Archived - Part 3: 
A Resilient and Inclusive Recovery

Chapter 7:
A More Equal Canada

COVID-19 highlighted and exacerbated the inequities within our society.

Systemic racism and discrimination are a painful reality for too many people, especially for marginalized groups, including Indigenous, Black, and racialized people, those living with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2 communities.

Those who live with disabilities still face many barriers to health care, jobs, and services. And many Canadians require additional support for challenging health issues beyond COVID-19—from substance use, to fair access to sexual and reproductive health, to navigating the complexities of end-of-life care.

When we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue bridging the gaps that hold Canada back from reaching its potential. We are at our best when we come together to help one another, as we saw Canadians do countless times during the pandemic.

Budget 2021 outlines the government’s plan to build a healthier, more inclusive, and more equal Canada.

7.1 Fighting Systemic Racism and Empowering Communities

Systemic racism can have devastating consequences for the well-being of Canadians. Violence, harassment, discrimination, exclusion from opportunities, and myriad expressions of unconscious bias deny Canadians their freedoms and fair treatment. A more equitable and inclusive society demands all Canadians come together to address racism in all its forms and make permanent and transformative changes.

In the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the federal government announced a series of policies and programs to fight against systemic racism and empower racialized communities. These were early steps.

Budget 2021 takes the next steps towards long-term, foundational change. Canada can and will do more to support racialized communities, improve understanding of racial inequities and barriers, build a more diverse and inclusive federal public service, and work with partners to build a more equal and just future.

Strengthening the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and Helping Communities Respond to an Increase in Racism

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unequal impact on Canadians, with the increase in reports of harassment and attacks against Asian Canadians being an especially disturbing trend.

The work to address systemic racism is ongoing and must be done alongside engaged and knowledgeable partners. Their invaluable on-the-ground knowledge, experiences, learned best practices, and networks are crucial in the work to create foundational change. And their efforts can effectively bring Canadians together in the common purpose of building a fairer, safer, and more equal Canada where all are free from discrimination.

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is a Crown corporation created in 1996, as part of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement. The foundation has a quarter century of history working to eliminate racism, reaffirm the principles of justice and equality for all in Canada, and uphold the principles of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Over the past year, the foundation has focused on supporting specific racialized communities impacted by dramatically rising cases of racism. In Vancouver, for example, there has been a 700 per cent increase in reported cases of anti-Asian racism since the pandemic began.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $11 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to expand the impact of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. This investment would allow the Canadian Race Relations Foundation to scale up efforts to empower racialized Canadians and help community groups combat racism in all its forms. This investment will also enable the foundation to facilitate initiatives like the establishment of a national coalition to support Asian Canadian communities, and create a fund to support all racialized communities directly impacted by increasing acts of racism during the pandemic. Gender-Based Analysis+

All Canadians should feel safe and be free of discrimination. Sadly, certain people are at risk of racially motivated violence, threatening their personal safety and the security of their communities.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $2 million in 2021-22 to Public Safety Canada to enhance its Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program. This program helps protect communities at risk of hate-motivated crimes, by providing not-for-profit organizations such as places of worship, schools, and community cultural centres with funding to enhance their security infrastructure. Gender-Based Analysis+

Supporting Black Canadian Communities

Events over the last year have shone a light on the complex and unique lived realities of Black Canadians. Data show that Canada's Black population remains one of the most disadvantaged, with a higher prevalence of low-income households, lower employment rates compared to the Canadian average, as well as a much higher likelihood of discriminatory treatment at work.

COVID-19 has only exacerbated these inequities linked to anti-Black racism, and many Black Canadian communities, and the organizations that support them, are increasingly vulnerable to economic hardship.

To continue to support the work of community organizations that empower, advocate for, and lift up Black Canadians:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $200 million in 2021-22 to Employment and Social Development Canada to establish a new Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. This fund would be led by Black Canadians and would create a sustainable source of funding, including for Black youth and social purpose organizations, and help combat anti-Black racism and improve social and economic outcomes in Black communities. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $100 million in 2021-22 to the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative at Employment and Social Development Canada. Gender-Based Analysis+

Mobilizing the reach and expertise of community-based organizations is an important tool for empowering Black communities and confronting systemic economic barriers. It also ensures that federal investments best serve the needs of their communities. New research published by the Network for the Advancement of Black Communities and Carleton University found that Black-led and Black-serving charities receive significantly less grant funding than other charities in Canada.

Better Data for Better Outcomes

For every Canadian to reach their full potential, we need to properly understand the circumstances in which people live and the barriers they face. We cannot improve what we cannot measure.

At present, Canada lacks the detailed statistical data that governments, public institutions, academics, and advocates need in order to take fully informed policy actions and effectively address racial and social inequities. From a detailed understanding of demographic trends to economic and employment data, Statistics Canada has a vital role to play in providing the evidence-based foundation upon which good, effective policies can be built—policies that bring the impacts on marginalized groups into the heart of decision-making.

Journalists and researchers have long worked to tell the stories of where and why disparities in our society exist—whether among racialized groups or the power gap that exists between men and women that leads women’s careers to stall. Better disaggregated data will mean that investigative efforts or research projects like this will have more and better data to analyze.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $172 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, with $36.3 million ongoing, to Statistics Canada to implement a Disaggregated Data Action Plan that will fill data and knowledge gaps. This funding will support more representative data collection, enhance statistics on diverse populations, and support the government’s, and society’s, efforts to address systemic racism, gender gaps—including the power gaps between men and women—and bring fairness and inclusion considerations into decision making. Gender-Based Analysis+

Building on other investments in Budget 2021, this provides a combined $250 million over five years to Statistics Canada, ensuring Canada has the data it needs to make evidence-based decisions across priorities including disaggregated data, health, quality of life, the environment, justice, and business and the economy.

To modernize Canada’s justice system, support evidence-based policies, and ensure accountability within the criminal justice system, the government needs to update and fill gaps in its collection and use of data.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $6.7 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $1.4 million ongoing, to Justice Canada and Statistics Canada to improve the collection and use of disaggregated data. This is part of ongoing efforts to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples and racialized groups in the justice system. Gender-Based Analysis+

Comprehensive academic research enhances our understanding of the causes of discrimination, the impact of oppression on Canadians and our communities, and strategies to support greater justice, equity, and accountability.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $12 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council to fund academic research into systemic barriers facing diverse groups. This research will help inform actions to address social disparities related to race, gender, and other forms of diversity. Gender-Based Analysis+

Making the Public Service More Diverse

Canadians should have confidence that their public sector workforce is representative of the communities it serves. In the 2020 Speech from the Throne, the government committed to implementing an action plan to increase diversity in hiring and appointments within the public service.

• Budget 2021 proposes amendments to the Public Service Employment Act to affirm the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce and avoid biases and barriers in hiring. Gender-Based Analysis+

7.2 An Economic Recovery that Includes Everyone

As Canada recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada is committed to building a more inclusive society that leaves no one behind. This includes providing programs and services that better respond to the unique needs of vulnerable people and improve quality of life for all Canadians.

Increasing Old Age Security for Canadians 75 and Over

During the pandemic, many seniors have faced economic challenges as they took on extra costs to stay safe. Additionally, many seniors are living longer and relying on monthly benefits to afford retirement. After a lifetime of hard work, they deserve a secure and dignified retirement. That is why the government is committed to increasing Old Age Security (OAS) benefits for seniors age 75 and older.

The government plans to implement this commitment in two steps.

• Budget 2021 proposes to meet the immediate needs of this group of seniors by providing a one-time payment of $500 in August 2021 to OAS pensioners who will be 75 or over as of June 2022. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 then proposes to introduce legislation to increase regular OAS payments for pensioners 75 and over by 10 per cent on an ongoing basis as of July 2022. This would increase the benefits for approximately 3.3 million seniors, providing additional benefits of $766 to full pensioners in the first year, and indexed to inflation going forward. This would give seniors more financial security later in life, particularly at the time when they face increased care expenses and greater risk of running out of savings. Gender-Based Analysis+

In total, these two measures represent $12 billion over five years in additional financial support, beginning in 2021-22, and at least $3 billion per year ongoing, to be delivered by Employment and Social Development Canada.

Statutory funding authority would be sought to make the one-time payment. Changes to the Old Age Security Act would be made to implement the benefit increase as of July 2022, and to exempt the one-time payment from the definition of income for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

Towards a New Disability Benefit

Since 2015, the government has taken steps towards building an inclusive and resilient economy that supports people with disabilities. In addition to enacting groundbreaking legislation to create a barrier-free Canada, the government has also taken concrete steps to help people with disabilities receive enhanced programming and access to benefits, savings plans, and education funding.

The pandemic has exposed many of the long-standing challenges persons with disabilities face, including an increased risk of poverty. The Government of Canada has a number of programs and services in place that provide support to Canadians with disabilities but these are often complex and can be difficult to navigate for users. To ensure all persons with disabilities have the support they need to overcome persistent barriers to full economic and social participation, the government is committed to bringing forward a new disability benefit.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $11.9 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to Employment and Social Development Canada to undertake consultations to reform the eligibility process for federal disability programs and benefits. This will help maximize the reach of these programs and improve the lives of Canadians living with disabilities. This work would feed directly into the design of a new disability benefit. Gender-Based Analysis+

In preparation for legislation, the government will undertake extensive consultations with stakeholders on the design of the new benefit and engage with provinces and territories, which play a central role in providing support to many Canadians with disabilities. Employment and Social Development Canada will also establish a steering committee to oversee the development of this work, alongside the Canada Revenue Agency, the Department of Finance Canada and Veterans Affairs Canada.

