Details on transfer payment programs

Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 million or more

Aboriginal Community Safety Development Contribution Program

Start dates

Aboriginal Community Safety Development Contribution Program (ACSDCP): FY 2010 to 2011

Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative (ACSPI): FY 2010 to 2011

Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI): FY 2017 to 2018

End dates

ACSDCP: Ongoing

ACSPI: Ongoing

ICCI:  Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2021 to 2022

Links to departmental result(s)

Community safety practices are strengthened

Canadian communities are safe

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Corrections

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

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

The ACSDCP includes two initiatives:

• The Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative (ACSPI); and
• The Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI).

The objective of the ACSPI is to enhance or improve Indigenous ability to support the development and/or implementation of community safety plans.

The objectives of the ICCI are to support the development of alternatives to incarceration projects, and/or to provide reintegration supports to Indigenous offenders.

The ACSDCP program contributes to the achievement of departmental legislative, policy development, and consultative objectives. 

Through transfer payments, the ACSDCP is structured to link community solutions with policy development. The starting points are appropriate community-based projects taking into account:

• Under the ACSPI, the safety needs of Indigenous communities, including Indigenous women and girls’ safety; and
• Under the ICCI, the successful community reintegration of Indigenous offenders.

The end points for both initiatives are an increased knowledge within communities and government as well as effective and appropriate government policies.

Expected results

The expected results of the ACSPI are:

• Indigenous communities with increased capacity to respond to community safety issues, including alternatives to incarceration and reintegration support;
• Indigenous communities with developed community safety plans; and
• Community Safety Plans, components of Community Safety Plans, community safety and wellbeing projects, and knowledge building and sharing projects are implemented in Indigenous communities.

The expected results of the ICCI are:

• Alternative to incarceration projects developed; and
• Reintegration support projects developed.

The following is a list of performance indicators that will assist in measuring and monitoring the progress of the ACSDCP via its two initiatives:

ACSPI  

• Number of community safety plans developed;
• Number of projects funded;
• Number of tools developed;
• Number of partnerships supported between communities and other organizations;
• Change in community members perceptions of community capacity to address safety priorities; and
• Number and percentage of communities that receive support who successfully implement projects, community safety plans, and/or components of community safety plans.

ICCI

• Number of projects funded;
• Extent to which community members or organizations perceive an increased community capacity to address the needs of Indigenous offenders returning to communities;
• Communities that receive training utilize training to deliver alternative to incarceration projects or reintegration support plans/projects; and
• Improved knowledge of what works in community reintegration.

For ACSPI, the FY 2025 to 2026 expected results are:

• Continue to expand outreach and engagement efforts with Indigenous communities by aiming to complete 25 community safety plans (CSPs), enabling communities to identify their collective strengths and assets and to address safety concerns in their communities;
• Provide funding through contribution agreements to eligible Indigenous communities for project implementation to improve community safety and wellbeing; and
• Provide a forum for discussion, information sharing, and networking between Indigenous communities with CSPs and service providers through virtual and in-person communities of practice.

For ICCI, the FY 2025 to 2026 expected results are:

• Project Development Phase: Continue the project development phase with ongoing engagement with successful ICCI applicants in refining their project application. The duration of this phase is difficult to estimate, but as soon as funding application packages are finalized, they will be sent to PS senior management for approval;
• Project Implementation Phase: Begin project implementation and delivery of activities. At this stage, it is difficult to estimate the number of projects; however, efforts are made to be able to implement as many projects as possible; and
• Data collection and Monitoring Phase: Start collecting data from projects being implemented based on the revised ICCI Activity Report templates considering GBA Plus and the ICCI Quantitative Data Strategy.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

An Evaluation of the Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative was completed in March 2021 (FY 2020 to 2021).

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings: The Initiative has contributed to an increased capacity in communities to support Indigenous offenders, however, in many communities gaps remain. Projects discussed gaps in housing, mental health counselling, addictions treatment and a variety of other services that are crucial in supporting offenders successfully returning to the community.

Recommendations:

Public Safety Canada should:

• Assess project selection criteria, with the goal of including projects aligned with GBA Plus considerations;
• Engage with inter-departmental stakeholders to support projects in liaising with provincial and/or federal correctional systems to better support projects' activities;
• Assess performance measurement and reporting requirements at both the program and recipient level in line with an updated performance measurement strategy.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative has started in FY 2024 to 2025.

General targeted recipient groups

• Indigenous not-for-profit organizations (on and off-reserve, First Nation, non-status Indian, Métis, Inuit and urban);
• Indigenous and municipal governments working in collaboration with Indigenous organizations and or communities;
• Indigenous communities; and
• Canadian universities and colleges.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

ACSPI: In FY 2025 to 2026, ACSPI will continue to engage with Indigenous applicants and recipients regularly through virtual and in-person communities of practice (CoPs). ACSPI intends to host up to three virtual CoPs and up to two in-person gatherings: one national and one regionally focused. These CoPs have seen great success in past fiscal years in providing an opportunity for communities to learn best practices for implementing safety planning that addresses their local contexts, and enabling communities to connect with each other and build partnerships to advance their safety planning goals.

ICCI: In FY 2025 to 2026, considering that not all ICCI projects will be at the same point in their program cycle, it is not planned at this time to have any specific engagement activities. Efforts will be placed on regular engagement activities associated with the Transfer Payment Program.

Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program

Start dates

Phase 1 - November 2024

Phase 2 - Spring 2025

End dates

Phase 1 - April 2025

Phase 2 - September 2025

Types of transfer payment

Grants for Phase 1: Compensation for Businesses.

Grant for Phase 2: Compensation for Individuals.

Contribution Agreement for Phase 2: Provinces, Municipalities, and Police communities collecting firearms

Type of appropriation

Vote 5

Fiscal years for terms and conditions

Phase 1: FY 2024 to 2025

Phase 2: FY 2025 to 2026

Links to departmental result(s)

Canadian communities are safe

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Law Enforcement and Policing

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The ASFCP complements the prohibition of assault-style firearms (ASFs) and supports the Government’s mandate and commitment to safely and securely remove these firearms from Canadian communities.

The ASFCP is divided in three streams:

Stream 1: Grants for Businesses

Stream 2: Grants for Individuals

Stream 3: Contributions for Provinces, Municipalities and Police Communities

The ASFCP will:

• Compensate businesses that turn in or deactivate their assault-style firearms (ASFs) or devices prohibited on May 1, 2020, and turn in their inventories of eligible parts and components;
• Compensate individuals that turn in or deactivate their ASFs prohibited on May 1, 2020; and,
• Provide financial assistance to provinces, municipalities, and police communities and/or their governing authority who facilitate the collection and disposal of ASFs from individual firearm owners in their jurisdiction.

The objective of the ASFCP is to compensate businesses, individuals, and provinces, municipalities and police communities for their contribution in enhancing public safety.

Expected results

The ASFCP will contribute the following outcomes:

Immediate Outcomes:

Stream 1 Outcomes and Indicators:

Businesses participate in the ASFCP

• 90 percent of businesses with affected stock.

Businesses are compensated in a timely fashion

• Percentage of grant payments issued to businesses within the Government’s 45 business day service standard, post validation of firearms received.

Businesses are compliant with the Criminal Code

• Number of non-compliant businesses in possession of previously restricted ASFs by expiry of the Amnesty Order.

Stream 2 Outcomes and Indicators:

Individuals participate in the ASFCP

• Number of licensed firearms owners that complete a declaration.

Individuals are compensated in a timely fashion

• Percentage of compensation payments issued to licensed firearms owners that turn in or deactivate their ASFs within 45 business days of ASF validation.

Individuals are compliant with the Criminal Code

• Percentage of licensed firearms owners no longer in possession of previously restricted ASFs by expiry of the Amnesty Order.

Stream 3 Outcomes and Indicators:

Provinces, municipalities and police communities have the resources necessary to facilitate the safe collection of ASFs

• Number of safety incidents or accidents involving ASFs collected by provinces, municipalities and police communities.

Provinces, municipalities and police communities are financially supported

• Percentage of payment requests that meet Public Safety Canada's departmental Service Standards for payments; and
• Percentage of contribution funding available through the ASFCP is disbursed.

Provinces, municipalities and police communities are financially supported in a timely fashion

• Percentage of contribution payments made to Provinces, municipalities and police communities within 45 business day service standard.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Stream 1 Outcomes and Indicators:

Prohibited ASFs are removed from Canadian communities

• Number of ASFs destroyed from launch to completion of the Phase 1 of the ASFCP (businesses); and
• Number of ASFs deactivated from launch to completion of the Phase 1 of the ASFCP (businesses).

