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ARCHIVED - RPP 2006-2007
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada

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The Honourable Jim Prentice
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians




Minister's Message
Management Representation Statement

SECTION I – OVERVIEW
Mandate
Strategic Outcome
Financial and Human Resources
Planning Context
Operating Environment
Departmental Priorities in Support of the Strategic Outcome

SECTION II – ANALYSIS OF PROGRAM ACTIVITY BY STRATEGIC OUTCOME
Strategic Outcome
Financial and Human Resources
Program Activity
Expected Results of Program Activity

SECTION III – SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Organizational Information
Financial Tables
Table 1: Departmental Planned Spending and Full Time Equivalents
Table 2: Program by Activity
Table 3: Voted and Statutory Items listed in Main Estimates
Table 4: Services Received Without Charge
Table 5: Summary of Capital Spending by Program Activity




Minister's Message

The Honourable Jim Prentice, P.C., M.P.I am pleased to present the 2006–2007 Report on Plans and Priorities for Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada. 

It is a great privilege for me to assume the responsibility for Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, a department which is dedicated to resolving the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools system.   Resolution is key to strengthening the Government's relationship with Aboriginal Canadians.

Since taking office, this Government has taken decisive action towards resolution and healing.  On May 10, 2006, the Government announced the conclusion of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, reached with legal representatives of former students of Indian Residential Schools, legal representatives of the Churches involved in running those schools, the Assembly of First Nations, and other Aboriginal organizations.  This historic Settlement Agreement is just and honourable, and is intended to foster reconciliation and the renewal of relationships between Aboriginal Canadians, their families and communities, the Government, the Churches involved in the running of Indian Residential Schools, and all Canadians. 

The Settlement Agreement proposes a series of individual and collective measures which will provide tangible acknowledgement to former students of their Indian Residential School experience and give former students and their families and communities the opportunity to share their experiences with all Canadians, in order that we may all learn from the past and move forward together in a new spirit of partnership.

Before it can be implemented, the Settlement Agreement requires the approval of the Courts in nine Canadian jurisdictions.  In anticipation of the implementation of the Settlement Agreement, the Government also launched an Advance Payment program to ensure that elderly former students receive acknowledgement as soon as possible.

This Report on Plans and Priorities describes the Department's agenda for the three-year planning period of 2006-07 to 2008-09 and sets out its commitment to bring closure to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

The Honourable Jim Prentice, P.C., M.P.

Management Representation Statement

I submit for tabling in Parliament, the 2006-2007 Report on Plans and Priorities for Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada.

This document has been prepared based on the reporting principles contained in the Treasury Board Secretariat Guide for the Preparation of Part III of the 2006-2007 Estimates: Reports on Plans and Priorities and Departmental Performance Reports:

It adheres to the specific reporting requirements outlined in the guide:

  • is based on the Department's approved Program Activity Architecture as reflected in the Treasury Board Secretariat Management Resources and Results Structure;
  • presents consistent, comprehensive, balanced and reliable information;
  • provides a basis of accountability for the results achieved with the resources and authorities entrusted to it; and;
  • reports finances based on approved planned spending numbers from the Treasury Board Secretariat in the Report on Plans and Priorities.

Suzanne Tining

Executive Director and Deputy Head

SECTION I – OVERVIEW

The Report on Plans and Prioritiesis the key document detailing activities for Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada for the fiscal year 2006-2007.  The report provides an overview (Section I); describes the Department's plans to achieve its strategic outcome over the next three years (Section II); and, presents financial tables outlining planned spending and other relevant information (Section III).

The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians is responsible for reporting to Parliament on Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada.

Mandate

Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada is dedicated to resolving claims and addressing issues arising from the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools system.  Within its mandate, the Department has undertaken to:

  • Resolve claims in a timely fashion, through litigation and other methods of dispute resolution that are compassionate for claimants;
  • Work with the Department of Justice which represents the Government of Canada in the litigation process, where chosen by claimants;
  • Work with former Indian Residential Schools students, their families and communities in support of projects that promote healing and reconciliation;
  • Work with federal government departments, provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal peoples and organizations, Churches involved in running Indian Residential Schools, and other interested groups; and;
  • Promote awareness and public education of Canadians about the impacts of the Indian Residential Schools system.

