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Horizontal Initiatives

First Nations Water Management Strategy

Lead Department(s): Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Start Date: May 2003 (official announcement)
End Date: 2008 (end of funding)
Total Federal Funding Allocation: $1.6 billion over 5 years

Description
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Health Canada (HC) have developed a seven-part First Nations Water Management Strategy (FNWMS) to be implemented over a five-year period, beginning in 2003–2004. The strategy allows for the development and implementation of: (1) a plan to upgrade and build water and waste-water facilities to meet established design, construction and water quality standards with a priority on identified facilities; (2) an effective water quality monitoring program combined with a comprehensive and coordinated compliance and reporting regime that will improve the detection of drinking water problems in a timely manner, thereby reducing the possibility of risk to health; (3) an effective and sustainable operation and maintenance (O&M) program designed to ensure the safety of the residents and the protection of the assets with a priority on identified high-risk facilities; (4) a plan for the continued expansion and enhancement of training programs, to ensure that all operators have the skills, knowledge and experience required to fulfill their responsibilities, supported by the introduction of mandatory certification requirements for all operators; (5) a set of integrated water quality management protocols with clearly defined roles and responsibilities consistent with national performance standards along with improvements in emergency response procedures; (6) a public awareness campaign aimed at informing both First Nation decision-makers of their roles and responsibilities in ensuring the safety of water supplies within their communities and First Nation households of measures they can take to protect the quality of water within their home and community; and (7) a comprehensive set of clearly defined standards, protocols and policies, using a multi-barrier approach.

The strategy will also require the establishment of closer partnerships amongst key federal, provincial/territorial, industry and other public sector partners. These partnerships will assist in areas such as watershed management and source water protection as well as advances in science and technology. Most importantly, the implementation of the strategy and the development of a detailed plan will require close collaboration with First Nations. The strategy is consistent with the broader national approach and is modelled on the enhanced management regimes in place or being implemented in most provinces and territories. The FNWMS includes an additional $600 million in funding over five years (from 2003–2004 to 2007–2008). Of that $600 million, $115.9 million goes to HC for their part in the strategy, while the remaining $484.1 million funds INAC's participation in the strategy. This $600 million in funding is in addition to INAC's normal annual funding to water initiatives in First Nations and HC's Drinking Water Safety Program (DWSP) funds that go to First Nations, which are also included in this template. Combining the FNWMS funds and the normal annual funding by both departments into First Nation water issues, the total federal funding allocated over 5 years will be $1.6 billion.

Shared Outcome(s)

• Reduction in the health risk level of drinking water in First Nations.
• Increased awareness of the importance of clean drinking water and the responsibilities involved in keeping it clean.
• Water standards will be met by all facilities.

Governance Structure(s)

• Strategic Water Management on Reserve Committee (SWMRC)
• Interdepartmental Waters ADM Committee (IWAC)
• Federal Advisory Committee (FAC) on municipal wastewater effluent
• Interdepartmental Working Group on Drinking Water (IWGDW)
• Regional Water Teams
• Directors General Steering Committee on Public Health

Federal Partners	Names of Programs for Federal Partners	Total Allocation (from start to end date)	Planned Spending for 2007–08	Actual Spending for 2007–08	Expected Results for 2007–08	Results Achieved in 2007–08
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada	First Nations Water Management Strategy	$1.471 billion	$305.8 million	$305.8 million	Number of trained or certified operators greater than in the previous year.	The number of water operators who achieved first level of certification or greater increased from 37% of all operators (418 out of 1,117) in March 2007 to 59% of all operators (719 out of 1,213) in March 2008. All First Nations are provided access to certified supervision through 24-hour hotlines and the Circuit Rider Training Program.
					Number of high-risk facilities less than in the previous year.	The number of high-risk community water systems decreased from 97 out of 746 (13% of all systems) in March 2007 to 77 out of 766 (10% of all systems) in March 2008.
Health Canada	Drinking Water Safety Program including the First Nations Water Management Strategy	$140.9 million ($115.9M for the First Nations Water Management Strategy and $25M A-based)	$31.7 million ($5 million A-based and $26.7 million for the FNWMS)	$22.8M (Actual spending is under estimated because resources from some regions were not all properly coded.)	Increased capacity of First Nations to monitor drinking water quality.	The building of capacity in First Nations communities to monitor their drinking water quality and detect potential problems was facilitated through the community based water monitor program. In 2007–2008, 541 out of 687 community sites[1] had access to a community based water monitor.
					Purchase of lab kits.	A total of 540 out of 687 community sites[1] had access to portable laboratory kits for testing during 2007–2008.
					Increase EHOs to support drinking water quality monitoring.	In 2007–2008, 100 out of 109 EHO positions were staffed. In 2002, monitoring for bacteriological contaminants in distribution systems only met, on an average, 29% of the frequency recommended in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ). In March 2008, 87% of piped drinking water distribution systems with five or more connections were monitored weekly. A total of 149,296 water samples were taken and analyzed in First Nations communities. In all: — 30,446 bacteriological samples were analysed in accredited laboratories which represents a 14% decrease from last fiscal year; — 142,558 bacteriological samples were analyzed using a portable lab kit (Colilert) which represents a 23% increase from last fiscal year; — 12,378 samples were analyzed for chemical parameters; and — 384 samples were analyzed for radiological parameters.
					Implementation of early warning database.	Six out of the seven regions have a water database in place to monitor sample results.
					Investigate waterborne diseases and waterborne outbreaks	There were no instances where gastrointestinal illness was identified as a possible waterborne disease outbreak.
Total		$1.6 billion	$337.5 million	$328.6 million
[1] Total community sites taken from the First Nation Water Management System 2006–2007 Performance Indicators report (February 14, 2008)