Stream 2 Outcomes and Indicators:

Prohibited ASFs are removed from Canadian communities

• Number of ASFs destroyed from launch of Phase 2 to completion of the ASFCP;
• Number of ASFs deactivated from launch of Phase 2 to completion of the ASFCP; and
• Number of ASFs disposed of using other available disposal means (e.g., turn in to police for no compensation, export, etc.) from launch of Phase 2 to completion of the ASFCP.

Stream 3 Outcomes and Indicators:

Prohibited ASFs are removed from Canadian communities

• Number of ASFs collected from launch of Phase 2 to completion of the ASFCP; and
• Number of ASFs turned in to police for no compensation from launch of Phase 2 to completion of the ASFCP.

Ultimate Outcome

All Streams Outcomes and Indicators

Reduction in firearm related crime

• Percentage of firearm-related homicides in Canada; and
• Percentage of mass shootings involving ASFs.    

In FY 2025 to 2026, phase 2 of the ASFCP will remove ASFs from circulation and thereby decreasing the risk of firearms-related violent crime (e.g., mass shootings).

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

Not applicable – new program

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Not applicable

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation  

An evaluation of the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program is scheduled to start in FY 2026 to 2027.

General targeted recipient groups

Stream 1: Grants for Businesses

• Canadian not-for-profit organizations, licensed to sell firearms and stock of prohibited ASFs; and
• Canadian for-profit organizations, licensed to sell firearms and stock of prohibited ASFs.

Stream 2: Grants for Individuals

Licensed individuals in possession of restricted ASFs.

Stream 3: Contributions for Provinces, Municipalities and Police Services

a) Provinces, municipalities and police services;

b) If required, Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit or Metis) governments, including a Council of a Band within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Indian Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.I-5, or a government established under the authority of self-government agreement, which has been approved and has force of law under an act of Parliament or a legislature; and,

c) Provincial or municipal police services, and if required Indigenous police services, and their governing authorities (including boards or police commissions) excluding the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) when acting in their capacity as a municipal, provincial or territorial police service.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

PS will continue to engage with Indigenous organizations and communities to ensure that the Program reflects the realities of Indigenous peoples and communities, and that Indigenous firearms owners are able to become compliant with the law. The Department will also continue to engage Provinces, municipalities, and police services as the Program is implemented across Canada. PS will continue to engage the public and firearms owners as the Program is implemented across Canada through marketing campaigns, contact centre, and through engagement activities.

Biology Casework Analysis Contribution Program

Start date

FY 2010 to 2011

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2022 to 2023

Links to departmental result(s)

Community safety practices are strengthened

Canadian communities are safe

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Serious and Organized Crime

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

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.

Expected results

The Outcomes of the BCACP are as follows:

Immediate Outcome:

Strategies, tools and funding are developed to increase the capacity of the law enforcement community.

Intermediate Outcome:

Departmental strategies, policies and procedures enable the law enforcement community to address their priorities and the priorities and the Government of Canada.

Ultimate Outcome:

Canadian communities are safe.

Through achieving these objectives, the BCACP will contribute to broader objectives of a sustainable biology casework regime in Canada and will promote the increased effectiveness and efficiency of the NDDB.

These outcomes will be monitored using the following performance indicators:

• The total number of cases received;
• The total number of cases completed;
• The number of cases received disaggregated by Criminal Code offence and law enforcement agency;
• The number of cases completed;
• The number of cases completed disaggregated by type;
• The average number of exhibits examined per case;
• The number of biological samples (i.e., stains) submitted for DNA analysis;
• Case turnaround times for primary and secondary designated offences;
• Backlog of cases waiting to be processed; and
• The number of DNA profiles submitted to the Crime Scene Index of the National DNA Databank

In FY 2025 to 2026, BCACP will continue to provide financial support to the governments of Ontario and Québec, which operate forensic laboratories that undertake biological casework analysis for the purpose of criminal identification.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

An Evaluation of Public Safety Canada’s Role in Support of DNA Analysis was completed in May 2019 (FY 2019 to 2020).

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings

The evaluation found that there is a continued need for Public Safety Canada's activities in this area as DNA analysis continues to be an important investigatory tool for the criminal justice system. In addition, both the demand for such analysis and the technology used in the process are increasing and evolving, respectively, which underlines the need to continue building capacity to meet these demands.

Recommendations:

Public Safety Canada should:

• Clarify and formally communicate the role of Public Safety Canada with respect to policy in support of DNA analysis.
• In consultation with FPT stakeholders, clarify the role of the DNA Working Group and ensure the DNA Working Group fulfills its objectives, as stated in its Terms of Reference; and
• Work with Public Safety Canada’s Grants and Contributions Centre of Expertise to implement sound and timely processes/practices for the administration of the Biology Casework Analysis Contribution Program, including reporting requirements that are proportionate to the current risk profile, and documenting key decisions.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the Biology Casework Analysis Contribution Program is scheduled to start in FY 2025 to 2026.

General targeted recipient groups

Provincial governments of Ontario and Québec.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

There is no engagement beyond routine correspondence necessary for the administration of the agreements.

Building Safer Communities Fund

Start date

March 2022

End date

FY 2025 to 2026

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2021 to 2022

Links to departmental result(s)

Community safety practices are strengthened

Canadian communities are safe

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Crime Prevention

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

The objective of the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) is to support municipalities and Indigenous communities 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 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; and
• Support recipients to develop a plan to sustain successful prevention and intervention activities on completion of the five-year program.

Expected results   

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.

Medium-term:

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

Long-term:

Identified municipalities and Indigenous communities are equipped to address gun and gang violence through intervention and prevention initiatives.

These results will be measured via the following performance indicators:

• 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.

In FY 2025 to 2026, Building Safer Communities Fund (BCSF) will continue focusing on supporting prevention and intervention activities in municipalities and Indigenous communities. Through the BCSF, Public Safety Canada will continue to work with key partners to provide $250 million over five years to municipalities and Indigenous communities, to support prevention and gang intervention programs for at-risk youth. As of November 2024, 80 contribution agreements have been signed with municipalities and Indigenous communities, 8 file remained unsigned and 12 files are closed. It is anticipated that remaining files will either be closed or signed in FY 2025 to 2026. The funding for the program will be completed on March 31, 2026.

The percentage of recipients that indicate prevention and intervention activities will be sustained at the end of the BSCF funding is anticipated to be around 50%. For all communities with signed agreements informed prevention and intervention initiatives will be implemented.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

Not applicable – New program.

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the Building Safer Communities Fund is scheduled to start in FY 2024 to 2025.

General targeted recipient groups

• Eligible recipients are municipal governments or Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit or Metis) governments, including a Council of a Band within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Indian Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.I-5, or a government established under the authority of self-government agreement, which has been approved and has force of law under an act of Parliament or a legislature; and
• Municipal governments and Indigenous communities as explicitly defined and meeting the mandatory attributes are the only direct eligible recipients to receive contributions under the BSCF. However, direct eligible recipients may further distribute funds to ultimate eligible recipients to put in place a prevention initiative or an intervention to address gun and gang activity. Examples of possible ultimate recipients could be not-for-profit organizations or Canadian universities.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Public Safety Canada will continue to engage with eligible BSCF recipients through regular regional contact as well as through policy engagement, seeking to better understand the outcomes/results within and between communities that were recipients of the BSCF.

Community Resilience Fund

Start date

FY 2016 to 2017

End date

Ongoing

Types of transfer payment

Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2016 to 2017

Links to departmental result(s)

Canadian communities are safe

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Crime Prevention

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

The Community Resilience Fund (CRF) grants and contribution program 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 initiatives that seek to counter of radicalization to violence.

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

• Enhancing research capacity to support a 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.

Expected results

The expected results and outcomes of the CRF are as follows:

Immediate Outcomes

• Current and emerging CRV issues are identified; and
• CRV research and programming gaps are identified.

Intermediate Outcomes

• Best practices are identified;
• Identified gaps/needs/priorities have applied initiatives;
• CRV policy and program activities are informed/supported by relevant funded initiatives; and
• Partners are prepared to contribute to identified CRV issues.

