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Archived - Chapter 4:
Advancing Reconciliation and Building a Canada That Works for Everyone

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Building a Canada that works for everyone requires a commitment to addressing past wrongs and working to support a brighter future for all Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

In Budget 2023, the federal government is continuing to build on the progress we have made together since 2015 on walking the path of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, building strong, diverse communities, and protecting the environment and fighting climate change. We will continue building a country where everyone can reach their potential.

With new measures and important investments, Budget 2023 will help everyone share in the opportunities and prosperity that Canada provides.

Key Ongoing Actions

Investments made in and since Budget 2022 to advance reconciliation, protect the environment, and build stronger and more inclusive communities across Canada include:

Investments in Indigenous Priorities

Since 2015, the federal government has worked with Indigenous partners to advance meaningful reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Real progress has been made to improve the quality of life in Indigenous communities and close gaps between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous people. But there is more work to do.

Among the most significant measures, the government has invested more than $5.7 billion since 2015 to build and repair at least 123 new water and wastewater treatment plants, repair or upgrade 658 others, and support the effective management and maintenance of water systems. Through these investments, First Nations have lifted 138 long-term drinking water advisories and prevented 244 short-term drinking water advisories from becoming long-term on public systems on reserves as of February 3, 2023, and plans are in place to lift the remaining 32.

Chart 4.1
Progress on Lifting Long-Term Drinking Water Advisories on Public Systems on Reserves
Chart 4.1: Progress on Lifting Long-Term Drinking Water Advisories on Public Systems on Reserves

Source: Indigenous Services Canada, as of February 3, 2023

Text version
LTDWAs As of Feburary 3, 2023 % Number
Project to address advisory complete, lift pending 9% 15
Project under construction 7% 12
Project in design phase 2% 3
Feasibility study being conducted to address advisory 1% 2
Advisory Lifted 80% 138
Total (138 lifted + 32 in effect) 100% 165

Since 2015, the federal government has made significant distinctions-based investments to respond to the unique histories, interests, and priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Through Budget 2023, the government will continue to advance reconciliation by supporting healthy communities and investing in self-determined solutions.

Key Investments in First Nations Priorities Since 2015

  • $29 billion for child welfare services, including funding to implement An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, to maintain and enhance the First Nations Child and Family Services program, and to support ongoing negotiations towards additional program reforms;

  • Nearly $6.4 billion to meet the needs of First Nations children through Jordan's Principle;

  • $6.7 billion to support primary care and public health on reserve, distinctions-based mental health care, and non-insured health benefits. This also includes $1.2 billion in infrastructure funding, which has already supported 248 health-related projects in First Nations communities;

  • Over $5.9 billion for elementary and secondary education to help First Nations children living on reserve receive high-quality schooling. This also includes $1.8 billion in infrastructure funding, which has already supported 261 school facility projects;

  • Over $5.7 billion to address critical infrastructure gaps related to water and wastewater, and accelerate progress to end long-term and short-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities on reserve;

  • Over $4 billion to support First Nations housing on reserve;

  • Almost $2.5 billion to support community infrastructure on reserve;

  • Nearly $2.5 billion in funding to build an early learning and child care system that meets the needs of First Nations families;

  • $991 million for First Nations and Inuit policing and police facilities to provide access to local and culturally sensitive police services that make communities safer; and,

  • $417 million targeted for First Nations post-secondary education.

Key Investments in Inuit Priorities Since 2015

  • $25 million to implement the Inuit Nunangat Policy, which was co-developed with Inuit and will guide the federal government in design, development, and delivery of new and renewed federal programming, policies, and initiatives;

  • Over $1.3 billion to support housing in Inuit communities;

  • $5.1 billion to reduce tuberculosis, provide non-insured health benefits, and support distinctions-based mental health care;

  • More than $230 million for Inuit communities to build an early learning and child care system that meets the needs of Inuit families;

  • $70 million to support the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy;

  • $991 million for First Nations and Inuit policing and police facilities to provide access to local and culturally sensitive police services that make communities safer; and,

  • More than $125 million targeted for Inuit post-secondary education.

Key Investments in Métis Priorities Since 2015

  • More than $860 million for Métis communities to build an early learning and child care system that meets the needs of Métis families;

  • $690 million to support housing in Métis communities;

  • More than $400 million towards Métis communities skills and employment training, economic development, and to support the startup and expansion of Métis small and medium-sized businesses;

  • $867 million to support distinctions-based mental health care and the monitoring and treatment of chronic diseases; and,

  • More than $360 million targeted for Métis post-secondary education.

Chart 4.2
Investments in Indigenous Priorities
Chart 4.2: Investments in Indigenous Priorities

Source: Public Accounts of Canada; Department of Finance Canada

Text version
2015-16 2023-24
Historic Spending on Indigenous priorities 11,400,000,000 11,400,000,000
Previously Planned Funding Increases   2,300,000,000
Investments from Budget 2016 to 2022 Fall Economic Statement   14,600,000,000
Budget 2023   900,000,000
TOTALS 11,400,000,000 29,200,000,000
% Increase   156%

Through Budget 2023, the government will continue to advance reconciliation by supporting healthy communities and self-determined solutions.

4.1 Self-Determination and Prosperity for Indigenous Peoples

Advancing Indigenous self-determination is critical to Canada's future. It strengthens nation-to-nation, government-to-government, and Inuit-Crown relationships, accelerates decolonization, moves us all forward on reconciliation, and ultimately creates more vibrant and prosperous Indigenous communities.

