Details on transfer payment programs

2010–11

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2022-23

Community safety practices are strengthened

Canadian communities are safe

Crime is prevented and addressed in populations/communities most at-risk

Serious and Organized Crime

This Biology Casework Analysis Contribution Program (BCACP) provides contributions to the governments of Ontario and Québec, which operate forensic laboratories that undertake biological casework analysis for the purpose of criminal identification, and which also provide crime scene DNA profiles to the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB).

The specific objectives of the BCACP are as follows:

• Increased operational capacity in the Ontario and Québec forensic laboratories;
• Decreased processing turnaround times;
• Decreased case backlog; and
• Increased number of profiles submitted to the Crime Scene Index of the National DNA Data Bank.

Through Public Safety Canada's contributions under the BCACP, Ontario and Québec continued to process a large number of requests for DNA analysis, which directly contributed to criminal investigations and the administration of justice.

The data collected by the BCACP is not disaggregated by age, gender or any other gender-based analysis plus assessment categories.

All data that is collected under the BCACP is subject to the DNA Identification Act and the Privacy Act in order to protect the privacy of individuals. As such, it is not possible to collect disaggregated gender-based data for this program.

Results for Ontario - From April 1, 2022 to March 3, 2023:

• Total number of cases complete: 8,248
  • Arson - disregard for human life: 12
  • Arson – Property: 45
  • Assault / Cause Bodily Harm: 584
  • Attempt Murder: 205
  • B&E- Non-Residence: 796
  • B&E: 1
  • B&E- Residence: 518
  • Controlled Drugs - traffic/product/import/export: 20
  • Criminal Harassment: 22
  • Criminal Negligence Cause Bodily Harm: 1
  • Criminal Negligence Cause Death: 2
  • Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle: 37
  • Discharge Firearm – Recklessly: 318
  • Discharge Firearm – Recklessly (No Risk): 33
  • Explosives - Cause injury / death: 3
  • Explosives – Illegal possession /Control: 4
  • Fraud / Forgery: 8
  • Hit and Run: 70
  • Impaired Driving / Over 80 / CBH / Death: 24
  • Kidnap/Abduction: 34
  • Mischief - Cause Danger to Life: 1
  • Mischief – other: 3
  • Mischief - over $5000: 45
  • Murder/Manslaughter: 599
  • Other Sexual - Indecent Act: 5
  • Robbery: 707
  • Sexual Assault/Interference/Exploitation: 1,898
  • Theft - over $5000: 50
  • Theft of a Motor Vehicle (regardless of value): 1,605
  • Utter Threats: 13
  • Weapon: Import / Export: 2
  • Weapons Possession: 484
  • Weapon: Trafficking / Convert to Automatic Firearm: 12
  • Weapon: Unsafe Storage / Found Weapon: 53
• Average Case Turnaround Times:
  • Primary: 67 days
  • Secondary: 45 days
• Backlog of Cases Waiting for Processing: 371
• Number of DNA profiles Submitted to the Crime Scene Index of the National DNA Databank: 5,668

Results for Quebec^{Footnote 1} - From April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022

• Total number of cases complete: 7,094
• Assault with a weapon: 647
• Sexual assaults: 1,690
• Homicide and attempted murder: 658
• Robbery: 257
• Breaking and entering: 1,160
• Residual secondary offences: 1,574
• Other designated offences: 317
• Cold Cases: 83
• Missing persons/human remains: 232
• Non-designated offences: 429
• Internal and efficiency tests: 47
• Average Case Turnaround Times:
  • Primary: 88 days
  • Secondary: 88 days
• Backlog of Cases Waiting for Processing: 39
• Number of DNA profiles Submitted to the Crime Scene Index of the National DNA Databank: 3,326.

N/A

N/A - An Evaluation of Public Safety Canada's Role in Support of DNA was approved in May 2019.

Next planned evaluation: An Evaluation of the Biology Casework Analysis Contribution Program is planned for 2025-26.

Public Safety Canada and Royal Canadian Mounted Police engaged the governments of Ontario and Québec through their cooperative participation in populating the Crime Scene Index of the NDDB.

The $5.3M variance is primarily attributable to new funding received through the Supplementary Estimates, and therefore it was not reflected in planned spending. There is a $0.2M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts.

March 2022

2026

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021-22

Community safety practices are strengthened

Canadian communities are safe

Crime Prevention

The objective of the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) is to support Municipalities and Indigenous governments in their efforts to address gun and gang prevalence by providing a determined funding allocation to put in place community led projects to combat gun and gang violence and address knowledge gaps concerning the impacts of interventions in gun and gang violence.

Public Safety Canada is responsible for administering contributions agreements to municipal governments as well as Indigenous communities, which then can redistribute all or a portion of the funding to support gang prevention and intervention initiatives, in accordance to their respective needs.

The Department will continue to work in collaboration with municipal governments and Indigenous communities to understand the gun and gang violence-related priority issues and will continue to facilitate a coordinated national data collection strategy.

The objectives of the BSCF are to:

• Support municipalities and Indigenous communities to develop community-based prevention and intervention strategies and initiatives to tackle gun and gang activities.
• Increase the knowledge of the nature, scope and challenges of the identified recipients to tackle gun and gang activities.
• Support recipients to develop a plan to sustain successful prevention and intervention activities on completion of the five-year program.

The expected results of the BSCF are as follows:

Short-term: Identified municipalities and Indigenous communities have funding for prevention and intervention initiatives to address and respond to gun and gang violence.

To date, a total of 64 contributions were signed, of which 59 were signed in 2022-23 (including Quebec).

Medium-term: Identified municipalities and Indigenous communities implement informed prevention and intervention initiatives to respond to gun and gang violence.

Currently, Public Safety Canada has recorded 42 developmental Contribution agreements and 16 full term (not including Quebec).

Long-term: Identified municipalities and Indigenous communities are equipped to address gun and gang violence through intervention and prevention initiatives, and that identified municipalities and Indigenous communities are equipped to address gun and gang violence through intervention and prevention initiatives.

These objectives will be monitored using the following performance indicators^{Note de bas de page 1}:

• Percentage of identified recipients that received dedicated funding to address gun and gang violence through crime prevention and intervention initiatives;
• Percentage of municipalities and Indigenous communities who report that the funding has enabled them to respond to gun and gang violence in their jurisdictions;
• Percentage of recipients that indicate prevention and intervention activities will be sustained at the end of the BSCF funding;
• Percentage of funded communities that positively shifted in the rankings on the identified Communities list based on the proxy indices (Homicides by firearm; incidents of firearms offences; and organized crime/street gang-involved crime);
• Percentage decrease in rates of homicide by firearm amongst identified Communities;
• Percentage decrease in rates of firearms offences amongst identified Communities; and
• Percentage decrease in rates of homicide by organized crime/street gang-involved crime amongst identified Communities.

N/A

N/A - An Evaluation of the Building Safer Communities Fund is planned for 2025-26.

Targeted engagement activities were not scheduled for 2022-23.

The $43M variance is a result of delays during the start-up phase given its first-year implementation. Furthermore, municipalities spent less than the originally forecasted amount; however, still seeking full funding allocation over the term of their projects. The full lapse is expected to be transferred for use in future fiscal years.

2014

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

2019-20

Canadian communities are safe

Crime is prevented and addressed in populations/communities most at-risk

Border Policy

Serious and Organized Crime

Public Safety Canada's Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime (CPCSOC) supports initiatives, research, partnership building, specialized police services, projects and programs to increase knowledge, raise awareness and/or help advance efforts to combat serious and organized crime. This is achieved through funding allocations to eligible recipients. Serious and organized crime (e.g., drug trafficking, identity theft, financial crimes, auto theft, contraband tobacco smuggling, human trafficking, and child sexual exploitation) pose significant threats to the health and safety of Canadians.

Under the CPCSOC, the Department provides funding to support the following two streams:

Stream A - Projects and/or initiatives to increase knowledge, raise awareness and/or help advance efforts to combat human trafficking and child sexual exploitation^{Footnote 2};

Stream B - Specialized policing services to enhance capacity of Indigenous police to address organized crime and related criminal activities in and around high-risk Indigenous communities. Funding does not apply to Indigenous police structures provided by the RCMP in the context of a police agreement.

The objectives of the CPCSOC are:

• Supporting projects and/or programs including specialized police services that focus on enhancing efforts to combat serious and organized crime and increasing awareness and understanding of related issues;
• Supporting initiatives and/or research projects to increase understanding of the (evolving) nature of serious and organized crime, including its structures, activities and impact on communities;
• Creating or reinforcing partnerships among recipients;
• Facilitating cooperation and collaboration among various levels of government and stakeholders; and
• Informing the development/implementation of policies, procedures and legislation.