Strategic Outcome

The Department has one strategic outcome which is to advance reconciliation between former students of Indian Residential Schools and the Government of Canada.  

Financial and Human Resources


        2006-2007 ($ millions)

2007-2008

2008-2009

208.6

 -*

-*



2006-2007 (FTEs)

2007-2008

2008-2009

300.0

-*

-*


*Note:       Once court approved, the Government will provide adequate resources to fulfil its obligations under the Settlement Agreement.  New funding and authorities will be sought for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 fiscal years.

Planning Context

The Department plans and sets priorities that are directly linked to its mandate and achieving its strategic outcome.  Departmental planning will necessitate the securing of resources for the implementation of the Settlement Agreement and to ensure continued delivery of the existing National Resolution Framework during the transition period.  The Settlement Agreement includes a Common Experience Payment to be paid for all eligible former Indian Residential Schools students; an Independent Assessment Process forclaims of sexual or serious physical abuse;funding for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation to support healing; expansion of the Mental Health Support Program administered by Health Canada; commemoration initiatives; the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and contribution in cash and services by Church entities involved in the administration of Indian Residential Schoolstoward healinginitiatives.

The Department has begun to plan and prepare for the transition from the implementation of the existing National Resolution Framework to the implementation of the Settlement Agreement that is expected to begin in fiscal year 2007-2008.  The Department is administering the Advance Payment program which is designed to provide elderly former students who have validated applications with a portion of their Common Experience Payment.

Operating Environment

The Department delivers its claims resolution program in an environment characterized by: the need to continue to implement the existing National Resolution Framework while preparing for the implementation of the new court-mandated Settlement Agreement; the continued need for horizontal cooperation within the federal government; and sharing of responsibilities for program delivery with Service Canada and Health Canada.  The Settlement Agreement is a class action settlement and will bind all parties upon approval of the courts.  There are Government of Canada representatives on the National Certification Committee which will oversee the administration of the class action proceedings, and the National Administration Committee which will oversee the implementation of the Settlement Agreement once it is approved.  With respect to its responsibilities under the Settlement Agreement, the Government has accountabilities to the National Administration Committee and ultimately to the courts.

Horizontality

Key partners in the delivery of the current claims resolution program include the Department of Justice and Health Canada.  The Department of Justice represents the Government of Canada through the litigation process where chosen by claimants and Health Canada delivers and funds the Mental Health Support Program.  The implementation of the Settlement Agreement will broaden Departmental partnerships to include Service Canada which will be responsible for delivery of the Common Experience Payment and the administration of the Designated Amount Fund.  As well, the Department along with Church entities and the Assembly of First Nations have begun the groundwork for the implementation of the Churchcommittees that will ensure that admissible programs and services are directed to healing and reconciliation for former Indian Residential Schools students and their families. 

Under the Settlement Agreement, the Aboriginal Healing Foundationwill receive additional funding to support community-based healing initiatives that address the legacy of physical and sexual abuse in Indian Residential Schools including intergenerational impacts.  

The key objective of the Settlement Agreement and Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada is the resolution of Indian Residential School claims and addressing the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools system.  In terms of the Horizontal Aboriginal Framework developed by Treasury Board Secretariat, the implementation of the Settlement Agreement has clear linkages to four of the seven areas of priority set out in the Horizontal Aboriginal Framework (see below).  The Horizontal Aboriginal Frameworkprovides a government-wide view of Aboriginal-specific programming and spending offered by the Government of Canada and arranges 360 federal programs and services under seven thematic headings: Health; Lifelong Learning; Housing; Safe and Sustainable Communities; Economic Opportunities; Lands and Resources; and Governance and Relationships.  The Horizontal Aboriginal Frameworkalso displays strategic outcomes the Government is trying to achieve in each thematic area; program expenditures for each fiscal year; and Aboriginal target groups for each program.