Indigenous governments must be able to set and implement priorities respecting their communities, lands, and resources. Indigenous Peoples, businesses, and communities must have the opportunity to fully participate in the economy, and build opportunities for themselves and future generations in the ways they see fit, consistent with their constitutionally protected rights.

Budget 2023 is investing in measures that will continue to advance service transfer to Indigenous governments and institutions, and unlock opportunities to advance economic reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

Supporting Indigenous Governance, Capacity, and Participation in Decision-Making

Supporting Indigenous Governance and Capacity

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First Nations governments need resources to meet the needs of their communities and deliver the services and programs their communities rely on. Supporting First Nations governments is an essential part of supporting self-determination.

Increasing Indigenous Participation in Northern Environmental Decision-Making

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Indigenous participation in northern environmental decision-making processes is an example of self-determination in action. Major resource and infrastructure projects can offer Indigenous communities and other Northerners good jobs, revenue, and business development opportunities.

Support for Indigenous and public participation in environmental assessments of these projects helps Indigenous Peoples inform decisions that affect their lands, communities, and futures. This also helps ensure approved projects respect Indigenous rights and that local communities—many of them rural and remote—experience their benefits.

Advancing Self-Determination of Métis Communities

Advancing self-determination requires a distinctions-based approach to ensure that the unique rights and interests of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities are affirmed and implemented. The federal government is proud of the significant progress being made towards renewed government-to-government relationships with Métis communities, based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

In February 2023, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations signed updated Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreements with the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, and the Métis Nation of Ontario. These historic agreements came after more than a century of Métis ancestors fighting for recognition. These agreements, in addition to an agreement signed with the Manitoba Métis Federation in July 2021, formally recognize each Métis partner as the representative government of the Métis Nation in their respective provinces, with jurisdiction over core governance and other internal matters.

The government will continue its collaborative work with these governments to conclude self-government treaties, guiding implementation of their unique visions for Métis self-determination.

Tax Arrangements With Indigenous Governments

Mutually beneficial tax arrangements with interested Indigenous governments build strong fiscal relationships and support self-determination through revenues that Indigenous governments can invest in what matters most to their communities.

The federal government remains committed to negotiating mutually beneficial tax agreements with interested Indigenous governments, including implementing the First Nations Goods and Services Tax within their settlement lands or reserves and, with interested self-governing Indigenous governments, to enable the implementation of personal income taxes within their settlement lands.

The federal government is also making progress with Indigenous communities and organizations on a voluntary fuel, alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco (FACT) sales tax framework. The FACT framework would provide a new, flexible option for interested Indigenous governments to exercise tax jurisdiction within their reserves or settlement lands. Since fall 2022, productive discussions have taken place with Indigenous partners, and Indigenous communities have expressed interest in moving forward collaboratively.

The federal government also continues to encourage, and will help facilitate, taxation arrangements between interested provincial or territorial and Indigenous governments.

The government will also continue to explore the potential role of additional tools, including tax arrangements, to enable Indigenous communities to meaningfully benefit from resource development.

Building an Economy That Works for Indigenous Peoples

Creating Prosperity With Indigenous Peoples

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Economic reconciliation is critical to Indigenous self-determination. To move forward and build prosperity, systemic barriers must be removed and supports put in place for Indigenous communities to fully participate in the economy in line with their constitutionally protected rights.

Building on the strong foundation set out in recent Indigenous-led initiatives, such as the National Indigenous Economic Strategy and the First Nations Financial Management Board's RoadMap project, the Framework will help to define the role of federal and Indigenous organizations in advancing economic reconciliation through measures that reflect the unique needs, perspectives, and interests of Indigenous Peoples.

Supporting Indigenous Economic Participation in Major Projects

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The federal government is committed to further improving the quality and consistency of benefits that Indigenous communities derive from major projects in their territories, including through advancing opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate as partners in major projects.

The government will also continue to explore, through engagement on the National Benefits-Sharing Framework, additional federal supports to increase access to capital for Indigenous groups to invest in major resource projects.

Advancing Economic Reconciliation by Unlocking the Potential of First Nations Lands

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The federal government is committed to supporting initiatives that return control and decision-making over the use of First Nations lands back to First Nations communities. This supports economic growth and self-determination for First Nations, and moves us further along the path of reconciliation.

In December 2022, the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management Act received Royal Assent, building on the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management's 25-year record of empowering First Nations to exercise their jurisdiction by opting out of Indian Act provisions related to land management.

4.2 Investing in Indigenous Communities

Supporting strong, healthy Indigenous communities means confronting the harms of the past—and the challenges facing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities today—with forward-looking, Indigenous-led solutions.

Budget 2023 includes new investments to strengthen accessible, culturally appropriate health care, to support Indigenous communities where everyone, including the most vulnerable, feels safe and supported, and to support community-led efforts to revitalize language, culture, and traditions.

Supporting Indigenous Health Priorities

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Indigenous Peoples deserve access to high-quality and culturally safe health care services, no matter where they live. The federal government is working with Indigenous partners, provinces, and territories to co-develop distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation.

On February 7, 2023, the federal government announced major new investments in public health care, and is working with provinces and territories on delivering improvements that people in Canada—including Indigenous Peoples—expect and deserve. A key principle in bilateral agreements with provinces and territories is that Indigenous Peoples everywhere in Canada have the right to fair and equal access to health services, free from racism and discrimination.