Contact Information
Erin Ovenden
A/Manager, Infrastructure Operations
INAC, SEPRO-CD, Water Management
Les Terrasses de la Chaudière
10 Wellington, Room 2008
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H4
Telephone: 819-997-0594
Fax: 819-953-1034
ovendene@inac-ainc.gc.ca

Contact Information for Health Canada
Dominique Poulin
A/Program Manager
Drinking Water Program
Environmental Health Division
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
(613) 954-6655
Dominique_poulin@hc-sc.gc.ca

International Polar Year

Lead Department(s): Indian and Northern Affairs Canada — Northern Affairs Program
Start Date: April 1st 2007
End Date: March 31st 2012

Description
To support Canada’s participation in International Polar Year (IPY), the Government of Canada has invested $150 million over five years. This funding is being used to carry out an innovative and multidisciplinary Arctic science program. The Government of Canada Program for IPY is led by INAC in conjunction with five lead federal departments and agencies: Environment, Fisheries and Oceans, Health, National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (on behalf of Industry), and Natural Resources. IPY will bring opportunities to welcome many top international scientists and other visitors to Canada. Canada’s significant involvement and investment in the International Polar Year 2007–2009 contributes to the government’s stewardship of Canada’s Arctic. The Government of Canada IPY Program is working with northern communities in developing and conducting activities such as research, training and capacity building.

Key areas of the Government of Canada Program for IPY include:

• new science and research in and for the North, which includes the involvement of northern communities
• ensuring the health and safety of scientists and communities conducting research in the North
• communication information about the program and the science undertaken
• building capacity, through training opportunities for youth and Northerners aimed at enhancing participation in northern scientific research
• ensuring that the resultant scientific knowledge and data are properly managed, archived and made accessible; and
• support for the appropriate procedural, regulatory and infrastructure framework for conducting scientific research.

The distribution of funds among federal departments and agencies is according to their involvement in the various aspects of the program, including the science and research program, support for logistics, communications and outreach, training, and capacity building. Funding is being provided to support Northern IPY Coordinators who act as points of contact on IPY matters for northern communities and researchers. They are working with the relevant licensing and permitting bodies to provide information and advice on licenses and permits needed for IPY initiatives.

The Northern IPY Coordinators maintain a regional network to support all aspects of Canada’s IPY Program. The work that they are doing to identify key issues for IPY in northern communities and organizations, to provide a contact between community groups and IPY researchers and facilitate the involvement of northerners in the development of IPY initiatives are an important component of the IPY program.

Shared Outcome(s)
Increased understanding (of impacts of a changing climate and of health and well-being of northern communities) that informs policy and decision making, and contributes to recognition of Canada as an expert on the Canadian North. Enhanced northern research capacity through newly trained scientists, knowledge and skills transfer to Northerners, and greater participation in planning and delivery of research by Northerners.

Governance Structure(s)

• Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) Committee on IPY (chaired by the ADMof Northern Affairs, INAC);
• IPY Federal Program Office (housed at INAC);
• Director Generals, Communications Committees on IPY; and
• IPY Advisory Subcommittees.

The Government of Canada Program for IPY works in conjunction with the Canadian IPY National Committee and the Canadian IPY Secretariat who link to the International Joint Committee for IPY and IPY committees from other participating countries.