 

Horizontal Aboriginal Framework

Areas of Priority

 

 

Linkage to Settlement Agreement

Health

  1. Mental Health Support Program
  2. Aboriginal Healing Foundation

Life-long Learning

  1. Transfer of excess amounts in the Common Experience Payment Designated Amount Fund for educational programs
  2. Truth and Reconciliation and creation of a research centre
  3. Commemoration Initiatives

Safe and Sustainable Communities

  1. Mental Health Support Program
  2. Aboriginal Healing Foundation

Governance and Relationships

  1. Common Experience Payments
  2. Independent Assessment Process
  3. Advance Payments for elderly former students
  4. Truth And Reconciliation Commission activities
  5. Aboriginal Healing Foundation

Departmental Priorities in Support of the Strategic Outcome


Priority 1:

Supporting court approval and ensuring successful implementation of the Settlement Agreement.

Priority 2:

Resolving claims efficiently and compassionately through the National Resolution Framework.

Priority 3:

Maintaining effective and collaborative partnerships with Aboriginal peoples and their communities.



 

Type

Estimated Planned Spending

2006-2007

2007-2008

2008-2009

Priority 1:

New

$126 M

-*

-*

Priority 2:

Ongoing

$ 76.1 M

-*

-*

Priority 3:

Ongoing

   $6.5 M

-*

-*


*Note: Once court approved, the Government will provide adequate resources to fulfil its obligations under the Settlement Agreement.  New funding and authorities will be sought for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 fiscal years.


Priority 1:Supporting court approval and ensuring successful implementation of the Settlement Agreement.


The Settlement Agreement announced on May 10, 2006, between the Government of Canada and legal counsel for former Indian Residential Schools students, legal counsel for the Churches involved in the running of the schools, the Assembly of First Nations and other Aboriginal organizations is designed to achieve a fair and lasting resolution of the Indian Residential Schools legacy.  As required by class action legislation, the Settlement Agreement has been submitted for approval by the courts in nine Canadian jurisdictions.

Overview of the Settlement Agreement:  

  • A Common Experience Payment will be paid to every eligible former student living on May 30, 2005, the day thenegotiations were initiated, who resided at a recognized Indian Residential School.  The Settlement Agreement stipulates that $1.9 Billion be set aside for the directbenefit of former Indian Residential Schools students.  Subject to verification, each eligible former student who applies will receive $10,000 for the first year or part of a year of residence as well as an additional $3,000 for each subsequent year of residence;
  • An Independent Assessment Process will be available for a period of five years following the implementation date of the Settlement Agreement.  This is an enhanced alternative dispute resolution process that will become the mechanism for former students to pursue claims of sexual and serious physical abuse unless he or she has formally opted out of the Settlement Agreement; 
  • Expanded access to Health Canada's existing Mental Health Support Program to ensure that former students and their family members have access to mental health and emotional support;
  • A Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be established with a budget of $60 Million over five years.  It will be mandated to promote public education andawareness about the Indian Residential Schools system and its legacy, as well asto provide former students, their families and communities an opportunity to sharetheir Indian Residential Schools experiences in a safe and culturally-appropriateenvironment.  The Truth andReconciliation Commission will undertake a series of national andcommunity events and will establish a research centre for ongoing access to the records collected through the work of the Commission;
  • Additional funding for Commemoration, for a total of$20 Million, to be made available for events and memorials to commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, to be managed by the Government inconjunction with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission;
  • An endowment of $125 Million for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation to allow for continued operations and funding of healing programs for former Indian Residential Schools students and their families; 
  • Church entities involved in the administration of Indian Residential Schoolswill contribute up to a total of $100 Million in cash and services toward healinginitiatives.