As part of the federal government's plan to strengthen Canada's universal public health care system, the government is investing $2 billion in new, additional funding over ten years for a distinctions-based Indigenous Health Equity Fund. This fund will address the unique challenges Indigenous Peoples face when accessing health care services, and support immediate and long-term Indigenous health priorities. Building on this investment, Budget 2023 proposes additional new measures to maintain essential health care services. Budget 2023 proposes to provide:

Supporting Safe and Affordable Housing in Indigenous Communities

When people have access to safe and affordable housing, they are more economically secure, healthier, and see brighter futures for themselves and their families. Since 2015, the federal government has committed $6.7 billion to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis housing, including in self-governing and modern treaty communities, $4 billion of which was announced in Budget 2022. The funding so far has supported over 13,000 housing-related projects and home improvement and repairs, and more than 4,600 new homes in Indigenous communities.

Budget 2022 also provided $300 million to support housing in urban, rural, and northern Indigenous communities. As outlined in Chapter 1, Budget 2023 is proposing to build on this initial work with a significant investment of $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2024-25, to implement an Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, currently under co-development with Indigenous partners.

Implementing the National Action Plan to End the Tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

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Together with Indigenous partners, the federal government is accelerating the implementation of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. Building on the $2.2 billion provided in Budget 2021, Budget 2023 proposes investments that acknowledge the leadership of families and survivors in this process, and the need to increase accountability and ensure that progress is made. Budget 2023 proposes to provide:

Supporting First Nations Children

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The federal government is committed to ensuring that First Nations children have the supports they need to flourish, and that communities are supported in their efforts to keep families together.

Through the implementation of Jordan's Principle, First Nations children are able to access the health, social, and educational supports they need, when they need them. The government continues to work with First Nations partners to advance long-term reforms to ensure that First Nations children will continue to receive timely, high-quality services.

The government also continues to work with First Nations partners on long-term reforms for child welfare, and to support community-led solutions to reduce the number of children in care and keep children and youth connected to their families, their communities, and their culture. In addition, the government is supporting First Nations in developing their own child and family services that reflect their values and traditions under An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.

Gottfriedson Band Class Settlement Agreement

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The residential school system attempted to assimilate Indigenous children, forcing them to abandon their languages, cultures, spiritualities, traditions, and identities. The painful legacy of the residential school system lives on today.

The federal government is committed to addressing the harms that continue to affect First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and their families. On January 18, 2023, the federal government signed an agreement to compensate 325 bands that opted in to the Gottfriedson Band Class litigation to address the collective harms caused by the loss of language, culture, and heritage through the residential school system. The settlement has since been approved by the Federal Court.

4.3 Clean Air and Clean Water

We live in the most beautiful country in the world. From the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island to sweeping Yukon vistas and the mountains of British Columbia, Canadians love our natural environment. We depend on it for our jobs, for clean air and clean water, and for a sense of place in the world.

However, the risks to our environment have never been greater. Climate change threatens nature, our communities, and our economy. Pollution and development continue to harm Canada's remarkable biodiversity.

Building on the significant progress we have made since 2015, Budget 2023 announces new measures to protect our natural environment, fight climate change, and make Canada more resilient to the threats posed by extreme weather.

Fighting Climate Change and Protecting Nature

Since 2015, the federal government has taken significant action to protect the environment, conserve nature and biodiversity, and respond to the threat of climate change. This includes:

  • Establishing a federal pollution pricing system that puts money back in the pockets of Canadians;

  • Putting Canada on track to conserve 25 per cent of Canada's lands and waters by 2025, and to conserve 30 per cent by 2030;

  • Designing an Emissions Reduction Plan that serves as Canada's roadmap to a 40 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030;

  • Providing more than $3.6 billion to protect nature and species at risk, and more than $1 billion to protect marine and coastal areas;

  • Putting Canada on a path to planting two billion trees;

  • Protecting Canada's coasts and waterways by providing more than $3.5 billion to the Oceans Protection Plan;

  • Helping Canadians purchase or lease close to 200,000 zero-emission vehicles since 2019 through purchase incentives of up to $5,000;

  • Keeping people and communities safe from the impacts of climate change, with more than $1.6 billion to support Canada's National Adaptation Strategy;

  • Lowering energy bills and making homes more energy efficient with grants of up to $5,000 for home retrofits and up to $40,000 for deep retrofits;

  • Providing more than $600 million to preserve wild Pacific salmon;

  • Supporting the recovery of the Southern Resident Killer Whale, the North Atlantic Right Whale, and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga; and,

  • Banning the manufacturing of harmful single-use plastics, and working with provinces and territories towards a goal of zero plastic waste by 2030.

Progress on Biodiversity

Montreal recently hosted the Fifteenth Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, which led to a new Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. During COP15, Canada announced new funding for biodiversity and conservation measures at home and abroad that will support the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, including $800 million to support Indigenous-led conservation within Canada through the innovative Project Finance for Permanence model.

Chart 4.3
Canada Has Made Significant Progress to Conserve Land and Water Since 2015
Chart 4.3: Canada Has Made Significant Progress to Conserve Land and Water Since 2015

Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2021) Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database.

Text version
Year Total land and water conserved
2015 1,201,302
2016 1,215,415
2017 1,586,669
2018 1,640,985
2019 2,011,748
2020 2,100,639
2021 2,143,928

Protecting Our Freshwater

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Canada is home to 20 per cent of the world's freshwater supply. Healthy lakes and rivers are essential to Canadians, communities, and businesses across the country. Recognizing the threat to freshwater caused by climate change and pollution, the federal government is moving forward to establish a new Canada Water Agency and make major investments in a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan.

Protecting Canada's Whales

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Canada's oceans are home to more than 30 species of whales, which play a critical role in the health of our oceans and carry important cultural significance for many Indigenous and coastal communities. In Budget 2023, the federal government is proposing further funding to protect whales, including the North Atlantic Right Whale, the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga, and British Columbia's Southern Resident Killer Whale, all of whom are vital to Canada's marine ecosystems.