In FY 2025 to 2026, the CRF will:

• Continue to develop CRF priorities and identify opportunities for amendments and targeted requests for proposals, through joint work between the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence (Canada Centre) and the Emergency Management and Program Branch’s (EMPB) Community Safety Programs Directorate. These targeted investments will aim to address threat trends and lessons learned about effective approaches to prevention to help expand and leverage capacity of researchers, front-line practitioners and community-based organizations to prevent and counter radicalization to violence in Canada;
• Continue to support new CRF projects announced in 2023-24 in program implementation and knowledge mobilization, including to showcase their work and create more opportunities for collaboration, as well as expanding networks and impact. This support will include involving CRF recipients in opportunities led by the Canada Centre, such as online webinars for audiences across Canada and internationally, as well as involvement in initiatives and partnerships, such as the Five Country R&D '5RD' Countering Violent Extremism Network, the Eradicate Hate Global Summit, and the Christchurch Call to Action;
• Improve public access to information about CRF projects and their results on the Public Safety Canada web page, through collaboration between the Canada Centre and Community Safety Programs Division, to support and showcase the work of CRF recipients as well to increase awareness of the CRF;
• Build on the results of regular Canada Centre and EMPB stakeholder surveys to collect data and learn about the delivery of support and programming as viewed by key stakeholders, and identify areas for potential improvement;
• Build on partnership creation and capacity building across multiple sectors, such as through new partnerships with key organizations like the Canadian Association of Social Workers, to improve availability of prevention and intervention service delivery across Canada;
• Improve coverage of prevention and intervention services and education, online and offline, in rural and remote areas across Canada; and
• Strengthen data gathering, analysis and creation of knowledge products drawing from CRF recipient data to better understand violent extremist trends, and the efficacy of prevention efforts.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

An Evaluation of the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence was approved in July 2020 (FY 2020 to 2021).

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

The evaluation included the Community Resilience Fund (CRF), and found that the Canada Centre has established a national leadership role and international profile in countering radicalization to violence. Projects funded through the CRF addressed identified priorities, and have assisted in building the capacity of organizations and countering of radicalization to violence practitioners. To help create a knowledge-base, and to collect data on the effectiveness of programming, the Centre should encourage and support project-level evaluations.

Moving forward, the focus will be on identifying more precise priorities and topics for CRF applicants, and providing enhanced guidance to ensure that funded projects are monitoring and assessing their activities in line with overall objectives of the CRF. These objectives include 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.

Recommendations:

Public Safety Canada and the Canada Centre should:

• In terms of its national leadership role: explore opportunities to expand its coordinating role, including outreach at the stakeholder and community level;
• In terms of its knowledge development and mobilization role: formalize the roles and responsibilities suitable for the Canada Centre as a curator and distributor, and even potentially a producer of research products;
• In terms of its G&Cs role: provide necessary guidance to ensure that funded projects are monitoring and assessing their activities in line with the overall objectives of the Canada Centre; and
• The Canada Centre should put in place measures to systematically collect and report on its outputs and outcomes.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the Canada Centre Community Resilience Fund is scheduled to start in FY 2025 to 2026.

General targeted recipient groups       

• National, provincial, territorial, municipal, Indigenous, community or professional organizations and associations which have voluntarily associated themselves for a not-for-profit purpose, and which have the mandate to represent their membership or community;
• Not-for-profit organizations, including non-governmental organizations, non-profit corporations, community groups, umbrella organizations, and regulatory bodies and apprenticeship authorities, as well as associations serving the private sector;
• A provincial or local police service, including an Indigenous police service, and/or its governing authority (also known as a board or police commission);
• Provincial, territorial, municipal, regional, and Indigenous governments, and their agencies;
• Universities and educational institutions;
• Individual researchers acting in their personal capacity;
• Research institutions, domestic or international, with established record in relevant field(s), pursuing a domestic focus;
• International non-governmental organizations, including bodies associated/affiliated with organizations of which Canada is a member, which have as their purpose supporting domestic public safety as a priority; and
• For-profit institutions with a record of developing and delivering programming, and performing research or related activities relevant to the goals of the Canada Centre. These for-profit institutions may be eligible provided that the nature and the intent of the activity are non-commercial.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

In line with recommendations outlined in the 2020 Evaluation of the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence, in FY 2025 to 2026 the Canada Centre will continue to expand its role in coordinating national prevention efforts through outreach and bringing together government partners, external stakeholders and community-level partners. This work is leveraging greater engagement post-pandemic with the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Working Group on Countering Radicalization to Violence, consultation with experts, and organizing conferences and seminars on Countering Radicalization to Violence. Additionally, a key function of advancing the Canada Centre's work is through engagement with federal partners including Canadian Heritage, Women and Gender Equality Canada, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Global Affairs Canada, which allows for supporting applicants and recipients, as well as for identifying new initiatives and organizations relevant for the CRF. This work also includes building on the results of Canada Centre stakeholder surveys to collect data and learn about the delivery of support and programming and identifying areas for potential improvement.

Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

(Includes the Akwesasne and Kahnawake Organized Crime Initiatives and the National Human Trafficking Hotline)

Start date

2014

End date

Ongoing (Projects under Human Trafficking and Drug Impaired Driving are ending as of March 31, 2025)

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2019 to 2020

Links to departmental result(s)

Canadian communities are safe

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Serious and Organized Crime

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

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, driving under the influence of drugs, financial crimes, illicit tobacco activities, human trafficking, child sexual exploitation on the Internet) pose significant threats to the health and safety of Canadians.

Under the CPCSOC, the Department provides funding to support:

Stream A – Projects and/or initiatives to combat serious and organized crime priorities aligned with CPCSOC objectives; and

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.

Expected results

The ultimate outcome of this program contributes to the Department’s mission to build a Safe and Resilient Canada by enhancing efforts to combat serious and organized crime.

Immediate outcomes:

Stream A

• Increased public awareness of serious and organized crimes and how to prevent them;
• Increased knowledge of the nature, scope and challenges of serious and organized crimes for the purpose of policy development and decision making; and
• Support the Department’s mandate to respond to serious and organized crime activities.

Stream B

• Enhanced capacity for the Kahnawake Mohawk Peacekeepers to investigate crime networks and related criminal activities in and around Akwesasne;
• Enhanced capacity for the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service to investigate crime networks and related criminal activities in and around Akwesasne; and
• Improved information and intelligence sharing on the nature of organized crime activity.

Intermediate outcomes:

Stream A

• Increased effectiveness of enforcement approaches and practices and their impacts on fostering the safety of individuals and communities;
• Increased collaboration and partnerships with non-governmental organizations, experts, and stakeholders (e.g. recipient organizations and project partners/contributors);
• Increased law enforcement response to combat serious and organized crime;
• Policy and/or legislative recommendations and/or direction and decisions are informed by an evidence-based understanding of these types of criminogenic behaviors;
• Information and intelligence sharing on the nature of organized crime activity;
• Increased seizures of illegal commodities; and
• Improved availability, completeness and reliability of data on serious and organized crime.

Stream B

• Increased seizures of illegal commodities in and around Kahnawake;
• Increased seizures of illegal commodities in and around Akwesasne;
• Increased disruption of criminal organizations in and around Kahnawake;
• Increased disruption of criminal organizations in and around Akwesasne; and
• Youth awareness with respect to the impact of organized crime.

Ultimate Outcomes:

Streams A & B

• A Safe and Resilient Canada by enhancing efforts to combat serious and organized crime;
• Increased capacity to tackle serious and organized crime and related criminal activities in Canada effectively, including, but not limited to, Indigenous communities; and Canadian communities are safe.

The following performance indicators will be used to measure the progress made towards the desired outcomes:

Stream A^{Footnote 1}

• Number and type of projects funded (by type of crime, type of organization/ institutions, and by community);
• Number and type of serious and organized crimes reported taking into account that increased police services capacities may lead to more reported crimes (see note below);
• Number and/or reach of education and awareness materials and/or campaigns disseminated across Canada;
• Projects funded have increased responsiveness of police services, including, but not limited to more integrated task forces, more resources for analysis, tracking of serious and organized crimes, research, training, and information sharing among law enforcement actors, and government and non-government organizations, and more ability to prevent serious and organized crimes;
• Additional initiatives dedicated to responding to serious and organized crimes are implemented; and
• Degree to which recipients report that the funding under this program has enabled them to better respond or/ and understand the scope and challenges relating to serious and organized crimes.

Stream B

• Number and size of seizures of contraband (disaggregated by type);
• Number of arrests and convictions;
• Number of law enforcement investigations undertaken related to serious and organized crime;
• Number of inter-agency activities undertaken related to serious and organized crime such as:
• Secondments;
• Information sharing (MOUs, bi-lateral and multi-lateral meetings, data integration exercises; standardized or regimented electronic communication; and
• joint enforcement operations.
• Number of organized crime activities investigated and disrupted in and around Indigenous communities.