Federal Partners	Names of Programs for Federal Partners	Total Allocation (from start to end date)	Planned Spending for 2007–08	Actual Spending for 2007–08	Expected Results for 2007–08	Results Achieved in 2007–08
Indian Affairs and Northern Development	Government of Canada Program for IPY	$56,617,380	$18,243,505	$7,397,207	Initiate a targeted science and research program to address priorities on climate change impacts and adaptation and health and well-being of northern communities	Set 44 scientific projects underway; of which, preliminary results are starting to be gathered and shared with the scientific community. Researcher’s workshop was conducted to identify synergy among projects. Call for proposals were launched, generating significant interest, notably in communication/ training projects, where demand exceeded funding available.
Health Canada		$158,234	$46,656	$46,656		N/A
Environment Canada		$11,169,875	$4,396,989	$3,838,341		Two projects measuring atmospheric pollutants (Intercontinental Atmospheric Transport of Anthropogenic Pollutants and Investigation of the Depletion of Ozone and Mercury) have sampled persistent organic pollutants, mercury and ozone across the Arctic. Sampling stations in Asia are in the process of being set up. The cryosphere project is using both satellite and ground measurements (Canada-US snowmobile traverse of the tundra). Outreach has been accomplished and Inuit communities were taught to use satellite-derived ice maps. Preliminary results from the Arctic freshwater systems project note increased flow rates in the Mackenzie system and that melting permafrost will likely alter the ecology of tundra lakes. The weather and environmental prediction initiative designed to validate the Numerical Weather Prediction model over the Arctic during IPY is showing promising results.
Fisheries and Oceans		$31,542,477	$16,528,862	$16,035,549		Produced the first ever single season snap-shot of Canada’s surrounding oceans to provide a foundation for a long term Arctic monitoring program. Research on wildlife has produced interesting findings which have been shared at the international level. Researchers have actively engaged Northerners in their research activities.
Natural Resources		$3,063,000	$1,024,660	$866,387		All IPY science projects were initiated. The major start-up activities included project planning, partnership negotiations, site selection, data collection and preliminary analysis.
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council		$31,290,669	$12,040,668	$12,087,323		24 projects involving 40 academics are being supported The projects contributed to the study of the polar regions environment and results suggest that climate is a strong driver of environmental changes in these regions which could lead to cascading effects on plants, wildlife, water and on northern communities.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research		$9,747,988	$3,838,211	$3,838,210		IPY proposals fall into 4 sub-themes: Reducing Health Disparities Improving Health Outcomes and Well-being; Building and/or Sustaining Healthy, Resilient Communities; Examining the Links Between Climate Change, Human Health, and Well-being; and Ecosystem and Community Vulnerability, Resilience and Adaptive Capacities.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency		$414,500	$182,300	$182,400		Identified commercial dip stick kit for E. coli 0157 screening and MSRV method for Salmonella screening of enrichment cultures Trained Nunavik Research Centre staff on primary enrichment culture techniques; the use of screening tests; and transportation of Dangerous Goods to enable them to send samples to Ottawa. Commercially available toxoplasmosis test kits were evaluated for use on tissue fluid and serum under ideal conditions using experimentally infected swine. Trichinellosis digestion testing was completed on 363 wildlife samples. Genotyping on Trichinella isoliates in process. Assistance and advice on equipment and laboratory setup was provided to northern laboratories to prepare them for trichinellosis testing.
Parks Canada Agency		$1,350,000	$578,863	$33,322		Various field work completed in the Torngat Mountains, including draft ecosystem maps, which will be pursued in 2008 field work. Consultations with stakeholders to assist in the field work.
Public Health Agency of Canada		$617,000	$350,000	$254,315		Sample and data analysis of initial time point samples to be nearly completed; hiring of student to perform final analysis (2007–2010). Optimized the HPV genotyping test, conducted a pilot test with DynaLife laboratory for the transfer of the specimens and communication of the results, and we have tested 300 cervical specimens and reported the results.
Agriculture and Agri-food		$156,400	$40,500	$40,500		Cores were drilled and sampled from three research sites in the Mackenzie Valley. All of the samples were analyzed for carbon, pH, fibre content, macrofossil composition, and bulk density; while half were selected for radiocarbon dating. The findings of this research were presented at the IPY Mackenzie Project workshop held in Edmonton in March, 2008
Canadian Museum of Civilization		$795,200	$263,400	$194,615		A helicopter survey and inventory of archaeological sites was completed along 200 km of the southern coast of Baffin Island, and excavations were undertaken at Cape Tanfield near Kimmirut. The information recovered contributed to knowledge of relations between Indigenous occupants of the area and the mediaeval Norse or other early Europeans. Archaeological excavation of two ancient Inuit houses near Resolute Bay recovered information on the occupation history of the site, as well as evidence dating one of the houses to the 13th or 14th centuries. Both projects were carried out in cooperation with local communities, and included the training of students from Kimmirut and Resolute Bay.
Centrally Earmarked Funds		$3,077,277	n/a		A Treasury Board submission will be developed to access this funding in support for Logistics and Health Safety proposals as well as Science Projects
Total		$150,000,000	$57,534,614	$44,814,825

Contact Information
Kathleen Fischer
Executive Director
International Polar Year Federal Program Office
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
10 Wellington Street, Room 745
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H4
Tel: 819-934-6085
Fax: 819-934-0584
fischerk@ainc-inac.gc.ca