The Advance Payment program was launched on May 10, 2006 for eligible former Indian Residential Schools students 65 years of age or older as of May 30, 2005 to ensure that elderly former students may receive a tangible acknowledgement of their experience as soon as possible in advance of the proposed Common Experience Payment.


Priority 2: Resolving claims efficiently and compassionately through the National Resolution Framework.

To this end, the Department strives to achieve its mandate and strategic outcome through the National Resolution Framework which includes an Alternative Dispute Resolution process, a litigation strategy, and a Mental Health Support Program.

The Alternative Dispute Resolution process, the centrepiece of the National Resolution Framework is designed to be a fair, safe and timely out-of-court option for resolving claims.  The litigation process provides an option for former

students who choose not to participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution.  The Department will continue to resolve claims through the existing National Resolution Framework during the transition period.  Although Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada has overall responsibility for the National Resolution Framework, program components of the Mental Health Support Program will continue to be delivered and funded by Health Canada.  


Priority 3: Maintaining effective and collaborative partnerships with Aboriginal peoples and their communities.

The Department continues to work with key stakeholders.  Partnerships were strengthened throughout discussions and negotiations between the federal government and representatives of former Indian Residential Schools students, the Churches involved in the running of the schools, the Assembly of First Nations and other Aboriginal organizations.

The resulting Settlement Agreement speaks to the dedication and commitment of all stakeholders involved in negotiations and leads the way to stronger partnerships with Aboriginal peoples.  The Department will continue to work with Aboriginal partners towards a successful implementation of the Settlement Agreement.



SECTION II – ANALYSIS OF PROGRAM ACTIVITY BY STRATEGIC OUTCOME

Strategic Outcome

The Department has one strategic outcome which is to advance reconciliation among former students of Indian residential schools and the Government of Canada.

Financial and Human Resources


2006-2007 ($ millions)

2007-2008

2008-2009

208.6

-*

-*



2006-2007 (FTEs)

2007-2008

2008-2009

300.0

-*

-*


*Note: Once court approved, the Government will provide adequate resources to fulfil its obligations under the Settlement Agreement.  New funding and authorities will be sought for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 fiscal years.

Program Activity

The Department has one program activity which is the resolution of claims associated with the operation of the former Indian Residential Schools system.  The Department focuses all its efforts on this program activity via the operation of the National Resolution Framework and the coming implementation of the Settlement Agreement.  In this reporting year, the Department is preparing the transition from the operation of the National Resolution Framework to the successful implementation of the Settlement Agreement.

Operation of the National Resolution Framework

The National Resolution Framework has been the central vehicle to achieve the Department's program activity and planned results of resolution of Indian Residential Schools claims since 2003.  The National Resolution Framework offers two resolution streams – Alternative Dispute Resolution and Litigation (with the option to settle out of court or to proceed to trial), and includes a Mental Health Support Program.  

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolutionprocess is a voluntary and confidential process designed to be a timely, fair and safe way for claimants to resolve validated physical and sexual abuse claims, including wrongful confinement claims, outside of the litigation process.  Applications for claimants who are 60 years and older and/or are in failing health are given priority.  Alternative Dispute Resolutioninvolves an application process and private hearings before an independent adjudicator.  The adjudicator as an independent decision-maker is responsible for setting compensation awards within an established compensation framework.  The claimant has the option to accept the award, appeal the decision or pursue litigation.

The Department will continue to accept Alternative Dispute Resolution applications until the court Approval Date, after which point applications will no longer be received into the existing process.  It is expected that some claimants will move their claims to the new Independent Assessment Process.

Litigation

Not all claimants choose to resolve their abuse claims through the Alternative Dispute Resolution process.  The Department of Justice represents the Government of Canada in Indian Residential Schools claims and continues to work to resolve claims prior to entering the trial stage.  Counsel for claimants in litigation who are elderly or ill may approach the Department of Justice to seek expedition in the resolution of their claims out of court.  Resolution of litigation claims is a more time consuming process since the Government has little control over the pace of litigation and is largely dependent on the rules of the court and court schedules.