Additional indicators may be developed to enhance performance measurement as contribution agreements are developed and finalized within the CPCSOC.

In FY 2025 to 2026, the stream A of the CPCSOC will:

• Administer two (2) contribution agreements aimed to enhance the ability of local police of jurisdiction to support the Canada Border Security Agency (CBSA) through increased information sharing and responsiveness in removing stolen vehicles detained by the CBSA at the point of export from Agency facilities;
• Administer one (1) contribution agreement for a project designed to combat transnational organized vehicle crime with the objective to strengthen the capacities of law enforcement agencies to identify and recover stolen vehicles as well as stolen spare parts through an effective exchange of information between member states and organizations;
• Continue to administer seven (7) contribution agreements with recipients leading projects aimed to raise awareness and/or help advance efforts to combat internet child sexual exploitation.

Supported by investments under the CPCSOC, the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking will continue to operate the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline; and share knowledge, statistics, and resources with the public, including civil society, policy-makers, and law enforcement. The hotline uses a victim-centered approach to connect human trafficking victims and survivors with emergency, transition, and long-term supports and services. The hotline acts as a central response and referral mechanism, offering 24/7, multilingual access to a safe and confidential space to ask for help, connect to services, and, report tips.

Public Safety Canada will continue to support ongoing initiatives under the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet through ongoing funding of approximately $27M per year. Key initiatives include support to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) for management of Cybertip.ca (Canada’s tipline for reporting cases of online child sexual exploitation (OCSE)), and Project Arachnid (an innovative, victim-centric set of tools to combat the growing proliferation of child sexual abuse material through automated detection and issuance of removal notices to electronic service providers), as well as support to provincial and municipal police Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) units to pursue offenders and rescue victims. PS will also continue to support a prevention program for individuals with sexual attraction to children called Talking for Change. This program offers support and guidance to people who are having difficulty managing their use of child sexual abuse material or are concerned about their potential to engage in a sexual offence against a child. Through the provision of anonymous and non-anonymous services, this program was developed to assist in creating safer environments for Canadian children.

The public, at-risk groups, victims and survivors are aware of the signs of online child sexual exploitation and know where to find information and/or resources on how to stay safe online. Canadians take action to report online child sexual exploitation to Cybertip.ca and/or request support and resources.

In FY 2025 to 2026, the stream B of the CPCSOC will continue 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 law enforcement capacity in Akwesasne and Kahnawake for intelligence gathering and information sharing through training and enhanced partnerships between the RCMP and other Canadian and American law enforcement agencies; increase knowledge of skills and techniques used in complex organized crime investigations; and, disrupt organized crime and related criminal activities in and around Akwesasne and Kahnawake and surrounding areas.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

An Horizontal Evaluation of the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking was completed in FY 2024 to 2025.

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

• There is a continued need for the National Strategy to prevent the trafficking of individuals, support victims and survivors, and improve Canadian law enforcement’s ability to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators;
• The greatest areas in need of increased financial resources were the empowerment and prevention pillars to support victims and survivors; and
• The performance measurement narrative for the National Strategy would benefit from simplification.

Recommendations:

In collaboration with partner departments and agencies, the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of the Crime Prevention Branch at Public Safety Canada, should:

• Review and revise the performance measurement approach for the National Strategy, with a focus on reducing the number of indicators, collecting outcome data and simplifying the performance measurement narrative. (PS, with all partners);
• Document and assess the feasibility of filling data gaps to better understand the extent of human trafficking in Canada. (PS, with support from StatsCan); and
• Continue to work toward appointing a high-profile advisor for human trafficking to ensure efforts under the National Strategy are victim-centered and survivor-informed, including working with survivor advisory committees (PS).

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

An Evaluation of the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline was approved in January 2023 (FY 2022 to 2023).

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation’s Finding:

There is an ongoing need for a hotline to provide access to service and supports for victims and survivors of human trafficking as evidence suggests that human trafficking continues on an upward trend in Canada. Since the launch of the Hotline, the Centre has increased partnerships with a range of service providers and law enforcement organizations across Canada, and has made trauma-informed support more accessible to victims and survivors in Canada.

The time limited nature of the funding model was identified as a serious concern because without continued funding the Centre would no longer be able to operate the Hotline, leaving victims and survivors without access to a dedicated hotline.

Recommendations:

Public Safety Canada should:

• Work towards continued funding of the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking in administering the Human Trafficking Hotline;
• In upcoming agreements ensure that the Hotline continues to focus on the needs of, and outreach to, populations identified as being at higher risk of trafficking, as well as on victims and survivors of labour trafficking; and
• Clarify the areas around data ownership of the information collected by the Hotline, and in upcoming agreements ensure that PS has access to the data necessary for their work.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet is scheduled to start in FY 2026 to 2027.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Not-for-profit organizations and charities;
• Academia and public institutions;
• Aboriginal recipients;
• International (non-government);
• Domestic not-for-profit organizations that support public safety;
• International organizations that support public safety, including non-governmental organizations and organizations with whom Canada is affiliated;
• Canadian universities and educational institutions;
• Other levels of government (provincial, territorial, regional, municipal, local, including Indigenous governments); and
• Provincial or local police services, including Indigenous police services, and/or its governing authority (also known as a board, a police board, a designed board of a police commission).

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Public Safety Canada (PS) will continue to engage with the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, operator of Canada’s Human Trafficking Hotline, through virtual and in-person meetings. Meetings will be bilateral or joint with federal, provincial and territorial partners for policy engagement purposes to combat human trafficking.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, PS will engage with Indigenous organizations, including Indigenous youth, on the development of a new targeted awareness campaign on online child sexual exploitation (OCSE), that will be culturally relevant and sensitive to both urban and rural Indigenous youth, while also taking into account other factors that may make children and youth more vulnerable to OCSE, such as disability, neurodivergence and LGBTQ2+ considerations. This new campaign will be funded under Canada’s National Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence.

Stream B applicants are engaged through targeted requests for proposals to address issues relevant to the program. Kahnawake Peacekeepers and AMPS are engaged on a regular basis through a variety of means, as appropriate, including via email, by telephone, and through in-person meetings. Typically, annual visits take place with both the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Services and Kahnawake Peacekeepers to obtain firsthand knowledge of law enforcement activities and improve understanding of how Public Safety Canada may support law enforcement efforts in countering organized crime in these communities. In FY 2025 to 2026, Department officials plan to engage as needed with the Kahnawake Peacekeepers and AMPS to discuss updates and results reporting on ongoing as well as further supports needed to address ongoing and emerging organized crime threats in the region.

Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements

Start date

1970

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) were last amended in FY 2021 to 2022 and are effective until March 31, 2025.

Link to departmental result(s)

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Emergency Response/Recovery

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) provides federal financial assistance to provinces and territories (PTs) affected by significant natural disasters such as floods and fires. 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.

Expected results

The expected result of the DFAA is that PTs are supported in their response and recovery efforts for large-scale natural disasters and beyond what is reasonably expected for the PTs to absorb on their own.

Program outcomes of the modernized program include:

Immediate outcomes:

• PTs receive timely and predictable funding to provide supports and reduce the financial impacts of disasters; and
• Increased tracking of recovery outcomes for disaster-impacted PTs and communities.

Intermediate outcomes:

• Increased funding for mitigation, resilience, and supports for people and communities affected by disasters;
• Increased consistency in access to recovery supports across Canada; and
• Increased incentives to reduce disaster risk and increase the protection of high-risk areas.

Long-term outcomes:

• PTs, communities, and people have sufficient capacity and capability to manage long-term recovery; and
• People and communities are more resilient to disasters.

The following performance indicators will assist in measuring and monitoring the progress of the desired outcomes:

• Percentage of available mitigation funding used within the DFAA;
• Percentage of PTs qualifying for Disaster Risk Reduction Incentive and average value of achievement;
• Percentage of DFAA recovery indicators reported on by PTs per eligible disaster;
• Percentage of eligible disasters for which PTs request extensions;
• Percentage of final claims with an adjustment of less than 1% of submitted expenses; and
• Percentage of PTs indicating that the DFAA supports and products available provide sufficient support for understanding DFAA processes and eligibility.

In FY 2025 to 2026, PS will continue to be responsive to requests for financial assistance and payments received from provinces and territories. In order to monitor and adjust estimated federal liabilities associated with the DFAA, two financial accounting exercises will be completed, as per standard practice.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

A joint Audit and Evaluation of the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangement Programs was approved in August 2022 (FY 2022 to 2023).