Labrador Innu Comprehensive Healing Strategy

Lead Department(s): Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Health Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Start Date: June 2001
End Date: March 2010

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date)
Cabinet approved the Labrador Innu Comprehensive Healing Strategy (LICHS) in June 2001 and provided $81 million over three years including: $59 million for INAC; $20 million for Health Canada and $2 million for Solicitor General. The initial LICHS ended March 2004, but was extended for one-year; INAC received a further $15 million to provide basic programs and services; and Health Canada received $5.5 million to continue the work already begun under the LICHS. Cabinet approved a new 5-year strategy for INAC and Health Canada (HC) partners in December 2004. Budget 2005, provided funds of $102.5 M for fiscal years 2005–06 to 2009–10 for the continuation of the LICHS.

Description
The LICHS was developed by INAC, HC and former Solicitor General in response to the 2000 gas-sniffing crisis facing the Labrador Innu to help resolve the serious health, social and safety issues in the communities of Davis Inlet and Sheshatshiu. While notable progress has been achieved, many serious issues remain. To address these issues, INAC and HC sought Cabinet approval and funding for the continuation of the LICHS. The proposed approach responded positively to the priorities in the October 2004 Speech from the Throne for addressing the needs of Aboriginal Canadians.

Shared Outcome(s)
The partners, in consultation with the Innu, developed the following 5-year vision with respect to the continuation of the LICHS. This vision is for the federal government, the province and the Innu to work in partnership to: advance Innu community healing; build increased Innu capacity for the management and delivery of some government programs; conclude a land claim Agreement-in-Principle; address issues arising from sexual, physical and emotional abuse; achieve improvements in health, education, family and social well-being, economic development, community development, public safety and First Nation governance; and, manage the LICHS in an integrated and effective fashion.

Governance Structure(s)
Main Table. Chaired by the Chief Federal Negotiator, Labrador Innu file. Membership includes representatives of the Labrador Innu leadership, province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and federal partners to the LICHS. Tripartite sub-committees for: reserve creation, education, new school at Sheshatshiu, income support, child youth and family services, economic development, health, and evaluation.

Federal Partners	Names of Programs for Federal Partners	Total Allocation for the latest LICHS (2005–06/ 2009–10)	Planned Spending for 2007–08	Actual Spending for 2007–08	Expected Results for 2007–08	Results Achieved in 2007–08
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada	Sheshatshiu School design	$0.1M	0	0	Design completed. Construction to begin by Spring 2007 and Project Management team established	Contract awarded and construction commenced Spring 2007. Construction resumed Spring 2008
	Education	$14.8M	$3.075M	$6.6M	Complete Implementation plan for MUN recommendations Undertake community consultations Negotiate Education Agreements with the province of Newfoundland for provision of education services to the Innu communities	Implementation Plan completed, community consultations completed Joint Transition Authority established. Transition Facilitator contracted. Education Agreements in place.
	Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS)	$27.9M	$5.6M	$9.1M	Negotiate CYFS Agreement with province of Newfoundland Establish a CYFS Committee of the Main Table	Agreement in place. CYFS Committee established.
	Income Support	$6.1M	$1.3M	$1M	Negotiate Income Support Agreement with province of Newfoundland	Income Support Agreement in place.
	Electrification — Natuashish	$6M	$1M	$3.3M	Electrification for community of Natuashish.	Electrification for community of Natuashish. Treasury Board funding of $1M insufficient to cover actual costs.
	Airport Agreement — Natuashish	$0.5M	$0.1M	$0.106M	Current airport agreement shares costs to operate airport at Natuashish.	Cost shared with province of Newfoundland to operate airport at Natuashish. Treasury Board funding of $1M insufficient to cover actual costs.
	Facilities O&M Capacity Building	$3.6M	$0.75M	$0.75M	Facilities Manager to run operations of buildings.	Operation of buildings for MIFN (dozer operations, fork lifts, training, etc.)
	Housing Capacity Building	$0.6M	$0.06M	$0.06M	Provide capacity building in support of Natuashish Housing Authority	Funds directly to band/ongoing capacity building provided.
	Lands and Trust Services (LTS) Capacity Building	$1.4M	$0.12M	0	Training, capacity building funds accessed through LTS regular programming.	LICHS Funding used for other priorities, however, training funds accessed through ARO LTS
	Reserve Creation	$0.2M	0	0	Reserve Creation	Reserve Creation Completed
	Devolution Planning and Transition	$0.8M	$0.15M	$0.15M	Innu capacity improved via: Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS) and Income Support Tripartite Committees, and Education Working Group	Tripartite committees on the devolution of CYFS and Education held meetings. Members of the CYFS committee have been briefed on both the Directive 20 and Enhanced Prevention Frameworks. Innu are currently deliberating on their preferred approach. A Transition Facilitator was contracted for the year through the Education Committee to create a work plan and guide the devolution process. Steps in this direction include the initial stages of establishing community level committees and consideration of various governance structures. A Main Table Coordinator role was established to support and coordinate Innu participation.
	New Paths (Outpost)	$1M	$0.2M	$0.2M	Complete New Paths Projects.	150 Innu participated in the initiative, Innu see this as essential component of healing.
	Strategies for Learning	$2.2M	$0.4M	$0.4M	Establishment of JTA, recruitment of Transition Faciliator Continued implementation of Philpott Recommendations	JTA established. Trans Fac contracted for 2007–08 Ongoing implementation of Philpott Recommendations (i.e. Home School Liaisons and Nutrition Program)
	Planning and Consultation	$0.5M	$0.1M	$0.11M	Hold four Main Table sessions	Four Main Table sessions held
	Safe houses	$1.4M	$0.4M	$0.4M	Complete construction, recruit and train staff, develop operations manuals and finalize programming.	Youth Safehouse in Sheshatshiu and dual purpose safehouse in Natuashish operating 24 hours, 7 days a week
Health Canada	Addictions/Mental Health	$13.73M	$2.71M	$2.77M	Construction of a Healing Lodge in Natuashish and implementation of day treatment services.	Healing Lodge constructed, day treatment program operating.
	Maternal/Child Health	$5.3M	$1.1M	$0.7M	Construction of a Wellness Centre in Natuashish, implementation of wellness model.	Wellness Centre constructed, program delivery implemented.
	Community Health Planning	$2.27M	$0.45M	$0.14M	Increase community engagement, increase community capacity for evidence based planning, completion of several evaluation activities leading to increased program effectiveness.	Began process of community health planning in Sheshatshiu, two program evaluations completed in each community in maternal and child health, and addictions programs.
	Management and Support	$4.32M	$0.84M	$0.73M	Improved coordination of health services	Development and approval by Main Table of Health and Healing sub-committee work plans. Launch of position of Director, Integrated Management.
	Safe Houses	$1.65M	$0.4M	$0.4M	Complete construction, staff, and finalize programming.	Construction, staffing and programming completed.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation	Safe Houses	$0.95M	$0.8M		Complete construction	Completed construction and fit-up.
Total		$95.32M	$19.555M	$26.916M