Mental Health Support Program

The Mental Health Support Program delivered by Health Canada provides a variety of flexible "frontline" safety supports and coordination services directly to former students involved in the Alternative Dispute Resolution process and the litigation process.  Services include access to mental health counselling sessions, on-site emotional health supports by trained Aboriginal health providers, and, transportation costs to traditional healers, to ensure that former students and family members have access to appropriate levels of counselling and mental health supports.  Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada funds a 24-hour crisis support line that is operated by trained Aboriginal crisis support workers.  

Although Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada has overall responsibility for the National Resolution Framework, the Mental Health Support Program component is delivered and funded by Health Canada. 

The Department will continue to resolve claims within the scope of the National Resolution Framework and will continue to improve and monitor the programs, activities and services under the current National Resolution Framework in this transition fiscal year.

Implementation of the Settlement Agreement

The Settlement Agreement is a class action settlement and will bind all parties upon approval by the courts.  Once approved, there will be no possibilities for derogation and the courts will have the authority to make the Government

of Canada accountable for breaches of the Settlement Agreement within its responsibility.  Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada is the lead Department for the administration of programmatic elements within the Settlement Agreement and will share program delivery responsibilities with Health Canada and Service Canada.

Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada will be responsible for the administration of the Independent Assessment Process; the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; the Commemoration Program; and the transfer of a $125 Million endowment for a five year period to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in accordance with the Funding Agreement included in the Settlement Agreement.  Health Canada will be responsible for delivery of the Mental Health Support Program and Service Canada for the delivery of the Common Experience Payment.  In addition, Indian Residential Schools Canada will participate in the work of the Church entities which are responsible for programs and services directed to healing and reconciliation for former Indian Residential Schools students and their families.

A court-approved notification program has begun which includes media advertisements, direct mail, a toll free line and a web site.  Courts across Canada will hold public hearings to consider whether the settlement is fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of former Indian Residential Schools students.  Former students and their families may speak at one of the hearings.  Pending court approval, theDepartment is preparing for the transition from the operation of the existing National Resolution Framework to the implementation of the Settlement Agreement. 

The Department has begun delivery of the Advance Payment program launched in May 2006 for eligible former Indian Residential Schools students 65 years of age or older as of May 30, 2005 to ensure that elderly former students may receive a tangible acknowledgement of their experience as soon as possible in advance of the proposed Common Experience Payment.  Applications for Advance Payments will be accepted until

December 31, 2006.

Programmatic Components of the Settlement Agreement

Common Experience Payment

A Common Experience Payment will be paid to every eligible former student living on May 30, 2005, the day thenegotiations were initiated, who resided at a recognized Indian Residential School.  The Settlement Agreement stipulates that $1.9 Billion be set aside for the direct benefit of former Indian Residential Schools students.  Subject to verification, each eligible former student who applies would receive $10,000 for the first year or part of a year of residence as well as an additional $3,000 for each subsequent year of residence.  If there are funds remaining after eligible students have received their entitlement from the $1.9 Billion, these funds will be provided to Aboriginal education foundations with the intention of supporting learning and development for Aboriginal individuals and communities. 

The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories, and all federal departments to ensure that payments to former students provided for in the Settlement Agreement do not affect social assistance payments. Settlement payments will not be subject to income taxes.

An appeal mechanism will be available to any claimant who has been rejected under the Common Experience Payment process.  While Service Canada will be responsible for delivering the Common Experience Payment, the Department will provide research support for verification of student attendance.  The Department will also provide the required documentation for appeals.

Independent Assessment Process

For a period of five years following the implementation date of the Settlement Agreement, an enhanced alternative dispute resolution process called theIndependent Assessment Process will be the only mechanism by which a former student may pursue a claim for sexual or serious physical abuse, unless he or she has formally opted out of the Settlement Agreement.  Compensation through the Independent Assessment Process will be paid at 100% by the Government in all cases, following validation of the claim by an independent adjudicator.