Cleaner and Healthier Ports

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Canada's ports are at the heart of our supply chains, delivering goods to Canadians and allowing our businesses to reach global markets. As rising shipping levels enable and create economic growth and good jobs, the federal government is taking action to protect Canada's coastal ecosystems and communities.

Protecting Species at Risk

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The federal government is continuing to work with provincial and territorial governments, in partnership with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders across Canada, to protect species at risk. As a result of actions taken to fulfill its obligations under the Species at Risk Act, Canada has helped to improve the status of several species.

Supporting Natural Disaster Resilience

Improving Disaster Insurance

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As a result of climate change, extreme weather is on the rise. When extreme weather strikes, it often leaves behind a wake of severe damage to homes and communities. People need to be able to access affordable property insurance so that natural disasters don't lead to unnecessary financial disasters. However, the unique realities of natural disasters make them difficult to insure, leaving some Canadians financially vulnerable. Working with the insurance industry, more needs to be done to protect Canadians from the costs that come with recovering from disasters and make insurance affordable.

The government will engage provinces and territories on the development and implementation of the program, as well as the requirements for its long-term fiscal sustainability, including cost-sharing and risk mitigation. In parallel, the Department of Finance and Public Safety Canada will engage with industry on solutions to earthquake insurance and other evolving climate-related insurance market challenges.

Raising Awareness of Flood Risks

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As climate change makes flooding more frequent and severe, many Canadians are unaware of the risks their home may face from flooding. This is, in many cases, due to a lack of publicly available information. For many at the greatest risk, this limits their ability to take action to protect themselves and their home, and hinders communities' ability to mitigate the effects of flooding.

Modernizing Federal Disaster Assistance

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The Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements cover up to 90 per cent of provincial and territorial response and recovery costs after a disaster. Since 1970, the federal government has provided approximately $7.6 billion in support under the program—two thirds of which has been delivered in the past ten years. As climate change makes natural disasters more frequent, the program must be modernized to increase its focus on prevention and resilience.

4.4 Stronger and More Inclusive Communities

No matter the colour of your skin, or who you love, or what language you speak, or where you were born, you deserve to share in the opportunities that Canada provides.

Investing in our communities means tackling the systemic discrimination and hate that too many racialized Canadians, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians still face. It means building communities where everyone is able to be who they are and do what they love.

Budget 2023 introduces new measures that will build stronger communities and a more equitable and inclusive Canada—for everyone.

Supporting Our Official Languages

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Canada's two official languages unite us. English and French are at the heart of our history and who we are.

However, in a changing and interconnected world, our two official languages are not on equal footing. The relative size of Francophone minority communities has been declining, and Canada's rate of official language bilingualism is static. Even in Quebec, the demographic weight of Francophones is declining.

To meet the challenges facing linguistic duality in Canada—and to ensure its future—the federal government recognizes its responsibility to protect and promote our two official languages. This includes protecting and promoting French in Quebec, language rights of Francophone minorities across Canada, including Acadians, Franco-Ontarians, and Franco-Manitobans, as well as the Anglophone minority in Quebec.

Since 2015, the federal government has taken action to support our official languages with historic investments. This has included introducing an Action Plan for Official Languages; the development of a national strategy to increase Francophone immigration; the release of a white paper entitled English and French: Towards a substantive equality of official languages in Canada; the introduction of Bill C-13 to modernize the Official Languages Act for the first time in a generation; and achieving a record 4.4 per cent French-speaking immigrants outside of Quebec.

Investing in Our Official Languages

To strengthen the vitality of official languages across Canada, the federal government has also provided significant funding since 2015, including:

  • $2.7 billion over five years, starting in 2018-19, to fund the Action Plan for Official Languages, 2018-23, which included funding for the training and recruiting of teachers to meet the growing needs of Francophone minority schools and immersion classes;

  • $450 million over five years, starting in 2019-20, to support minority-language education, including at the post-secondary level; second-language learning; and minority-language community and educational spaces; and,

  • $21.6 million over five years, starting in 2020-21, to support legislative amendments for increased access to family justice, including divorce, in the official language of one's choice.

The Action Plan for Official Languages, 2023-28 will implement the federal government's commitments to ensure the equality of English and French, help to increase the demographic weight of Francophones and restore the size of Francophone communities, increase the rate of bilingualism, and better support official language minority communities.

These new investments of more than $1 billion would bring total funding for the Action Plan for Official Languages, 2023-28 to over $3.8 billion over five years.

Investing in Employment Assistance Services for Official Language Minority Communities

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For workers across Canada, access to employment assistance services—such as employment counselling, resume writing, interview techniques, job search skills, and job placement services—in the official language of their choice is critical.

Supporting the Canadian Screen Sector

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The Canada Media Fund is a non-profit organization that supports artists, storytellers, and producers in bringing Canadian content to audiences at home and around the world. However, in recent years, changing viewing habits have resulted in declining revenues for the Canada Media Fund, making it harder for them to support homegrown talent.

Supporting the Growth of Canada's Tourism Sector

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The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Canada's tourism sector. During the pandemic, the federal government provided $23 billion in emergency support to help the industry recover, and with travel resuming and the industry beginning to turn the corner, there is an opportunity to invest in Canada's tourism sector and ensure it can continue to be a driver of good jobs and vibrant communities across Canada.