Improving Access to the Disability Tax Credit

In 2017, the Government of Canada reinstated the Canada Revenue Agency’s Disability Advisory Committee to ensure tax measures for persons with disabilities are administered in a fair, transparent, and accessible way. Since the release of the committee’s first annual report in 2019, the government has introduced many important changes, including improvements to its communications and outreach activities for the Disability Tax Credit and changes to Registered Disability Savings Plans to better protect beneficiaries. As the government considers new recommendations from the committee, released in a second report on April 9, 2021, the government is proposing to take further steps to act on the guidance of the committee by improving the eligibility criteria for mental functions and life-sustaining therapy. To help more families and people living with disabilities access the Disability Tax Credit, and other related support measures like the Registered Disability Savings Plan and the Child Disability Benefit:

• Budget 2021 proposes to update the list of mental functions of everyday life that is used for assessment for the Disability Tax Credit. Using terms that are more clinically relevant would make it easier to be assessed, reduce delays, and improve access to benefits. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to recognize more activities in determining time spent on life-sustaining therapy and to reduce the minimum required frequency of therapy to qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. To ensure these changes enable applicants to have a fair and proper assessment of their eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit, the government will undertake a review of these changes in 2023. Gender-Based Analysis+

It is estimated that, as a result of these measures, an additional 45,000 people will qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, and related benefit programs linked to its eligibility, each year. This represents $376 million in additional support over five years, starting in 2021-22.

Making Our Communities and Workplaces More Accessible

Every day, hundreds of thousands of Canadians with disabilities face accessibility challenges. Organizations want to become more accessible but osts can be prohibitive, especially for smaller organizations. The Enabling Accessibility Fund provides funding for renovation, construction, and retrofit projects—from building ramps, to support for the hearing impaired, to automatic door openers—that make communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. To reduce barriers to employment, activities, and programs for persons with disabilities:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide additional funding of $100 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to Employment and Social Development Canada to triple funding for the Enabling Accessibility Fund and support small and mid-sized projects with not-for-profit organizations, women’s shelters, child care centres, small municipalities, Indigenous organizations, territorial governments, small businesses, and businesses of all sizes. This would help offset the costs of renovations, retrofits, and accessible technologies in workplaces. Gender-Based Analysis+

Supporting Greater Equality for LGBTQ2 Communities

Although we have made much progress as a society, LGBTQ2 people in Canada continue to face discrimination, harassment, and prejudice. Canada is committed to protecting LGBTQ2 rights and promoting social, economic, and political equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. To ensure that Canada’s recovery fosters a fairer and more equal society for LGBTQ2 people, where they can participate as full members of Canadian society:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $15 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to Women and Gender Equality Canada for a new LGBTQ2 Projects Fund dedicated to supporting community-informed initiatives to overcome key issues facing LGBTQ2 communities, such as accessing mental health services and employment support. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $7.1 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to Canadian Heritage to continue to support the work of the LGBTQ2 Secretariat—which coordinates work across government—and enable the continued development of an LGBTQ2 Action Plan. Gender-Based Analysis+

Supporting Our Veterans

Veterans are three to four times as likely to suffer from depressive or anxiety disorders, and over 15 times more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), than the general population. Veterans are entitled to financial support for mental health care through the Treatment Benefit Program but they can wait up to two years to receive mental health care while waiting for their disability benefit application to be confirmed. To ensure veterans receive timely access to high-quality mental health care:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $140 million over five years starting in 2021-22, and $6 million ongoing, to Veterans Affairs Canada for a program that would cover the mental health care costs of veterans with PTSD, depressive, or anxiety disorders while their disability benefit application is being processed. Gender-Based Analysis+

Many veterans have faced unique challenges during the pandemic. To improve the quality of life for veterans and their families during this challenging period:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $15 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to Veterans Affairs Canada to expand and enhance the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund for projects that will support veterans during the post COVID-19 recovery, including addressing homelessness, employment, retraining, and health challenges. Gender-Based Analysis+

Recognizing the Contributions of Atomic Workers

In the mid-twentieth century, Chalk River Laboratories was one of the leading global sites for cutting edge atomic science. But, in 1952 and 1958, there were accidents that required Department of National Defence and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited personnel to contain and clean contaminated sites. In 2008, the government recognized former Department of National Defence personnel who participated in the clean-ups through the establishment of the Atomic Veterans Recognition Program. To provide similar recognition to those Atomic Energy of Canada Limited employees who worked to clean-up these dangerous incidents and protect Canadians:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $22.3 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to Natural Resources Canada to establish an Atomic Workers Recognition Program. Gender-Based Analysis+

7.3 Supporting the Health of Canadians

The government recognizes that, even in a pandemic, Canadians face an array of other complex health concerns. For over half a century, our strong and reliable public health care system has been an anchor of Canada’s social and economic security. Investments must be made to ensure health care responds and evolves alongside the people it treats.

Addressing the Opioid Crisis and Problematic Substance Use

Since before the pandemic began, Canada has been facing a worsening opioid epidemic that has devastated lives and communities across Canada, especially in Ontario and Western Canada, with severe impacts in British Columbia and Alberta. The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the ongoing opioid overdose crisis in Canada. Isolation, stress, toxic supply, and reduced access to services have contributed to the epidemic. Canada suffered a 74 per cent increase in opioid-related deaths over the course of the first six months of the pandemic. The government is taking further action to help people dealing with problematic substance use and tackle this ongoing crisis.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $116 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, building on $66 million invested in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to support a range of innovative approaches to harm reduction, treatment, and prevention at the community level. Gender-Based Analysis+

The government continues to work closely with provinces and territories to ensure our collective response is comprehensive, collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based. In response to the crisis, the government has made a variety of investments, including a $150 million Emergency Treatment Fund to provinces and territories for 2018-2021, over $100 million in 2019-20 for targeted measures to expand access to harm reduction services and increase access to safer drug supplies, and a fall investment of $66 million over two years, starting in 2020-21, to support community organizations responding to the crisis.

Moving Forward on National Universal Pharmacare

A healthy economy is only possible when its people are healthy. Canadians have access to some of the best doctors, nurses, hospitals, and treatments in the world, and all through our publicly funded health care systems. But some Canadians have difficulty affording the medications they need.

The case for national universal pharmacare is well-established. The government is committed to work with provinces, territories and stakeholders to build on the foundational elements that are already in progress, like the national strategy on high-cost drugs for rare diseases, toward the goal of a universal national program.

To maintain momentum, the government will proceed with its announced plan to provide ongoing funding of $500 million for the program for high-cost drugs for rare diseases. The government will also directly engage with willing partners on national universal pharmacare, alongside other important health priorities, that can be advanced at the provincial and territorial level.

Supporting Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Information and Services

All Canadians should have access to a full suite of sexual and reproductive health resources and services, no matter where they live. Currently, women, youth, LGBTQ2 people, racialized Canadians, and Indigenous populations face the highest sexual and reproductive health risks and the greatest barriers to accessing support, information, and services. Too often, they do not receive the same quality of care, particularly if they are from marginalized communities. Furthermore, examples like Clinic 554—New Brunswick’s only private abortion clinic—show us that lack of funding puts access to sexual and reproductive health care at risk. Everyone deserves equal treatment in our health care system.

The Government is committed to collaboration with provinces and territories to strengthen our health care system, ensuring equitable and appropriate access to a full suite of reproductive and sexual health services, in any upcoming Canada Health Transfer funding discussions.

To improve access to sexual and reproductive health care support, information, and services—including protecting access to abortion care:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $45 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to Health Canada to fund community-based organizations that help make sexual and reproductive health care information and services more accessible for vulnerable populations. These organizations support activities such as producing inclusive training materials for sexual and reproductive health care providers, carrying out public awareness activities, and providing travel and logistical support to individuals who have to go long distances to access abortion care. Gender-Based Analysis+

In addition, there are currently no existing resources that collect comprehensive data on a wide range of sexual and reproductive health indicators in Canada, limiting our ability to target supports. To address this:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $7.6 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for Statistics Canada to develop and implement a national survey on sexual and reproductive health that captures data on race, household income, and sexual orientation–information often not captured in existing surveys. Better information will help ensure governments understand the challenges and improve the support they provide. Gender-Based Analysis+

Establishing a National Institute for Women's Health Research

Sex- and gender-related disparities continue to persist in Canada’s health system. Women are more likely to die of preventable illnesses and bear a higher burden of chronic illnesses. To improve health outcomes and eliminate the gaps in the quality of care women receive, we need to strengthen research.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $20 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to support a new National Institute for Women’s Health Research. The new institute will advance a coordinated research program that addresses under-researched and high-priority areas of women’s health and ensure new evidence improves women’s care and health outcomes. It will also ensure an intersectional approach to research and care to tackle persistent gaps for all women, including for racialized women, Black and Indigenous women, women with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ2 communities. Gender-Based Analysis+

National Autism Strategy

Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, as well as their families, encounter significant economic and social challenges throughout their lives. Many also confront disparities when it comes to diagnoses and treatments. To improve the health and well-being of Canadians with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $15.4 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to work with partners to support the creation of a national autism strategy. Gender-Based Analysis+

Strategic Research on Pediatric Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of disease-related death in Canadian children. Pediatric cancers are faster growing and found in different organs than in adults. More targeted research is needed to help save lives and improve the services these brave children and their families receive.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $30 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to fund pediatric cancer research that can lead to better outcomes and healthier lives for these young patients. The funding will support promising research projects with the greatest potential for fighting pediatric cancers. Gender-Based Analysis+

Establishing a National Framework for Diabetes

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, a Nobel Prize-winning accomplishment by Canadian researchers that has helped to save millions of lives. 3.2 million Canadians live with diabetes, a disease which can lead to a variety of complications, such as heart disease and stroke, blindness, and amputation. Type 2 diabetes makes up 90 per cent of all cases of diabetes in Canada and, like other chronic diseases, is largely preventable. Adults with diabetes are also at greater risk of more severe COVID-19 symptoms, including respiratory distress and pneumonia.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $25 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to Health Canada for additional investments for research on diabetes (including in juvenile diabetes), surveillance, and prevention, and to work towards the development of a national framework for diabetes. This framework will be developed in consultation with provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders, and will help to support improved access to prevention and treatment, and better health outcomes for Canadians. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $10 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to the Public Health Agency of Canada for a new Diabetes Challenge Prize. This initiative will help surface novel approaches to diabetes prevention and promote the development and testing of new interventions to reduce the risks associated with Type 2 diabetes. Gender-Based Analysis+

Taxation of Vaping Products

Young Canadians’ use of vaping products, such as e-cigarettes, is on the rise. One Health Canada survey indicates that, since 2018, use has doubled among Canadian high school students. Vaping with nicotine poses risks, especially to young people: nicotine is highly addictive, can affect memory and concentration, and is known to alter brain development in teens. In addition to raising revenues, vaping taxation could become an effective means to help curtail harmful consumption of these products.

