, 2006.	In partnership with the federal/provincial/ territorial/First Nations partners, INAC developed a draft Social Policy Framework whose goal is to move programs to a more comprehensive, preventative, accountable and systematic approach in order to streamline social development programming with a focus on measurable results. Further fine tuning of the document will be completed by March 31, 2007. After the Cabinet approvals, improved service delivery will be possible as per SDPF business standards.
Expected Result 3
Social development policy and program authorities renewed and resources secured.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Approval of resources and responsive authorities.	March 31, 2006.	Due to a change of government in Ottawa, social development policy and program authorities were renewed in March, 2006 for one year. Further policy and planning work is being done to get authorities renewal for a longer period of time. It is expected that the Cabinet approvals will be sought by the end of March 2007.
Output: New social development program authorities and resources.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
New authorities and resources.	March 31, 2006.	See above.
Expected Result 4
Horizontal integration with other enabling activities (e.g., life-long learning, economic opportunities).
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Integrated activities between sectors.	March 31, 2006.	Social development programs have engaged their partners in other INAC sectors, other government departments, central agencies, provincial and territorial governments, and their First Nations colleagues in order to maximize the benefits of horizontal integration of services and their resulting benefits. This approach is the corner-stone of the policy development and program management strategy. As a result of a partnership approach, Health Canada, Human Resources and Social Development Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and First Nations and Inuit partners, INAC developed a co-ordinated service delivery options with respect to early childhood development.
Output: Interdepartmental, intergovernmental and First Nations partners communication and program linkages.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Communication protocols established.	March 31, 2006.	See above.

How did these accomplishments support the priority?

Improved communication and networking approaches, as well as consultations with federal/provincial/territorial governments, First Nations and First Nation organizations, particularly with respect to the identification of gaps in service delivery and standards, are creating opportunities to improve service efficiencies and effectiveness. More efficient and effective services will promote healthy, safe and sustainable communities.

 

I.2.4 Program Activity – HEALTHY NORTHERN COMMUNITIES

Description

Supports improvements in the health and well-being of Northerners through grants for hospital and physician services for Indian and Inuit residents in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the transportation of nutritious perishable foods and other essential items to isolated northern communities at reduced rates, the conduct of research into the sources and effects of contaminants on the Arctic food chain and initiatives to assist Northerners deal with broad issues such as the impacts of climate change.

Deliverables and Time Lines — Expected Results and Outputs

PRIORITY: Building healthy, safe and sustainable communities.

