The National Child Benefit, implemented jointly by federal, provincial¹ and territorial governments and First Nations who deliver social assistance, was introduced in 1998. The goal of the initiative is to provide, outside of social assistance, a better life for families and children living on First Nation reserves. The objectives of the initiative 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 National Child Benefit. Subsequently, most provinces, territories and First Nations have adjusted social assistance levels for recipients with children by the full or partial amount provided under 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 co-ordinating 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 projects implemented by First Nations vary from community to community and cover a wide range of program areas. Reinvestment projects 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 or 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 initiative 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.

¹ While the Government of Quebec agrees with the basic principles of the NCB, 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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