COW - Truth and Reconciliation Commission Implementation (All CTA’s) - June 10, 2021

• Our government fully understands the importance of the Calls to Action and we are accelerating work with our partners to advance implementation.
• Of the 76 Calls to Action that fall under the sole or shared responsibility of the federal government, 80 percent of them have been completed or are well underway.
• Although progress has been made to advance the Calls to Action, this work will require sustained and consistent action to further accelerate implementation.
• I look forward to working with our partners to further advance implementation of the Calls to Action.

Child welfare (1-5)

(1-5 – ISC lead)
(4 is completed – ISC lead)

• We must all continue to work together to end this ongoing crisis that is impacting Indigenous children and families.
• The coming into force of the Act respecting First Nation, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (the Act) on January 1, 2020, marked a historic turning point for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families.
• It put in place what Indigenous peoples across this country have been asking of governments for decades: that their jurisdiction over child and family services be affirmed so that they can decide what is best for their communities.

If pressed on CTA 2 – ISC lead

• The Act’s national guiding principles must be applied by all who provide child and family services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis families including Provinces, Territories and service providers.
• This will ensure that the best interests of the child, cultural continuity and substantive equality are the guiding principles and priorities in any situation.
• The Act also opens the door for First Nations, Inuit and Métis to choose their own solutions by exercising their jurisdiction.
• We must all continue to work together to end this ongoing crisis impacting Indigenous children and families.

If pressed on CTA 3 – ISC lead

• We are committed to the full implementation of Jordan's Principle and to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need.
• From July 2016 to November 2020, approximately 770,000 requested products, services and supports have been approved.
• Budget 2019 invested $1.2 billion over three years to support the continued implementation of Jordan’s Principle.
• We have also invested $220 million over five years to address the immediate needs of Inuit children and to continue working with Inuit partners to improve local capacity to deliver services.

Education (6 to 12)

(6 – DOJ)
(7-11 – ISC)
(12 – ESDC)

• Every First Nation child deserves the best start in life and support that enables them to reach their full potential.
• This is why we:
  • co-developed a new policy framework with partners to transform the way education on reserve is funded;
  • support full-day kindergarten programs in First Nations schools for children aged four and five; and
  • are investing in language and cultural programming.
• By working together with partners, First Nations students will receive a high quality and culturally appropriate education that responds to their needs.

Language and culture (13 to 17)

(13 and 14 are completed – PCH)
(15 – PCH)
(16 is not federal)
(17 – StatsCan)

• The Indigenous Languages Act is historic and demonstrates our commitment to support the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages.
• Canadian Heritage is working collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples to implement the Indigenous Languages Act and has recently completed consultations on the development of an Indigenous Languages Funding Model and on the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages.
• Informed by these consultations, we will advance the appointment of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages and continue to work with Indigenous Peoples to develop a new funding model to better support the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance and strengthening of Indigenous languages.

Health (18-24)

(18-24 – ISC)
(24 is not a federal lead)

• We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to close gaps that prevent their access to quality healthcare.
• We have:
  • approved more than 813,000 requests for products and services under Jordan’s Principle since 2016;
  • allocated, in 2020-21, $47.5 million to support mental health programming and services in all 72 First Nations and Inuit communities in the three territories;
  • supported 63 community-led mental wellness teams that are serving 344 communities; and
  • in 2019-2020, provided coverage of health benefits to over 857,500 First Nations and Inuit.
• We continue working to ensure that Indigenous peoples are in control of the design and delivery of their healthcare programs and services.

If pressed on Call to Action 18 - ISC lead

• With the support of Health Canada and Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Indigenous Services Canada is leading the planning and coordination of national discussions on addressing racism experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada’s health care systems.
• Central to this work is the promotion and support of Indigenous healing approaches.
• Work and engagement will continue through 2021 and beyond.

If pressed on Call to Action 22 - ISC lead

• The 2020 Fall Economic Statement announced an initial investment of $15.6 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to support the co-development of distinctions-based health legislation with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
• This work will improve access to high-quality and culturally relevant health services.