Comments on Variances
Child Youth and Family Services (CYFS) had a $3.1 million deficit. The nature of CYFS programming makes it difficult to stay on projected budget as increase costs associated with one case can significantly affect budget numbers.

Education had a $3.525 million shortfall due to insufficient funding allocation.

Electrification had a $2.3 million deficit due to insufficient funding allocation.

Income support had a $300,000 surplus due to a decrease in the number of people accessing the program.

Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners
Collaboration and coordination between federal departments, Innu and the provincial government were enhanced through the meetings of the Main Table, the Integrated Management Committee and the support provided by the Director of Integrated Management (a joint INAC/HC position).

Contact Information
Stelios Loizides
Senior Policy Analyst
Social Program Reform Directorate
Social Policy and Programs Branch
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
10 Wellington Street
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H4
(819) 997-6717

Mackenzie Gas Project and Induced Exploration

Lead Department(s): Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Lead Department Program Activity: Northern Affairs Organization
Start Date: April 1, 2004
End Date: March 31, 2009
Total Federal Funding Allocation: $225,000,000

Description
Increased demand and rising prices for energy-efficient natural gas across North America have led Imperial Oil Resources, Conoco-Phillips Canada, Shell Canada Limited, ExxonMobil Canada (commonly known as the Producers) and the Aboriginal Pipeline Group (APG) to develop natural gas resources in the Mackenzie Delta and transport them via a 1200 kilometre gas pipeline and an 800 kilometre oil pipeline through the NWT to southern markets. The proposed Mackenzie Gas Project (MGP) is a $16.2 billion project. Initially, 830 million cubic feet per day of northern Canadian natural gas would be available to transport at start up which is targeted for 2013. Although the pipeline itself will bring economic benefits to Canada, of equal importance is that the transportation infrastructure will spur continued exploration and development of the 82 trillion cubic feet of remaining recoverable natural gas and 5 billion barrels of oil located in the NWT, northern Yukon and Beaufort Sea that could be tapped by a Mackenzie Valley pipeline. It would open up a new energy producing region that would be a major contributor to North American energy supply.

In recognition of the significant contribution of oil and gas exploration and development activities to creating economic benefits, contributing to strong and healthy Aboriginal and northern communities and opening up a new frontier energy supply region, the Government of Canada is contributing capacity funds for federal and regional agencies to implement environmental and regulatory responsibilities, to strengthen the government’s scientific expertise, to support northerners’ participation in the environmental assessment (EA) and regulatory process and their ability to take advantage of economic opportunities.

