Backgrounder
National Child Benefit
The National Child Benefit (NCB), implemented jointly by federal, provincial
1 and territorial governments and First Nations who deliver social
assistance, was introduced in 1998. The goal of the program is to provide,
outside of social assistance, a better life for families and children living
on First Nation reserves. The objectives of the program are:
- to help prevent and reduce child poverty;
- to promote employment and training to remain employed; and
- to harmonize program objectives and benefits, and simplify administration.
The Government of Canada increased income support for low income families
through the NCB. Subsequently, most provinces, territories and First Nations
have adjusted social assistance levels for recipients with children by
the full or partial amount provided under the NCB. These adjustments have
allowed provinces, territories, and First Nations to pay for new and enhanced
benefits and services for low income families with children.
The federal government is responsible for ensuring programs for First
Nations children on reserve are comparable to those available to other
Canadian children. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, in partnership
with First Nations, is responsible for coordinating the reinvestment component
of the program for First Nations delivering social assistance.
First Nations also have flexibility to reinvest savings or adjustments
to social assistance budgets into programs and services tailored to meet
the needs and priorities of individual communities. As a result, the reinvestment
component has a significant impact in these communities.
The programs implemented by First Nations vary from community to community
and cover a wide range of program areas. Reinvestment programs for First
Nations fall into five broad activity areas:
- Child/Daycare Enhancement of daycare facilities and
the provision of child care services which allow more families with
low incomes to gain access to daycare spaces, or to have their share
of child care costs reduced. Child/daycare reinvestments include enhancements
to existing daycare centres and child care for children of parents in
employment or other training programs.
- Child Nutrition Improvement to health and well being
of children by providing school meal programs as well as education to
parents on family nutrition and meal preparation. Some examples include
nutrition education programs; food hampers; and meal programs (hot lunches,
breakfasts and snacks) provided in school.
- Early Child Development Early intervention for parents
to help give their children a healthy start in life. Some examples include
parenting skills programs and drop in centres for parents.
- Employment Opportunities and Training Programs Directed
at increasing the skill level of individuals with children, thereby
increasing their chances of obtaining work. Examples include employment
and skills development, youth summer work programs, and personal development
workshops.
- Community Enrichment Supports child development by
funding programs and services such as cultural teachings (art, music,
and storytelling), peer support groups, and groups which bring together
community Elders and adolescents. Community Enrichment can also include
funding for life skills training, courses in managing personal finances,
and cultural celebrations.
Since the program was introduced in 1998, First Nations have increased
their investment in programs benefitting children and families from $30.3
million in 1998-1999 to an estimated $51.9 million in 2002-2003.
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(1) While the Government of Quebec agrees with the basic principles of
the National Child Benefit, it chose not to participate in this initiative
because it wanted to assume control over income support for children in
Quebec. In this document, references to joint federal/provincial/territorial
positions do not include Quebec.
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