Question Period Note: Public Accounts – Indigenous Services Canada

We are delivering on a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, where we are working together to improve quality of life and advance self-determination.
We have made significant new investments of $21 billion through four budgets, which have resulted in:
• The lifting of long-term drinking water advisories;
• The co-development of distinctions-based housing strategies;
• The advancement of Indigenous-led healthcare delivery;
• The recognition of jurisdiction in child and family services; and
• A new fiscal relationship with communities.

Our Public Accounts demonstrate this commitment to working diligently to improve quality of life for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

The Public Accounts are part of a series of reports to Parliament and to the Canadian public providing information on the state of the Government of Canada’s finances.
• The 2018–19 Public Accounts of Canada reflect the Government of Canada’s audited consolidated financial statements and other detailed financial information for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019:
- Volume I presents the audited consolidated financial statements of the Government of Canada, the report of the Auditor General of Canada and details on certain components of the financial statements;
- Volume II presents the financial operations of the Government of Canada segregated by ministry; and
- Volume III includes supplementary information and analysis such as information on losses of money or property, write-offs, or payments of claims against the Crown.

Ministerial Travel

We are committed to ensuring that public funds are used responsibly.
Our government is renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.
Travel is required to engage with First Nation, Inuit and Metis community members on issues that matter most to them.
Connecting directly with communities is an integral part of re-establishing trust and building a new relationship.

If pressed further on increase in Minister’s Travel

Due to the split of departments on November 30, 2017, last year’s Public Accounts (2017-18) of Indigenous Services Canada included only 4 months of operations, whereas this year’s Public Accounts (2018-19) constituted a full years’ worth of operations and expenditures.
As a result, Ministerial travel expenditures have increased over that of 2017-18.
We remain committed to ensuring that public funds are used in a responsible manner.

If pressed on ‘Increase in costs’ or ‘Transition’

On November 30, 2017, Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada transferred the Education and Social Development Programs and Partnership and Regional Operations Sectors to Indigenous Services Canada.
As a result, this year’s Public Accounts (2018-19) include a full year of operations, compared to only 4 months of operations in last year’s Public Accounts (2017-18). This explains variances in amounts.

Lapsed Funding 2018-19

The majority of the lapsed funding was for demand-driven programs such as non-insured health benefits and Jordan’s Principle.
Funding will be moved into future fiscal years to ensure the Department can continue to meet the demand for these programs.
The Department’s net lapse of $4.3 million which is not eligible to be moved to future years, amounts to less than 0.04% of the overall budget and consists of salaries and operating expenditures.
The lapse of $4.3M in vote 1 cannot be transferred to future years as it is greater than the maximum carry-forward amount stipulated by Financial policies.

Fines – Indian Act

Fines are collected for infractions that occur on-reserve and are reallocated back to the community to use at their discretion.
Once collected by the courts and Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC), they are received by ISC and subsequently transferred out to the Band trust account for the benefit of the bands or members of the bands.
Reasons for fines include the trespassing of a person on reserve, traffic control, residency, public health, nuisances and wildlife control.