• Budget 2021 announces the government’s intention to introduce a new taxation framework for the imposition of excise duties on vaping products in 2022. Gender-Based Analysis+

The Government of Canada will also work with any provinces and territories that may be interested in a federally coordinated approach to taxing these products.

Taxation of Tobacco

Tobacco use continues to be the leading preventable cause of premature death in Canada. Tobacco taxation is an effective way to reduce tobacco consumption and help reach the government’s goal of less than 5 per cent of the population using tobacco by 2035.

• Budget 2021 proposes to increase the tobacco excise duty by $4 per carton of 200 cigarettes, along with corresponding increases to the excise duty rates for other tobacco products. This measure would take effect the day after Budget Day. Gender-Based Analysis+

It is estimated that this measure will increase federal revenues by $2.1 billion over five years starting in 2021-22.

Support for Canadian Blood Services

Many Canadians rely on plasma to treat life-threatening conditions. During the COVID-19 crisis, global demand, prices, and shortages have increased. To secure a domestic supply of plasma:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $20 million over three years, beginning in 2021-22, to Health Canada to construct eight plasma collection sites across the country. These sites would be operated by Canadian Blood Services. The government will continue to work with partners like Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to ensure a secure plasma supply across Canada. Gender-Based Analysis+

Better Palliative Care

To provide Canadians, including those who live in long-term care and their families, with better palliative and end-of-life care, including culturally sensitive care:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $29.8 million over six years, starting in 2021-22, to Health Canada to advance the government’s palliative care strategy and lay a better foundation for coordinated action on long-term and supportive care needs, improving access to quality palliative care. Initiatives could include: raising awareness of the importance of palliative care; providing public education on grief; improving palliative care skills and supports for health care providers, families, caregivers, and communities; enhancing data collection and research; and improving access to culturally sensitive palliative and end-of-life care. Gender-Based Analysis+

Ensuring Appropriate Access and Safeguards for Medical Assistance in Dying

Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a complex and deeply personal issue. MAID became law in Canada five years ago to provide relief, in certain cases, for those with reasonably foreseeable deaths. Recent amendments to the law, with the passage of Bill C-7 to expand access for those suffering intolerably, underscore the need to be responsive to the evolution of Canada’s MAID framework.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide funding of $13.2 million over five years, beginning in 2021‑22, with $2.6 million per year ongoing, to Health Canada to ensure that Canada’s medical assistance in dying framework is implemented consistently and with all appropriate safeguards. Funding would support training and the development of guidance materials for practitioners, as well as support research to guide the evolution of medical assistance in dying in Canada. Gender-Based Analysis+

Chapter 8:
Strong Indigenous Communities

No relationship is more important to the federal government than the relationship with Indigenous peoples. The federal government continues to work with Indigenous peoples to build a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationship—one based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights.

In Budget 2021, the federal government is furthering its plan to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities during the pandemic. This work is essential to make sure our recovery includes everyone and makes all communities more resilient. Since 2015, real progress has been made righting historic wrongs, but more work needs to be done.

Through this budget, the federal government is proposing a historic, new investment of over $18 billion over the next five years, to improve the quality of life and create new opportunities for people living in Indigenous communities. Working with Indigenous partners, these investments will make significant strides in closing gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, support healthy, safe, and prosperous Indigenous communities, and advance meaningful reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation. These investments will support continued action on infrastructure and clean water. They will also take meaningful action on the new approach that is needed to end the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, one which addresses the root causes and the scope of the violence.

8.1 Healthy and Vibrant Communities

COVID-19 has highlighted the health vulnerabilities Indigenous peoples face and the challenges of delivering front-line health services in many Indigenous communities.

The federal government knows that addressing the gap in health outcomes faced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, beyond COVID-19, means taking a broader approach to health and well-being. It means recognizing that health care includes preventive care and mental wellness, that good health is only possible when basic needs are met, and that education is key to a healthy future.

Good health also requires a distinctions-based, Indigenous-led approach. This is what the investments in Budget 2021 set out to accomplish.

Supporting Indigenous Communities in the Fight Against COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, Indigenous communities have faced extraordinary health challenges and continue to be vulnerable to the virus and its variants. The federal government has supported Indigenous communities every step of the way through the pandemic, and will continue to have their backs.

Vaccination efforts are well underway in Indigenous communities across the country and the federal government continues to work with provinces and territories to make sure Indigenous peoples in cities can get the vaccine too. The federal government recently introduced legislation that, if passed, would provide a one-time payment of up to $1 billion to provinces and territories to support vaccination rollouts across the country, and could be used to engage Indigenous communities to advance vaccine rollout. Indigenous communities have worked hard to combat the virus but the pandemic is not over and Indigenous communities remain at risk.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $1.2 billion in 2021-22 to continue supporting the COVID-19 response in Indigenous communities as follows: Gender-Based Analysis+
  • $478.1 million on a cash basis to continue to support the ongoing public health response to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities, including support to hire nurses, help at-risk people to isolate, and distribute personal protective equipment.
  • An additional $760.8 million for the Indigenous Community Support Fund to help First Nations, Inuit, Métis Nation communities, and urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations serving Indigenous peoples meet the unique needs of their populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will provide funding to: prevent the spread of COVID-19; support elders and vulnerable community members; provide mental health assistance and emergency response services; address food insecurity; and support children.

Together, these measures will help to ensure that Indigenous leadership has the tools and resources they need to continue to keep communities safe, respond to outbreaks, and support vaccination rollout.

To keep communities safe, the Government also proposes to introduce legislation that would ensure that the First Nations Election Cancellation and Postponement Regulations (Prevention of Diseases) are deemed to have been validly made since April 7, 2020. The Regulations provide a mechanism for First Nation councils to postpone their elections or to extend the terms of the chiefs and councillors, while avoiding a critical governance gap, to prevent, mitigate or control the spread of diseases on reserve, including COVID-19.

Improving Health Outcomes in Indigenous Communities

For far too long, Indigenous peoples have faced poor health care and their communities have experienced reduced health outcomes.

Since 2015, the government has invested over $5.5 billion to improve health outcomes in Indigenous communities. These investments have increased access to timely and culturally appropriate medical care and mental health services for Indigenous people and supported distinctions-based priorities. This includes dedicated funding for First Nations children through the implementation of Jordan’s Principle, responding to high rates of tuberculosis in Inuit communities and supporting the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy to address their unique needs.

Building on that, and to ensure Indigenous peoples can access high-quality health care:

• Budget 2021 proposes to invest $1.4 billion over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $40.6 million ongoing, to maintain essential health care services for First Nations and Inuit, continue work to transform First Nations health systems, and respond to the health impacts of climate change, including: Gender-Based Analysis+
  • $774.6 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, to ensure continued high-quality care through the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, which supports First Nations and Inuit people with medically necessary services not otherwise covered, such as mental health services, medical travel, medications, and more.
  • $354 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, to increase the number of nurses and other medical professionals in remote and isolated First Nations communities.
  • $107.1 million over three years, beginning in 2021-22, to continue efforts to transform how health care services are designed and delivered by First Nations communities, building on the government’s commitment to improve access to high-quality and culturally relevant health care for Indigenous peoples.
  • $125.2 million over four years, beginning in 2022-23, to continue to support First Nations communities’ reliable access to clean water and help ensure the safe delivery of health and social services on reserve.
  • $22.7 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, to support First Nations and Inuit as they manage the health impacts of climate change, such as access to country food, impacts of extreme weather events, and mental health impacts of climate change on youth.

These investments are in addition to the government’s commitment to co-develop distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation so that Indigenous communities have greater control over the design and delivery of high-quality and culturally relevant care. The government launched the engagement process to co-develop this legislation on January 28, 2021.  

Distinctions-Based Mental Wellness Strategy

The government is committed to supporting Indigenous peoples and communities as they seek to heal from historical trauma and the intergenerational impacts of colonization. The pandemic has exacerbated the mental health challenges many Indigenous peoples face. Three in five Indigenous peoples say their mental health has worsened in the pandemic. Providing better access to trauma-informed, culturally appropriate Indigenous-led services is a critical part of improving mental wellness in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $597.6 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, for a distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategy with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation. The strategy will renew funding for the Indian Residential Schools Health Supports Program and Crisis Line, which provide healing supports for survivors of childhood trauma and residential schools. It will also stabilize and expand community-based supports and capacity, increase substance use treatment and prevention, and support workforce development. Gender-Based Analysis+

Supporting Indigenous Children and Families

The government is committed to supporting the well-being of Indigenous children and families. Work continues with Indigenous leadership to reform child and family services so that all Indigenous children have the opportunity to grow up in their communities, immersed in their cultures, and surrounded by loved ones.

• To support this important work, Budget 2021 proposes to provide $1 billion over five years, starting in 2021-22, with $118.7 million ongoing to increase funding under the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. Proposed funding would: Gender-Based Analysis+
  • Provide increased support to First Nations communities not served by a delegated First Nation agency for prevention activities to help First Nations children and families stay together, within their communities through the Community Well-being and Jurisdiction Initiative;
  • Continue to implement orders from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal; and
  • Permanently ensure that First Nations youth who reach the age of majority receive the supports that they need, for up to two additional years, to successfully transition to independence.

The government will also continue to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in developing their own child and family services models that reflect their values and traditions under the Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $73.6 million over four years, starting in 2021-22, to support the implementation of the Act. Gender-Based Analysis+

These investments and the implementation of the Act will help realize the shared goals of prioritizing the best interests of children, increasing the number of communities exercising jurisdiction in relation to child and family services, and decreasing the number of children in care.