Public Safety Canada continued to support the Canadian Centre for Child Protection for the operation of Cybertip.ca, the national tip line for suspected cases of online child sexual exploitation and to support Project Arachnid.

In 2022-23, Cybertip.ca received 45,667 URLs reported by the public. Project Arachnid detected an average of 719,000 unique suspect images per month and sent removal notices to over 710 Electronic Service Providers (ESPs).

Stream B of CPCSOC continued to support the First Nations Organized Crime Initiative which provides funding to the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) and the Kahnawake Peacekeepers. This initiative aims to increase their capacity in intelligence gathering and information sharing through training and enhanced partnerships between them, the RCMP, and other Canadian and American law enforcement agencies; increase their knowledge of skills and techniques used in complex organized crime investigations; and disrupt organized crime and related criminal activities in and around their communities and surrounding areas.

N/A

N/A - An Evaluation of the Expansion to the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet was completed in March 2022 (FY 2021-22).

An Evaluation of the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline was completed in January 2023.

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

The evaluation found that there is a a continued need for a hotline. Evidence suggests that human trafficking continues on an upward trend in Canada.

Recommendations:

That Public Safety Canada should:

• Increase the priority placed on GBA Plus research to inform the Strategy.
• Refine the Performance Measurement Framework to ensure that the data can be collected and accurately reflects the impacts of the Strategy.

Stream B applicants are engaged on a regular basis through targeted requests for proposals to address issues relevant to the program. In some cases, CPCSOC applicants are identified specifically (e.g., First Nations applicants such as Kahnawake and Akwesasne), based on the particular policy and program objectives being pursued. Once identified, applicants are engaged through a variety of means, as appropriate, including via email, by telephone, and through in-person meetings

The $4.2M variance is a result of invoicing timing and additional resources required to Combat Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking. There is a $7.3M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts, of which $2.6M is expected to be transferred for use in future fiscal years.

1970

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Terms and conditions were last amended in 2014-15. In June 2022, they were extended until March 31, 2024.

Canada can effectively mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from all-hazards events.

Emergency Response/Recovery

The Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) provides federal financial assistance to provinces and territories (PTs) affected by significant natural disasters such as floods and storms. When response and recovery costs exceed what individual PTs could reasonably be expected to bear on their own, the DFAA provides the Government of Canada with a fair and equitable means of assisting PTs.

The DFAA has guidelines in place that include an established cost-sharing formula. This is not a program with repayable contributions.

In 2022-23, the DFAA continued to assist PTs with the costs of dealing with disasters, where those costs would otherwise place a significant burden on the provincial or territorial economy and would exceed what they might reasonably be expected to fully bear on their own.

This is evidenced by the following results achieved during the reporting period:

• 11 events meeting the DFAA cost sharing threshold received an Orders in Council approval, an increase of two (2) from the previous year;
• 100% of events meeting the DFAA cost sharing threshold received an Orders in Council approval;
• DFAA payments were issued in response to all provincial and territorial requests; and
• An updated accounting of provincial and territorial response and recovery expenditures were received semi-annually for events for which the DFAA were approved.

A Joint Audit and Evaluation of the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangement Programs was approved in August 2022.

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

Given the increasing severity, frequency and cost of natural disasters in Canada, the DFAA provides an avenue through which the federal government can assist provincial and territorial governments when disaster response and recovery costs place a significant burden and exceed what individual PTs might reasonably be expected to bear on their own. The DFAA is primarily a reactive funding mechanism making things such as mitigation difficult to address as part of the program

Recommendations:

That Public Safety Canada should:

• Revise the DFAA to better reflect current Emergency Management realities and ensure alignment with current frameworks and strategies. This should include an increased focus on all hazards and the importance of mitigation.
• Establish and implement a formal information management system in support of complete, accurate and consistent program information while considering the information necessary to support decision making and forward-looking policy recommendations.
• Develop and communicate a framework that delineates internal stakeholder roles and responsibilities throughout the DFAA lifecycle.
• Explore mechanisms to share lessons learned identified through the DFAA audits with program staff, departmental management, and the Departmental Audit Committee, as required, to better support DFAA oversight and decision making.

See previous section.

Public Safety Canada's officials have provided guidance and advice to provincial and territorial officials regarding eligibility of expenditures under the Program upon request, and as part of scheduled conversations on active files.

The $2.3B variance is primarily attributable to new funding received through the Supplementary Estimates, and therefore it was not reflected in planned spending. There is no lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts.

July 26, 2013

March 31, 2021

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Amended in 2017-18 (February 2018)

Canadian communities are safe

Emergency Response/Recovery

Following a request for financial assistance from the Province of Quebec for the July 6, 2013 train derailment and explosion in Lac-Mégantic, the Government of Canada committed to share with Quebec, on a 50-50 basis: response and recovery costs (up to $25 million); and decontamination costs (up to $95 million). Public Safety Canada, as the lead department for federal emergency management issues, has signed with Quebec a Contribution Agreement to disburse the funds.

N/A - This program ended in March 2021, and as such it was not included in the Departmental Plan 2022-23.

N/A

N/A

N/A

The $10M variance is due to the funding required to make the final contribution payment to Québec for the decontamination and response and recovery costs following the train derailment and explosion in Lac-Mégantic, Québec. This final payment will close out the one-time contribution program. There is no lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts.

2018-19

2027-28

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2018-19

Crime is prevented and addressed in populations/communities most at-risk.

Indigenous Policing

Recognizing that there are pressing needs in terms of policing infrastructure in First Nations and Inuit communities, the funding for First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities Program (FNIPFP) is providing $88.6 million over seven years, beginning in 2018-19, to repair, renovate or replace policing facilities owned by First Nation and Inuit communities. The program will help ensure policing facilities comply with current building, policing, and health and safety standards.

The objective of the FNIPFP is to improve the safety and well-being of the occupants of First Nations and Inuit police facilities by financial assistance to plan, repair, construct and/or acquire new police facilities.

Public Safety Canada continued to address safety issues within First Nation and Inuit police facilities under the Funding for First Nations and Inuit Police Facilities Program.

The Department, in collaboration with provinces and territories, completed or contributed to the investment in 23 policing infrastructure projects throughout Canada during fiscal year 2022-23.

Public Safety Canada also continued its work with Public Services and Procurement Canada to conduct a professional assessment of community owned policing facilities on-reserve which are funded by the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program.

Results were expected for the following indicators^{Footnote 3}:

• Percentage of police service providers that identify that their police facility is a safe and healthy workplace;
• Percentage of police facilities professionally assessed; and
• Percentage of funded projects targeting high risk facilities.

N/A

N/A - An Evaluation of the Funding for Investment in First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities Program is planned for 2023-24.

Public Safety Canada regional offices maintain lines of communication with First Nation and Inuit recipients including on-site visits and planned conference calls.

The $3.1M variance is primarily attributable to new funding received through the Supplementary Estimates, and therefore it was not reflected in planned spending. There is a $17.5M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts which is expected to be transferred for use in future fiscal years. The lapse is attributable to COVID-19 and Winter delays, volatility of the construction industry and supply chain issues.

1991-92

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

2018-19

Crime is prevented and addressed in populations/communities most at-risk.

Indigenous Policing

The First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP), in conjunction with provinces and territories (PTs), provides funding to support policing services that are professional, dedicated and responsive to the First Nation and Inuit communities they serve. The FNPP is delivered through multilateral policing agreements which are negotiated amongst the federal government, PTs, and First Nations or Inuit communities. Additionally, the FNPP provides broad policy advice on Indigenous policing and justice issues, such as Indigenous self-government.

The FNPP also undertakes research and performance measurement exercises to ensure that credible performance data is being collected. Activities also include engaging stakeholders in developing policy options for improving public safety in First Nation and Inuit communities, and working collaboratively with other federal partners in addressing diverse challenges in First Nation and Inuit communities.

Public Safety Canada continued to implement budget investments by focusing on identified funding needs in fiscal year 2022-23. This included funding new officers in existing agreements, supporting community safety officer programs, supporting new communities that wish to join an existing First Nations and Inuit self-administered police service and bolstering police service budgets.

Public Safety Canada officials, in conjunction with the program's cost-sharing partners, and the provinces and territories, concluded a lengthy exercise to ensure investments provided through Budget 2021 were allocated to the appropriate First Nations and Inuit communities. Funding was allocated to achieve the goals of stabilization and expansion.

