Question Period Note: Indigenous peoples within CIRNAC

• Our Government is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive public service free of discrimination, harassment and violence.
• CIRNAC is committed to recruiting Indigenous Peoples into existing positions at all levels and to providing opportunities for professional development, career advancement and retention of current Indigenous employees.
• Employees are encouraged to complete the voluntary self-identification form, however it is not mandatory. Therefore, the total number of Indigenous employees may actually be higher.
• CIRNAC remains committed to a high representation of Indigenous employees, including in executive positions.

Breakdown of Indigenous representation as of September 2022 for CIRNAC

Class Group Indigenous Non-Indigenous Total
AS 75 322 397
CO * * *
CR 25 78 103
DM * * *
EC 71 612 683
ED * * *
EG 7 13 20
EN 3 25 28
EX 13 90 103
FI 6 46 52
GS * * *
IS 3 10 13
IT * * *
OC * * *
PC 3 100 103
PE 17 161 178
PM 73 182 255
ST * * *
WP * * *
Grand Total 300 1,653 1,953

• In order to protect the identification of certain employees due to the low rate, other classification groups are not disclosed.

If pressed on allegations of discrimination at CIRNAC

• We take allegations of workplace discrimination seriously and are committed to fostering a work environment that is safe and inclusive for everyone.

• We have a zero tolerance policy for racism and discrimination towards our employees and the Indigenous Peoples we serve.

• We have also established a new Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Secretariat within the department to drive cultural change and address systemic racism.

If pressed on the decrease of Indigenous employees
• The decrease in the rate of Indigenous representation at CIRNAC after 2017 reflects the division of programs between CIRNAC and ISC.
• This included a transfer of over 2,000 employees in November 2017 from the former INAC to ISC and the transfer of approximately another 1,000 employees in July 2019.
• ISC now has most of the regional programs and programs that work directly with Indigenous communities where Indigenous employee representation rates tend to be higher.