Providing High-quality Education

A high-quality education is the foundation of success, which every child growing up in Canada deserves no matter where they live. Not only does good elementary and secondary schooling lead to better jobs, studies have shown that better education can lead to better mental heath and improved personal, family, and community well-being. Since 2015, investments the government has made have improved learning experiences for approximately 107,000 students per year and helped build 186 education-related infrastructure projects benefiting 240 First Nations communities. Investing in children’s education is an important part of the government’s plan to build long-term economic resilience. In 2019, the federal government implemented a new, co-developed policy and funding approach to better support the needs of First Nations students on reserve.

To invest in the future of First Nations children and continue to support this new approach:

• Budget 2021 proposes to invest $1.2 billion over five years, and $181.8 million ongoing, including: Gender-Based Analysis+
  • $112 million in 2021-22 to extend COVID-19 support so children on reserve can continue to attend school safely, including PPE for students and staff, laptops to support online learning, and more teachers and other critical staff.
  • $726 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $181.8 million ongoing, to enhance funding formulas in critical areas such as student transportation; ensure funding for First Nations schools remains predictable from year to year; and increase First Nations control over First Nations education by concluding more Regional Education Agreements. 
  • $350 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to expand access to adult education by supporting First Nations people on reserve who wish to return to high school in their communities and complete their high school education.

Supporting Indigenous Post-secondary Education During COVID-19

The pandemic continues to affect Indigenous post-secondary students and institutions. To help Indigenous students complete their studies and ensure that Indigenous-led post-secondary institutions can provide online services and continue to implement health and safety measures:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $150.6 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to support Indigenous students through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program and the Inuit and Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategies. Many students are facing financial difficulty during the pandemic, as young people have suffered some of the worst job losses. This support would help offset lost income that many Indigenous students rely on to pay for tuition, books, housing, and other living expenses. The federal government knows that young people need support to get through this crisis so they can complete their education and succeed in their chosen fields. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $26.4 million, in 2021-22, through the Post-Secondary Partnerships Program and the Inuit and Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategies to support Indigenous post-secondary institutions during COVID-19. Gender-Based Analysis+

On-reserve Income Assistance

The On-reserve Income Assistance program helps eligible individuals and families cover the costs of daily life and provides access to employment supports. The federal government is continuing to engage with First Nations on ways to make the program more responsive to the needs of individuals and families and to develop support that helps people transition from income assistance to employment and education.

• Budget 2021 proposes to invest $618.4 million over two years, while work continues, including: Gender-Based Analysis+
  • $540 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to continue to address basic needs and increased program demand, including as a result of COVID-19.
  • $78.4 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to continue providing case management and support to help people find work.

8.2 Building Infrastructure and Economic Growth

Budget 2021 lays out a plan to help build resilient Indigenous communities through new, distinctions-based investments in infrastructure, including support for clean drinking water, housing, schools, and roads. This builds on the recent announcement by the Canada Infrastructure Bank to commit $1 billion towards the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative to support new partnerships with Indigenous communities on infrastructure projects.

As of April 13, 2021, 106 long-term drinking water advisories, and 178 short-term drinking water advisories, have been lifted since 2015, while 105 long-term drinking water advisories were in place when this government committed to eliminating long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves. Since 2015, the expansion of the scope of the commitment and short-term advisories becoming long-term have added advisories to the list, but the government’s commitment to end all advisories remains firm.

Indigenous community-owned businesses are key drivers of economic growth—they reinvest profits back into their local communities. They are important partners in the work to strengthen communities. This budget makes bold investments to support new opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities. These targeted investments expand revenue sources and provide businesses and communities with access to the capital they need to grow during the recovery and beyond.

Indigenous Infrastructure

Investments in clean water, housing, and other community infrastructure will create good jobs and build healthier, safer, and more prosperous Indigenous communities in the long-term. The investments in the federal government’s plan will accelerate its 10-year commitment to close the infrastructure gaps in Indigenous communities, which could include all-weather roads, northern airstrips, broadband, health care and educational facilities.

• Budget 2021 proposes distinctions-based investments of $6.0 billion over five years, starting in 2021-22, with $388.9 million ongoing, to support infrastructure in Indigenous communities, including: Gender-Based Analysis+
  • $4.3 billion over four years, starting in 2021-22, for the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund, a distinctions-based fund to support immediate demands, as prioritized by Indigenous partners, with shovel-ready infrastructure projects in First Nations, including with modern-treaty and self-governing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.
  • $1.7 billion over five years, starting in 2021-22, with $388.9 million ongoing, to cover the operations and maintenance costs of community infrastructure in First Nations communities on reserve. 

Supporting Indigenous Economies

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Indigenous communities and businesses. Public health measures have affected many of the revenue sources, such as community-owned business revenues, property taxes, and revenues from leased properties, which communities use to support service delivery and pay loans which have been taken out to support community, economic development, and jobs. To ensure the long-term resilience of Indigenous economies, Budget 2021 proposes to provide:

• $117 million in 2021-22 to renew the Indigenous Community Business Fund. This will ensure First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities can continue to provide services and support jobs for their members through collectively owned businesses and microbusinesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender-Based Analysis+
• $33.4 million in 2021-22 to support the First Nations Finance Authority pooled borrowing regime as follows: Gender-Based Analysis+
  • $32.5 million to establish a First Nations Finance Authority Emergency Fund to provide repayable financial support for borrowing members encountering difficulties due to COVID-19 or future widespread economic shocks.
  • $925,000 to support the First Nations Finance Authority launch of the Commercial Paper Program that will lower interest rates for First Nation borrowers so they can secure more manageable funding.

This time-limited spending will help Indigenous communities withstand the pressures of the pandemic and ensure they are well-positioned for a quick recovery.

Support for Indigenous Entrepreneurs

Indigenous communities are often in rural and remote areas and the success of Indigenous-led businesses, including tourism businesses, is critically important to local jobs and economies. In order to ensure Indigenous businesses are part of the recovery and that their economies experience long-term growth, Indigenous-led businesses need access to support.

The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program provides additional support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation entrepreneurs by lowering the cost of business financing, providing equity, and offering business support services. The program helps Indigenous entrepreneurs access affordable loans to start and grow their businesses. To help Indigenous entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, create jobs, and generate prosperity in their communities:

• Budget 2021 proposes to invest $42 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to expand the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program. This will directly support Indigenous-led businesses and help Indigenous communities generate wealth by improving access to capital and business opportunities. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $2.4 million in 2021-22 to the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to help the Indigenous tourism industry rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Gender-Based Analysis+

Currently, only 36 per cent of Indigenous-led businesses are owned by women. To address this and make sure women entrepreneurs are empowered in the economic recovery:

• Budget 2021 proposes to invest $22 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to support the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association’s (NACCA) Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative by providing tools, services, and resources to increase the number of Indigenous women entrepreneurs. This funding would support NACCA in achieving its target of increasing the number of Indigenous women entrepreneurs who access financing through Aboriginal Financial Institutions by 50 per cent.  Gender-Based Analysis+

Securing Capital for Community Investments

The First Nations Finance Authority provides opportunities for First Nations to use their own revenue—often from provincial revenue-sharing agreements or business ventures—to secure long-term financing. This in turn supports First Nations’ self-determination, job creation, and social and economic development. To expand opportunities for First Nations to raise capital in support of community priorities:

• Budget 2021 announces the Government of Canada’s intention to amend legislation and regulations to expand the types of revenues that First Nations may use to support borrowing from the First Nations Finance Authority, specifically to include revenues from the First Nations Goods and Services Tax and the First Nations Sales Tax. Gender-Based Analysis+

This measure will apply to First Nations that have opted into the First Nations Fiscal Management Act regime and that are collecting First Nations Goods and Services Tax or First Nations Sales Tax revenues within their lands.

Redesigning the Additions to Reserve Policy

Lands are central to First Nations traditions, identity, and prosperity. They are a crucial asset for advancing self-determination, economic development, and well-being.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $43 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to work with Indigenous partners and other stakeholders to redesign the federal Additions to Reserve policy and to accelerate work on existing requests from First Nations across the country. Gender-Based Analysis+

8.3 Responding to the Tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The government is accelerating work on the National Action Plan in response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice and the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

Budget 2021 lays out a plan that will build on progress and remain accountable to communities, families, and survivors across Canada.

To end the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, a new approach is needed—one that addresses the root causes of violence, that recognizes the scope of the problem, and one that factors in the different experiences of Indigenous peoples from coast-to-coast-to-coast. This work is anchored in four interconnected thematic areas from the national inquiry: culture, health and wellness, human security and safety, and justice.

Actions to address this tragedy must be broad in order to address the socio-economic root causes including loss of culture and languages, poverty and lack of access to housing, and the need for community safety, food security, employment, education, health care, infrastructure, and the many threads that tie the fabric of society together.

Budget 2021 proposes to invest an additional $2.2 billion over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $160.9 million ongoing, to help build a safer, stronger, and more inclusive society.  

Culture

The preservation, restoration, and promotion of culture and language, as well as participation in sport, are powerful tools for healing, reconciliation, and fostering a strong sense of identity. To support this work in Indigenous communities:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $275 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $2 million ongoing to Canadian Heritage, to support the efforts of Indigenous peoples in the reclamation, revitalization, and strengthening of Indigenous languages as a foundation for culture, identity, and belonging. This funding will support various initiatives such as languages and culture camps, mentor-apprentice programs and the development of Indigenous languages resources and documentation.   Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $14.9 million over four years, beginning in 2021-22, to support the preservation of Indigenous heritage through Library and Archives Canada. This will ensure that Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and all people in Canada have meaningful access to their cultures and languages. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $108.8 million over two years, beginning in 2021-22, to reestablish and revitalize Indigenous cultural spaces. Having a dedicated, permanent space to share culture is a key component of building strong Indigenous identities. Establishing cultural spaces that are inclusive of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people will help ensure they have a seat at the decision-making table. This proposal responds to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which calls for all Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people to be provided with safe, no-barrier, permanent, and meaningful access to their cultures and language. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $40.1 million over three years, beginning in 2021-22, to Canadian Heritage to support the Indigenous Screen Office and ensure Indigenous peoples can tell their own stories and see themselves reflected on-screen. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $14.3 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $2.9 million ongoing, to ensure that Indigenous women and girls have access to meaningful sports activities through the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program. Gender-Based Analysis+

Health and Wellness

The tragic death of Joyce Echaquan last summer made clear the devastating consequences of anti-Indigenous racism in our health care systems.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $126.7 million over three years, beginning in 2021-22, to take action to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination where Indigenous peoples are respected and safe. This funding will support patient advocates, health system navigators, and cultural safety training for medical professionals. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $12.5 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $2.5 million ongoing, to support the well-being of families and survivors through project-based programming in collaboration with the National Family and Survivors Circle. Gender-Based Analysis+

This builds on critical investments outlined earlier in this chapter, including $597.6 million over three years, beginning in 2021-22 for distinctions-based mental wellness supports which provide community-based, culturally relevant, and trauma-informed wellness services for families and survivors, as well as broader investments to support the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

Human Security and Safety

Indigenous communities, like all communities in Canada, should be places where people and families feel safe and secure. A well-funded, culturally sensitive, and respectful police service is essential for community safety and well-being. 