Budget 2021 provided funding for expansion and stabilization of the program. Expansion has included new communities joining existing Self-Administrated Agreements, feasibility assessments for new and existing communities, and expansion of Community Tripartite Agreements to new communities in the Territories. Police services funded by the FNIPP provide professional, dedicated, and culturally appropriate policing to the communities they serve. The FNIPP has allowed for improved relationships between First Nations and Inuit communities and the police, which results in increased trust and increased calls for service to address incidents, as well as an increased willingness by community members to work with police.

Through this Program, funding went toward furthering the co-development of essential services legislation, which includes funding to the Assembly of First Nations, to the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association, and to support the First Nations Police Governance Council. Funding was also allocated to support the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations' wellness conference to engage the First Nations in Saskatchewan on policing and further inform the essential services legislation.

Results were expected for the following indicators^{Footnote 4}:

• Percentage of First Nation and Inuit communities that receive funding;
• Percentage of funded officers that report that their workload is dedicated to serving the First Nation and Inuit community/communities;
• Percentage of police officers have received/completed cultural orientation packages and/or training;
• Percentage of communities receiving this funding report that policing services are being delivered in a manner that is respectful to their culture(s); and
• A sustained reduction of police reported crime over time

N/A – The Office of the Auditor General is currently conducting a performance audit on the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program. This work will be published in the Spring 2024 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada.

N/A – An Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program was approved in February 2022 (FY 2021-22).

Public Safety Canada regional offices maintain lines of communication with First Nation and Inuit recipients including on-site visits and planned conference calls. Regional offices worked with PTs to hold engagement sessions with First Nations served by a Community Tripartite Agreement (CTA). The sessions provided insight to the issues expected during CTA renewal and allowed for open trilateral discussions to begin addressing the issues identified. CTA renewal is to occur in 2023-24.

The Department's officials engaged with Métis organizations with the view of amending the Terms and Conditions (Ts&Cs) and further expanding the program to address the public safety needs in Metis communities. Engagement will continue in 2023-24.

Public Safety Canada continued to engage with First Nations, as requested. Public Safety Canada also continued to collaborate with the provinces and territories, the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association, the First Nations Police Governance Council, and First Nations modern treaty and self-governing agreement signatories to identify practical considerations to inform the proposed federal legislation and continued to work to stabilize and expand the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program.

Through funding and support to provinces for engagement sessions for community consultative groups and police advisory boards, FNIPP funded engagement sessions nationwide to promote discussion around the creation and function of community consultative groups and police advisory boards.

The variance of $85.4M is primarily the result of a yearly transfer to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through the Supplementary Estimates for the First Nations Community Policing Service. There is a $17.4M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts which is expected to be transferred for use in future fiscal years.

The variance of $85.4M is primarily the result of a yearly transfer to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through the Supplementary Estimates for the First Nations Community Policing Service. There is a $17.4M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts which is expected to be transferred for use in future fiscal years.

The variance of $85.4M is primarily the result of a yearly transfer to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through the Supplementary Estimates for the First Nations Community Policing Service. There is a $17.4M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts which is expected to be transferred for use in future fiscal years.

The variance of $85.4M is primarily the result of a yearly transfer to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through the Supplementary Estimates for the First Nations Community Policing Service. There is a $17.4M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts which is expected to be transferred for use in future fiscal years.

The variance of $85.4M is primarily the result of a yearly transfer to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through the Supplementary Estimates for the First Nations Community Policing Service. There is a $17.4M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts which is expected to be transferred for use in future fiscal years.

The variance of $85.4M is primarily the result of a yearly transfer to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through the Supplementary Estimates for the First Nations Community Policing Service. There is a $17.4M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts which is expected to be transferred for use in future fiscal years.

2018

2023

Contribution

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

2018–19

Community safety practices are strengthened

Canadian communities are safe

Crime Prevention

The objective of the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund (GGVAF) is to support law enforcement and intervention initiatives at the provincial and territorial (PT), municipal and community levels by providing funding to PTs. Funding is provided to PTs with the goals of supporting police services and other organizations in enhancing efforts to prevent, disrupt and combat gun and gang violence, and increasing awareness and understanding of related issues.

The GGVAF is part of the Public Safety Canada - led horizontal Initiative to Take Action against Gun and Gang Violence (ITAAGGV). Actions were taken in 2022-23 to evaluate the overall ITAAGGV program, and on May 8, 2023, the Government of Canada announced renewal of the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence (ITAAGGV). This includes an investment of $390 million over five years for the Guns and Gangs Violence Action Fund (GGVAF).

The success of the GGVAF expected results are measured through the following performance indicators^{Footnote 5}:

• Number of additional initiatives dedicated to responding to gun and gang violence which are implemented;
• Number of new resources dedicated to guns and gangs within police services;
• Percentage of recipients and project partners who have integrated knowledge from funded initiatives into their practice or decision making;
• Degree to which P/T stakeholders report that GGVAF funding has enabled them to better respond to gun and gang violence in their jurisdictions;
• Number of firearm-related homicides; and
• Number of gang-related homicides.

N/A

An Horizontal Evaluation of the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gan Violence was completed in March 2023.

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings: The ITAAGGV is aligned with federal priorities and the mandates of partner organizations. However, PS input on the distribution of GGVAF funding by PT stakeholders is minimal therefore the program is unable to ensure funds are reaching all areas or populations at-risk of experiencing GGV, and overlap and duplications were found between the GGVAF and other related PS programs.

Recommendations:

That Public Safety Canada should:

• Explore opportunities to strengthen the overall coordination and governance of PS gun and gang violence-related programs to improve synergies and minimize overlap;
• Review the GGVAF program design to improve access to funding opportunities for police of jurisdiction as well as communities and populations encountering, or at risk of encountering, gun and gang violence; and
• Ensure appropriate oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure oversight of the Initiative is aligned with the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) requirements for horizontal initiatives.

Public Safety Canada engaged with the provinces and territories as eligible recipients in the regions, and in regular meetings at senior official and ministerial levels.

Within acceptable variance levels.

2018-19

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

2018-19

Canadian Communities are safe

Emergency Response/Recovery

The objective of the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders (MGP) is to recognize the service and sacrifice of Canada's first responders whose deaths are attributable to their duties, including deaths resulting from occupational illness or psychological impairment (i.e., suicide), while keeping Canadians safe.

In recognition of the critical role of first responders in protecting Canadians, the MGP will provide a one-time, lump sum, tax-free direct maximum payment of $300,000 to the families of first responders who have died as a result of their duties.

In 2022-23, the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders continued to recognize the service and sacrifice of fallen first responders by administering grant applications from eligible beneficiaries.

According to data available, in 2022-23:

• The MGP website received 6,156 English and 331 French visits; and
• Public Safety Canada received 109 eligible applications for the MGP.

The Department continued to ensure that the MGP was well-managed and well-established, which was responsive to stakeholder needs; this was evidenced by the following results achieved during the reporting period:

• The average elapsed time from submission of a completed application to decision was 46.5 days;
• The average elapsed time from decision at Public Safety Canada and notification to applicant was 9.58 days;
• The percentage of total expenditures directed to the administration of the program was 2.6%; and
• 100% of favourable decisions were made without requesting a level of review or appeal.

N/A

N/A - An Evaluation of the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders was completed in June 2021 (FY 2021-22).

Public Safety Canada has engaged four provincial and territorial governments to establish Memorandum of Agreements as an appropriate measure to limit or remove possible reduction in other government benefits or indemnification as a result of grants under this program.

The Department also maintained communication with various associations of the first responders communities to ensure applicants are aware of the existence of the program, application information, and offer assistance to families where necessary.

The $20.1M variance is attributable to new funding received through the Supplementary Estimates, and therefore it was not reflected in planned spending. There is no lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts.

2015 – renewed and expanded in 2020-21

2024-25

Contribution

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

2020-21

Canadian Communities are safe

Law Enforcement and Policing

The overall objective of the Nation's Capital Extraordinary Policing Costs (NCEPC) contribution program is to recognize the unique policing environment created by the presence of federal landmarks (e.g., the War Memorial), institutions and events of national significance in the Nation's Capital. These exceptional circumstances lead to extraordinary policing costs for the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). In recognition of these exceptional circumstances the NCEPC enables the City of Ottawa to seek financial assistance from the Government of Canada through a contribution agreement for eligible extraordinary, reasonable and justifiable policing costs incurred in relation to duties specific to policing the nation's capital.

2022-23 was an eventful and productive year for both the City of Ottawa and Public Safety Canada (PS). PS officials worked closely with the City of Ottawa officials to assess and refine additional costs incurred by the city for the unprecedented “freedom convoy” protests that occurred in 2022.