Decision following the results of last evaluation

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:

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; and
• Explore mechanisms to share lessons learned identified through the DFAA audits with program staff, departmental management, and the DAC, as required, to better support DFAA oversight and decision making.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements Program is scheduled to start in FY 2026 to 2027.

General targeted recipient groups

Provinces and territories.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

PS officials will meet regularly with provincial and territorial counterparts to provide assistance and guidance with the legislative and administrative processes of the DFAA, including the information requirements for the Minister to make recommendations to the Governor in Council, and the documentation required to administer payments.

First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities

Start date

FY 2018 to 2019

End date

FY 2027 to 2028

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and condition

FY 2018 to 2019

Link to departmental result(s)

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Indigenous Policing

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities Program (FNIPFP) supports better policing infrastructure in Indigenous communities. Program investments support First Nations and Inuit communities to ensure their policing infrastructure meets building, policing facility, and health and safety standards. Available federal funding supports the repair, renovation, or replacement of policing facilities owned by First Nations and Inuit communities, with costs shared with provinces and territories in accordance with a 52% federal and 48% provincial/territorial cost-share ratio.

Expected results

FNIPFP aims to achieve the following expected results:

• Establish a framework to inform funding for First Nations and Inuit policing infrastructure;
• Support First Nations and Inuit policing infrastructure projects which address and attempt to mitigate the highest risks to human life; and
• Support First Nation and Inuit Police service delivery by improving police facilities in Indigenous communities.

These results will be measured through the following performance indicators:

• 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.

In FY 2025 to 2026, through the work of Federal-Provincial-Territorial committees, the program will advance cost-shared investments to address projects identified as high risk to public health as well as ensuring that First Nation and Inuit Police service delivery is adequately supported by facilities. It is anticipated that approximately 29 projects will be funded or continue to receive funding in 2025 to 2026. The investments are informed by the Recipients’ ongoing engagement and their validation that the project workplan and design meet the needs of specific First Nation and Inuit community(ies) for policing services receiving through the First Nation and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP).These developments will ultimately result in the increase ability from policing services to provide dedicate, professional and responsive policing service in a safe and healthy environment.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

Not applicable – Program started in FY 2018 to 2019.  

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Not applicable

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the Funding for Investment in First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities started in FY 2023 to 2024 (planned completion date in FY 2024 to 2025).

General targeted recipient groups

Working closely with provinces and territories in coordinating federal-provincial cost sharing, FNIPFP focuses investments in First Nations and Inuit communities.

Eligible recipients include:

• A “council of the band” within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Indian Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.I-5;
• A government of a First Nation or Inuit community established by an act of Parliament or a legislature;
• A First Nation or Inuit police service or police governing authority (also known as a board, a police board, a designated board, or a police commission); and
• Owner of police facility located in a First Nation or Inuit community renting a facility to the RCMP, when the RCMP is providing policing to the First Nation or Inuit community pursuant a Community Tripartite Agreement (CTA) made pursuant the First Nation Policing Program if the First Nation or Inuit community has under the CTA an obligation to provide to the RCMP a police facility.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

The First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities Programs (FNIPFP) is an unsolicited program and requires Provinces and Territories to cost share to flow funds to recipients. Through collaboration, the Government of Canada, the provinces, and the territories are informed by First Nations and Inuit communities or by the policing service provider, when the Indigenous-owned policing facilities poses risk to occupational health, or if the current facility is no longer able to support policing service delivery that is dedicated and responsive to the needs of the First Nations and Inuit Communities served. To establish project development and implementation, when Provinces or Territories are ready to cost share, open communications and sites-visits occur to ensure renovations or new construction is financial sound.

First Nations and Inuit Policing Program

Start date

FY 1991 to 1992

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2023 to 2024

Link to departmental result(s)

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Indigenous Policing

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

The First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP) supports tripartite policing agreements among the federal government, provincial or territorial governments, and First Nations or Inuit communities. Costs under the FNIPP are shared with provinces and territories in accordance with a 52% federal and 48% provincial/territorial cost-share ratio.

The program funds two main types of policing agreements:

• Self-administered Police Service Agreements, where a First Nation or Inuit community manages its own police service under provincial policing legislation and regulations; and
• Community Tripartite Agreements, where a dedicated group of officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or another established police force, provides policing services to a First Nation or Inuit community.

Expected results

The FNIPP aims to achieve the following results:

• Indigenous communities have access to this funding;
• Funded policing services are dedicated;
• Funded policing services are responsive to the needs and cultures of the First Nation and Inuit communities they serve; and
• People living in First Nation and Inuit communities feel safe.

These results will be measured through the following performance indicators:

• Percentage of First Nation and Inuit communities that receive funding;
• Percentage of First Nation and Inuit populations 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.

In FY 2025 to 2026, the FNIPP will:

• Implement a revised FNIPP Terms and Conditions; and,
• Introduce a new FNIPP Policy. Canada continues to provide financial support for policing services through funding agreements, in addition to provincial and territorial police service agreements. Collaborative efforts between Canada, the Provinces, and Territories are underway to renew the eleventh framework agreement for the use of the RCMP First Nations Community Policing Services and to implement community tripartite agreements in Yukon and Nunavut. This will increase the number of communities and population served to approximately 269 communities across the country. Adjustments to policing services agreements are considered where possible to ensure that policing services are dedicated and meeting the needs of First Nations and Inuit communities they serve, ultimately leading to resilient and safer communities.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation        

An Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program was completed in FY 2022 to 2023.

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

There is a continuing need to strengthen and expand PS’s support of policing arrangements provided through the FNIPP. The finite amount of the Program’s allocated budget has led to underfunding of FNIPP-funded policing agreements. As a result, the scope and nature of policing services that are available to participating communities are limited and face ongoing operational challenges that hamper the working conditions of FNIPP-funded officers and can impact their physical and mental well-being.

Recommendations:

Public Safety Canada should:

• Examine options for other funding mechanisms beyond the contribution agreement model, in consultation with all implicated stakeholders;
• Ensure that formal mechanisms to facilitate community-police engagement (i.e. Community Consultative Groups and police boards/commissions), which are required under FNIPP contribution agreements, have the appropriate support to identify community safety priorities and facilitate effective engagement between communities and their police services;
• Develop, implement and monitor a consistent performance measurement and data collection strategy, that does not unnecessarily burden recipient communities and provides relevant and timely information to communities/police services, and decision makers; and
• Explore, with partners and communities, opportunities to support and encourage the sharing of best practices in localized cultural training activities for FNIPP-funded police services.

The Office of the Auditor General also completed a performance audit of the First Nations and Inuit Policing program in 2023-2024 – see Report 3 - First Nations and Inuit Policy Program.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program is scheduled to start in FY 2025 to 2026.

General targeted recipient groups

Eligible recipients include:

• A provincial, territorial, regional or local / municipal government or authority, including:
  • A “council of the band” within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Indian Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.I-5; and
  • A government of an Indigenous community (First Nation or Inuit) established by an act of Parliament or a legislature.
• A police service or a police governing authority (also known as a board, a police board, a designated board, or a police commission);
• An association or a not-for-profit legal person; and
• A university or another post-secondary educational institution.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Public Safety Canada works closely with provinces and territories in identifying investments under the program and in coordinating federal-provincial cost sharing agreements. The Department also maintains ongoing liaison with First Nations and Inuit funding recipients, including site visits and in person meetings where appropriate.

Grants and Contributions Program to National Voluntary Organizations

Start date

1983

End date

Ongoing

Types of transfer payment

Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2021 to 2022

Link to departmental result(s)

Community safety practices are strengthened

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Corrections

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The Grants and Contributions Program to National Voluntary Organizations (GCPNVO) provides funding to eligible recipients who 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).

Expected results

The GCPNVO aims to achieve the following expected results related to the Grant portion of this program:

Immediate outcomes:

• Increased knowledge and understanding for decision-making in Canada’s criminal justice and corrections systems;
• Shared knowledge and awareness leading to enhanced delivery of services, such as dissemination of information;
• Improved intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration and delivery of services; and
• Contribution recipients have the capacity to administer support services for pardon application assistance through program funding.

Intermediate outcomes:

• Contribution to national policy dialogue on matters related to criminal justice;
• Increased capacity of NVOs to fulfill their mandates;
• Increased community capacity to work with victims, offenders, families, and local officials such as police and emergency first responders; and
• Contribution recipients implement support services for pardon application assistance through program funding.