Shared Outcome(s)

• Coordinated federal response to the MGP’s project definition and construction stages and to induced oil and gas activities
• Effective implementation of environmental assessment/regulatory processes
• Research relevant to the environmental assessment and regulatory review of the MGP and induced oil and gas activities
• Supporting northerners’ participation in economic opportunities

Governance Structure(s)

• Senior Officials Committee
• Federal Hearings Committee
• Interdepartmental Working Groups
• Crown Consultation Unit

Federal Partners	Names of Programs for Federal Partners*	Planned Spending for 2007–08	Actual Spending for 2007–08	Expected Results for 2007–08	Results Achieved in 2007–08
Parks Canada		$162,000	$162,000	Follow-up on the MGP EA process to ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of the national parks, historic sites and rivers located in the NWT.	Met expected results by participating in MGP hearings, filing two written submissions, responding to Joint Review Panel Information Requests, and participating on MGP interdepartmental committees such as the Federal Hearings Committee and the Joint Coordination Committee.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada		$20,700,000 from budget 2005 plus $2,931,500 reprofiled and $1,891,900 carried forward from 2006–07 for a 2007–08 total of $25,523,400	$22,560,400	Coordinated federal government’s response to the MGP that avoids duplication and overlap with other federal departments and agencies, as well as northern boards. Follow-up on the EA of the MGP and related regulatory obligations. Implement resource management responsibilities. Support community capacity to participate in the EA/regulatory process and to take advantage of economic opportunities.	Coordinated federal government’s involvement in the joint review of the MGP to ensure an efficient, effective and transparent assessment process. Followed up on regulatory obligations related to the MGP. Coordinated the Government of Canada science program in support of northern energy development, including significant in-house research and assessment programs and joint initiatives with other partners and industry through the Environmental Sciences Research Program. Implemented resource management responsibilities, (land tenure, and administration of benefit plan provisions and royalty policy, etc.) for ever increasing levels of industry activity. Developed and implemented environmental monitoring programs and participated in multi-stakeholder planning processes, including Integrated Oceans Management and the Beaufort Sea Strategic Regional Plan of Action. Supported community capacity to participate in the EA of the MGP and to take advantage of economic opportunities.
Department of Fisheries and Oceans		$6,700,000	$6,700,000	Provision of scientific advice on longstanding responsibilities such as the status of fish stocks, while having enough flexibility to respond to newer issues such as the threat of invasive species, increasing oil and gas exploration and development activity, and species at risk. An adaptive organization that is better aligned with the department's requirements for scientific knowledge and Government of Canada priorities.	Participated in panel hearings and aboriginal consultation. Provision of scientific advice on longstanding responsibilities such as the status of fish stocks, responded to newer issues such as the threat of invasive species, increasing oil and gas exploration and development activity, and species at risk.
Environment Canada		$8,838,000 plus $400,000 reprofiled from 2006–07 for a 2007–08 total of $9,238,000	$7,114,192	The department will focus on its responsibilities pursuant to the EA of the MGP under its legislation and key national policies on such matters as climate change, pollution prevention, wildlife conservation, species-at-risk, emergency preparedness, and others as appropriate. Follow-up on the MGP EA process and initiate related regulatory obligations.	The department participated in the regulatory preparedness process and Crown consultations. The department also focussed on its responsibilities pursuant to the EA of the MGP with respect to key national policies such as climate change, pollution prevention, wildlife conservation, species-at-risk and emergency preparedness.
National Energy Board		$1,700,000	$250,000	Exercise regulatory mandate in assessing the MGP pipeline. The Board is working with a number of regulatory agencies to ensure that environmental assessment and related regulatory issues are dealt with in a coordinated and timely manner.	At the request of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the NEB provided operational funding in the amount of $250k to support the important work of the Northern Gas Pipeline Secretariat. The NEB continued to work with a number of regulatory agencies in addressing a number of initiatives to ensure that potential regulatory issues are dealt with in a coordinated and timely manner.
Natural Resources Canada		$4,900,000 plus $346,000 reprofiled from 2006–07 for a 2007–08 total of $5,246,000	$4,835,300	Validate industry assessments (science) to ensure that appropriate mitigation measures have been taken to minimize environmental impacts, protect the public interest and assess the cumulative effects of individual projects on the broader northern landscape and people.	Coordinated on-going provision of unique federal geo-scientific expertise (8-10 ESS scientists) in the MGP EA review on several of key physical environment issues, e.g. seismic hazard assessment, permafrost and geo-technical issues, slope stability, coastal processes/land submergence, and environmental management and monitoring. NRCan scientists gave testimony and technical reviews to the Joint Review Panel and stakeholders on 16 topics under consideration in the environmental assessment process: seismic hazards; subsidence at Taglu and Niglintgak; Mackenzie Delta storm surges vs design elevation; Niglintgak remote sump and drilling wastes; ice movements and barge-based gas processing; bathymetry in barge routes and dredging; permafrost and design of well pads; ground ice and the gathering system; baseline terrain and permafrost conditions; slope processes and stability; climate change and extremes; climate change impacts on baseline conditions; climate change and sea level rise; soil-pipe interactions; MGP and Enbridge pipelines proximity and crossings; monitoring. Provided funding and legal support for the MGP Crown Consultations Unit.
Transport Canada		$4,000,000	$3,056,000	Responsible for the regulatory oversight of the transportation system.	Increased level of safety regulatory oversight for federally-regulated transportation operators in the project area (increased inspections, audits, outreach, and issuance of transportation documents for the air, rail, marine and dangerous goods sectors). Provision of clear transportation-related information and recommendations to the Joint Review Panel. Provision of clear transportation-related information to aboriginal groups in the project area as part of the GOC Aboriginal consultation process.
Total		$52,039,400	$44,677,892

