Utoo Radio - March 26, 2024 - In Ottawa today, the federal auditor general underlines the need for a major government reform after two reports spotlighting First Nations housing and enforcement issues.
"In various crucial areas such as housing, policing, safe drinking water, and more, our audits of federal programs aimed at supporting Canada's Indigenous Peoples consistently uncover a troubling and ongoing trend of inadequacy," Karen Hogan said at a Tuesday press conference.
"The lack of progress is a clear indication of the government's ineffective and siloed approach, which goes against the spirit of true reconciliation."
Tuesday's House of Commons reports were pessimistic about Ottawa's First Nations housing and police.
Hogan's assessment found little progress in improving First Nations housing over the past 20 years.
Hogan found that inadequate administration is resulting in underserved communities and unspent cash in the recently expanded First Nations policing program.
The auditor general again held the government accountable for dangerous and inappropriate housing in First Nations communities. Fourth time since 2003 such concerns have been highlighted.
Hogan's research found that the government neglected building code compliance and funded the poorest housing areas the least.
"A significant number of individuals residing in First Nations communities lack access to safe and well-maintained housing, which is considered a fundamental human right," says the study.
"Enhancing housing conditions for First Nations is crucial to promote their physical, mental, and economic health and well-being."
Indigenous Services and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation have funded 11,754 new homes in four years. They also addressed 15,859 unit maintenance issues.
According to Hogan, this amount covers just about 20% of new building and repair budgets, leaving large gaps.
In rural and distant areas, community construction might be difficult. These places generally have a limited construction season and a labour shortage. Pandemic delays affected projects too.
Hogan links inadequate housing to family violence, substance misuse, suicide, and economic concerns. Forced relocation due to housing shortages might also hinder cultural preservation.
"Following four audit reports, it is disheartening to note the lack of progress and the ongoing living conditions faced by numerous First Nations individuals and families," Hogan said during a Tuesday press conference.
She believes the gaps would worsen with time.
Hogan claims that the $3.86 billion provided for First Nations housing over the past five years falls well short of the $44 billion needed by 2030 to make major changes.
Her projections show that housing demand will rise by $16 billion from 2022 to 2040 due to population growth.
Indigenous Services Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation fund First Nations housing. However, the former must finally hand over governance to First Nations.
Hogan's assessment states that the department is in the early stages of executing this but lacks a substantive policy framework.
Due to time, gap size, money, and First Nations' infrastructure development challenges, the research stresses the importance of a well-planned approach.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu said she hoped the housing report will spark as much emotion as the clean water report at a news conference.
"We are here to discuss the ongoing relationship with Indigenous Peoples," he said.
"This is a monumental task of shifting an entire system."
In another study, an auditor raised serious concerns about expanding a contentious police program for First Nations communities.
In 2021, the Liberals pledged $500 million to expand the program. The federal and provincial governments collaborate to fund First Nations enforcement.
Hogan said that "No communities were added to an existing self-administered police service agreement within our audit period," despite increased financing for the program.
Hogan's assessment noted the RCMP's community neglect. Public Safety Canada again failed to be equitable, with $45 million going unspent this year.
In a recent assessment of 26 RCMP towns, just 38% of officers were able to spend 100% of their time to the communities they serve.
"The actions of Public Safety Canada and the RCMP, as highlighted in Hogan's report, are not in line with the goal of building trust with First Nations and Inuit communities, as well as the federal government's commitment to truth and reconciliation," he said.
The First Nations policing program has been criticized in a performance assessment, human-rights complaint, and lawsuit.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc stressed the need to strike a balance in legislation that addresses community needs while preserving the constitutional division of powers.
"There is a strong belief that a solution will be found to enhance the provision of police services to Indigenous communities, ensuring improved delivery and transparency."
The government's $4.6-billion transportation infrastructure improvement program was well-designed, according to a Tuesday assessment. The initiative has struggled to track and measure its results.