Long-term outcome:

• Individuals with criminal records are using supports provided by government-funded projects; and
• Canada's federal corrections and criminal justice system rehabilitates and reintegrates offenders.

Ultimate Outcomes:

The intermediate and long-term outcomes are expected to lead to the following ultimate outcomes:

• Community safety practices are strengthened;
• Canadian communities are safe; and
• Crime is prevented and addressed in populations/communities most at-risk.

The following performance indicators related to the Grants portion of this program will be used to measure the progress made towards achieving these goals:

• Influence on policy development: Number of Departmental initiatives, activities and decisions influenced or informed by the recipient organizations;
• Impact on service delivery initiatives: Level of recipient’s participation in engaging the Department to address community needs; and
• Dissemination of information and knowledge: Number of conferences, public education initiatives and other knowledge-building activities developed by the recipient organization.

The GCPNVO aims to achieve the following expected results related to the Contributions portion of this program:

Immediate Outcome:

• Service providers, NGOs, Indigenous organizations/communities have capacity to administer projects through program funding.

Intermediate Outcome:

• Service providers, NGOs, Indigenous organizations/communities implement support services for pardon application assistance.

Long-term Outcomes:

• Influence on policy development: number of Departmental initiatives, activities and decisions influenced or informed by the recipient organizations;
• Impact on service delivery initiatives: level of recipient's participation in engaging the Department to address community needs; and
• Dissemination of information and knowledge: number of conferences, public education initiatives and other knowledge-building activities developed by the recipient organization.

In FY 2025 to 2026, GCPNVO will continue to provide financial support to eligible recipients who are active in the area of corrections, conditional release and community reintegration. An intake process is expected to take place in 2025.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation       

An Evaluation of the Grants Program to National Voluntary Organizations was completed in FY 2015 to 2016.

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

There is a continued need to fund the National Voluntary Organization in order for them to fulfill their mandates. The Grants Program is aligned with the federal priority of keeping Canadians safe and with Public Safety Canada's strategic outcomes.

Recommendations:

The Internal Audit and Evaluation Directorate recommends the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Community Safety and Countering Crime Branch to implement the following:

• Develop a strategy to intensify the efforts to publicize the call for applications more broadly in order to ensure the Grants Program is reaching its intended target audience; and
• Implement an instrument to assess how NVOs have contributed to increasing the national policy dialogue to better inform and enhance corrections and criminal justice policy and practice.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

Not applicable – None required. Low program materiality.

General targeted recipient groups

Eligible recipients are Canadian not-for-profit bodies or national voluntary organizations that provide services in the area of corrections, conditional release and/or community reintegration, and therefore contribute directly to public safety.

Crown Corporations, for profit groups, provinces, territories and individuals are not eligible for funding under the Grants Program to NVOs.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

There is no engagement initiatives beyond routine correspondence necessary for the administration of the agreements.

Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund

Start date

2018

End date

FY 2027 to 2028

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2018 to 2019

Links to departmental result(s)

Community safety practices are strengthened

Canadian communities are safe

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Crime Prevention

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

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.

Expected results

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 FY 2022 to 2023 to evaluate the overall ITAAGGV program, and on May 8, 2023, the Government of Canada announced renewal of 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:

• 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 PT 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.

The number of additional initiatives and number of new resources dedicated to responding to guns and gangs within police services are expected to stabilize in the third year of the current round of ITAAGGV funding. The percentage of recipients and project partners who have integrated knowledge from funded initiatives into their practice or decision-making is expected to increase slightly. The degree to which provincial/territorial stakeholders report that GGVAF funding has enabled them to better respond to gun and gang violence in their jurisdictions will stay the same or increase slightly. Although the number of firearms-related homicides and gang-related homicides decreased for the 2023 calendar year, it is likely the numbers for both indicators will reflect numbers that are similar or slightly higher than 2022, based on increased public police reporting for 2024.  

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

An Horizontal Evaluation of the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence was approved in March 2023 (FY 2022 to 2023).

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

Increased trends in gun and gang-related crimes in Canada indicate there is a continued need for the Initiative. Despite limitations in the program's reach to populations considered at-risk of encountering gun and gang violence, the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund has enabled provincial and territorial governments to better respond to gun and gang violence. It was also found that the Initiative enhanced the capability of both the RCMP and CBSA to take action against gun and gang violence.

Recommendations:

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, GGV; and,
• collaboration with PT governments to ensure GGVAF funds support all program objectives.
• Ensure appropriate oversight mechanisms are in place to:
• clarify processes for amending performance indicators and determining their appropriateness in measuring results;
• strengthen data collection and information sharing activities among stakeholders;
• advance the development of a National Strategy to Reduce Gun and Gang Violence and stakeholder engagement activities; and,
• ensure oversight of the Initiative is aligned with TBS requirements for horizontal initiatives.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence is scheduled to start in FY 2027 to 2028.

General targeted recipient groups       

PT governments are the only direct eligible recipients to receive contributions under the GGVAF. However, PT governments may further distribute funds to the following ultimate eligible recipients:

• Another level of government (regional, municipal, local), including a band within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Indian Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.I-5, or an Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit or Metis) community recognized as a legal entity that has entered into a self-government agreement, which has been approved and has force of law under an act of Parliament or a legislature;
• A provincial or local/regional police service, including an Indigenous police service, and/or its governing authority (also known as a board, a police board, a designed board of a police commission), if it has the legal capacity to enter into a funding agreement;
• A Canadian university, educational institution/board of education; and
• A domestic not-for-profit organization, including an Indigenous organization, if:
  • It has the legal capacity to enter into a funding agreement; or
  • It is an association or society of persons, including a professional association, that have voluntarily associated themselves and that have a mandate to represent their membership and has the legal capacity to enter into a funding agreement on behalf of their membership.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Public Safety Canada will conduct its Annual Stakeholder Survey to engage GGVAF and Youth Gang Prevention Fund applicants as well as overall ITAAGGV stakeholders, as completed in FYs 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025. In FY 2025 to 2026, Public Safety Canada plans to engage with PTs on high-level program updates at federal, provincial and territorial Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial meetings, and through the Assistant Deputy Minister-led Crime Prevention and Policing Committee. These meetings will be supported by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Working Group on Gun and Gang Violence with the RCMP and CBSA portfolio partners. At the working level, program officers will engage with PT counterparts on program implementation and monitoring, as needed. 

Major International Events Security Cost Framework

Start date

FY 2001 to 2002

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates (Only if there is a major event).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2016 to 2017

Links to departmental result(s)

Canadian communities are safe

Community safety practices are strengthened.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Serious and Organized Crime

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The overall objective of the contribution program is to obtain the cooperative participation of jurisdictions in the provision of policing and security for a designated Major International Event by:

• Enabling the jurisdictions to seek financial assistance from the Government of Canada, through a negotiated contribution agreements for eligible incremental policing and security-related costs incurred in the provision of security at the event; and
• Allowing the Government of Canada to reimburse jurisdictions, through a contribution program, for eligible incremental security costs incurred in the provision of security at the event.

Expected results

The purpose of the Major International Events Security Cost Framework is to facilitate cooperation with partner jurisdictions by reimbursing, through contribution agreements, the incremental, extraordinary, justifiable and reasonable policing and security-related costs incurred in support of the RCMP-led security operations of the event.

Key expected results include:

• Jurisdictions have the incremental security resources (i.e., assets, equipment, personnel) required to support he RCMP-led security operations;
• Canada safely hosts Major International Events;
• Sound cost estimates;
• Timely provision of financial assistance to jurisdictions supporting the RCMP-led security operations.

In FY 2025 to 2026, PS officials will continue to work with recipients that have hosted or will host an international event in Canada (Papal & COP15 in 2022, President of the United States (POTUS)-Biden and Zelenskyy in 2023, Mulroney State Funeral and UN Climate Conference in Ottawa in 2024, G7 Summit in Kananaskis in June 2025) by administering funding agreements.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

FY 2017 to 2018

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation’s Finding:

The evaluation found that there is a continuing need for the Framework as host jurisdictions continue to require federal financial assistance to support RCMP-led security plans. The Framework is aligned with the priorities, roles and responsibilities of both Public Safety Canada and the federal government.