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $861 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $145 million ongoing, to support culturally responsive policing and community safety services in Indigenous communities. This includes: Gender-Based Analysis+
  • $43.7 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, to co-develop a legislative framework for First Nations policing that recognizes First Nations policing as an essential service.
  • $540.3 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $126.8 million ongoing, to support Indigenous communities currently served under the First Nations Policing Program and expand the program to new Indigenous communities.
  • $108.6 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, to repair, renovate, and replace policing facilities in First Nation and Inuit communities.
  • $64.6 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $18.1 million ongoing, to enhance Indigenous-led crime prevention strategies and community safety services.
  • $103.8 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, for a new Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative to support Indigenous communities to develop more holistic community-based safety and wellness models.

This investment seeks to address the Calls for Justice, which are further supported by critical investments outlined in Chapter 9 to advance a new National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, including $55 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, for the Department for Women and Gender Equality to bolster the capacity of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations to provide gender-based violence prevention programming aimed at addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Justice

Building on recent actions to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system through Bill C-22, to improve Indigenous peoples’ access to justice in all areas of the justice system:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $74.8 million over three years, beginning in 2021-22, to improve access to justice for Indigenous people and support the development of an Indigenous justice strategy to address systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system. This includes: Gender-Based Analysis+
  • $27.1 million to Justice Canada to help Indigenous families navigate the family justice system and access community-based family mediation services.
  • $24.2 million to Justice Canada to support engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations on the development of legislation and initiatives that address systemic barriers in the criminal justice system, including collaboration on an Indigenous justice strategy.
  • $23.5 million to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada to support victims of violence by increasing prosecutorial capacity in the territories.

Working with Partners

At present, only three national Indigenous women’s organizations and one regional organization receive dedicated federal funding for operations. There are over 30 regional organizations that are either unfunded or receive only time-limited, project-based funding.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $36.3 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $8.6 million ongoing to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, to enhance support for Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are reflected in all aspects of decision-making that impacts their lives. This proposal responds directly to the MMIWG Call for Justice 1.8, which calls upon governments to provide core and sustainable funding to national, regional, and local Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $20.3 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, to work with Indigenous partners to ensure that appropriate monitoring mechanisms are in place to measure progress and to keep the government accountable, now and in the future. Gender-Based Analysis+

8.4 Walking the Path to Reconciliation and Self-determination

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting self-determination and self-government as part of its efforts to forge stronger relationships with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

The federal government also recognizes that meaningful action is required to address the systemic racism many Indigenous peoples face, including in their interactions with public institutions.

Budget 2021 presents the next steps in the federal government’s plan to ensure Indigenous peoples have greater say over the policies and programs that affect their lives.

Implementation of Legislation on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous peoples. It provides guidance on co-operative relationships with Indigenous peoples based on the principles of equality, partnership, good faith and mutual respect for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples. In December 2020, the Government introduced Bill C-15, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which was developed with Indigenous partners, fulfilling its commitment to introduce legislation to implement the Declaration as government legislation.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $31.5 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to support the co-development of an Action Plan with Indigenous partners to implement this legislation and to achieve the objectives of the Declaration. This process will support Indigenous self-determination and enhance nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationships. Gender-Based Analysis+

Escalating 10-Year Grant Funding

To help advance a new fiscal relationship with First Nations, a new 10-year grant funding mechanism was implemented in 2019. This initiative aims to provide more long-term stabilized program supports for eligible First Nations who choose to join the grant. It allows them to build capacity, do effective planning, and account for inflation and population increases on reserve. The government has also committed to escalate the 10-year grants to address price and population growth and ensure that funding keeps pace with the needs of First Nations.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $2.7 billion over 10 years, starting in 2021-22, to ensure that funding for core programs and services provided through the 10-year grants addresses key cost drivers. Escalation will be based on inflation and the population of each community, but a minimum of 2 per cent annual growth will be provided to ensure that First Nations within the grant receive stable and predictable funding. This will strengthen communities’ ability to design and deliver services in a manner that reflects community priorities. Gender-Based Analysis+

Supporting Indigenous Governance and Capacity

Core governance support is essential for First Nations leaders to effectively serve their communities and advance self-determination. 

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $104.8 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to support the administrative capacity of First Nations governments and other organizations that deliver critical programs and services. Gender-Based Analysis+

• Budget 2021 also proposes to invest $151.4 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to provide wrap-around supports for First Nations with the greatest community development needs. Gender-Based Analysis+

Advancing Specific Claims Settlements

The specific claims process helps right past wrongs and address First Nations’ long-standing grievances through negotiated settlements. Canada is continuing to consult in order to co-develop program reforms. To provide timely payment of negotiated settlements of specific claims, while this work continues, Budget 2021 will replenish the Specific Claims Settlement Fund in 2022-23.

Commemorating the Legacy of Residential Schools

The Residential School System is a shameful, tragic, and defining part of Canada’s history. It was born of colonial practices that left negative impacts on generations of Indigenous peoples. As part of our collective duty to remember:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $13.4 million over five years, with $2.4 million ongoing, to Canadian Heritage for events to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools, and to honour survivors, their families and communities, as well as to support celebrations and commemoration events during the proposed National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Gender-Based Analysis+

This builds on investments since 2015 to commemorate the legacy of residential schools; support the efforts of Indigenous peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages and cultures including the passage and support for the co-developed Indigenous Languages Act; and to continue to provide healing supports for residential school survivors and their families. The government has also announced more than $700 million in new funding through a variety of programs and initiatives to help strengthen Indigenous languages and cultures, with additional proposed investments of more than $460 million in this Budget.

Support for Indigenous-led Data Strategies

Access to reliable and culturally relevant data on Indigenous peoples is critical to building a complete portrait of Indigenous lived experiences, unmasking inequalities, and ensuring delivery of effective policies and programs.

Indigenous-led data strategies can further self-determination by providing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation governments and organizations with the data they need to support their communities.

• Budget 2021 proposes to invest $73.5 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to continue work towards the development and implementation of a First Nations Data Governance Strategy. Gender-Based Analysis+

• Budget 2021 proposes to invest $8 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to support Inuit and Métis baseline data capacity and the development of distinctions-based Inuit and Métis Nation data strategies.  Gender-Based Analysis+

Engagement with Indigenous Peoples

The government is committed to renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples through increased engagement, partnership, and co-development of policy and programs. In Budget 2016, the government announced new investments to support the capacity of Indigenous Representative Organizations to engage with the government. To continue to support this important work:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $50 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $10 million ongoing, to renew and make permanent dedicated consultation and policy development funding. Gender-Based Analysis+

Supporting Self-determination through Tax Agreements

Tax arrangements between the Crown and Indigenous governments support self-determination and social and economic development by creating opportunities for Indigenous governments to raise tax revenues within their reserve or settlement lands in support of community priorities.

The federal government continues to be committed to negotiating agreements with interested Indigenous governments that enable them to implement a First Nations Goods and Services Tax within their reserves or settlement lands and with interested self-governing Indigenous governments to enable them to implement a personal income tax within their lands. The federal government also remains committed to facilitating similar arrangements between interested provincial and territorial governments and Indigenous governments.

• Budget 2021 announces the Government of Canada’s intention to engage with interested Indigenous governments and organizations on a framework for the negotiation of agreements that would enable interested Indigenous governments to implement a fuel, alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis sales tax within their reserves or settlement lands. Gender-Based Analysis+

Chapter 9:
Protecting Our Shared Values

Canadians are rightly proud of our global reputation as a diverse, fair, safe, and open society.

The government will stand up for Canadians’ shared values, including: the rule of law; protection of the environment; freedom from persecution as a result of one’s race, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity or expression, age, or ability; the preservation of language and culture; the protection of the world’s most vulnerable; and the promotion of peace, security, and human rights, including the rights of women and girls.

The government is protecting communities through a firearms ban, protecting Canadians through investments in defence, and protecting and upholding our values through amendments to our justice system and public safety that make them more responsive to the needs of Canadians.

Amid the global pandemic, our global interconnectedness has never been more evident. We are all in this together.

9.1 Promoting Our Two Official Languages

For more than 50 years, the Official Languages Act has upheld the equal status of English and French. Our two official languages and our linguistic duality are part of who we are as Canadians.

The government also recognizes that Canada’s French language situation is unique and that the federal government has the responsibility to actively protect and promote the language. The government has been consulting with Canadians about how to better protect the use of the French language, support the vitality of official language minority communities—including the institutions and rights of Francophones outside of Quebec—and improve bilingualism in our public institutions. To meet the needs of Canadians for the next 50 years, the government is committed to introducing amendments to the Official Languages Act.

The government also remains committed to the work already underway to revitalize, strengthen, and maintain Indigenous languages in Canada. More details can be found in Chapter 8.