The Department is preparing for the transition from the current Alternative Dispute Resolution process to the Independent Assessment Process in anticipation of court approval of the Settlement Agreement.  Transition management will involve preparing the new Independent Assessment Process organizational structure and ensuring the financial and operational requirements for implementation of the Settlement Agreement and the necessary transition measures from the National Resolution Framework processes. 

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The Settlement Agreement includes the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to contribute to truth, healing and reconciliation.  The objectives of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission include the following: to acknowledge Indian Residential School experiences; to promote and facilitate truth and reconciliation events at both the national and community levels; to develop as complete an historical record as possible of the Indian Residential Schools system and legacy; to promote awareness and public education of Canadians about the Indian Residential Schools system and its impacts; and to support commemoration initiatives of former Indian Residential Schools students and their families. 

The Department will undertake all necessary actions in order to implement the Commission in accordance with its duties under the Settlement Agreement.

Commemoration  

Commemoration is a way of honouring, celebrating and paying tribute to former students by acknowledging their experiences and the broader systemic impacts of the Indian Residential School system.   A total of $20 Million will be available for funding of regional and national Commemoration initiatives.  Former students, their families, communities or other groups will be able to submit proposals for Commemoration initiatives to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission following its inception. 

Contributions of Church Entities

Church entities involved in the administration of Indian Residential Schoolswill contribute up to a total of $100 Million in cash and services toward healinginitiatives.  The Department has begun working with the Church entities and the Assembly of First Nations as a member of the Catholic Healing and Reconciliation Service Evaluation Committee mandated under the Settlement Agreement.  This Committee will ensure that in-kind services and admissible programs and grants of monies are directed to healing and reconciliation for former Indian Residential Schools students and their families. 

Expected Results of Program Activity

The Department will continue to resolve claims through the existing National Resolution Framework during the transition period.  The Department forecasts the settlement of 500 litigation claims for 2006-2007 and expects the settlement of 1000 Alternative Dispute Resolution claims at current productivity rate for 2006/2007.

The Advance Payment Program is proceeding as planned. A total of 13,000 former students are expected to request access to the Program.  The Department expects to process all claims applications within the allocated timeframe.  Applications for Advance Payments will be accepted until December 31, 2006.

The Settlement Agreement, once approved, is expected to resolve all outstanding class action suits and the majority of individual litigation claims save for former students who opt out.  The Settlement Agreement brings closure to former Indian Residential Schools students, their families, and their communities and contributes to healing and strengthening of relationships with Aboriginal peoples.

The Settlement Agreement specifies that Independent Assessment Process claims will be processed at a rate of 2,500 per year from the six month anniversary of the Implementation Date.  Canada will be required to provide resources sufficient to process the claims at the rate at which they are received, and within the timeframe set out in the Settlement Agreement.

The Settlement Agreement will provide the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and increased funding for Commemoration projects with the following goals: enhance the well-being of former students, their families and communities; bring closure to the Indian Residential Schools experience; and help former students, their families and communities to move forward.  In addition, it is expected that Commemoration projects will foster enhanced community interaction, cultural pride and self-esteem, sense of acceptance and understanding of others. 

The Department's program activity contributes to the realization of the Department's strategic outcome of advancing reconciliation among former students of Indian Residential Schools and the Government of Canada and aligns with the Government of Canada's outcomes of improved health of Aboriginal peoples and safe, stable, and sustainable Aboriginal communities as highlighted in Canada's Performance 2005 – The Government of Canada's Contribution.



SECTION III – SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Organizational Information

The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians is the Minister responsible for the Department.

As illustrated in the organizational chart below, the Minister is supported by the Department's Executive Director and Deputy Head.  The Executive Director and Deputy Head is accountable for the overall management of the Department, strategic policy direction, and the provision of executive support to the Minister. 