Public Safety Canada sought and received additional funding and program implementation authorities from central agencies; proceeded with the amendment of the NCEPCP terms and conditions and the contribution agreement to significantly increase funding in 2021-22 and 2022-23. This was necessary to ensure that the City of Ottawa has the resources to cover unexpected surge in expenses related to policing duties specific the nation's capital over those two fiscal years.

Federal government support through this program allowed the City of Ottawa to deliver necessary policing services, with neighbouring police of jurisdiction assistance on a cost recovery basis. The program continues to ensure that the Nation's Capital hosts safe and secure events, whether planned or unexpected.

The following results were achieved:

• 100% of the two payment requests were received and paid in compliance with the amended contribution agreement.
• 100% of the $3 M annual funding allocated under the NCEPCP was used by the City of Ottawa in 2021-22 and the contribution agreement was augmented by an additional $60,540,269 because of “freedom convoy”.
• 100% of the $3M was used in 2022-23 and the contribution agreement was augmented by an additional $23,059,731.
• 100% of the extraordinary events requiring the use of the liaison team was met;
• OPS attended 100% of the events required of them based on security assessments in the Nation's Capital.

N/A - A Joint Internal Audit and Evaluation of the Nation's Capital Extraordinary Policing Costs Program is planned for 2024-25.

N/A - A Joint Internal Audit and Evaluation of the Nation's Capital Extraordinary Policing Costs Program is planned 2024-25.

Public Safety Canada officials engaged regularly with officials from the Ottawa Police Service and the City of Ottawa to amend the contribution agreement to increase funding in support of the unprecedented protests in 2022.

The $83.6M variance is attributable to new funding received through the Supplementary Estimates, and therefore it was not reflected in planned spending. There is no lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts.

National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS): 1998-99

• Crime Prevention Action Fund (CPAF): 2005
• Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund (NICPF): 2008
• Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF): 2007
• Security Infrastructure Program (SIP): 2007

Ongoing

CPAF: Grant and Contribution

NICPF: Grant and Contribution

YGPF: Contribution

SIP: Contribution

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

CPAF: 2013

NICPF: 2013

YGPF: 2011

SIP: 2019-20

Community safety practices are strengthened

Crime is prevented and addressed in populations/communities most at-risk

Crime Prevention

The National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) is the federal government's primary policy framework for the implementation of crime prevention strategies in Canada. Through the NCPS, Public Safety Canada provides time-limited funding to organizations for the development, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based interventions, with a view to building knowledge of “what works” in crime prevention.

The NCPS' goal is to reduce offending among those most at risk, such as children and youth who demonstrate various risk factors, and to prevent crimes from being committed. The Strategy provides national leadership in the development and dissemination of evidence-based crime prevention programs and policies, and supports projects that are responsive and appropriate to community and regional needs. The NCPS aims to increase the coordination and integration of effective crime prevention policies and programs at the federal, provincial, territorial and municipal levels, as well as increase the identification of, and response to, emerging priority issues and orientation of funding programs.

The Crime Prevention Action Fund (CPAF) support the implementation and evaluation of crime prevention initiatives that address known risk and protective factors associated with crime and respond to priority crime issues.

The objectives of the CPAF are to:

• Support the dissemination of knowledge and the development of tools and resources related to effective crime prevention practices; and
• Support innovative projects to explore ways in responding to known risk and protective factors related to offending among at-risk children and youth, and high risk offenders in communities.

The Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund (NICPF), previously known as the Northern and Aboriginal Crime Prevention Fund, supports the adaptation, development and implementation of innovative and promising culturally sensitive crime prevention practices which address known risk and protective factors to reduce offending among at-risk children and youth, and high risk offenders in communities; the dissemination of knowledge and the development of tools and resources for Indigenous and northern populations; capacity building as a means to explore ways to develop or implement culturally sensitive crime prevention practices among Indigenous and northern populations.

The objectives of the NICPF are to:

• Support the dissemination of knowledge and the development of tools and resources for Aboriginal and northern populations; and
• Support capacity building and explore ways to develop culturally sensitive crime prevention practices among Aboriginal and northern populations.

The Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF) supports the implementation and evaluation of local, targeted and tailored youth violence and youth gang prevention initiatives with an objective to develop and share the knowledge of “what works”.

The objectives of the YGPF are to reduce youth violence and youth gang threats in communities by:

• Supporting targeted initiatives to address specific risk and protective factors associated with youth violence and youth gangs in communities where these issues exist or are emerging threats; including those occurring in rural, remote and Indigenous communities;
• Giving young people alternatives to joining gangs and helping them develop pro-social skills and attitudes; and
• Developing and disseminating knowledge about effective methods to prevent youth violence and youth gangs in Canada.

The Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) supports the implementation of projects to help communities with a demonstrated history of being victimized by hate-motivated crime through the enhancement of their security infrastructure.

The objectives of the SIP are:

• A reduction of incidents of hate-motivated crime in targeted area;
• An increased sense of security in communities at risk of hate-motivated crime in targeted area; and
• An increased awareness of the particular challenges faced by communities at risk of hate-motivated crime.

Under the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS), Public Safety Canada continued to support the implementation of community-based projects across the country. These projects aim to address risk factors among children and youth; prevent involvement in youth gangs, youth violence and cyberbullying; enhance the security of communities at risk of hate-motivated crimes; and foster crime prevention in Indigenous and northern communities.

Under the NCPS, in 2022-23, a total of 200 projects received support, representing an investment of approximately $35 million. Of these, 125 were new projects that started in 2022-23.

Crime Prevention Action Fund

Under the Crime Prevention Action Fund (CPAF), Public Safety Canada continued to develop and implement projects across the country, focusing on addressing risk and protective factors, youth violence and cyberbullying amongst identified at-risk priority youth populations, with specific focus on Indigenous and Black youth.

Under the CPAF, in 2022-23, a total of 39 projects received support, representing an investment of approximately $20.7 million. Five of these projects were newly signed in 2022-23. Annual reporting from two of the newly funded projects indicate that the projects are serving Black and multiple priority youth populations (PI#2). Additionally, in 2022-23, 40 new projects were selected for development from the 2021 CPAF Call for Applications^{Footnote 6}. This includes 25 new direct intervention projects that will provide additional support to Black and Indigenous youth; 8 research projects that will produce knowledge on multi-sectoral community-driven crime prevention initiatives and impacts of the pandemic; and 7 partnership mobilization grants that will assist Indigenous organizations to develop and mobilize community partnerships to be able to fund crime prevention direct-interventions in the future.

In 2022-23, a total of 17 projects under CPAF were supported to undergo a third party impact evaluation. Out of the projects that were able to collect impact data (n=11), 9 (82%) showed improvements in participants' risk/protective factors (PI#1). The remaining 6 projects underway this fiscal year were either still in the planning or initial stages of their impact evaluation or could not collect sufficient impact data due to a number of challenges, including but not limited to COVID-19 restrictions and high project staff turnover. Of the projects that collected data on anti-social and violent behaviours (n=6), 3 (50%) showed an improvement in this area.

Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund

Under the Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund (NICPF), in 2022-23, a total of 9 projects received support, representing an investment of approximately $1.2 million (ER#1). All projects under the NICPF are serving northern and Indigenous communities (PI#1). Efforts continued to advance coordination of project development and implementation between the NICPF and other Indigenous-specific programs within the Department. Six new community-led, culturally appropriate projects are currently under-development. Several of these projects are being developed in partnership with the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and will address needs identified through community safety planning exercises.

Youth Gang Prevention Fund

Under the Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF), Public Safety Canada continued to implement projects across the country focusing on reducing the number of gang-involved youth in communities with a known or emerging gang problem. Under the YGPF, in 2022-23, a total of 15 projects continued to receive support, representing an investment of approximately $9.64M. Of those 15 projects, 9 projects primarily focus on serving Indigenous youth, 4 projects focus on serving Black youth, and 2 projects serve multiple priority youth populations (PI#2).

Additionally, in 2022-23, 7 projects implemented under YGPF were also being supported to undergo a third party impact evaluation. Of these, two were able to collect sufficient impact evaluation data that showed an improvement in participants' risk/protective factors (PI#1). The remaining 5 projects underway this fiscal year were either still in the planning or initial stages of their impact evaluation or could not collect sufficient impact data due to a number of challenges, including but not limited to COVID-19 restrictions and high project staff turnover. During 2022-23, not enough evaluation data was collected to report on changes related to priority youth populations' anti-social and violent behaviours.

Security Infrastructure Program

Under the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP), there were 137 projects (PI#1) administered in 2022-23. Seventy-six of these project submitted a final report. The majority of projects that were funded (PI#2) supported the purchase of closed circuit televisions (78%), alarm systems (46%) and motion detectors (30%). Prior to receiving funding, recipients (n=61) indicated that they had experienced (PI#3) approximately 275 incidents of hate-motivated crime whereas 9 incidents were reported after the installation of security equipment. Of the recipients who completed their final report, (PI#4) 74% indicated that the population that accesses the facility had an increased sense of security.