Following consultations with the tourism industry, provincial and territorial counterparts, and Indigenous tourism operators, the government will present a new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy to chart a course for growth, investment, and stability in Canada's tourism sector. As key components of the upcoming Strategy:

Atlantic Growth Strategy

The Atlantic Growth Strategy was launched in 2016 to pave the way for a stronger economy in Atlantic Canada. Through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, the federal government and provincial governments in Atlantic Canada are working together to create good middle class jobs, strengthen local communities, encourage immigration, and grow innovative companies across the region.

In July 2022, the federal and provincial governments reaffirmed their commitment to work together and build on the initiatives that are benefitting Atlantic Canadians through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. Renewed areas of focus will include infrastructure, trade and investment, broadband, innovation, labour and skills, and clean technology.

Fighting Systemic Racism, Discrimination, and Hate

Canada's commitment to embracing diversity is an example to the world and a pillar of our national character—one in three people in Canada is a member of a racialized or religious minority community. We work together, support each other, and learn and prosper by living alongside each other.

However, many racialized and religious minority communities in Canada continue to experience barriers and discrimination. In response, the federal government has taken significant steps to fight systemic racism, discrimination, and hate in Canada. This includes:

Canada's New Action Plan to Combat Hate

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Hate has no place in Canada. However, police-reported hate crimes have increased by 72 per cent between 2019 and 2021. Hateful rhetoric is on the rise, and misinformation and disinformation, both online and in our communities, is increasingly affecting the safety and well-being of Canadians.

To confront hate in all its forms, including hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, the federal government plans to introduce a new Action Plan to Combat Hate later this year. This new Action Plan will include measures to combat hateful rhetoric and acts, building on measures being taken in Budget 2023 to build safer, more inclusive communities.

Building on Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy

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In Budget 2022, the federal government renewed Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy to fight racism and ensure that our society continues to be strengthened by Canada's remarkable cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity.

Supporting Black Canadian Communities

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Research indicates that Black Canadians continue to experience persistent inequities in income and employment while also facing a higher likelihood of discrimination. The government remains committed to addressing these barriers and inequities.

Supporting a More Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive Public Service

An Action Plan for Black Employees in the Public Service

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Systemic racism has been a reality for Black Canadians for far too long. All too often, Black public servants face barriers to career advancement and lack adequate support for the challenges they face—particularly for their mental health. The federal government is committed to ensuring that Black public servants can work in a safe and healthy environment that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive.

Addressing Workplace Harassment, Discrimination, and Violence

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Canadians need a federal public service that represents our diverse communities and draws from the full capacity of Canada's smart and capable workforce. To do this, federal workplaces must be welcoming and supportive, and free of harassment and discrimination.

Advancing Public Safety Research

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Public safety officers help keep us safe, but their jobs can frequently expose them to traumatic events and increase their risk of post-traumatic stress injuries. Over the past five years, the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment, based out of the University of Regina, has made important contributions to advance knowledge in this area and address injuries among officers.

Addressing Wrongful Convictions

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The federal government fundamentally believes that a fair and equitable criminal justice system must guard against potential miscarriages of justice. Under the current system, it can be too difficult, and take too long, for people who believe they have been wrongfully convicted to have their cases reviewed.

On February 16, 2023, the Minister of Justice introduced legislation to establish an independent Miscarriage of Justice Review Commission to replace the current ministerial review process and make the process more efficient and accessible.

Advancing Gender Equality in Canada

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Women in Canada face unique barriers. Since 2015, the federal government has made record investments to support women and gender diverse people, with Budget 2023 delivering new support to build on the important progress that has been made.

A Safe and Accountable Sport System

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From beginners to Olympians, every athlete in Canada should be safe from abuse, harassment, and mistreatment. Ensuring that our sporting institutions across the country are accountable for the treatment of their athletes is essential to building a sport system that promotes the safety and well-being of Canadian athletes.

Helping Canadians Stay Active

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Supporting people to be more active has significant benefits for their physical and mental health, as well as for our communities, the environment, and the economy. However, in 2018-19, less than half of adults, children, and youth met the minimum national physical activity guidelines. To help encourage more Canadians to get moving:

Local Food Infrastructure Fund Top-Up

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Northern, Indigenous, and remote communities face unique challenges when it comes to food security. Through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, the federal government is supporting community-led efforts to address food insecurity by helping invest in the infrastructure needed to produce, store, and deliver locally-sourced food in a sustainable manner.

Making Life More Affordable for Persons With Disabilities

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Persons with disabilities can face additional costs related to medical care, retrofits, and medical devices. In fact, they are almost twice as likely to be low-income as people without a disability. Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs) are there to support the long-term financial security of people with disabilities who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. Since their creation in 2008, total assets within RDSPs have grown to approximately $8.8 billion, with close to 260,000 RDSPs supporting persons with disabilities with the cost of living in their later years.

The federal government has expanded access to RDSPs by allowing a qualifying family member—such as a parent, a spouse, or a common-law partner—to open an RDSP and be the plan holder for an adult with mental disabilities whose ability to enter into an RDSP contract is in doubt, and who does not have a legal representative. The provision has helped many families access an RDSP, but it is currently set to expire.

Since the introduction of the Qualifying Family Member provision in 2012, the federal government has maintained that this provision is intended as a stopgap for provinces and territories to develop more appropriate, long-term solutions to address RDSP legal representation issues for persons with disabilities. While most provinces and territories have made significant progress, others have not. The government continues to encourage provinces and territories that have not already done so to address issues surrounding guardianship for persons with disabilities.

