SUFA Initiative (2002)

Income Security Reform (ISR) Program

General Information
Department	Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
Partners	This initiative is in partnership with First Nations
Effective Date	1998
Expiry Date	2003
Web Site	http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/isr/index_e.html
Purpose	The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples Gathering Strength and An Agenda for Action identified as a priority the need to reform the current approach to on-reserve social assistance programming and service delivery. The overall objective of the ISR initiative is to transform the on-reserve welfare regime from one of passive support to an active-measures based system of integrated programming that promotes self-sufficiency. ISR is aimed at shifting INAC’s funding from providing passive income support to linking welfare with greater access to skills development, training, and employment opportunities. The expenditure of $15 million directed at policy changes to the Social Assistance Program (SAP) will have a significant impact on reducing the growth of the current social assistance budget.
Roles and Contributions	The Income Security Reform (ISR) initiative has been undertaken by INAC in partnership with First Nations. INAC is working with the Assembly of First Nations to develop a redesigned social assistance policy framework. INAC regions are working with First Nations, Tribal Councils and communities to inform the policy development through demonstration projects, which offer First Nations the opportunity to develop and test innovative responses to local needs and priorities with respect to the social assistance policy, programming and service delivery. As well, demonstration projects provide an opportunity to build capacity to implement and manage a reformed income security system. The ISR initiative is funded by INAC, however, demonstration projects may also use funds from other sources. Leveraging is common and helps develop partnerships. For more information visit http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/isr/index_e.html.

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Resources
Funding	$15 million for 2000-2001 $15 million for 2001-2002 $15 million for 2002-2003
Tracking and Reporting	Demonstration projects submit progress reports semi-annually and are self-evaluated when completed. Descriptions of demonstration projects are included on the INAC Web Site http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/isr/nlts_e.html. Funding Agreements with First Nations include provisions for a financial report (Audit)

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Measurement and Reporting
Outcomes	Demonstration projects to assess needs and effective practices for the development of a redesigned social assistance policy framework. The initiative is subject to a results-based management and accountability framework which measures its effectiveness in delivering innovative social assistance services which identify effective practices to meet community needs.
Indicators	Number of demonstration projects. Evaluation report required at end of each demonstration project. First Nation defined indicators identified through progress reports and evaluation reports. Identification of best practices.
Comparable Indicators	N/A ISR is a program policy review process.
Evaluation / Thrid Party Assessments	Each demonstration project completes a self-evaluation.
Shared Information and Best Practices	Best practices and information was shared among First Nations at regional workshops Best practices derived from demonstration projects which have been supported are available at http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/isr/clw_e.html.
Public Reporting	Sharing of case studies and best practices from currently funded ISR demonstration projects are on the Income Security Review web site. http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/isr/index_e.html. Departmental Performance Report. Report on Plans and Priorities.

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Involving Canadians
Provisions for Citizens to Participate in Developing Social Priorities and Reviewing Outcomes	Policy and program development for social assistance based on partnership and consultation with First Nations through involvement in ISR demonstration projects and joint assessment of lessons learned for social assistance policy and program reform.
Feedback Mechanisms to the Public	Best Practices and Lessons Learned are being shared with First Nations and are accessible on the ISR web site. http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/isr/clw_e.html.

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Service Commitments
Public Availability of Eligibility Criteria	Eligibility criteria are available on the web site http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/isr/gls_e.html and through INAC regional offices http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ro/index_e.html
Existence and Availability of Service Commitments	N/A ISR is a program policy review process. See the Social Assistance Program template.
Measurement and Public Reporting	N/A ISR is a program policy review process. See the Social Assistance Program template.

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Appeals and Complaints
Existence, Availability and Communication of Mechanisms	N/A ISR is a program policy review process. See the Social Assistance Program template.
Tracking and Public Reporting	N/A ISR is a program policy review process. See the Social Assistance Program template.

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Mobility
Existence of Measure	See template on First Nations Social Assistance ProgramThe Income Security Reform (ISR) initiative, in partnership with First Nations, will produce a redesigned policy framework and provides an opportunity to discuss SUFA principles.