Expected Result 1
Northerners are more knowledgeable and able to make healthy choices concerning their use of both traditional and market foods.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Consumption levels of traditional and nutritious market foods.	Ongoing measurement throughout 2005–08, with results made public through the publication of research findings related to the Food Mail Program and Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) in fall 2005 and spring 2006.	Shipments of perishable food under the Food Mail Program increased by 10 percent in 2005–06, with no increase in the rates charged. NCP funded several projects in 2005–06 to assess traditional/ country food use. Results are to be published in fall 2006 and presented at Results Workshop in December 2006.
Output: Effective, appropriately focused Food Mail Program that increases the consumption of nutritious perishable food in isolated northern communities.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Sustainable, long-term decision on Food Mail Program funding based on evidence from the Food Mail pilot projects under way in three isolated communities.	Decision by December 2005. Implementation of possible program changes in 2006.	The government will be reviewing options.
Publication of an overview report on the impact of the Food Mail pilot projects on food prices, consumption, quality and availability.	Publication by February 2006.	Due to increased workload, this publication was deferred to 2006–07. The Department is continuing to compile information. Pilot projects continued in three communities.
Output: Public consultation on the future of Churchill as the entry point for Food Mail service to the Kivalliq region as part of the review of Food Mail entry points recommended by the Auditor General in December 2002.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Food prices and quality in the Kivalliq region.	Complete consultations by October 2005. Decision by December 2005. Implementation by May 2006.	A solution to the price and quality issues in the Kivalliq region, which has broad stakeholder support, was identified, based on consultations completed by November 2005. A decision is anticipated for early fall 2006.
Output: Adoption of a revised Northern Food Basket to monitor food prices and affordability in northern communities.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Cost of a healthy diet compared with the after-shelter income of families in isolated northern communities.	Content and cost of a revised Northern Food Basket published on the department's Web site by October 2005.	Due to an increased workload, the launch of the revised basket was deferred to 2006–07. In the meantime, the Department has continued to publish price survey results on the Web site using the original Northern Food Basket.
Output: Research on contaminant-related risks to human health and environmental trends of contaminants with a focus on communities at highest risk to contaminant exposure, to enable the provision of sound dietary advice.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Publication of summary booklet and synopsis of research report.	November 2005.	A summary booklet for 2005–06 projects and synopsis of research for 2004–05 projects was published in August and September 2005.
Action Plan and financial agreements for research and monitoring under the NCP approved by Management Committee and implemented.	Ongoing 2005–06.	An action plan for 2005–06 research was approved by Management Committee in April 2005, financial agreements implemented summer 2005.
Output: Education efforts and communication with Northerners on contaminants in the Arctic food chain, with an emphasis on high-priority areas.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Priority Action Plan approved by Management Committee and implemented.	Ongoing 2005–06.	A Priority Action Plan in the form of Education and Communications Blueprints developed by Territorial Contaminants Committees and approved by Management Committee in April 2005. Blueprints are to be reviewed and updated annually.
Output: Meet Canada's obligations to international agreements, i.e., the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Heavy Metals Protocol under United Nations (UN) Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) Convention, and the Stockholm Convention under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and to organizations, i.e., the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) under the Arctic Council.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
National Implementation Plan developed by the NCP accepted as Canadian contribution to AMAP.	June 2005.	A National Implementation Plan was submitted and accepted in June 2005.
State of the environment type report on LRTAP Convention drafted.	June 2005.	The Report Best available scientific information on the effects of deposition of POPs was submitted to LRTAP secretariat in June 2005 and accepted by the Executive body in September 2005.
Participation in development of the plan for global monitoring (Article 16) under the Stockholm Convention.	March 2006.	The lead role was played in discussions about and drafting of a global monitoring plan for the Stockholm Convention.
Expected Result 2
Northerners and communities actively involved in climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives under Aboriginal and Northern Community Action Plan on Climate Change (ANCAP) (2004–07). Note: Funding for the Aboriginal community portion in the provinces is captured under The Land strategic outcome.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Number of Aboriginal and northern communities engaged in climate change activities.	Ongoing measurement with annual recording of number of communities engaged, between 2005–08.	The outreach to communities has been extensive. Each community in Canada has access to information on mitigation and adaptation either indirectly through information or directly through the ANCAP's regional pathfinding network. A total of 108 projects were funded during the year. In the Northwest Territories, the number of Aboriginal and northern communities engaged in climate change activities are: • Community Energy Planning Process – 8/33 • Profile – 28/33 • Pathfinder – 33/33 • Feasibility and/or Implementation EE/REI – 12/33 • Training/Conferences – 33/33
Output: Regional plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions for each territory and region by 2008–10.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Annual plans for each territory and region completed. Initiatives under way as per plans.	March 2006.	Plans from each region have been submitted and initiatives based on those plans are underway. A Blueprint for Action (with accompanying workplan) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was developed.
Output: Development of an Aboriginal and northern adaptation strategy in partnership with First Nations and northern communities by 2005.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Strategy document completed.	December 2005.	Completed
Output: Increased capacity in each region to implement projects under ANCAP.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Energy Pathfinders established and working with communities in each region.	Ongoing 2005–08 with expected number of Pathfinders to reach 10 by 2008.	A pathfinder function is in place in each region.

How did these accomplishments support the priority?

The funding provided to Canada Post through the Food Mail Program reduces the rates that businesses and individuals in isolated northern communities must pay to bring in nutritious perishable food and other essential items by air. Price monitoring helps to ensure that retailers pass these savings on to their customers and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program. A revised Northern Food Basket will enable the department to monitor the impact of the Food Mail Program on food prices in a way that is a more meaningful, since results will be useful to all levels of government in assessing food affordability, particularly among the most vulnerable groups.

In 2005–06, approximately 12,200,000 kilograms of perishable food were shipped under this program, about 10 percent more than in 2004–05. By reducing the cost of nutritious food and not subsidizing foods of little nutritional value, the program encourages healthier eating and helps to make a healthy diet more affordable for a population with serious nutrition and food security problems. Over the long term, improvements in nutrition result in better health and reduced demand for health-care services. The pilot projects under way in three communities will demonstrate the combined impact of further reductions in the cost of shipping key perishable foods, nutrition education, and retail promotion on food prices, quality and consumption patterns.

Efficient, reliable and, in some cases, renewable energy production and efficient energy use are important prerequisite for a sustainable community. The results from these initiatives, both specific projects and capacity growth, support the development of a secure energy base for communities that would support continued growth and economic development. Communities that are healthy, safe and sustainable require this secure energy platform for growth and prosperity. As well, a sustainable community needs to be able to adapt to changing circumstances including a changing climate. The impacts and adaptation work supported through these initiatives will prepare communities to adapt to the challenges of climatic and environmental change.

Funding and managing research into contaminants in the northern food chain is improving our understanding of how contaminants in traditional/country foods may affect the health of Northerners and their communities. Health research and effective community dialogue helps Northerners to make informed choices about consumption of traditional/country food, while support for international agreements to control contaminants reduces the impact on human health throughout the circumpolar world.