Advancing Inclusion of Canadians with Disabilities

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In October 2022, the government launched the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to disability inclusion. Community engagement is a key aspect—the government needs to get views from Canadians with disabilities in matters that affect them. To further enhance disability inclusion in Canada:

The government remains committed to the launch of a Canada Disability Benefit as part of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, including engagement with the disability community and provinces and territories on the regulatory process. Investments in Budget 2023 continue to lay the necessary groundwork for the Canada Disability Benefit, building off of the government's reintroduction of the Canada Disability Benefit Act in June 2022.

Supporting Canadians With Disabilities

The federal government provides significant support to Canadians with disabilities. This includes:

  • More than $1.6 billion per year to support persons with severe and prolonged mental and physical impairments through the Disability Tax Credit;

  • Over $1 billion per year through Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds, as well as exempting from tax investment income earned in Registered Disability Savings Plans, which supports the financial security of persons with disabilities;

  • Providing $922 million to provinces and territories through the Workforce Development Agreements in 2023-24, approximately 30 per cent of which is targeted to help persons with disabilities get training, develop their skills, and gain work experience;

  • Over $650 million annually through more generous Canada Student Grants, interest-free Canada Student Loans, and easier-to-access repayment assistance—including loan forgiveness for those with severe permanent disabilities—to support persons with disabilities with the additional costs of post-secondary education, such as those that come with supportive services and devices;

  • $105 million in 2023-24 to support the implementation of an employment strategy for persons with disabilities through the Opportunities Fund. This included funding to the Ready, Willing and Able Program to support persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder or intellectual disabilities in finding employment; and

  • Over $460 million per year through the Child Disability Benefit provided as a supplement to the Canada Child Benefit for parents of children with severe and prolonged disabilities, providing an average of approximately $2,700 in annual support.

Along with the proposed Canada Disability Benefit Act, these measures form part of the government's Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which aims to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

View the impact assessment

Through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, the federal government supports opportunities for local artists, artisans, and heritage performers through festivals, events, and projects. This includes Indigenous cultural celebrations and the celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Creating a New Leave for Pregnancy Loss

Pregnancy loss is a profoundly personal event in someone's life. Approximately 15 to 25 per cent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and one per cent end in stillbirth. Without time to rest and recover, those who lose a child are at higher risk of developing physical and mental health challenges.

This new leave will also apply to parents planning to have a child through adoption or surrogacy.

Improving Access to Leave Related to the Death or Disappearance of a Child

The death or disappearance of a child is a tragic and devastating moment and can leave parents unable to work. Ensuring parents have the support they need to navigate a devastating period in their lives is critical to their emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

4.5 A Stronger Immigration System

Canada is a country that has been shaped by immigration. Our communities and our economy are made stronger every day by people who chose to move to Canada and start a new life.

By 2025, Canada will welcome 500,000 new permanent residents each year—the majority of whom will be skilled workers who will help address the labour shortages that so many Canadian businesses are experiencing today.

In the years to come, Canada's proud history of immigration must be matched with a modern, efficient immigration system that welcomes people from around the world, strengthens our communities, and supports Canada's continued economic growth.

Safe and Efficient Citizenship Applications

View the impact assessment

As Canada welcomes record numbers of newcomers, a safe and efficient immigration system is essential. Applications for citizenship currently rely on name-based searches for screening, rather than biometric tools, such as fingerprints, that are used in visa and permanent residence applications. Name-based searches are slower and less accurate, and lead to increased processing times.

This funding will build on important progress made in 2022, including the processing of 5.2 million applications for permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship. Additionally, further steps have already been taken to move key immigration services online, including the confirmation of permanent residence status and the introduction of online citizenship testing and ceremonies.

Supporting Travel to Canada

View the impact assessment

Visitors to Canada generate billions of dollars in revenue for the Canadian economy, strengthen our commercial and social ties with other countries, and support Canadian businesses. As air travel continues to recover from the pandemic, the federal government is committed to simplifying and expediting the application process for those seeking to visit Canada, while prioritizing national security. 

Supporting Legal Aid for Asylum Seekers

View the impact assessment

Access to legal representation, information, and advice ensures that Canada's asylum process is fair for everyone, and makes the process more efficient. For asylum seekers who are unable to pay for legal support, the federal government helps fund legal aid services in partnership with provinces and territories.

Supporting Vibrant Rural Communities

Canada's rural communities are a driver of economic growth, and home to a wide range of industries including agriculture, mining, and tourism. In Budget 2023, the government is proposing a series of measures that will help to support Canadians living and working in rural and remote communities, including:

