Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change second annual report: section 8

Following the joint commitments made by the Prime Minister and National Leaders of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council, the Government of Canada collaborated with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation to establish three distinctions-based senior bilateral tables based on recognition of rights, co-operation and partnership. Throughout 2018, these tables have built a structured, collaborative approach for ongoing engagement with Indigenous Peoples in the implementation of the PCF and on broader Indigenous-specific clean growth and climate change priorities. Highlights include:

First Nations – Canada Joint Committee on Climate Action

The First Nation-Canada Joint Committee on Climate Action (JCCA) has had five official meetings with numerous working group sessions throughout the year. In 2018, the JCCA has focused efforts on building the relationship between partners, and began work on improving communication and the flow of information. The JCCA has made progress on identifying challenges and barriers that prevent First Nations from fully participating in the clean growth and climate change activities being implemented as part of the PCF, and is providing advice on how to address these barriers. The JCCA is also engaged in ongoing dialogue about the implications of carbon pollution pricing on First Nations, and is working to identify options for ensuring that revenue recycling approaches address the unique circumstances of First Nations.

Concrete results from these meetings to date include:

• establishing a First Nations-specific forum to discuss climate issues at the national level
• contributing to federal program development and identifying challenges and barriers to be overcome for the full and effective participation of First Nations in PCF-related programming; and
• identifying best practices and providing guidance for future clean growth and climate change policy and program decision-making, including carbon pollution pricing and the provision of funding

Finally, the JCCA has also explored innovative solutions – including the possible development of a First Nations Resilient Communities initiative – that would put First Nations at the forefront of actions to address climate change. A detailed annual report is being prepared for the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and the Prime Minister of Canada, outlining the activities described above.

Inuit – Canada Table on Clean Growth and Climate Change

The Inuit-Canada Joint Table on Clean Growth and Climate Change has held two official meetings. Initial discussions focused on building relationships and achieving consensus on priority issues to be discussed by the Table in the coming months. The second meeting featured discussions on the unique challenges from the perspective of each Inuit region. Small group dialogue between federal members and regional Inuit members identified action items and priorities for each region.

Steps are being taken to address issues raised at the Table, including: connecting regions with program leads; coordinating and engaging with Inuit to review and assess accessibility of existing federal programs and to identify funding gaps; and, initiating regional and household carbon pollution pricing impacts analyses as well as reviewing the territorial studies.

Métis Nation – Canada Table on Clean Growth and Climate Change

The Métis Nation-Canada Table on Clean Growth and Climate Change is in the early stages of building a partnership, having held two official meetings. Table members have begun to build relationships, share information on joint policy development, and identify Métis-specific considerations for designing programs and funding related to the PCF. Federal departments implementing PCF programs and policies are adjusting to working with the Métis Nation on a distinctions-basis. This includes amending program terms and conditions as possible and seeking additional authorities to work with the Métis Nation on a nation-to-nation, government-to-government basis. Some programs have already adjusted their funding approach for the Métis Nation (e.g., Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s Community-Based Monitoring Program is working with each Governing Member to shape region-specific initiatives).