Funding Commitments
Canada's Current Position (#1): $47.8 billion over 10 years NCCC Opening Response: 1 (a) $47.8 B is acknowledged and appreciated as a starting point. Without clear evidence marginal changes cannot be ruled out. 1 (b) Review of current funding in draft FSA for governance. Some of these funds can be moved to the front lines. 1 (c) Funding commitments that speak to distinct First Nations circumstances, that will include but are not limited to, remoteness issues, capacity building, actual and evidence-based needs, start-up funding for new agencies
Canada's Current Position (#2): Actual costs end. NCCC Opening Response: Capital and post-majority at actuals for another 3 years, subject to review. Recognition that actuals during COVID-19 cannot be accurate. There are still knowledge gaps on required expenditures which may lead to marginal increases in funding envelope.
Canada's Current Position (#5): Discrimination appears to remain (their funding methodology does not stop the discrimination) NCCC Opening Position: 5. (a) Use of IFSD's measuring-to-thrive framework (see report) as a starting point: needs-based funding approaches that prioritize substantive equality, and which address any adverse effects related to per capita funding approaches consistent with the CHRT’s funding principles, including substantive equality, best interests of the child, culturally appropriate, distinct community circumstances . 5 (b) Creation of pools of funding for regional approaches and capacity building. 5 (c) For First Nations and Agencies with surpluses there should be a provision to use for capacity building based on a workplan and then they can become eligible for the capacity building fund as well. This will reduce the exposure for Canada and ensure dispensed funds are able to be put to use Funding must be sufficient to meet the principles of the Agreement and other legislative and regulatory requirements that are consistent with the principles of this Agreement (e.g., the language Act).
Canada's Current Position (#3): $ is subject to annual appropriations (and other approval processes required by Canada) NCCC Opening Position: Funding provided through guarenteed procees such as statutory measures or special purposes allotments (i.e. not subject to annual appropriations or other federal approval processes).
Canada's Current Position (#4): Funding after 10 years not clearly required NCCC Opening Position: Clarification that the funding responsibility does not disappear at the 10 year mark. Canada's obligation is to ensure the discrimination is eliminated and does not reoccur.
Canada's Current Position (#6): Relied on per capita & Indian Registry System (IRS) population-based funding model, similar to the one deemed discriminatory by the CHRT. Prevention services were capped at an arbitrary amount based on incomplete study (~$2,500 per on-reserve member) NCCC Opening Position: 6 First Nations and Agencies provide services to children and families wherever they reside (as per C-92 minimum standards). IRS does not capture the entire population served. Funding must not rely solely on the per capita formulas, especially thsoe tied to the IRS. Parties must work towards a population framework, such as a First Nations led census, to estimate the actual population served.
Canada's Current Position (#7): Does not apply to off-reserve NCCC Opening Position: Extension of services at similar levels to those children who are First Nations who have been forced off-reserve due to lack of housing and services. See also 5(a).