Question Period Note: Accountability in Indigenous Spending

N.A.

• We take accountability for federal investments seriously, including those targeted to Indigenous governments, organizations and communities.
• The majority of 2024-25 Main Estimates for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada were composed of $8.9 billion in transfer payments to mainly Indigenous Governments. The remainder, $2 billion in operating expenditures, also include settlements for childhood claims and the management of contaminated sites in the North.
• This funding, like all federal spending, is subject to internal audits as well as audits of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. Indigenous governments also audit their own financial reports.
• Addressing generations of underfunding means that achieving long-term outcomes takes time. My department has been codeveloping targets with Indigenous partners to ensure that we are measuring the right outcomes and that accountability is shared. If pressed on Expenditures by Program
• Of the $10.9 billion in the 2024-25 Main Estimates, 64% is directed toward resolving litigation, settlements, and specific claims, while 18% supports the management and implementation of agreements and treaties.
• Major components of litigation and settlement include the Agricultural Benefits settlements ($3.8 billion), other Specific Claims settlements ($1.6 billion), the Federal Boarding Homes (Percival) settlement ($533 million), and the Federal Day Schools Settlement (McLean) ($433 million).

N.A.

If pressed on Specific Accountability Measures
• We have just tabled legislation to set up an Independent Commissioner on Modern Treaties to strengthen federal accountabilities on our legal responsibilities to Indigenous Governments.
• Funding provided to First Nations through Grants and Contributions programs is governed by strict terms and conditions to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Recipients must submit financial reports, often audited by independent public accounting firms, to show how funds were spent and that they comply with all financial requirements.
• They also provide reports on what results they have achieved.
• Together, these mechanisms, supported by audits and assessments, ensure public funds are managed soundly and deliver meaningful community outcomes. If pressed on Expenditures by Type
• The majority of transfer payments were used for advancing reconciliation by settling specific claims ($6 billion) and to support self-government agreements to address section 35 rights ($1.6 billion).
• Operating funds were needed for the settlement of Indigenous litigation, such as the Federal Boarding Home (Percival) Litigation ($0.5 billion) and the Federal Day Schools Settlement (McLean) ($0.4 billion).
• These financial resources were instrumental in allowing the department to pursue its mandate commitments and support Indigenous reconciliation, self-determination and self-governance. If pressed on progress towards self-determination
• In 2024–25, CIRNAC supported 173 rights-based tables, resulting in 17 agreements and 6 preliminary-type agreements. A key milestone was the Red River Métis Self-Government Treaty, the first with a Métis government in Canada.
• The department extended 25 self-government funding agreements, supporting Indigenous control over priorities like health, housing, education, and economic development.
• These agreements promote social, cultural, political, and economic autonomy and well-being, and are vital in ensuring Indigenous Peoples have a voice in shaping their own future.