Social Impact Bond

June 2022 marked the first full year of implementation of the YMCAs of Quebec Alternative Suspension (AS) Social Impact Bond. Third party evaluation results from the first year confirmed that, when compared to a group of students that did not participate in the intervention, 32% more students achieved a positive change in their problematic behaviours after participating in the AS intervention.

N/A - A joint Internal Audit and Evaluation of the Security Infrastructure Program is planned in 2025-26.

N/A

An Evaluation of the National Crime Prevention Strategy started in 2022-23. The report will be presented to the Performance Measurement and Evaluation Committee in October 2023 for approval.

A joint Internal Audit and Evaluation of the Security Infrastructure Program is planned in 2025-26.

The NCPS utilizes its mailing list to ensure potential applicants and recipients are informed about relevant activities and future funding opportunities. The NCPS did not hold a Call for Proposals in 2022-23.

Public Safety Canada Regional Program Advisors also maintain contact with funding recipients. They assist recipients in developing their projects into funding agreements and ensure that reporting requirements are fulfilled, as per the terms and conditions of the agreement.

The variance of $10.4M is due to delays in launching the projects. There is a $2.2M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts.

The $1M variance is primarily the result of a payment to the Runnymede Healthcare Centre (RHC) for a feasibility study into the development of a facility dedicated to comprehensive rehabilitation-focused programs and services for Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI).

1987

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

2009–10

Canada can effectively mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from all-hazards events

Emergency Prevention/Mitigation

The Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SARNIF) provides annual funding for projects that will improve the National Search and Rescue Program (NSARP). The SARNIF is a key element of the NSARP and contributes significantly to support safety promotion and education, as well as to advancing technology and improving Canada's ability to provide an effective and capable search and rescue (SAR) response in all areas and jurisdictions.

In 2022-23, Public Safety Canada continued to administer the SARNIF program. The program funded 15 new projects; eight (8) towards developing and improving prevention, and seven (7) towards enhancing response.

One project is specifically focused towards engagement with Indigenous communities.

Funding was provided for initiatives that contribute to enhance services in both prevention and response.

A new Annual Performance Reports has been developed and was implemented in June 2023. From these reports, the following result indicators will be informed^{Footnote 7}:

• The extent that project results have been shared with the SAR community,
• How projects are fostering new or enhanced SAR capabilities,
• The number and type of public outreach prevention initiatives that were carried out, and
• The number of new or enhanced partnerships that were established between SAR partners.

N/A

N/A

Last evaluation: An Evaluation of the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund was completed and approved in October 2020 (FY 2020-21).

An Evaluation of the Search and Rescue Initiatives is planned for 2024-25.

Established Federal, Provincial/Territorial, and Volunteer governance bodies and other forums were consulted to develop program priorities. Routine engagement with all recipients of the program occurred throughout 2022-23 for project monitoring and reporting purposes.

The $0.8M variance is primarily attributable to recipients decreasing their forecasts late in the fiscal year.

June 2021

FY 2025-26

Contribution

Appropriation following the 2020 Fall Economic Statement

2022-23

Canadian communities are safe

Emergency Response/Recovery

Public Safety Canada continued to deliver the Supporting a Humanitarian Workforce to Respond to COVID-19 and Other Large-Scale Emergencies Program (HWF) in 2022-23.

Four non-governmental organizations were supported to develop and enhance their readiness and capacity to respond to all-hazards events across Canada. One deployment was funded in response to a Request for Federal Assistance, providing urgent support to a First Nation that was overwhelmed due to an outbreak of COVID-19.

Final project reports for funding from 2021-22 to 2022-23 are due June 30, 2023; therefore, Program results for the fiscal year are accurate to October 30, 2022.

The fiscal year saw a shift away from COVID-19 related response towards all-hazards preparedness and deployments. Therefore, testing response teams and teams ready to support outbreak crisis management were not specifically tracked. The number of staff from funded organizations that were available to support COVID-19 response was also not specifically tracked; however, over 2900 people were trained to perform humanitarian workforce functions (while the target was at least 3800).

Funded organizations maintained capacity to respond to all-hazards events 87.25% of days (target was 75%);. Five cultural competency sessions were delivered (target was 15), while over 53 individuals completed self-directed cultural safety training.

Four collaborations were established by three funded HWF organizations to address specific needs of marginalized communities (target was approximately 5), while further collaborations were established by the fourth funded organization based on the needs of individual communities served through specific events.

All four NGOs are developing plans for engaging vulnerable communities, and it is anticipated that these plans will be in place during 2023-24 (achieving the target of 100%). NGOs continue to develop measures and collaborations that can address barriers in socially, economically or culturally marginalized communities.

One-hundred percent of funded organizations can demonstrate at least three capabilities. The percentage of stakeholders indicating they were adequately engaged in the preparation for events affecting the national interest exceeded the target (80%) at 97% of respondents.

N/A

An Internal Audit of COVID-19 Response Fund Management was presented to the Departmental Audit Committee in June 2023.

N/A

An Evaluation of Supporting a Humanitarian Workforce to Respond to COVID-19 and Other Large-Scale Emergencies is planned for 2025-26.

Program officials have held regular meetings with recipients of the program to provide advice and guidance during the intake processes as well as for general administration, project monitoring and reporting.

The $52.1M variance is primarily attributable to new funding received through the Supplementary Estimates, and therefore it was not reflected in planned spending. There is a $24.4M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts, which is due to the response stream not being required for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

2020

March 31, 2022

Contribution

One-time appropriation

2020-21

Canadian communities are safe

Emergency Response/Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic has put pressure on the health system of many jurisdictions through a sharp increase in Canadians requiring medical attention as well as challenging the capacity of supporting organizations. Furthermore, the pandemic has disrupted the logistics and supply chain of diverse sectors supporting emergency management. This has led to increased national risk with regards to effective response to floods and wildfires.

The response efforts of the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) are funded through the federal contribution program, Supporting the Canadian Red Cross's Urgent Relief Efforts Related to COVID-19, Floods and Wildfires (CRCCFW).

While the Program was initially developed primarily to respond to COVID-19, in 2022-23 the focus shifted to donation-matching to respond to floods and wildfires as the COVID-19 situation in Canada improved dramatically.

As a result of this shift, Public Safety Canada did not fund any activities contributing to indicators related specifically to COVID-19, including:

• The percentage of days in which the CRC maintained a readiness to deploy 10 CTARTs simultaneously (target – 100%);
• The percentage of days in which the CRC maintained the required readiness to deploy up to 7 teams to support outbreak crisis management (target – 100%);
• The percentage of facilities (e.g., long-term care facilities and other cohabitation environments) which received assistance as a result of a request from public health authorities, that was effectively supported by the CRC (target – 100%); and;
• The percentage of affected populations requiring isolation and quarantine assistance that was supported by the CRC upon a request from public health authorities, was effectively supported by the CRC (target – 100%);
• The number of CRC staff ready to deploy in support of vulnerable Canadians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (target – 2500);
• The number of healthcare services (i.e., field hospitals/mobile respiratory clinics) provisioned to be ready to deploy in highly impacted areas through the ERU (target: 5);The percentage of jurisdictions to which ERUs, CTARTs and OCM teams are deployed;
• that report satisfaction with the CRC's adjunct healthcare capacity (target - 95%);
• The total number of people supported by the CRC at quarantine sites, isolation sites, and evacuation centres and the total number of days on which the CRC is present at each site (target: n/a);
• The number of community risk reduction assessments performed and the percentage of communities that implemented the CRC's recommendations (targets: 50, 75%);
• The number of training sessions and people trained in PDT and use of PPE (targets - n/a); and,
• The total value in Canadian dollars of PPE provided to non-government organizations, health authorities and emergency response organizations directly serving Canadians (target - at least $5 million).

In May 2023, the World Health Organization declared an end to the global health emergency related to COVID-19. Therefore, the aforementioned indicators will cease to be monitored and reported.

Three donation matching funding agreements were established under this program in 2022-23. The first is entitled “2021 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal.” This funding is intended to provide direct support to those communities affected by the 2021 wildfire season in British Columbia, ensuring affected people, families and communities receive needed relief and recovery support.

The second funding agreement is entitled “2021 British Columbia Floods and Extreme Weather Appeal.” This funding is intended to address the intermediate and long-term recovery needs of those impacted by an atmospheric river event which brought unprecedented amounts of rain, flooding and landslides to British Columbia in 2021. This includes addressing the needs of Indigenous communities, and redressing mental health and psychosocial impacts.