*For purposes of this initiative, provided below is a list of common themes that apply to all seven departments involved in the MGP. They are the following:

• Environmental Assessment Process: Activities required in response to environmental assessment processes
• Regulatory and Legal Obligations: Northern Boards, departmental permitting, issuance of authorization etc., and other approvals, legal surveying
• Environment and Resource Management: Responsibilities dealing with water, lands, conservation
• Coordination, Management and Communication: Resources to coordinate the activities of the various oil and gas pipeline actors, and to manage the overall federal responsibilities
• Consultation: Departmental and Crown Consultation Unit consultations
• Science: Research projects supporting EA and regulatory review of the MGP and oil and gas development
• Legal Services: Support for negotiations, litigation and agreements

Comments on Variances:
Progress on the MGP is behind schedule due to delays in the joint review panel (environmental assessment) of the project. Actual expenditures of federal departments are therefore less than anticipated at the beginning of the fiscal year. MGP funds not required in fiscal year 2007–08 for northern energy development were: reprofiled or carried forward for northern energy initiatives in fiscal year 2008–09; lapsed at the end of fiscal year 2007–08; or utilized for other departmental priorities in fiscal year 2007–08 consistent with the Expenditure Management System.

Contact Information
Sheila Riordon
A/Director General
Northern Oil and Gas Branch
(819) 953-9393

Urban Aboriginal Strategy

Lead Department(s): Indian and Northern Affairs Canada — Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
Lead Department Program Activity: Co-operative Relations
Start Date: 2007
End Date: 2012
Total Federal Funding Allocation: $68.5 million

Description
The Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) was developed in 1997, to help respond to the needs facing Aboriginal people living in key urban centres. Through the UAS, the Government of Canada seeks to partner with other governments, community organizations and Aboriginal people to support projects that respond to local priorities.

In 2003 and 2004, the UAS was allocated $50 million over a four-year period to build on existing partnerships while providing additional funding to community pilot projects in a small number of cities to learn what works well and what does not.

In 2007, the Government of Canada made a long-term commitment on Aboriginal issues by investing $68.5 million over 5 years to help respond effectively to the needs of Aboriginal people living in key urban centres. The UAS is now in 13 cities and these cities represent more than 25% of Canada’s total Aboriginal population. The 13 cities include: Vancouver, Prince George, Lethbridge, Calgary, Edmonton, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Thompson, Ottawa, Toronto and Thunder Bay.

Shared Outcome(s)
OFI will work to achieve the following shared outcomes:

• Targeting of urban Aboriginal socio-economic needs within new and renewed federal initiatives, where appropriate;
• Improving access and coordination of programs and services;
• Coordination of policy research, knowledge and information sharing in the urban Aboriginal area; and
• Improving horizontal linkages and policy harmonization within the federal government and seeking opportunities for partnership (i.e. the federal government, provincial, municipal governments, Aboriginal groups and private sector).

To accomplish these objectives, UAS projects will strategically focus investments in three priority areas (improving life skills, promoting job training, skills and entrepreneurship and supporting Aboriginal women, children and families).

Governance Structure(s)
All 13 UAS designated communities have established community-based Steering Committees that are the catalysts for planning, making funding decisions, and coordinating work through the Urban Aboriginal Strategy — along with other community activities — to respond to urban Aboriginal issues. A Steering Committee is composed of a cross section of the Aboriginal community, to ensure its decisions reflect broad community concerns and priorities. These Steering Committees include representation from the local Aboriginal community, the federal government, other levels of government and the private sector. The inclusive nature of the Steering Committee is indicative of the principle of partnership that underlies the UAS, particularly in keeping with the objective to establish strong and active partnerships between government and community.