Promoting Official Languages

The federal government is committed to promoting the vitality of Canada’s official language minority communities and fostering bilingualism in Canada—now and for generations to come. In the recently released paper entitled English and French: Towards a Substantive Equality of Official Languages in Canada, the government proposed fundamental changes to establish a new linguistic balance and pave the way for official languages for the next 50 years. This new funding commitment will support these reforms, bolster the vitality of official language minority communities, and celebrate the voices they bring to our country’s landscape.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $180.4 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to Canadian Heritage to support students across the country in achieving greater levels of bilingualism. Being bilingual is a competitive advantage to Canadians. Every time a child cannot go to French immersion school, we lose a future bilingual citizen. This funding will be used to enhance French immersion and French second-language programs in schools and post-secondary institutions; help provinces and territories meet the strong demand from students and parents for spaces in French immersion and French second-language programs; boost the existing strategy for teacher recruitment and retention; as well as support learning French from early childhood. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $121.3 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to Canadian Heritage to make high-quality post-secondary minority-language education available across Canada. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $81.8 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to Canadian Heritage to support the construction, renovation, and expansion of the educational and community spaces that serve official language minority communities. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $6.4 million to Canadian Heritage and $2.3 million to the Treasury Board Secretariat, over two years, starting in 2021-22, to move forward with modernizing the Official Languages Act. Gender-Based Analysis+

9.2 Keeping Canadians Safe and Improving Access to Justice

Every Canadian should feel safe in their community and everyone should receive equitable treatment under the law.

To keep Canadians safe and protect the integrity of our public institutions, the government is proposing measures that strengthen our democratic process, reduce violent crime, and make the justice system more responsive to the needs of all Canadians.

Gun Control

Firearms were used in more than 40 per cent of homicides in Canada in 2019. There were over 107,000 victims of police-reported intimate-partner violence in Canada in 2019. For 660 of them, a firearm was present. Women accounted for almost 8 in 10 victims of all incidents and they were even more likely to be the victim in the 660 incidents where a firearm was present.
According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, in a study of 6,400 firearm-related incidents in Ontario, young men in cities and predominantly lower-income were more likely to be involved in assaults. But two-thirds of the cases involved self-harm by men over the age of 45, across all income levels, and living mainly in more remote parts of the province; of those cases, 92 per cent were fatal.

Communities across Canada have seen too many tragedies as a result of firearms.

On February 16, 2021, the government introducedlegislation to amend the Criminal Code and Firearms Act to strengthen gun control in Canada, support handgun bans in our cities, and eliminate all legal use of prohibited military-assault style firearms among other measures. To continue this critical work and protect Canadians from gun violence:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $312 million over five years, starting in 2021 22, and $41.4 million ongoing, to implement legislation to help protect Canadians from gun violence and to fight gun smuggling and trafficking. Funding will support the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canada Border Services Agency, and Public Safety Canada, and builds on investments made in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement. These measures will fight gun crime in our communities and keep Canadians safe. Gender-Based Analysis+

Advancing a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

The Government of Canada is committed to building a country free of gender-based violence.

Gender-based violence costs women and gender-diverse people their lives. It has profound effects on children. And according to estimates, Canadians collectively spend billions annually to deal with the aftermath.

Every 2.5 days a woman or girl is killed in Canada. In the last year alone there were over 160 women violently killed. Sexual assault is a gendered crime that is far more likely to target women, especially young women. Sadly, the rate of sexual assault is not declining, according to Statistics Canada, with police-reported sexual assaults increasing every year from 2015 to 2019.

Those at highest risk of violence are those living in rural and remote areas, Indigenous women, Black women, women with disabilities, women of colour, gender non-binary and LGBTQ2 people.

During the pandemic, job losses, financial stresses, and self-isolation have created conditions for a rise in gender-based violence—82 per cent of those who work on the front lines report an increase in the frequency and severity of violence experienced by survivors. Since March 2020, the federal government has announced up to $100 million for organizations providing emergency support and services to survivors of gender-based violence.

In 2017, the Government of Canada launched the Gender-Based Violence Strategy. Nearly $200 million starting in 2017-18 until 2022-23, and over $40 million per year ongoing, has been committed through the strategy to prevent gender-based violence, support survivors and their families, and promote responsive legal and justice systems. The government has also launched a $100 million Feminist Response and Recovery Fund, creating building blocks for long-term, lasting change to advance women’s equality.

The government—in consultation with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous peoples, gender-based violence experts, stakeholders and, most importantly, survivors of gender-based violence—is moving forward on developing a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, focusing on ensuring that anyone facing gender-based violence has reliable and timely access to protection and services, no matter where they live.

Budget 2021 proposes to invest $601.3 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to advance towards a new National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, as outlined below.

Gender-Based Violence Organizations

To enhance the capacity and responsiveness of organizations such as sexual assault centres, women’s shelters, and other organizations that provide critical and often life-saving services and supports for women, girls, LGBTQ2, and gender non-binary people experiencing violence:

• Budget 2021 proposes to invest $200 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, for the Department for Women and Gender Equality to support gender-based violence organizations. Gender-Based Analysis+

Gender-Based Violence Program

To make our communities more resilient to the threats of gender-based violence, including initiatives that support at-risk populations and survivors—almost half of whom are between the ages of 18 and 24, with nearly three in ten survivors under the age of 18—and that educate men and boys, so that all people recognize the role they play in ending gender-based violence:

• Budget 2021 proposes to invest $105 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for the Department for Women and Gender Equality to enhance its Gender-Based Violence Program. Funding will go to initiatives that engage men and boys. It will increase funding for initiatives to stop human trafficking, including support for at-risk populations and survivors. It will also provide support for testing and implementing best practices to address gender-based violence, with a focus on projects that could be scaled at the national level. Gender-Based Analysis+

National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence Secretariat

To establish a dedicated secretariat to coordinate the ongoing work towards the development and implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, and to continue engagement with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous peoples, gender-based violence experts, stakeholders and, most importantly, survivors of gender-based violence:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $14 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for the Department for Women and Gender Equality. Gender-Based Analysis+

Increased Data Collection

To build a better foundation of data around gender-based violence upon which government can build stronger policies and take stronger action:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $11 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for the Department for Women and Gender Equality for gender-based violence research and knowledge mobilization, with funding supporting community research models, working with Statistics Canada to develop a national femicide database, and enhancing the sample size of national gender-based violence surveys. Gender-Based Analysis+

Indigenous Peoples

In recognition that Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are much more likely to experience violence than non-Indigenous women, and that the homicide rate for this community was seven times higher than for non-Indigenous women:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $55 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for the Department for Women and Gender Equality to bolster the capacity of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations to provide gender-based violence prevention programming aimed at addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. These investments are in addition to those outlined in Chapter 8 to address the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Gender-Based Analysis+

Safer Relationships

To pilot interventions that promote healthy relationships and prevent violence in the home:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $50 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for the Public Health Agency of Canada to design and deliver interventions that promote safe relationships and prevent family violence, including intimate partner violence, child maltreatment, and elder abuse. Gender-Based Analysis+

Crisis Hotlines

To support crisis hotlines that are experiencing a rise in call volumes during the pandemic:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $30 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for the Department for Women and Gender Equality so that crisis hotlines can serve the urgent needs of more Canadians and offer more robust services, resources, and supports to prevent the escalation of gender-based violence. Gender-Based Analysis+

Free Legal Advice

To help ensure access to free legal advice and legal representation for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence, no matter where they live:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $85.3 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for Justice Canada. Funding will support a national program for independent legal advice and independent legal representation for victims of sexual assault, as well as to support pilot projects for victims of intimate partner violence. Gender-Based Analysis+

Protections for Women and Children during Divorce or Separation

Women are six times more likely to be killed by a former spouse than a spouse with whom they are living. When co-parenting during a divorce or separation, having supervised options can protect women’s safety and protect children from experiencing violence in their homes. To support supervision services for parenting time in cases of separation and divorce:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $28.4 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for Justice Canada. This will protect the safety and well-being of children and families. Gender-Based Analysis+

Child Exploitation

The online exploitation of children is disturbing and alarming. The government supports innovative tools to fight child sexual exploitation including the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s Project Arachnid, which is a world-leading tool to detect and remove exploitative content from the internet. But more must be done to ensure children are protected and to stop perpetrators:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $20.7 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to enhance its ability to pursue online child sexual exploitation investigations, identify victims and remove them from abusive situations, and bring offenders to justice—including those who offend abroad. Gender-Based Analysis+

Support for Newcomers

To support newcomers and refugees who experience gender-based violence:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $2 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to increase access to information and support for new Canadians facing family and gender-based violence, including enhancing the availability of anti-violence resources. This will help ensure that newcomers’ lives in Canada get off to a safe and successful start. Gender-Based Analysis+

In addition, as outlined in Chapter 6, the government is proposing to reallocate $250 million in funding which will be used for transitional housing and shelter spaces for women and children fleeing violence, as well as provide additional rental assistance through the Canada Housing Benefit for low-income women and children fleeing violence.

Additional details on the government’s National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence will be announced in the coming months.

Preventing Radicalization to Violence

In recent years, Canada and the world have witnessed an increase in radicalization that leads to violence. This poses a significant threat to public safety. To prevent violent extremism:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $8.2 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, for the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to increase support and research for frontline initiatives and programming that prevent and counter radicalization to violence, including violent misogyny. This work will support the forthcoming National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Gender-Based Analysis+

Better Job Protections for Parents of Young Victims of Crime

The death or disappearance of a child is devastating and can leave parents unable to work. In September 2018, the Government of Canada introduced a more inclusive and flexible Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime, to ensure victims’ families continue to get the help they need.

This benefit provides up to 104 weeks of income support to eligible applicants, who have suffered a loss of income because they took time away from work to cope with the death or disappearance of a child or children, as a result of a probable Criminal Code offence.

• The Government of Canada is announcing its intention to amend the Canada Labour Code to ensure that employees in the federally regulated private sector have job protection when they avail themselves of this new benefit. Gender-Based Analysis+

Diverting Youth Away from the Justice System

At present, certain groups of young people are significantly overrepresented in the youth criminal justice system. In 2018-19, 43 per cent of youth admitted to correctional services were Indigenous — over four times higher than their share of the population.