  • $45.9 million to expand the reach of the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness program for eligible doctors and nurses who choose to practice in rural and remote communities;
  • $368.4 million to renew and update forest sector programs, which will support jobs in the forestry sector in rural and remote communities;
  • Significant investment tax credits and funding for clean electricity to build Canada's clean economy, which will support major projects that will create good jobs in rural and remote communities, and will help expand Canada's electrical grid to more rural and remote communities;
  • $4 billion to implement a co-developed Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy;
  • $250 million for an Oral Health Access Fund, which will complement the Canadian Dental Care Plan by reducing barriers to accessing care, including in rural and remote communities;
  • $333 million over ten years to establish the Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund, which will help reduce the amount of solids non-fat that is sold for animal feed or disposed of, and ultimately increase revenues for dairy farmers;
  • $108 million over 3 years to the Regional Development Agencies for projects and local events to increase local tourism opportunities for businesses and communities;
  • $57.5 million over five years, with $5.6 million ongoing, to the CFIA to establish a Foot-and-Mouth disease Vaccine Bank to ensure early vaccination of livestock, reduce border closures and protect the livelihoods of livestock farmers in the event of an outbreak;
  • $34.1 million over three years for a top-up to the On-Farm Climate Action Fund to support Eastern Canadian farmers adopt nitrogen management practices that reduce fertilizer use and ultimately result in cost savings for these farmers;
  • $13 million in 2023-24 to increase the interest-free limit of loans under the Advance Payments Program to provide additional cash flow to farmers in need; and,
  • $10 million in 2023-24 to top up the Local Food Infrastructure Fund to strengthen food security in rural and Indigenous communities across Canada.
Chapter 4
Advancing Reconciliation and Building a Canada That Works for Everyone
millions of dollars
  2022-
2023 
2023-
2024 
2024-
2025 
2025-
2026 
2026-2027  2027-2028  Total
4.1. Self-Determination and Prosperity for Indigenous Peoples 0 111 22 21 10 10 173
Supporting Indigenous Governance and Capacity 0 76 0 0 0 0 76
Increasing Indigenous Participation in Northern Environmental Decision Making 0 5 4 4 4 4 21
Creating Prosperity With Indigenous Peoples 0 5 0 0 0 0 5
Supporting Indigenous Economic Participation in Major Projects 0 9 0 0 0 0 9
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 -1 0 0 0 0 -1
Advancing Economic Reconciliation by Unlocking the Potential of First Nations Lands 0 17 18 18 6 6 65
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 -1 -1 -1 0 0 -2
4.2. Investing in Indigenous Communities 2,973 556 107 104 91 91 3,923
Supporting Indigenous Health Priorities 0 534 76 76 70 70 827
Implementing the National Action Plan to End the Tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 2 21 31 28 21 21 125
Supporting First Nations Children – Jordan's Principle 171 0 0 0 0 0 171
Gottfriedson Band Class Settlement Agreement 2,800 0 0 0 0 0 2,800
4.3. Clean Air and Clean Water 0 168 231 237 106 62 804
Protecting Our Freshwater 0 82 92 91 84 84 433
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 -42 -42 -42 -34 -34 -194
Protecting Canada's Whales 0 37 53 53 0 0 144
Cleaner and Healthier Ports 0 5 39 60 51 7 162
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -3
Protecting Species at Risk 0 61 61 61 0 0 184
Improving Disaster Insurance 0 14 14 3 0 0 32
Raising Awareness of Flood Risks 0 4 6 6 0 0 15
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 -1 -1 -1 0 0 -4
Modernizing Federal Disaster Assistance 0 11 13 8 8 8 48
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 -3 -3 -2 -2 -2 -12
4.4. Stronger and More Inclusive Communities 2 265 512 473 331 331 1,914
Supporting Our Official Languages - Federal Initiatives 0 63 75 79 78 79 374
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources 0 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -5
Supporting Our Official Languages - Intergovernmental Collaboration 0 56 156 156 156 156 679
Supporting Our Official Languages - Court Challenges Program 0 3 5 5 5 5 25
Investing in Employment Assistance Services for Official Language Minority Communities 0 11 35 54 54 55 208
Supporting the Canadian Screen Sector 0 20 20 0 0 0 40
Supporting the Growth of Canada's Tourism Sector 0 18 38 38 0 0 93
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 0 -1 0 0 0 -1
Canada's New Action Plan to Combat Hate 0 5 11 11 11 11 50
Building on Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 0 8 8 8 2 1 25
Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion Secretariat View the impact assessment 0 1 1 0 0 0 2
Supporting Black Canadian Communities 0 0 25 0 0 0 25
An Action Plan for Black Employees in the Public Service 0 15 15 15 0 0 46
Addressing Workplace Harassment, Discrimination, and Violence 0 4 3 0 0 0 7
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 -1 -1 0 0 0 -2
Advancing Public Safety Research 0 1 1 5 5 5 17
Addressing Wrongful Convictions 0 7 20 19 19 19 84
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 0 -1 -1 -1 -1 -4
Advancing Gender Equality in Canada 0 7 76 76 0 0 160
A Safe and Accountable Sport System 2 6 5 0 0 0 14
Helping Canadians Stay Active 0 5 5 0 0 0 10
Local Food Infrastructure Fund Top-Up 0 10 0 0 0 0 10
Making Life More Affordable for Persons with Disabilities 0 1 3 3 3 3 13
Advancing Inclusion of Canadians with Disabilities 0 27 5 0 0 0 32
Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage 0 0 7 7 0 0 14
4.5. A Stronger Immigration System 0 55 17 15 16 2 104
Safe and Efficient Citizenship Applications 0 0 4 2 2 2 10
Supporting Travel to Canada 0 11 12 13 14 15 66
Less: Reduction in reference levels
0 0 0 0 0 -15 -15
Supporting Legal Aid for Asylum Seekers 0 44 0 0 0 0 44
Additional Investments – Advancing Reconciliation and Building a Canada That Works for Everyone 156 1,352 365 126 68 68 2,135
Natural Resources Canada's Explosives Program View the impact assessment 0 3 7 9 0 0 19
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 -1 -2 -2 0 0 -5
Funding proposed for NRCan to reinforce its oversight of the Canadian explosives sector, including in the mining industry, under the Explosives Act.
Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program View the impact assessment 0 63 72 0 0 0 135
Funding proposed for DFO to continue to meet the requirements of the Fisheries Act, as updated in 2019, to protect fish and fish habitat.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program View the impact assessment 0 5 0 0 0 0 5