Justice (25-42)

(25 is completed – PS)
(27 and 28 are not federal leads)
(41 is completed – CIRNAC – MMIWG Inquiry)
(26,30-32, 34, 36-38, 40, 42 – DOJ)
(29 – CIRNAC)
(33 – ISC)
(39 – ISED)

• In the Throne speech and January 2021 mandate letters, our Government reaffirmed our commitment to advancing reforms to address systemic inequities in our criminal justice system, while holding offenders to account, protecting victims and keeping our communities safe.
• The Government is focused on addressing systemic racism in the criminal justice system to ensure that we meet the highest standards of equity, fairness and respect for the Charter and the rule of law.
• All Canadians must have confidence that the criminal justice system is there to protect them.

If pressed on CTA 29: Addressing the Legacy

(29 – CIRNAC)

• Canada took concrete action to implement this Call to Action through the settlements of the Newfoundland and Labrador (Anderson), Federal Indian Day Schools (McLean) and Sixties Scoop settlement agreements.
• Canada will continue to work with plaintiffs, their counsel, Indigenous leaderships, the provinces and territories to resolve Indigenous Childhood Claims Litigation outside of the courts wherever possible.

Canadian governments and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (43 to 44)

(43 – DOJ)
(44 – CIRNAC)

• We are proud to introduce Bill C-15, which marks a key milestone, as it fulfils a central mandate commitment as stated in the 2019 and 2020 Speech from the Throne.
• At the core, this is a human rights issue, including the protection of rights to self-determination, self-government, equality, and non-discrimination.
• This bill is another step forward in our reconciliation journey and to a brighter future for Canada where all our children and grandchildren can prosper and thrive.
• We are committed to work to ensure passage of this co-developed legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Royal Proclamation and Covenant of Reconciliation (45 to 47)

(45 – PCO)
(46-47 – DOJ)

Use lines of regarding UNDRIP from p. 11

Equity for Aboriginal People in the legal system (50 to 52)

(50-51 – DOJ)
(52 – CIRNAC)

• Our Government recognizes the importance of revitalizing Indigenous legal systems and the role of Indigenous law institutes.
• We invested $9.1 million towards an Indigenous Legal Lodge at the University of Victoria, which will house the university’s new dual degree program in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders, and will serve as a foundation for public education and partnership on the revitalization of Indigenous laws.
• We also invested $10 million to support initiatives that improve equality for Indigenous people in Canada’s legal system.
• Our new commitment to develop with partners an Indigenous Justice strategy should offer further opportunities to advance these calls to action.

National Council for Reconciliation (53-56)

(53-56 – CIRNAC)

• We remain committed to establishing a National Council for Reconciliation and will take into consideration the advice and recommendations provided in the Interim Board’s final report.
• We announced $126.5 million, beginning in 2021-22, to establish a National Council for Reconciliation and fund its initial operations.
• Once established, the Council is expected to monitor, evaluate and report to all Canadians on progress towards reconciliation across all levels and sectors of Canadian society.

Professional development and training for public servants (57)

(57 completed – CSPS)

Please refer to general lines at page 2

Church apologies and reconciliation (58 to 61)

(58 to 61 – not federal leads)

Please refer to general lines at page 2

Education and reconciliation (62 and 65)

(62 – ISC and P/Ts)
(63 and 64 – not a federal lead)
(65 – SSHRC)

• Our Government is working in partnership to improve access to post‑secondary education for Indigenous students.
• We are expanding financial assistance for First Nations’ students while supporting First Nations development of regional post-secondary education models.
• We are also supporting new Inuit and Métis Nation-led strategies, including direct funding for students.
• An additional $75.2 million was provided in 2020-21 to increase support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students impacted by COVID-19.
• Our Government is providing access to post‑secondary education for more than 23,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation students.

Youth programs (66)

(66 – CIRNAC)

• Advancing reconciliation depends fundamentally on supporting Indigenous youth to help guide our work forward and to become leaders of their communities and nations.
• Canada launched an Indigenous youth-led pilot project in 2019, in partnership with Canadian Roots Exchange, to inform recommendations on the implementation of Call to Action 66.
• This pilot project is establishing strong pathways and networks for Indigenous youth from across the country to convene and support each other, build capacity and employability, and engage with federal departments on key policy initiatives that impact Indigenous youth and their communities.

Museums and archives (67 to 70)

(67-70 are PCH)
(67 and 68 are completed – PCH)

• Listening, raising awareness and being truthful about the treatment of Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities in Canada throughout history is an imperative for our government.
• Public institutions and governmental resources should reflect and embody that purpose.
• Library and Archives Canada, through its online platform, must clearly underline and explain the responsibility of important public figures and colonial structures in creating and reproducing harm and prejudice against Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities.
• This work is currently ongoing and we will be following its progress very closely.