The final funding agreement is entitled “Relief Assistance Hurricane Fiona – Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and PEI.” This project is intended to provide financial assistance to eligible households and individuals impacted by Hurricane Fiona. This project was designed to fund urgent unmet needs as a result of the storm in the hardest hit areas.

Preliminary results achieved for the above-noted projects will be made available in 2023-24.

N/A

N/A – Not required

Program officials have held regular meetings with the CRC to provide advice and guidance throughout the application process towards donation matching initiatives, as well as for general administration, project monitoring and reporting.

The $27.6M variance is primarily attributable to funding received through the Supplementary Estimates, and therefore it was not reflected in planned spending. There is an $8M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts which is expected to be transferred for use in future fiscal years. The lapse was due to delays in project start-up.

Aboriginal Community Safety Development Contribution Program (ACSDCP): 2010-11

Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative (ACSPI): 2010-11

Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI): 2017-18

ACSDCP: Ongoing

ACSPI: Ongoing

ICCI: Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

ACSDCP: 2017-18

ICCI: 2020-21

Community safety practices are strengthened

Canadian communities are safe

Crime is prevented and addressed in populations/communities most at-risk

Corrections

ACSDCP:

The ACSDCP provides contributions to Aboriginal organizations (on and off-reserve), Aboriginal governments and municipalities in collaboration with Aboriginal organizations and or communities to develop tailored approaches to community safety that are responsive to the concerns, priorities and unique circumstances of Aboriginal communities. Becoming more responsive requires engaging Aboriginal communities in identifying issues and developing solutions; building the capacity of Aboriginal communities to develop and deliver projects; addressing funding issues; and ensuring that relevant programs are adaptable to the diverse needs of Aboriginal communities.

The ACSDCP includes two initiatives: 1) The Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative (ACSPI), and 2) the Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI).

The objectives of the ACSDCP are to:

• Enhance or improve Aboriginal communities' ability to support the development and/or implementation of community safety plans;
• Support the development of alternatives to incarceration projects; or
• Provide reintegration support.

ACSPI:

The ACSPI supports Indigenous communities to develop and implement community safety plans that are specific to the unique circumstances of their community.

The objective of the ACSPI is to:

• Enhance or improve Aboriginal communities' ability to support the development and/or implementation of community safety plans.

ICCI:

The ICCI supports communities-based corrections projects working with Indigenous offenders. ICCI seeks to address their overrepresentation in the criminal justice system by preventing recidivism and reducing number of contacts with the criminal justice system. Furthermore, ICCI community-led projects will be leveraged as an early action to support the implementation of the Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism (FFRR).

Seeking to address the effects of residential schools and involvement with child welfare systems, ICCI provides culturally relevant services that may include counselling, spiritual support, life skills coaching, family reunification.

The objectives of the ICCI are to :

• Support the development of alternatives to incarceration projects; and/or
• Provide reintegration support.

ACSPI:

In 2022-23, Public Safety Canada continued to administer the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative (ACSPI). ACSPI continued its efforts to assist Indigenous communities in the development of Community Safety Plans (CSPs) by engaging with 49 Indigenous communities (ER #1). ACSPI supported communities by providing funding to 15 communities to complete a CSP and entered into 11 Contribution Agreements to support implementation of components of their Safety Plans (ER #2).

Overall, there are 135 Indigenous communities participating in the CSP process and 60 communities have successfully developed CSPs (ER #3).

The ACSPI continued to develop evaluation tools and methodologies, and current evaluations will be supported.

One contribution agreement signed in 2022-23 includes an evaluation component and ACSPI has engaged with two other interested communities to develop evaluations. In 2022-23, ACSPI began working with the Department's Research Division to examine PS approach to project evaluations and to begin adaptations of the Department's current evaluation procedures to better fit Indigenous project funding recipients. This work is ongoing.

ACSPI also supported a number of partnerships between communities and other organizations. The Program has partnered with the province of Ontario and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Comprehensive Community Plans (CCP) and the Atlantic Region. In collaboration with ISC-CCP, the Community Safety Planning process and the CCP process are piloting a joint initiative with an Indigenous community. ACSPI is in preliminary discussions about piloting a joint CCP/CSP initiative in the Atlantic region.

Other partnerships include three communities that were previously supported and completed the Community Safety Planning process with ACSPI were subsequently funded by Indigenous Services Canada - Pathways program. ACSPI also partnered with the Tlicho Government to support safety planning amongst affiliated member nations.

In 2022-23, ACSPI continued to keep the Solicitor General with Ontario (SOLGEN) apprised of our work in the Nipigon Region. SOLGEN participated virtually in the first in-person Community Safety Planning session in the Region.

In 2022-23, ACSPI continued to build internal capacity to administer, collect and analyze changes in community members' perceptions of community capacity to address safety priorities. . The results were not collected in 2022-23. ACSPI will be administering a questionnaire before, during, and one year after the Community Safety Planning process to determine changes in perceptions.

ICCI:

In February 2023, the ICCI was renewed, with ongoing funding, and expanded to broaden the reach and scope of the Program to create tailored opportunities for 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and women. On March 21 2023, a national call for applications was launched, which ended on June 12, 2023. The Department is aiming to start funding new projects by early 2024.

N/A

N/A - An Evaluation of the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative is planned in 2024-25.

ACSPI:

ACSPI continued to participate in ongoing engagement and supported the continuous enrolment of Indigenous communities across Canada to develop Community Safety Plans.

ACSPI continued to support networking opportunities among Indigenous communities. ACSPI sponsored and hosted a gathering of Indigenous communities with CSPs from February 28, 2023 to March 2, 2023, in Toronto, Ontario. The in-person and online meeting focused on mental wellness in community safety planning grounded in Indigenous culture and approaches. The gathering was a precursor to the development of a Community of Practice for CSP communities. This allowed communities with completed CSPs with the opportunity to network, share best practices, and for capacity building and knowledge development.

ICCI:

As ICCI was approved in February and the national call launched in March 2023 (and remains active until June 2023), no engagement happened in 2022-23.

The $0.8M variance is primarily attributable to the renewal of the program in 2022-23, which caused some delays in implementation. There is a $1.3M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts.

2004, enhanced in 2007

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2019-20

Contribution Program to Combat Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking (CCSEHT) is now under the Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime (CPCSOC)

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

The $1.3M variance is primarily attributable to additional resources required. There is no lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts.

2016–17

Ongoing

Grant and Contribution

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

2016–17

Canadian communities are safe

Crime is prevented and addressed in populations/communities most at-risk

Crime Prevention

The Community Resilience Fund (CRF) supports the priorities of the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence (the “Canada Centre”) by providing time-limited financial assistance to enhance and/or support the countering of radicalization to violence (CRV) research and programming across Canada. The CRF includes opportunities for local communities, organizations and academics to obtain funds for new and existing countering of radicalization to violence initiatives.

The objective of the CRF is to enhance cooperation and innovation in CRV research and programming by:

• Enhancing research capacity to support a Countering Radicalization to Violence (CRV) Centre of Excellence for policy development, programming, and engagement activities;
• Supporting evidence-based models and promising practices which address known risk and protective factors to prevent radicalization to violence;
• Building capacity to address radicalization to violence through expert knowledge, enhanced cooperation, and knowledge transfer to key stakeholders; and
• Empowering local communities to take steps to prevent all forms of radicalization to violence.

Following the review of submissions received through the CRF 2022 Open call for Applications, in May 2023 Public Safety Minister announced $25 million in funding for new multi-year proposals, some of which began receiving funds in 2022-23. Financial support to these new CRF projects goes towards initiatives led by researchers, front-line practitioners, and community-based organizations to prevent and counter radicalization to violence in Canada.

In addition to new projects, 21 ongoing multi-year projects continued to receive support. Areas of work covered by these initiatives include: development of training resources for front-line practitioners on understanding and addressing ideologically motivated violent extremism; evaluation of programs to intervene with individuals vulnerable or at risk of involvement in violent extremism; and funding for front-line initiatives working with those leaving violent extremism behind.

In seeking to learn about how stakeholders view the quality and usefulness of such initiatives, the Canada Centre surveyed over 450 participants across seven “Work in Progress” workshops in 2022-23. Overall, 84% of respondents considered results from these workshops to be “Useful” or “Very Useful,” fulfilling the annual DRR threshold of >80% for this indicator. Respondents comprised of a mix of policymakers, practitioners and researchers. The Canada Centre continues to expand efforts to learn about the utility and impact of CRF initiatives, however these survey results are encouraging evidence of progress towards CRV policy and program activities being informed and supported by CRF-funded initiatives

N/A

N/A

An Evaluation of the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence was completed in July 2020 (FY 2020-21).