The government is committed to addressing systemic inequities in the criminal justice system. That includes at early stages, when, instead of going into custody, young people can be redirected to community-based programming that encourages rehabilitation and reduces criminal behaviour over the long-term. To address overrepresentation of certain groups and reduce youth crime and youth incarceration rates:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $216.4 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $43.3 million ongoing for the Youth Justice Services Funding Program to increase funding to the provinces and territories in support of diversion programming and to help reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples, Black Canadians, and other racialized groups in the youth justice system. By diverting youth to the right services at the right time and addressing the root causes of crime, this measure would help reduce the crime rate and promote better outcomes for young people and their communities. Gender-Based Analysis+

Expanding Access to Drug Treatment Courts

The pandemic has exacerbated the crisis of problematic substance use in Canada. The government takes a public-health centered approach to addiction. With Bill C-22, the government has proposed legislative amendments that require police and prosecutors to consider alternatives, such as diversion to addiction treatment programs, instead of laying charges or prosecuting people for simple drug possession. Drug treatment courts can break the cycle of drug addiction and criminal behaviour by helping non-violent offenders get the treatment they need. Since 2015, the federal government has provided over $25 million to support 13 drug treatment courts, which treat an average of 200 clients per day. To make our communities safer and support families struggling with addiction:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $40.4 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $10 million ongoing, to support up to 25 additional drug treatment courts. This funding will provide eligible participants with access to a comprehensive program that includes substance use treatment and social services support. Gender-Based Analysis+

Enhancing Legal Support for Vulnerable Communities

The government is committed to building a strong justice system and ensuring fair outcomes for all involved. That is why the government is making investments to support access to legal information and advice for racialized Canadians and asylum seekers.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $21.5 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, for a Racialized Communities Legal Support Initiative. This would support organizations that provide free public legal education and information as well as organizations that provide legal services and advice to racialized communities. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide an additional $26.8 million, in 2021-22, to enable participating provinces to maintain immigration and refugee legal aid support for asylum seekers, while protecting the efficiency and integrity of the asylum system. Gender-Based Analysis+

Supporting Work to Address Systemic Racism in Public Safety Institutions

All people in Canada should be treated fairly by our public safety agencies. Yet, systemic racism exists in Canada and racialized communities and Indigenous peoples continue to be overrepresented in the justice system and far too many Canadians do not have confidence that public safety agencies are there to protect them. This must change.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $75 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $13.5 million ongoing, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to take action, with steps to combat systemic racism through: reforming recruitment and training processes; the collection, analysis, and reporting of race-based data; more rapidly evaluating the impact of policing activities on certain communities; and improving community engagement and consultation with Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities. Gender-Based Analysis+

Reforming Canada’s Pardons Process

For a Canadian with a criminal record, the obstacles they face (long after serving out their sentence) can impede their ability to fully reintegrate and contribute to their community. A pardon increases access to jobs, education, stable housing, and makes communities safer by helping to end the cycle of crime. However, fees and difficult-to-navigate processes pose unnecessary barriers to pardons, particularly among marginalized groups.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $88.2 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, with $13 million ongoing, to the Parole Board of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Public Safety Canada. This funding would reduce application fees, create an online application portal, and support community organizations that help people navigate the pardon application process. Gender-Based Analysis+
• To help ensure that the pardons program works fairly and effectively to keep Canadians safe, the government is announcing its intention to amend the Criminal Records Act to make pardons more accessible to people who have served their sentences and are living law-abiding lives. Gender-Based Analysis+

Reforming the Judicial Conduct Review Process

Canada’s judicial system is built on a foundation of trust, impartiality, and respect. The judges that preside over Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial superior courtrooms should uphold these values, so it is important that when allegations of misconduct arise, investigations are conducted in an efficient, transparent, and accountable manner. To reform the judicial conduct process, while fully respecting judicial independence:

• The government proposes to amend the Judges Act to reform the judicial conduct process by increasing public participation, streamlining appeals, and giving the Canadian Judicial Council new tools to address misconduct, at an estimated cost of $10 million over five years and $2 million ongoing. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $8.5 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $0.5 million ongoing, to the Canadian Judicial Council and the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs to continue investigations and inquiries during upcoming reforms as well as the proposed new process. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 proposes to amend the Judges Act to freeze a judge’s pension entitlements, as of the date the Canadian Judicial Council recommends a judge’s removal from office. Gender-Based Analysis+

Enhancing the Capacity of Superior Courts

An accessible justice system requires efficient court processes that help Canadians obtain timely resolutions to their legal disputes. That is why the government has committed to creating new judicial positions. To help reduce court delays and enhance access to justice across Canada’s superior courts:

• Budget 2021 proposes to amend the Judges Act, the Federal Courts Act, and the Tax Court of Canada Act to add 13 new superior court positions, including an Associate Chief Justice position for the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $49.3 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $10.4 million ongoing, for these 13 additional superior court judicial positions. Gender-Based Analysis+

Maintaining Federal Court Services During COVID-19

To ensure the continued safe operation of Canada’s federal courts during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Courts Administration Service has adapted and implemented necessary public health measures.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $5.4 million, in 2021-22, on a cash basis, to maintain safe court services for Canadians during the pandemic. Gender-Based Analysis+

Re-establishing the Law Commission of Canada

A Law Reform Commission of Canada was first introduced in 1971 to provide independent legal advice to the Government of Canada. After being shuttered in 1992, it was re-established as the Law Commission of Canada, in 1997. Despite a track record of providing guidance on key legal questions (for example, on the matter of same-sex marriage), the commission was closed again in 2006. Independent expertise is critical if Canada’s legal system is to be responsive to the complex challenges of the day such as systemic racism in the justice system, legal issues around climate change, establishing a new relationship with Indigenous peoples, and rapid technological shifts in the world.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $18 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $4 million ongoing, to Justice Canada to revive the Law Commission of Canada. Gender-Based Analysis+

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Correctional Institutions

The Government of Canada has a responsibility to keep all Canadians safe from COVID-19 infection, including the inmates at federal correctional institutions, who are disproportionately Indigenous and Black, and staff. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Correctional Service of Canada has worked to limit the spread of the virus within its institutions.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $154.6 million, in 2021-22, to the Correctional Service of Canada to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep staff and inmates safe, while enabling safe access to rehabilitative services. This includes the procurement of personal protective equipment, enhanced cleaning protocols, and support for increased use of IT for remote work, as necessary, during the pandemic. Gender-Based Analysis+

Enhancing Data Collection on Cyber Security Threats

As our society becomes increasingly digital, the government must continually assess emerging cyber security threats and ensure that the government can respond and protect Canadians and Canadian businesses.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $4.1 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $1.0 million ongoing, for Public Safety Canada to continue the cyber security and cybercrime survey program. Gender-Based Analysis+

Improving How Access to Information Works for Canadians

Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $35 million in incremental funds to improve Canadians’ access to information. To continually raise the bar on openness, effectiveness, and transparency in government and to provide requestors with the timely responses they deserve:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $12.8 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, to support further improvements to the online Access to Information and Personal Information Request Service, to accelerate the proactive release of information to Canadians, and to support completion of the Access to Information Act review. This will help address delays in response time that the government is committed to fixing. Gender-Based Analysis+

9.3. Defending Canada and Canadian Values

Canada’s 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, set out a vision for a long-term, fully-funded plan to renew and re-equip the Canadian military, built around people. Providing the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces with the training, equipment, and care they deserve is the most important objective of this policy. This investment is also central to defending Canada and promoting Canada’s values around the world.

Budget 2021 reaffirms Canada’s commitments to its allies.

The government also understands that for Canada’s military to truly renew, its culture must be one in which all members of the armed forces are safe and where sexual misconduct and abuse of power are not tolerated.

Addressing Sexual Misconduct and Gender-based Violence in the Military

The federal government has no tolerance for sexual misconduct or gender-based violence in the Canadian Armed Forces. Recently reported stories about misconduct are shining a light on the scope of the problem. The members of Canada’s military make enormous sacrifices to protect Canadians and, regardless of rank or gender, have an inalienable right to serve in safety, in a respectful and dignified work environment. Since the 2015 External Review into Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces, important progress has been made, but there remains much work to do. The government is committed to taking further action to strengthen accountability mechanisms, promote culture change in the military, and provide a safe space for survivors to report misconduct and access the services they need. In addition to the Budget 2021 measures below, the federal government will have more to annouce in the coming weeks on next steps.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $236.2 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $33.5 million per year ongoing to the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada, including $158.5 million over 5 years and $29.9 million per year ongoing funded from existing resources to expand their work to eliminate sexual misconduct and gender-based violence in the military and support survivors. Specifically:
  • Enhance internal support services to victims, including access to free, independent legal advice and enabling military members to access services without making a formal complaint.
  • Expand an existing contribution program to support community-based sexual assault service providers outside major urban military centres, and increase the reach of the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre that serves the Canadian Armed Forces to additional locations across Canada.
  • Pilot online and in-person peer support groups for Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans who experienced sexual misconduct during their service. These will be tailored to military experience.
  • Conduct research to inform targeted training and response frameworks, and engage external experts to support education and training to prevent sexual violence.
  • Implement new external oversight mechanisms to bring greater independence to the processes of reporting and adjudicating sexual misconduct within the military.
  • Undertake other initiatives to enhance institutional capacity to address harassment and violence, including enhancing the military justice system to better respond to allegations of misconduct and support survivors.
  Gender-Based Analysis+

These investments will be part of the government’s broader National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

Supporting NORAD Modernization

Canada takes seriously its responsibility to defend against threats to North America, including as a member of the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). Since NORAD was established in 1958, the threats facing the continent have evolved significantly — including as climate change drives a changing strategic context in the Arctic. Building on commitments in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Prime Minister and the President of the United States recently agreed to modernize NORAD and expand cooperation on continental defence and in the Arctic to keep people in both our countries safe.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $163.4 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, with $111.1 million in remaining amortization, to support NORAD modernization. This investment would lay the groundwork for NORAD’s future, including through research and development of cutting-edge technologies that can detect and defend against threats to the continent. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $88.8 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, with $48.7 million in remaining amortization and $0.6 million per year ongoing, to sustain existing continental and Arctic defence capability. Gender-Based Analysis+

These early measures will position Canada to move forward hand-in-hand with the United States on modernizing NORAD and to maintain continental defence and deterrence capabilities. It will also support jobs and businesses in Canada’s North.

