Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.

What success looks like

Co-creation of new and meaningful partnership models that strengthen service delivery for Indigenous peoples, resulting in improved outcomes in key areas including health, education, child welfare and community infrastructure.

Government's narrative on progress

The government will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to identify the best models for improving the delivery of services and improving accountability to Indigenous peoples for the quality of those services. This will be achieved by strengthening engagement practices, supporting the transfer of services to be Indigenous-led where possible, recognizing the inherent knowledge of communities and ensuring that services are culturally appropriate. The government will also work with Indigenous peoples to measure and monitor progress and improve service delivery on an ongoing basis. The government continues to work collaboratively with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, who provide direct services to First Nations and a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction over core fiscal and governance matters, including the financing of infrastructure and economic development projects through the issuance of bonds on capital markets. For an example of some of the results achieved, the First Nations Finance Authority’s September 2018 debenture issuance on the financial markets added an additional $138 million to the existing debentures bringing the total to $518 million. Investments in infrastructure and socio-economic development projects include water treatment, roads, housing, schools, health, security and emergency services, renewable energy and aquaculture. In addition to the high quality services that they provide, these institutions are working collaboratively with the government and other First Nation partners to lead the way on innovative initiatives that support a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, such as a proposed First Nation infrastructure institution, under the umbrella of a New Fiscal Relationship and 10 year grants, and exploring the potential to monetize federal capital transfers. The government also continues to work in close collaboration with other key partner Indigenous organizations such as the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association, the First Nations Lands Management Resource Centre and the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics. These technical organizations play a crucial role in developing capacity, certifying First Nations through accredited programs and providing ongoing professional development and technical support in areas of relevance to First Nations - land use planning and surveys, matrimonial real property, resource development, environmental management, etc. The government will continue to look for opportunities to further devolve responsibilities to its partners as they prove to be effective and efficient in providing culturally appropriate services and capacity development opportunities. Budget 2018 invested $50 million over five years, and $11 million per year ongoing, to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission. In December, the amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act received Royal Assent through Bill C-86. These amendments enable better delivery of the Act, simplified and clearer provisions, and will extend access to organizations and additional First Nations that will benefit from new socio-economic opportunities. The government is in discussions with the Métis National Council on increasing access to capital for the Métis Capital Corporations as well as the possibility of holding a fourth Métis Economic Development Symposium). The government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first. For example, supporting community-led initiatives, working with First Nations communities, Inuit governments and organizations, and the Métis Nation to draw down jurisdiction in child and family services, and collaborating with partners to create federal legislation in child and family services. In order to support the transfer of infrastructure and housing service delivery in British Columbia, ISC and the BC First Nation Housing and Infrastructure Council have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a service delivery model for infrastructure services and to progress towards an agreement in principle for transferring service delivery to the control of an Indigenous-led organization. Other initiatives for infrastructure service delivery transfer across Canada are being developed and evolving through a collaborative, First Nation-led process. Budget 2019 announced support for the creation of an Indigenous Fire Marshal’s Office, to be a First Nations-led institution that would promote fire safety and prevention, undertake public education, enforce local fire safety and building codes and conduct regular building inspections in First Nations communities. On February 28, Indigenous Services Minister, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, introduced Bill C-92, an Act respecting the First Nations and Métis children, youth and families. The Bill was co-developed with Indigenous partners. The Bill seeks to: • affirm the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services; and • establish national principles such as best interests of the child, cultural continuity and substantive equality to guide the interpretation and administration of the Bill. These principles would guide Indigenous communities and provinces and territories on the delivery of child and family services to keep families together and reduce the number of Indigenous children in care.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.