In some of the designated cities under the UAS, federal funding is administered through a community entity (an incorporated organization having been delegated authority for delivering UAS projects on behalf of the various partners). Regardless of whether funding is delivered by a community entity or by federal officials (shared delivery model) or a combination of the two, funding through the UAS is designed to promote cooperation with other key partners (including other federal departments) and stakeholders in support of community interests.

Federal Partners	Names of Programs for Federal Partners	Total Allocation (from start to end date)	Planned Spending for 2007–08	Actual Spending for 2007–08	Expected Results for 2007–08	Results Achieved in 2007–08
Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-Status Indians	Urban Aboriginal Strategy	$68,500,000	$8,233,781	Actual Spending Figures will be known in the Fall, 2008	UAS projects will strategically focus investments in three priority areas (improving life skills, promoting job training, skills and entrepreneurship and supporting Aboriginal women, children and families).	During the 2007–08 fiscal year, the UAS entered into nine partnership arrangements with five federal government departments. Through the UAS’ partnership arrangement the UAS leveraged, $664,754 from other federal departments and agencies.
Human Resources and Social Development	Homeless Partnership Strategy	$104,700	$57,700	$57,700	Changes in Housing Status — To provide 12 transitional units furnished for youth to move from care to transitional housing. Risk Reduction — To provide 12–15 Youth with a safe place to live that will reduce risk and provide life skills and transition to independent living.	Recipient to report on project results in July 2008.
		$171,634	$114,259	$114,259	Improve the life skills and increase the health outcomes of 660 individuals through assistance provided by the Community Linkages Soup Bus Program.	Recipient to report on project results in July 2008.
		$1,344,000	$200,000	$200,000	Transition Measure — providing 58 new daycare openings.	Recipient to report on project results in July 2008.
		$184,123	$12,919	$12,919	Mentorship Initiative that provides mentors for women who are leaving the safety and support of the Centre. Mentors are selected from past Centre programs who are dedicated to remain on a healing journey. Program includes a comprehensive training program and ongoing supports.	Recipient to report on project results in July 2008.
Service Canada	Skills Link	$200,000	$50,376	$50,376	Assist 300 Aboriginal individuals within the program Project Horizon. The program is a pre-employment program targeted to Aboriginal adults who have not worked.	Recipient to report on project results in July 2008.
Canadian Heritage	Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Program	$302,113	$55,000	$55,000	To undertake a large impact horizontal program that promotes the potential of urban Aboriginal youth in Calgary. This will be accomplished through the creation of 560 additional skills development opportunities, providing cultural awareness to 2500 individuals, retaining 360 Aboriginal students in school, providing health promotion measures to 1300 Aboriginal individuals and implementing risk reduction measures for 5 Aboriginal people.	The results from this project include: 808 youth exposed to additional skills development opportunities; 4445 people provided with cultural awareness through 43 different events; 1162 students promoted to stay in school through 99 workshops; 2900 youth exposed to heath promotion and 32 workshops held focusing on risk reduction for Aboriginal people.
		$271,975	$120,000	$120,000	Formerly incarcerated men complete the 'In Search of Your Warrior' program by March 31, 2008, which includes personal development, life skills, job readiness, enhance self-esteem and a positive re-integration into community. As well, a five year funding arrangement with the Correctional Service of Canada for this type of programming will be in place by March 31, 2008.	Recipient to report on project results in July 2008.
Status of Women	Women's Community Fund	$265,750	$48,500	$48,500	Through the Mobile Access Program Project, increase the number of safe places for 1000 sex workers per month in Vancouver, through increasing access to violence prevention services and information on health and addiction treatment services and decrease preventable deaths. The services include providing employment opportunities for women who have exited the sex trade and who are building their skills to create alternatives to sex work.	Through the Mobile Access Program Project, increase the number of safe places for 1114 sex workers per month in Vancouver.
National Film Board	In-kind	$71,300	$6,000	$6,000	Provide 12–14 Aboriginal youth with an interest in the film industry with career training as part of the Dreamspeaker Film Festival.	Recipient to report on project results in July 2008.
Total		$2,915,585	$664,754	$664,754

Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners
The UAS increases urban Aboriginal program coordination within the Government of Canada to maximize its investments and enable greater federal program alignment with provincial and municipal programming.

The UAS has proven effective in leveraging both monetary and in-kind contributions. There were over 168 projects funded during the 2007–08 fiscal year. In addition to contributions from other government departments, non-federal government partners have contributed almost $5,039,368 during the 2007–08 fiscal year to support the federal contributions under UAS. In some communities, partnerships have formed between the federal government departments, provincial government, municipal government, Aboriginal organizations, non-profit organizations and employer associations to support the UAS project initiatives in thirteen cities. Although the data above identify examples of projects that received financial support from other federal departments, other projects funded through the UAS received non-financial support from a number of federal departments.

Contact Information
Allan MacDonald
Director General
Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
66 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H4
Telephone: (613) 992-8186

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