Recommendations:

Given Canada's continued commitment to hosting international events and their associated security risks, the Assistant Deputy Minister, Community Safety and Countering Crime Branch should:

• Review existing event designation criteria to ensure flexibility to meet and validate the overall objectives of the Framework;
• Reassess the eligible cost criteria to ensure that they are sensitive to risk and strike an appropriate balance between control and flexibility in order to support jurisdictions in hosting Major International Events; and
• Ensure that performance information is collected and reported on to support timely and evidence-based decision making.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

No planned evaluation. Not required.

General targeted recipient groups

Provincial, territorial, regional, local and municipal governments providing policing and/or security-related partners that incur eligible, extraordinary, justifiable and reasonable incremental policing and security-related costs in direct support of the RCMP-led security operation for an officially designated Major International Event

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Ongoing communication via meetings and written communications with recipients.

Memorial Grant Program for First Responders

Start date

FY 2018 to 2019

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Grant

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2018 to 2019

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadian Communities are safe

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Emergency Response/Recovery

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

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, fatalities 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, federal tax-free direct maximum payment of $300 000 to the families of first responders who have died as a result of their duties.

Expected results

The Memorial Grant Program for First Responders aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Stakeholders are aware of the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders (i.e., eligibility criteria);
• A well-managed and well established Memorial Grant Program for First Responders which is responsive to stakeholders needs; and
• There is a well-supported community of first responders and their families.

These goals will be measured through the following performance indicators:

• Percentage of stakeholders who indicate program awareness;
• Number of website page views to the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders webpage;
• Percentage of eligible applicants who apply for the Memorial Grant Program;
• Elapsed time from submission of a completed application claim and decision;
• Elapsed time from receipt of a decision at Public Safety Canada to payment and/or notification;
• Percentage of total expenditures directed to the administration of the program;
• Percentage of favorable decisions and/or rejections made without requesting a level of review or appeal;
• Percentage of first responders and/or their families who perceive the Memorial Grant Program positively; and
• Percentage of stakeholder groups who perceive the Memorial Grant Program positively.

In FY 2025 to 2026, the MGP will continue to recognize the service and sacrifice of Canada's first responders whose deaths are attributable to their duties, including deaths resulting from occupational illness, fatalities or psychological impairment. Engagement with stakeholders will continue so they are aware of the program and its eligibility criteria. PS will also survey the beneficiaries’ regarding the support and assistance received throughout the application process.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation        

An Evaluation of the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders was completed in FY 2021 to 2022.

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

There is a strong rationale for the MGP. The program's design was based on available evidence and aligned to federal priorities, which helped to address certain gaps by providing a tax-free grant that is consistent across regions and classes of first responders and includes death as a result of psychological impairment as an eligible incident criterion.

In the first three years of the program, 141 grants have been paid. While the program is generally demonstrating progress towards achievement of expected outcomes as of FY 2020 to 2021, there are ongoing concerns around program awareness. For example, amongst volunteer first responders and first responders in small and rural, remote communities. Despite some initial delays, key program activities have been implemented and the program is on track to achieve its expected results. Best practices and facilitators of program performance include sufficient resources and early outreach. Limited broader awareness of the program constrained the achievement of outcomes.

Recommendations:

Public Safety Canada should:

• Review applicant and incident eligibility criteria to ensure clarity of terms and conditions, as well as alignment with program intent and the needs of family members of first responders;
• Enhance engagement with and outreach to organizations and associations that represent first responders and PT counterparts to increase awareness and uptake of the program. A focus on organizations in rural, remote and Indigenous jurisdictions and volunteer first responders should be considered in addition to providing information on an ongoing basis and in multiple formats;
• Review and monitor program resources to ensure they are sufficient to support delivery, particularly in the context of expanded eligibility criteria and increasing program uptake; and
• Review the nature and extent of performance data collected in light of current program needs and identify opportunities for further data collection opportunities to better support program reporting and management.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the Memorial Program for First Responders is scheduled to start in FY 2026 to 2027.

General targeted recipient groups

Eligible beneficiaries of fallen First Responders (police, firefighters, paramedics, correctional, probation, and parole officers - including auxiliary members and volunteers).

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Continue to engage with stakeholders via Team Meetings, attend events related to the First Responders, and continue to send our satisfaction survey to the beneficiaries of the MGP.

National Crime Prevention Strategy

(Includes the Crime Prevention Action Fund, the Northern & Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund, the Youth Gang Prevention Fund, and the Canada Community Security Program)

Start dates

• National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS): FY 1998 to 1999
• Crime Prevention Action Fund (CPAF): 2005
• Northern and Indigenous Crime Prevention Fund (NICPF): 2008
• Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF): 2007
• Canada Community Security Program (CCSP): 2007

End date

Ongoing

Types of transfer payment

CPAF: Grant and Contribution

NICPF: Grant and Contribution

YGPF: Contribution

CCSP: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal years for terms and conditions

CPAF: 2013

NICPF: 2013

YGPF: 2011

CCSP: 2024

Links to departmental result(s)

Community safety practices are strengthened

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Crime Prevention

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) is the federal government’s primary policy framework for the implementation of crime prevention initiatives in Canada. Through the NCPS, Public Safety Canada provides time-limited funding to eligible 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 NCPS 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) supports 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) 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 children and youth, and high-risk offenders in communities; the dissemination of knowledge and the development of tools and resources for Aboriginal 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 Indigenous and northern populations; and
• Support capacity building and explore ways to develop culturally sensitive crime prevention practices among Indigenous 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 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 purpose of the CCSP is to support the implementation of projects to help communities with a demonstrated history of being victimized by hate-motivated crime through measures to enhance the security of their community gathering spaces.

The objectives of the CCSP are:

• A reduction and mitigation of the harm caused by incidents of hate-motivated crime in targeted areas;
• Target communities are equipped to address the risk of hate-motivated crime at their community gathering spaces; and
• An increased awareness of the particular challenges faced by communities at risk of hate-motivated crime.

Expected results

The NCPS aims to achieve the following expected results:

• At-risk individuals are reached and supported through direct interventions;
• Positive changes in risk and protective factors associated with criminal behavior;
• Reduced offending among targeted at-risk populations; and
• Increased security of community gathering spaces. This includes places of worship, educational institutions, community centers, shelters serving victims of gender-based violence, and privately run, not for profit, community-based facilities such as daycares and offices in targeted communities (Canada Community Safety Program).

These goals will be measured through the following performance indicators, with regards to the CPAF, NICPF, and YGPF:

• The percentage of evaluated programs where participants experienced positive changes in risk and protective factors related to offending; and
• Percentage of funded programs for direct interventions that include vulnerable populations in their participant group.

The CPAF aims to achieve the following expected results:

Short-term Outcomes:

• Increased knowledge of effective crime prevention resources, tools and best practices; and
• Targeted high-risk individuals and populations are reached through support and interventions provided by projects.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Utilization of more effective strategies to prevent and reduce crime;
• Positive changes in risk and protective factors among at-risk children and youth;
• Positive changes in risk and protective factors for youth at risk of involvement in crimes such as those related to gangs and drug; and
• Positive changes in risk and protective factors for high-risk offenders in communities.

Ultimate Outcome:

• Reduced offending among targeted populations.

The NICPF aims to achieve the following expected results:

Short-term Outcome:

• Increased knowledge of effective crime prevention resources, tools and best practices.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Increased skills to adapt and/or deliver effective crime prevention practices;
• Increased programming and support for the target population; and
• Targeted populations are reached through supports and interventions.

Long-term Outcome:

• There are positive changes in risk and protective factors in relation to offending.

The outcomes of both the CPAF and the NICPF will be assessed using the following performance indicators:

• Number and characteristics of at-risk individuals who participated in funded projects;
• Percent of projects with impact evaluations reporting positive changes in risk factors among targeted populations; and
• Percent of projects with impact evaluations reporting decreases in anti-social and violent behaviour.

The YGPF aims to achieve the following expected results:

Immediate Outcomes:

• Targeted at-risk youth and populations are reached through support and interventions provided by projects;
• Increased protective factors for youth at-risk of violent behaviour and gang involvement;
• Increased awareness of consequences of violence and gang involvement;
• Increased motivation to change, or not engage in, violent behaviour or gangs; and
• Increase in Canadian body of knowledge on gang prevention.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Decrease in risk factors present in the lives of youth at risk of violent behaviour and gang involvement;
• Decrease in anti-social and violent behaviour among targeted youth;
• Increase in youth choosing not to join gangs;
• Increase in the number of youth disengaging from gangs; and
• Utilization of more effective community-based responses to youth violence and gangs.

Ultimate Outcome

• A reduction in propensity to offend and offending behaviour among the targeted at-risk youth.