Org Chart

The Executive Director and Deputy Head is directly supported by the Directors General of Operations and Corporate Services and Transition Management, and the Directors of Policy and Strategic Planning, and Public Affairs, Liaison and Outreach.

The Director General, Corporate Services and Transition Management, is accountable for managing and providing corporate leadership in the development of programs, plans and strategies to integrate and ensure the integrity of corporate priorities in human resources, finance, administration, materiel management, procurement, Information Technology, Access to Information and Privacy Program, internal audit and evaluation, records management, and performance management.  The Director General is also accountable for the coordination of all transition issues related to the implementation of the Settlement Agreement.  

The Director General, Operations, is accountable for: the management of operations relating to the Alternative Dispute Resolution process and ensuring that claims are administered and resolved in accordance with established program authorities; processes and the approved compensation framework; as well as the transition from the Alternative Dispute Resolution process to the Independent Assessment Process under the Settlement Agreement.  The Director General is also accountable for: the management of litigation; the health-related components of the National Resolution Framework; and the management and delivery of an extensive research program which supports both litigation and the Alternative Dispute Resolution process;management of all Departmental transition issues related to implementation of the Settlement Agreement and post-resolution including overarching responsibility for delivery of the Advanced Payment program.

The Director, Policy and Strategic Planning, is accountable for: providing corporate leadership in developing and coordinating the preparation of the Department's strategic plan; developing and monitoring the implementation of the Department's strategic policy framework; and providing policy advice and support to the Executive Director and Deputy Head and the Department on issues related to claims resolution and broader healing and reconciliation.

The Director, Public Affairs, Liaison and Outreach, is accountable for: overall communications of the Department which includes: internal and external communications; media relations; strategic communications planning; and Parliamentary Affairs including liaison with Parliamentarians and the Minister's Office.  The Director is also accountable for: outreach to Aboriginal communities, Indian Residential Schools survivor societies, and the general public; liaison with national and regional Aboriginal organizations; the management of the Department's contribution funding authority and agreements; and the strategic management and delivery of the Commemoration Program.

Financial Tables

Table 1: Departmental Planned Spending and Full Time Equivalents


 


($ millions)

Forecast Spending
2005-2006+

Planned Spending
2006-2007

Planned Spending
2007-2008

Planned Spending
2008-2009

Claims Resolution

121.1

208.6

-*

-*

Budgetary Main Estimates (gross)

121.1

208.6

-*

-*

 

 

 

Total Main Estimates

121.1

208.6

-*

-*

 

 

 

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

Net funding received through Governor General Special Warrants 2 and 3:

 

 

 

 

Additional funding for the settlement of Indian Residential Schools claims

30.5

-

-*

-*

Aboriginal Healing  Foundation

40.0

-

-*

-*

Court Awards

0.4

-

-*

-*

        Employee Benefit Plan

(3.6)

-

-*

-*

 

 

 

 

Total Adjustments

67.3

-

-*

-*

 

 

 

 

Lapses:

 

 

 

 

Lapsed funding

29.1

-

-*

-*

 

 

 

 

Total Planned Spending

159.2

208.6

-*

-*

Total Planned Spending

159.2

208.6

-*

-*

Plus: Cost of services received without charge

8.8

8.2

-*

-*

Net cost of Program

168.0

216.8

-*

-*

Full Time Equivalents

230.0

300.0

-*

-*


+Note : Fiscal year "2005-2006 Forecast Spending" is based on actual spending except for "Cost of services received without charge" which is an estimate.

*Note: Once court approved, the Government will provide adequate resources to fulfil its obligations under the Settlement Agreement. New funding and authorities will be sought for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 fiscal years.

As illustrated above, funding in Main Estimates for 2006-2007 is greater by $87.5 million when compared to the previous year.  Of this increase, $58 million is for the Advance Payment program.  The remaining $29.5 million of the increase in planned spending will provide continued support to the programs, activities and services under the current National Resolution Framework and preparation for the implementation of the Settlement Agreement.