Increasing Canada’s Contributions to NATO

Since its creation in 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has been a cornerstone of Canadian defence policy. In 2019, Canada committed to increase its contribution to the NATO Readiness Initiative, an agreement to enhance the pool of high-readiness forces and capabilities available for collective defence and crisis response. To follow through on this commitment and invest in a ready and capable collective defence force to help keep Canadians safe:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $541.2 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to the Department of National Defence to maintain an additional six fighter aircraft and a frigate as part of the NATO Readiness Initiative. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide up to $305.9 million over five years, starting in 2020-21, to the Department of National Defence to cover higher Canadian contributions to NATO’s common budget and military activities. Gender-Based Analysis+

This funding demonstrates Canada’s unwavering commitment to NATO and will strengthen this country’s capacity to respond to evolving global security challenges.

Advancing the Safer Skies Initiative

Canada launched the Safer Skies Initiative after Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down by Iran on January 8, 2020, killing all 176 people on board, including 138 people with ties to Canada. Since then, Canada has been at the forefront of global efforts to uncover the full truth of what happened, including by highlighting the major shortcomings of the Iranian investigation, and demanding that Iran provide answers to Canadians who lost loved ones.

While we cannot bring back the lives lost, we can do our utmost to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The goal of the Safer Skies Initiative is to prevent civil aviation tragedies like Flight 752 from ever happening again. To achieve this, the initiative will bring together like-minded countries, international associations, industry, and the International Civil Aviation Organization to develop a warning system that can keep civilian aircraft out of dangerous conflict zones when the countries responsible for those conflict zones fail to act responsibly to close their dangerous airspace. Safe and secure air travel will be more important than ever when the world emerges from the global pandemic.

To help protect Canadians and reduce civil aviation safety risks:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $9.1 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to Transport Canada for the continued development and implementation of the Safer Skies Initiative, which includes supporting the operations of the Conflict Zone Information Office. Gender-Based Analysis+

To pay tribute to the students, teachers, and all those victims of Flight 752 who had ties to schools across Canada, the government will establish scholarships in memory of the victims of Flight 752.

On March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, claiming the lives of 157 people, including 18 Canadians and many others with ties to Canada. To honour the memory of those who died on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302:

• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $5.6 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to Transport Canada for commemoration initiatives, which could include scholarships. Gender-Based Analysis+

To honour all victims of air tragedies, the government has designated January 8th of every year as a National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters.

Sustaining Health Services for the Canadian Armed Forces

To continue protecting the health and safety of the women and men who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, especially during COVID-19:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $134.3 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $28.2 million per year ongoing, to ensure that Canadian Armed Forces members receive timely access to health care. Gender-Based Analysis+

Better Equipping Our Coast Guard and Military

Public Services and Procurement Canada manages the procurement of equipment and ships for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard. Procurement and project management volumes are increasing as Canada implements its defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $70.8 million over 10 years, starting in 2021-22, to ensure the timely delivery of defence and marine procurement projects. Gender-Based Analysis+
• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $1.1 million in 2021-22 to augment the Cost and Profit Assurance Program, which saves millions annually through the audit and oversight of defence contracts. Gender-Based Analysis+

This funding will increase defence procurement efficiency, help Canada negotiate better contracts, improve oversight, and lower costs in the long run. Ultimately, it will help ensure our women and men in uniform receive the equipment they need.

Ensuring Procurement Partners Respect Canada’s Economic Interests

In December 2017, the government announced that the evaluation of bids for the competition to replace Canada’s fighter aircraft would include an assessment of bidders’ impact on Canada’s economic interests, and that any bidder that had harmed Canada’s economic interests would be disadvantaged.

• Budget 2021 confirms the government will apply this policy to major military and Coast Guard procurements going forward. Companies found to have prejudiced Canada’s economic interests through trade challenges will have points deducted from their procurement bid score at a level proportional to the severity of the economic impact, to a maximum penalty. Gender-Based Analysis+

This policy will protect Canada’s economic interests and make sure the government does business with trusted partners who value doing business with Canada.

9.4 Building a Safer, Resilient, and Equitable World

The government understands that to protect people, save lives, and defeat COVID-19, global collaboration is essential and that Canada has a responsibility to take action on shared challenges. In Budget 2021, the government is making investments to support Canada’s international COVID-19 response, with a focus on addressing the health needs in developing countries (Chapter 1).

Furthermore, it is important that our global economic recovery be fair and not leave the most vulnerable countries behind. This is the surest path to a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous world. That is why Budget 2021 commits an additional $1.4B over five years in international assistance to support developing countries and vulnerable populations respond to this crisis and to meet growing humanitarian needs around the world.

The government also recognizes that climate change and biodiversity loss do not respect borders. Not only do they represent existential threats in their own right, but they are also catalysts for instability, conflict, starvation, and pandemics. That is why Canada intends to build on its ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada with an ambitious commitment to combat climate change and biodiversity loss around the world in the coming months leading up to the international COP conferences. These commitments will particularly help those already being affected by climate change to adapt, with a focus on those in low and middle income countries. This is part of Canada's contribution to ensure 2021 is a transformative year for ambitious global climate action and COP26 is a success.

Increasing International Humanitarian Assistance

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance to new highs. The United Nations estimates that 235 million people worldwide will require humanitarian assistance and protection in 2021.

• Budget 2021 proposes to allocate an additional $165 million in 2021-22 to Global Affairs Canada to provide international humanitarian assistance to save lives and alleviate suffering resulting from conflicts, food insecurity, and other crises in developing countries. Gender-Based Analysis+

This support would be used by trusted humanitarian partners to provide needs-based and gender-responsive assistance in vulnerable countries affected by protracted crises.

This funding is in addition to the $1 billion increase to Canada’s loan commitment to the International Monetary Fund's Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust, which provides interest-free loans to low-income countries. Additionally since May 2020, Canada has provided more than $70 million in temporary debt service relief for the poorest countries through the G20 and Paris Club agreed Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI). For the final DSSI extension to the end of 2021, announced by the G20 on April 7th, Canada could provide up to an additional $33 million in relief. Canada also strongly supports the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments which will enable more comprehensive debt relief for the poorest countries.

Responding to the Rohingya Crisis

Three years after Canada became the first country in the world to recognize the attacks perpetrated against the Rohingya minority as constituting a genocide, over 860,000 refugees are living in the world’s largest refugee camp, in Bangladesh. To continue to respond to this humanitarian crisis, encourage positive political developments, ensure accountability for the crimes committed, and enhance international cooperation:

• Budget 2021 proposes to allocate $288.3 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to Global Affairs Canada to respond to the Rohingya crisis. Gender-Based Analysis+

This investment is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to address the crisis in Myanmar. Canada condemns the recent actions of the Myanmar military and State Administrative Council and stands with the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy and human rights.

Response to the Venezuelan Migrant and Refugee Crisis

The political and economic situation in Venezuela has led to more than five million Venezuelans to flee their homes—and it is currently one of the world’s largest displacement crises. Canada is a key player in international efforts to find solutions to this crisis.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $80.3 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to Global Affairs Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to respond to the Venezuelan migrant and refugee crisis. This investment would enable Canada to help reduce human suffering, irregular migration, and security threats in the region, while improving the integration of migrants and refugees into host communities. Gender-Based Analysis+

Extending Canada’s Middle East Strategy

Since 2016, Canada has been a major contributor to the international response to the crisis in Iraq, Syria, and neighbouring countries. Canada has worked with its allies to reduce instability in the region and counter terrorism by groups like Daesh through the NATO Mission in Iraq and Operation IMPACT.

While there has been progress, the situation remains fragile.

To continue providing development, humanitarian, and military support and advance peace and stability in the region:

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $527 million in 2021-22, on a cash basis, to Global Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence, the Communications Security Establishment, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to extend Canada’s Middle East Strategy for another year. Gender-Based Analysis+

Recapitalization of FinDev Canada

Private sector finance is critical to helping developing countries reduce poverty, economically empower women, and mitigate and adapt to climate change. FinDev Canada advances these objectives by supporting inclusive private sector growth and sustainability in developing countries.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide a $300 million recapitalization over three years, starting in 2023-24, to FinDev Canada, from the retained earnings of Export Development Canada, to allow FinDev Canada to build a portfolio totaling $1.4 billion. Gender-Based Analysis+

Supporting Developing Economies Through the International Finance Corporation

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) supports private-sector development in developing economies. In April 2020, the World Bank Group Board of Governors, which includes Canada, provided final approval for a US$5.5 billion capital increase for the IFC.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide US$175.9 million (an estimated $224.4 million) to the Department of Finance Canada through the International Assistance Envelope, to fully purchase the IFC shares allocated to Canada in 2021-22. Fully purchasing the shares allocated to Canada in 2021-22 would enable the IFC to rapidly expand its support in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Gender-Based Analysis+

Supporting the African Development Bank

The financial capacity of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has been eroded by the COVID-19 crisis. This bank is a core development partner of Canada that plays a critical role in economic growth and development in Africa. In May 2020, Canada committed to provide US$253.4 million over eight years, starting in 2020-21, to purchase shares in the latest general capital increase of the AfDB.

• Budget 2021 proposes to accelerate and complete Canada’s purchase of shares of the African Development Bank in 2022-23, rather than in 2027-28, to help alleviate the financial strain during the COVID-19 crisis and enable it to maintain support to its client countries through the recovery. Funding for Canada’s purchase of shares is allocated to Global Affairs Canada from the International Assistance Envelope. Gender-Based Analysis+

Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise

A robust and responsible global trading system generates prosperity and jobs at home and abroad. The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) reflects the government’s commitment to advance the responsible conduct by Canadian companies when doing business abroad.

• Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $16.0 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, and $3.3 million per year ongoing, to Global Affairs Canada to support the CORE. This would enable the CORE to fulfil its mandate of ensuring ethically, socially, and environmentally responsible practices of Canadian corporations when doing business abroad. To this end, the CORE will conduct reviews of human rights abuse allegations involving Canadian companies in the resource mining, oil and gas, and apparel sectors overseas. Gender-Based Analysis+