Missing children and burial information (71 to 76)

(71 is not a federal lead)
(72-76 – CIRNAC)

• Locating children who died while attending Residential Schools is fundamental for families and communities to begin their healing journey.
• A total of $33.8 million over three years has been invested to begin this important work – but this is just the beginning.
• Canada continues to fund the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to further their work on in the National Residential School Student Death Register and online cemeteries register.
• We have heard from Indigenous partners how to best advance this work. $27.1 million will be allocated to help communities research, locate and commemorate children who died in residential schools.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (77 to 78)

(77 is not federal)
(78 is completed – CIRNAC)

• Residential Schools were a dark chapter of Canada’s history with Indigenous peoples – one that should never be forgotten.
• In December 2016, the Government of Canada provided $10 million to support the important work of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
• This contribution will help to ensure that the history and legacy of Canada's residential school system is remembered.

Commemoration (79 to 83)

(79 – Parks)
(80 – PCH)
(81 – PCH)
(82 is not a federal lead)
(83 is completed – PCH)

• Our Government is committed to advancing reconciliation and renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.
• We encourage all Canadians to learn about and commemorate the legacy of Residential Schools.
• We introduced Bill C-5, which seeks to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and we have begun engagement towards a Residential Schools National Monument in Ottawa.
• We continue working to honour Residential School survivors and their families.

If pressed on Call to action 80

(PCH messages)

• In response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-5 to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
• This new proposed statutory holiday on September 30 would honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the tragic history and legacy of residential schools.
• In addition, Budget 2021 proposes to provide $13.4 million over five years, with $2.4 million ongoing, for commemoration activities and events during the proposed National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Media and reconciliation (84 to 86)

(85 and 86 are not federal)
(84 is completed – CBC)

• The Government encourages all Canadians to learn about the legacy of Residential Schools.
• Budget 2016 funding enabled CBC to create the Espaces autochtones digital portal and other key Indigenous content.
• This funding also allowed CBC to hire local Indigenous staff in Yellowknife for the digitization of decades of audio programming in eight Indigenous languages.
• Canadians’ understanding of the painful legacy of residential schools is vital to truth telling, reconciliation, recognizing past injustices, and healing.

Sports and reconciliation (87 to 91)

(87 and 88 are completed – PCH)
(89-90 – PCH)
(91 is not a federal lead)

• Engagement with Indigenous Peoples, including the Aboriginal Sport Circle, is essential to ensure that the sport related Calls to Action are addressed, including the commitment to amend the Physical Activity and Sport Act.
• Our Government is working in collaboration with key Indigenous stakeholders to design and implement sport programming in Indigenous communities.
• We will work with bid societies to ensure that Indigenous communities are engaged in all aspects of major sport events.

Newcomers to Canada (93 and 94)

(93 and 94 – IRCC)

• On October 22, 2020, the Government reintroduced amendments to the Oath of Citizenship to recognize the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
• These changes are important in advancing our broader agenda for reconciliation and strengthening the country’s valued relationship with Indigenous peoples in Canada.
• New wording will help ensure that new Canadians appreciate and respect how Indigenous peoples and their history are an important part of Canada’s fabric and identity.

Background

As part of its closing events on June 2, 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released a summary of its final report, which included 94 recommendations, or Calls to Action (CTAs), directed to a wide range of institutions, including the Government of Canada, provincial/territorial governments, churches, corporations and schools. The CTAs focus primarily on social, cultural and rights-related issues, touch upon a range of policy areas, implicate a number of federal departments and agencies and would require a variety of mechanisms to implement (such as legislation, program or policy change, reports or gestures).

As part of Budget 2019, over $200 million was invested to address specific Calls to Action, which include:

• $9.1 million over three years, to support the construction of an Indigenous Legal Lodge at the University of Victoria, as per Call to Action 50;
• $126.5 million to establish a National Council for Reconciliation and endow it with initial operating capital, as per Call to Action 53-54;
• $15.2 million over three years for an Indigenous youth pilot program delivered by Canadian Roots Exchange, as per Call to Action 66 (A three year contribution agreement is currently in place and the pilot project was launched in July 2019);
• $33.8 million over three years to develop and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register and to work with parties to establish and maintain an online registry of residential school cemeteries, as per Calls to Action 72-76; and
• $10 million over two years to support the establishment of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as per Call to Action 80.