An Evaluation of the Canada Centre – Community Resilience Fund is planned for 2025-26.

In line with recommendations outlined in the 2020 Evaluation of the Canada Centre for the Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence (Canada Centre), in 2022-23 the Canada Centre continued to expand its role in coordinating within government and with external stakeholders and community-level partners. This includes building on the results of the Canada Centre's stakeholder survey, first launched in 2020, to collect data and learn about the delivery of support and programming and identifying areas for potential improvement. Complete analysis from the 2022 survey data informed the Canada Centre's activities, outputs and outcomes. This includes knowledge development and mobilization to support and showcase the work of CRF recipients as well as raise the profile of the CRF, and leveraging other Canada Centre knowledge mobilization activities such as workshops and conferences.

The $2.3M variance is due to delays in project development. There is a $5.8M lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts.

July 1, 1988

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2010–11

Canada can effectively mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from all-hazards events.

Emergency Prevention/Mitigation

The purpose of this contribution is to meet Canada's obligation under the International COSPAS-SARSAT Program Agreement and to provide a share of the operational costs incurred by the Secretariat in performing its administrative tasks and functions.

The International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme is an international satellite-based search and rescue (SAR) distress alerting system that directly contributes to the efficient and effective use of SAR resources in Canada and around the world. On average, 45 Canadian lives and an additional 950 lives internationally are saved annually by COSPAS-SARSAT.

Public Safety Canada met its financial obligations to the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme by contributing Canada's share of the costs of operations to the international organization.

N/A

N/A – None required

Canada is Party to the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Agreement, and as such routinely engaged with the COSPAS-SARSAT Secretariat to discuss matters of planning, human resources, finance, and programme business.

Canada participated in all COSPAS-SARSAT governing, operational and technical bodies scheduled in 2022-23.

The $0.3M variance is a result of resources required to fulfill an approved change in frequency of payments to the international organization for Canada's share of the cost, from quarterly to annually. Therefore, the 2022-23 Q4 and the full 2023-24 amount was paid, since all requirements were met to make a payment by March 2023 for the calendar year 2023. There is no lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts.

2019

March 2024

Grant and Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2019-20

Community safety practices are strengthened.

Cyber Security

The Cyber Security Cooperation Program (CSCP) aims to contribute to the federal government's leadership role in advancing cyber security in Canada. The CSCP's purpose is to commission research and yield comprehensive results that help position Canadian governments, businesses, and citizens to better anticipate trends, adapt to a changing environment, and remain on the leading edge of innovation in cyber security.

In alignment with the goals and priorities of the new National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS) released in May 2019, the CSCP is comprised of the following three streams and related objectives:

• Security and Resilience;
• Cyber Innovation; and
• Effective Leadership.

In 2022-23, a total of 15 projects received funding under the CSCP for a range of cyber security priorities, including projects related to blockchain, quantum computing, coding, and cyber resiliency. This was in line with the goals that research funded through the CSCP helps to ensure that the Department’s decision making is evidence-based (ER#2).

Notably, the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance (CSKA) completed a study entitled Cyber Security Capacity in Canadian Agriculture. This initiative aims to strengthen cyber security capacity across Canada’s agricultural ecosystem, and was funded partially through the CSCP. This is consistent with the expected result that understanding of cyber vulnerabilities and threats is enhanced among stakeholders (ER#1). The findings of this project were presented at a PS/CSE led interdepartmental Assistant Deputy Ministers’ Cyber Security (ADMCS) Committee Meeting in May 2023.

A project report in was developed in 2022-23 to obtain program results. Reports are due as projects end; therefore, it is anticipated that additional program results will become available throughout the 2023-24 fiscal year and will be included in the next reporting cycle. In 2022-23, Public Safety Canada performed outreach and met with multiple project recipients to gather information related to program results. This engagement entailed meetings with the University of Sherbrooke, Quantum-Safe Canada and TechNation. Advancements were made in cyber security resiliency, IoT (Internet of Things) technology, quantum readiness of critical infrastructure systems, and research on industry best practices. This is in support with the goal of having non-federal Canadian systems and information are less vulnerable and better secured against cyber threats (ER#3).

Expected results

The Cyber Security Cooperation Program aims to achieve the following long-term goals:

• The understanding of cyber vulnerabilities and threats is enhanced among stakeholders;
• Research funded through the CSCP helps to ensure that the Department's decision making is evidence-based; and
• Non-federal Canadian systems and information are less vulnerable and better secured against cyber threats.

These goals will be measured using the following performance indicators^{Footnote 8}:

• Percentage of stakeholders that indicate having an increased awareness of cyber threats and vulnerabilities;
• Percentage of CSCP research projects cited in National Cyber Security Directorate (NCSD) policy and guidance documents;
• Percentage of stakeholders that indicate an overall improvement of their cyber security posture;
• Percentage of stakeholders that indicate that they are adopting cyber best practices.

N/A - The Office of the Auditor General is currently conducting a performance audit on Combatting Cybercrime. This work will be published in the Spring 2024 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada.

N/A - A Mid-Term Evaluation of the National Cyber Security Strategy – Public Safety Canada's Initiatives was approved in March 2022 (FY 2021-22).

The $0.9M variance is primarily the result of additional resources required to support the Cyber Security Cooperation Program due to timing of program approval and administration. The 2022-23 Public Accounts lapse is $18,118.

1983

Ongoing

Grant and Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2021-22

Community safety practices are strengthened

Corrections

The Grants and Contributions Program to National Voluntary Organizations (GCPNVO) provides funding to not-for-profit organizations which are active in the area of corrections, conditional release and community reintegration.

The grants provide funding to help these organizations maintain a national structure, and to cover core operating expenses.

The contributions provide funding for eligible organizations to create or expand application support services for individuals with criminal records looking to apply for a record suspension (pardon).

In 2022-23, Public Safety Canada (PS) continued to administer the Grants and Contributions Program to National Voluntary Organizations (GCP NVO). The grants stream enables a total of thirteen recipients to fulfill their mandates. Many grant recipients provide services to victims, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families.

The contributions stream enables a total of eighteen recipients to fulfill their mandates. Contribution recipients provide services to individuals with criminal records looking to apply for a pardon. Currently recipients are setting up their new programs. Once the programs are being delivered, Public Safety Canada will be able to report on their results/efforts.

All GCP NVO recipients contribute to the national policy dialogue on matters related to criminal justice by engaging with PS or other federal government departments to address community needs. In 2022-23, the level of recipients' participation in engaging the Department to address community needs was demonstrated via their participation in over 65 engagement activities with the federal government, including 16 with PS. These engagement activities provide PS and portfolio agencies with increased knowledge for decision making on matters related to corrections and criminal justice.

Many engagement activities included meetings with officials from multiple sectors such as corrections, parole board, justice, public safety, and community-based organizations facilitating improved inter-sectoral collaboration and delivery of services.

GPNVO recipients shared knowledge and best practices by developing and disseminating information with a view to enhancing corrections, community reintegration and/or criminal justice policy and delivery of services. In 2022-23, there were over 50 information sharing activities, achieved via conferences, public education initiatives and other knowledge-building activities developed by the recipient organizations.

Data is not collected at a more granular level on the recipients' own clients or services. At this point in time, detailed information on program results by gender and other intersecting factors is not readily available.

N/A

N/A – None required. Low program materiality.

Thi Public Safety Canada program normally engages with grant/contribution recipients twice per year for a Corrections Roundtable which provides recipients with an opportunity to share information on their programs and service delivery.

Emerging issues of mutual interest in the field of criminal justice and corrections are also discussed which help to inform Public Safety' Canada's policy and program development.

Program officials have held regular meetings with recipients of the program to provide advice and guidance for general administration, project monitoring and reporting.

The $0.8M variance is due to delays in launching the projects.

2016-17

Ongoing

Grant (contributions allowed)

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2016-17

Canada can effectively mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from all-hazards events

Emergency Prevention/Mitigation

The purpose of the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) Program is to support Canada's HUSAR capacity by strengthening the abilities of six HUSAR Task Forces across Canada. The HUSAR program contributes to the achievement of departmental and governmental objectives by contributing to enhanced public safety and emergency management.

In 2022-23, Public Safety Canada continued to administer the HUSAR program. Five (5) out of the six (6) eligible Task Forces required and received funding. Five (5) new projects were approved for funding from the call for proposals.

Four (4) of the six (6) Task Forces meet the Heavy capability status as per the Canadian interpretation of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) guidelines. These Task Forces report increased interoperability between them since the program’s inception in 2016 and that they are effectively equipped to respond to disasters.