Table 2: Program by Activity


Budgetary  ($ millions)

Program Activity

Operating

Grants and Contributions

Total
Main Estimates

Claims Resolution

202.6

6.0

208.6

Total

202.6

6.0

208.6


Total planned spending for the 2006-2007 Estimates year is $208.6 million which includes $202.6 million for operating expenditures and $6.0 million for contributions for Group Dispute Resolution and Policy and Consultation funding described below.

Further to the spending plans discussed under Table 1 – Departmental Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents, operating expenditures will be used to support the Department's commitment to ensuring timely and effective resolution of outstanding claims.  The principle tenet of this commitment is to ensure that resources are available to provide compensation to former students with validated claims.  In addition, operating expenditures will support the Department's research activities that are critical to its due diligence procedures ensuring that Indian Residential Schools claims are properly validated and funding for the administration and delivery of Advanced Payments.

The $6.0 million in resources for contributions will be used for the following purposes:

Group Dispute Resolution: These contributions are made to groups of former students and are used to provide a process by which individuals with common claim elements, and a desire to resolve their claim in a group setting, can proceed through the Alternative Dispute Resolution process.

Policy and Consultation: These contributions are made to organizations focused on providing support services to former Indian Residential Schools students, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit organizations and individuals (on and off-reserve); public or private policy organizations; institutions or individuals with expertise on issues of interest to the program.  These activities foster effective and collaborative partnerships with Aboriginal peoples and their communities.

Table 3: Voted and Statutory Items listed in Main Estimates 


2006-2007

 

Vote or Statutory Item

 

Truncated Vote or Statutory Wording

 

Current
Main Estimates

 

Previous
Main Estimates

*

Operating expenditures

196.2

 112.1

*

Contributions

    6.0

    3.0

(S)

Contributions to employee benefit plans

    6.4

    6.0

Total Department($ millions)

208.6

 121.1


Note: Vote numbers were left blank as IRSRC was transferred from The Minister for Canadian Heritage to the Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs as a result of Order in Council 2006-0399 dated 17 May 2006.  IRSRC will be provided with interim votes via Supplementary Estimates (A). 

The 2006-2007 Main Estimates shows an increase of $87.5 million over the previous Main Estimates.  As previously discussed under Table 1 – Departmental Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents, this increase will provide continued support to the programs, activities and services under the current National Resolution framework in this transition year.  In addition the increase will provide support for the transition from the Alternative Dispute Resolution process to the Independent Assessment Process and the Advance Payments and operational requirements of preparing for the implementation of the Settlement Agreement.

Table 4: Services Received Without Charge


 ($ millions)

2006-2007

Accommodation provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC)

4.3

Contributions covering employer's share of employees' insurance premiums and

expenditures paid by Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) (excluding revolving funds).  Employer's contribution to employees' insured benefits plans and expenditures paid by TBS.

3.2

Salary and associated expenditures of legal services provided by Department of Justice

0.7

2006-2007 Services received without charge

8.2


The table above provides an estimate of the cost of common services received without charge by the Department from other government organizations.  The presentation of such amounts is consistent with the presentation of services received without charge in the Department's Financial Statements and Departmental Performance Report.

Table 5: Summary of Capital Spending by Program Activity


($ millions)

Forecast Spending 2005-2006

Planned Spending 2006-2007

Planned Spending 2007-2008

Planned Spending

2008-2009

Claims Resolution

0.2

0.5

-*

-*

Total

0.2

0.5

-*

-*


*Note: Once court approved, the Government will provide adequate resources to fulfil its obligations under the Settlement Agreement.  New funding and authorities will be sought for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 fiscal years.

Capital expenditures planned for the 2006-2007 Estimates year will be used to support the full implementation of the Single Access to Dispute Resolution Enterprise (SADRE), the Department's automated case management tool, as well as any necessary changes to the tool'scapacity and functionality as a result of the transition from the current Alternative Dispute Resolution Process to the new Independent Assessment Process and the delivery of the Common Experience Payment.