Funding proposed for DFO to continue to assist fisheries, aquaculture, and fish processing operators to adopt sustainable and clean technologies in their operations.
Renewal of the Marine Spatial Planning Program View the impact assessment 0 14 0 0 0 0 14
Funding proposed for DFO, ECCC, and TC to continue to develop and implement marine spatial plans to help guide activities affecting Canada's marine waters.
Hydro-Meteorological Services View the impact assessment 0 194 199 200 199 199 991
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 -148 -143 -143 -143 -143 -721
Funding proposed for ECCC's Meteorological Service of Canada to renew weather support services, forecast modelling capabilities, and monitoring systems.
Additional Resources for National Security and Intelligence Reviews View the impact assessment 0 22 30 0 0 0 53
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 -4 -5 0 0 0 -10
Funding proposed for PCO, CBSA, DFO, CSE, CSIS, DND, GAC, IRCC, JUS, PHAC, PS, RCMP, and TC, which have security and intelligence mandates, so that they continue to fulfill the review requirements of the NSIRA and the NSICOP.
Supporting the National Film Board View the impact assessment 0 5 5 0 0 0 9
Funding proposed for the NFB to continue to produce and share Canadian content with the world.
Supporting the TV5MONDEplus Platform View the impact assessment 0 0 2 2 0 0 4
Funding proposed for PCH to purchase Canadian content for the TV5MONDEplus platform.
Supporting the National Arts Centre View the impact assessment 0 13 15 0 0 0 28
Funding proposed for Canada's home for the performing arts, the National Arts Centre
Supporting Canada's National Museums and the National Battlefields Commission View the impact assessment 0 23 30 0 0 0 53
Funding proposed for Canada's six national museums (the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the National Gallery of Canada, the National Museum of Science and Technology, and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21) and the National Battlefields Commission, to support immediate building maintenance.
Nation Rebuilding Program View the impact assessment 0 10 0 0 0 0 10
Funding proposed for CIRNAC to extend the Nation Rebuilding Program and support Indigenous-led activities to facilitate their own path to reconstituting their nations.
Improving the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Employer Compliance Regime View the impact assessment 0 15 33 0 0 0 48
Funding proposed for ESDC to improve the employer compliance regime under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, including more program inspectors and the maintenance of the worker protection tip line.
Enabling Accessibility Fund View the impact assessment 0 0 5 5 0 0 10
Funding proposed for Employment and Social Development Canada for the Enabling Accessibility Fund to reduce waitlists for critical services and supports for persons with disabilities.
Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples View the impact assessment 0 3 0 0 0 0 3
Funding proposed for CIRNAC to coordinate activities to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Negotiating and Implementing Indigenous Rights View the impact assessment 0 4 5 5 5 5 22
Less: Funds Sourced From Existing Departmental Resources
0 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -3
Funding proposed for ECCC to negotiate and implement rights-based agreements with Indigenous communities related to the environment.
Healthcare Support for Asylum Claimants and Refugees View the impact assessment 0 469 0 0 0 0 469
Funding proposed for IRCC to support the Interim Federal Health Program, which provides temporary healthcare coverage to asylum claimants and refugees who are not yet eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance.
Modernizing Intelligence Operations View the impact assessment 0 17 21 22 0 0 60
Funding proposed for CSIS to maintain and update its information technology systems.
Maintaining Effective Oversight of Canada's Correctional System View the impact assessment 0 1 2 2 2 2 10
Funding proposed for the OCI to strengthen its capacity to investigate inmate complaints, violent incidents, and systemic issues in federal prisons.
Supporting Federal Correctional Institutions View the impact assessment 0 85 70 16 0 0 171
Funding proposed for CSC to address health and safety issues within federal correctional facilities, support remote work and court appearances, and stabilize core operations.
Reimbursing Partners for Costs Related to Illegal Blockades and Occupations in 20221 View the impact assessment 91 7 0 0 0 0 98
Funding proposed for PS to reimburse municipalities for security operations related to illegal Convoy blockades and occupations, and for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for related activities.
Providing Security Measures for the July 2022 Papal Visit View the impact assessment 56 0 0 0 0 0 56
Funding proposed for the RCMP and PS to address security-related costs from the July 2022 Papal Visit.
Providing Repayment Flexibility to Contract Policing Partners View the impact assessment 5 0 0 0 0 0 5
Funding proposed for the RCMP to provide an extended repayment period for jurisdictions that contract policing services to pay their share of costs for retroactive salary increases.
Investing in Firearms IT Infrastructure View the impact assessment 0 18 8 1 1 1 29
Funding proposed for Public Safety Canada and the RCMP to implement an IM/IT solution to compensate firearms owners and businesses and safely remove assault-style firearms from Canadian communities.
Temporary Lodgings for Asylum Seekers in Need of Shelter View the impact assessment 0 530 0 0 0 0 530
Funding proposed for IRCC to provide short-term accommodations to asylum seekers unable to shelter elsewhere. This is in addition to funding already provided since the 2022 Fall Economic Statement.
Support for James Smith Cree Nation 5 6 12 11 5 5 43
Funding proposed to support mental wellness and healing for James Smith Cree Nation, including through the building of a new wellness centre in the community and repurposing the existing Sakwatamo Lodge.
Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program View the impact assessment 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Funding proposed for CIRNA's Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to continue to support environmental remediation activities related to eight large and complex abandoned mine sites in the Northwest Territories and Yukon; $6.9 billion over 12 years on a cash-basis is proposed to meet federal obligations.
Chapter 4 - Net Fiscal Impact 3,131 2,507 1,253 976 621 565 9,053

Note: Numbers may not add due to rounding. A glossary of abbreviations used in this table can be found at the end of Annex 1.

1 $5.7 million of this amount was announced on December 29, 2022.

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