All six (6) Task Forces were able to participate in Operation Coastal Response. Coastal Response was a table-top exercise in which Vancouver was hit with a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. This exercise was over 2 days and involved all task forces from across Canada as well as members from British Columbia's Emergency Measures Office and Public Safety Canada. The HUSAR teams share information, best practices and lessons-learned to ensure they are all progressing together towards an effective joint response to a large-scale incident.

One Task Force was able to help two (2) urban locations after Hurricane Fiona, working closely with local, provincial and federal departments to provide generators, emergency fuel, clear trees, and provide access to infrastructure. They were requested and set up the Incident Command Post, with all responders reporting there.

While not impeding operational readiness, COVID-19 continued to limit opportunities for joint training in 2022-23 and supply chain backlogs were still an issue. The Annual reporting from the Task Forces are in the Fall 2023. Nonetheless, two (2) Task Forces report having the ability to jointly train and jointly respond to disasters; and, report being able to utilize at least 95% of the funding that they were allocated in 2022-23.

N/A

N/A – None required. Low program materiality.

Engagement occurred through bi-weekly meetings of the Task Force sub-Working Group, two (2) in-person HUSAR Workshops and participation in INSARAG meetings. This engagement will continue to occur as the Concept of Operations is finalized and we move towards enhanced interoperability through the National Accreditation Process.

Within acceptable variance levels.

2008-09

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2008-09

Canada can effectively mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from all-hazards events.

Emergency Preparedness

The objective of the HazMat training program, delivered under the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) agreement, is to train first responders about strategies to safeguard their health and safety and the safety of Canadians, and to reduce deaths and injuries related to HazMat incidents. The goal is to provide the highest level of instruction and training by:

• Conducting local, customized training that meets the needs of first responders, local jurisdictions and Public Safety Canada;
• Collaborating to reach as many first responder populations as possible; and
• Ensuring that all training programs continue to meet or exceed applicable professional standards, and that they incorporate lessons learned and best practices.

In 2022-23, Public Safety Canada continued to administer the IAFF program and contributed funding towards making sure Canadian fire fighters and other first responders nationally have the skills and knowledge required to respond to operate in an hazardous material (HazMat) environment.

In 2022-23, the IAFF provided training to 684 students, spread over 33 classes, and 7 ”train the trainer” classes were also given to improve interoperability between trained first responders in Canada. Approximately 21% of students represented disciplines other than firefighting services.

Using pre and post test evaluations, it was demonstrated that students significantly increased their knowledge by improving their test results by 25%.

N/A

N/A – None required. Low program materiality.

Planned engagement occurred with the IAFF for administration purposes as well as to develop a new three year funding agreement taking effect on April 1, 2023.

No variance

2007

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2017-18

Community safety practices are strengthened

Corrections

The purpose of the National Flagging System (NFS) Class Grant Program (NFSCGP) is to enhance the capacity of participating provinces and territories to identify and track high-risk, violent offenders and facilitate prosecution and sentencing of these offenders if they re-offend.

The objectives of the NFSCGP are to:

• Assist Crown prosecutors to more effectively prosecute high-risk violent offenders;
• Prevent high-risk violent offenders from falling through jurisdictional gaps in the criminal justice system, should they move to another part of the country; and
• Encourage prosecutors to make Dangerous and Long-Term Offender applications in appropriate cases.

In 2022-23, Public Safety Canada continued to administer the NFSCGP. The current five-year funding cycle includes nine provincial government recipients. Alberta has yet to sign the Agreement.

The program funding has contributed to increasing the capacity of all ten recipients' ability to flag high risk offenders. Measures to increase capacity were demonstrated via the following:

• Hiring and retaining full and part-time staff (e.g. paralegal, assistant coordinator);
• Accessing and maintaining of national flagging website;
• Purchasing or leasing of efficient copy/scanning equipment;
• Using of a dedicated Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) terminal; and,
• Procurement of court transcripts.

Consequently, the recipients' increased capacity has facilitated the achievement of the following results:

• The program enables recipients to keep up to date information on high risk offenders as well as analyze and summarize the information in order to respond to requests from prosecutors in a timely manner. Offender summaries are shared with prosecutors to assist with bail and sentencing activities.
• The program enables recipients to expand their electronic database by converting paper documents to electronic format. With increased availability of electronic data recipients are able to work more efficiently on a daily basis.
• To ensure a consist approach, recipients review the list of flagged offenders and determine if they still meet the criteria for national flagging; offenders will be removed from the list if they no longer meet the criteria.
• When an offender that has been flagged in one jurisdiction is subsequently arrested in another jurisdiction, recipients are able to notify their provincial/territorial counterpart and provide them with the relevant background information.

Recipients are able to gather and share valuable information on offenders. With comprehensive offender information decisions can be made in regards to proceeding with a dangerous or long term offender application in cases where this is required for public safety purposes.

More granular details on the recipients' own clients or services are not collected, hence, detailed information on program results by gender and other intersecting factors is not available.

N/A

N/A – None required. Low program materiality.

During the funding cycle, recipients were required to submit annual reports to demonstrate how the grant has contributed to the recipient's ability to identify and track high-risk offenders. Public Safety Canada engaged with recipients where necessary to provide guidance and assistance.

The $0.1M variance is due to a funding agreement that did not take effect in fiscal year 2022-23.

April 2015

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated annually through Estimates

2014-15

Canada can effectively mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from all-hazards events.

Emergency Prevention/Mitigation

The overall objective of the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) contribution program is to assist in improving Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) in Canada through the coordination, consistency, and standardization of the 9,000 volunteers involved in GSAR.

Additional objectives include:

• Transcending jurisdictional boundaries and providing a national voice and identity for GSAR volunteers in Canada, including protecting, supporting and recognizing GSAR volunteers at a level commensurate with that provided to other SAR volunteers;
• Delivering SAR prevention to provide greater awareness among the general public of risks and hazards that most commonly lead to SAR incidents and of the steps individuals and organizations can take to mitigate these risks and increase survivability;
• Supporting a national coordination body to provide one window of access into the thousands of volunteer members of GSAR to enhance communications, consistency and coordination of protocols and procedures; and
• Promoting the standardization and portability of volunteer resources allowing for the swift and efficient augmentation of ground search assets when GSAR resources are required.

In 2022-23 Public Safety Canada continued to administer the SARVAC program.

Over the course of 2022-23, the 13 provincial and territorial search and rescue associations were represented on SARVAC's Board of Directors. Communications and identity products, such as pins, brochures and crests were distributed on an ongoing bases. Service awards pins and certificates were also distributed to ground search and rescue (SAR) volunteers totaling over 25 years of service or more.

SARVAC has continued to be active in the area of prevention by delivering 345 awareness and outreach sessions, reaching over 17,000 participants.

Key documents and toolkits were distributed to various jurisdictions and organizations throughout the year, including the Canadian Standards Association Curriculum and Training Standards, and Federal Tax Credit for SAR Volunteers documents.

SARVAC continued to facilitate the tracking of volunteer competencies with jurisdictions across the country, capturing information for 9,000 volunteers over 270 teams.

No information is available regarding the number of deployments, the frequency and outcome of SAR incidents, or the extent and value SAR partners assign GSAR volunteers. The manner in which this information may be collected and distributed is currently under review.

N/A

N/A – None required. Low program materiality.

Regular engagement occurred with SARVAC as well as with the Volunteer SAR Council, of which SARVAC is a member. Additionally, Public Safety Canada engaged SARVAC to develop a new three year funding agreement taking effect on April 1, 2023, as well as for regular project monitoring and reporting.

The $0.1M variance is a result of resources required from existing reference levels to top-up funding to match a recent amendment. There is no lapse in the 2022-23 Public Accounts.

1959-60

Ongoing

Contribution

Appropriated through internal authority

2011

Emergency Management

Emergency Response/Recovery

The objective of the Worker's Compensation Program (WCP) is to compensate volunteer emergency service workers who are injured or killed in the course of emergency service training or work. The WCP is a contribution program between Public Safety Canada and provinces and territories (PTs). The Department, as the program administrator, cost-shares 75% of the cost of claims for those who have been injured or killed, and who are not covered by a PTs Workers Compensation Acts or similar legislation. The other 25% is covered by PTs.

In 2022-23, Public Safety Canada continued to administer the Workers Compensation Program (WCP).

Four provinces, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Alberta, submitted claims for cost sharing totalling $422,399.38.

N/A

N/A – None required. Low program materiality.

Public Safety Canada maintained collaboration and communication with the Provinces that submitted claims to the program as part of regular administration.

The $0.4M variance is the result of resources required from the existing reference levels for this program, and therefore it was not reflected in the planned spending.