The outcomes of the YGPF will be evaluated using the following performance indicators:

• Number and characteristics of at-risk individuals who participated in funded projects;
• Length of time that youth are retained;
• Positive changes in post-program test scores measuring awareness of consequences;
• Positive change in post-program test scores measuring attitudinal change; and
• Positive change in post-program test scores measuring anti-social and violent behaviour.

The CCSP aims to achieve the following expected results:

Immediate Outcome:

• Target population is aware of available funding to address hate-motivated incidents/crimes in communities most at risk.

Intermediate Outcome:

• Eligible recipients gain capacity and knowledge on how to address security needs prior to/following hate-motivated incidents/crimes at their community gathering spaces.

Ultimate Outcome:

• Program recipients feel safer from hate-motivated crime at their gathering spaces.

The outcomes of the CCSP will be evaluated using the following performance indicators:

• 1. Number of applications requesting funding to:
  • 1.1 enhance the security infrastructure at a community facility;
  • 1.2 enhance security measures at community cultural events; and/or,
  • 1.3 implement security training and awareness activities.
• 2.1 Percentage of program recipients who report using the security enhancements at a community facility to protect from/address hate-motivated crime;
• 2.2 Percentage of program recipients who have enhanced security measures at cultural events to deter/address hate-motivated crime;
• 2.3 Percentage of program recipients who implement training opportunities and community activities to increase community security awareness;
• 3.1  Percentage of funding recipients that indicate that the population using the facility feels safer from hate-motivated crime since the security enhancements;
• 3.2  Percentage of funding recipients that indicate that there has been a decrease in the number of incidents of hate-motivated crime at their facility since the security enhancements;
• 3.3 Percentage of funding recipients that indicate that CCSP funding has helped prevent or mitigate hate incidents/crimes during a community cultural event.

Expected results for FY 2025 to 2026:

NCPS: A call for applications was launched for three of the funding programs under the NCPS in November 2024. The NCPS will continue to support the implementation of new crime prevention initiatives in FY 2025 to 2026.

Public Safety Canada will also support the implementation of new projects chosen from the ongoing 2024 CCSP Call for Applications, which was launched in October 2024. The CCSP is now accepting applications through a continuous intake process. This will allow additional communities at risk of hate-motivated crime to apply and receive support to enhance the security of their community gathering spaces.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

An Evaluation of National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) was completed on November 2023 (FY 2023 to 2024).

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

Crime prevention and reduction remains a priority for the Government of Canada as well as provincial and territorial governments. The NCPS, and its funding programs, is aligned with this priority and adjusts to align with changing federal priorities related to crime prevention. The program has evolved to include a focus on cyberbullying, and has focused on addressing the needs of Black and Indigenous peoples.

Recommendations:

The Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Crime Prevention Branch, and the Assistant Deputy Minister, Emergency Management and Programs Branch should:

• Ensure that project level performance data is systematically collected, analyzed and leveraged for decisions regarding policy and research directions;
• Develop and implement information management practices, and tools, to assist in the maintenance of corporate knowledge and lessen the burden on projects;
• Increase the dissemination of policy and knowledge resources and make efforts to improve the accessibility of existing policy and knowledge resources; and
• Consider options to further support project sustainability.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation           

An evaluation of the Security Infrastructure Program is scheduled to start in FY 2025 to 2026.

General targeted recipient groups

• Community-based organizations, other levels of government and academia;
• Indigenous governments, organizations and communities;
• Canadian universities, educational institution/boards of education, and Centers of Excellence; and
• Provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous police services.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Public Safety Canada will continue to engage with communities to enhance their experience in applying to NCPS programs. CCSP info sessions and a CCSP community of practice are planned for FY 2025 to 2026.

Parliamentary District Policing CPB

Start date     

May 1, 2024

End date      

March 31, 2029

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation      

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions  

FY 2024 to 2025

Links to departmental result(s)   

Community safety practices are strengthened

Canadian communities are safe

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

National security threats are understood and reduced while maintaining public trust.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Crime Prevention

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

The purpose of the Parliamentary District Policing Program (PDPP) is to establish a contribution program that allows Public Safety Canada to enable the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) to bolster the latter’s presence within the Parliamentary District and dedicate resources to respond to emerging safety and security threats. The overall objective of the contribution program is to enhance safety and security of the Parliamentary District though this a dedicated police presence. This program enables the City of Ottawa to seek financial assistance from the Government of Canada, through a contribution agreement, for reimbursement for eligible policing costs specific to the Parliamentary District.

The objectives of the program fall within the Department’s core responsibility for Community Safety and within the Law Enforcement and Policing Program. The program contributes to the achievement of the Department’s policy objectives to promote the safety and security of Canadian communities.

Expected results   

Three outcomes have been identified to measure performance along with the following performance indicators:

• Immediate outcome: The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has the financial resources necessary to establish its new Parliamentary District detachment
• Signature of the agreement with the recipient.
• Intermediate outcome: The OPS capacity to respond to safety and security issues within the District is Enhanced
• Number of positions filled as per the 5 year OPS human resources staffing plan;
• Funding is allocated and spent as per the agreed upon contribution agreement budget.
•  Ultimate outcome: Dedicated and focused OPS presence contributes to enhancing the safety and security of the Parliamentary District.
• Response times to calls for service remain stable or improve after year 3; and
• OPS engagement with protest groups at earliest possible opportunity remain stable or improve after year 3.

For FY 2025 to 2026, the OPS will continue to build capacity by standing up a dedicated policing unit with 43 new staff within the Parliamentary district. This dedicated posture within the district will facilitate real-time response to emerging safety and security situations. The unit will mitigate the need to systematically draw resources from other OPS districts in the city to intervene on the Hill. Officers assigned to the Parliamentary District will be able to focus on building partnerships with key stakeholders, including with the PPS, RCMP, and local community, as well as addressing issues impacting community safety.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

Not applicable. New program.

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Not applicable. New program

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

FY 2026 to 2027

General targeted recipient groups

City of Ottawa for the Ottawa Police Service

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

PS officials will continue to engage with OPS officials to administer the funding agreement to ensure all financial and other reporting requirements are met and that the program is implemented as intended.

Policy Development Contribution Program

(Includes the Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries initiative)

Start dates

Policy Development Contribution Program (PDCP): 1983

Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI): January 11, 2019

End dates

PDCP: Ongoing

PTSI: March 31, 2028

Type of transfer payment

PDCP: Contribution

PTSI: Contribution

Type of appropriation

PDCP: Appropriated annually through Estimates

PTSI: Appropriated one time through Estimates

Fiscal years for terms and conditions

PDCP: FY 2019 to 2020

PTSI: FY 2018 to 2019

Links to departmental result(s)

PDCP:

National security threats are understood and reduced

Community safety practices are strengthened

Canadian communities are safe

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

PTSI:

Canadian communities are safe

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

Links to the department’s Program Inventory

Crime Prevention

Cyber Security

Emergency Preparedness

Indigenous Policing

Law Enforcement and Policing

Serious and Organized Crime

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

PDCP:  Its overall objectives are to forge greater consensus and cooperation among various levels of government and other stakeholders through policy initiatives and activities. Contribution funding has been chosen in order to monitor progress and results of projects and initiatives.

The program contributes to the achievement of departmental legislative, policy development, and consultative objectives by:

• Supporting projects in priority areas to address public policy issues of strategic importance to the Department;
• Supporting information driven projects and participation in cross-sectoral and inter-jurisdictional policy and legislative initiatives;
• Supporting innovative approaches and the acquisition of knowledge and the ability to translate knowledge into action for communities and community-based organizations; and
• Contributing to enhanced public safety and emergency management.

This program supports strategic projects undertaken by Departmental stakeholder organizations that contribute to policy-making. The Department provides funding to three categories of projects:

• Communication/Information Exchange projects;
• Innovation and Research projects; and
• Training and Skills Development projects.

Expected results

PDCP

The activities and outputs of the programs are expected to lead to both immediate and intermediate outcomes:

Immediate Outcomes:

• Increased knowledge and understanding of public safety and emergency management systems;
• Innovative approaches, lessons learned and best practices documents;
• Shared knowledge and awareness leading to enhanced delivery of services such as dissemination of information; and
• Improved intersectoral/interdisciplinary collaboration and delivery of services.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Recommendations to modify policies and legislation;
• Increased public education and confidence in Canada's criminal justice, emergency management, and national security systems;
• Increased capacity of NVOs and not-for-profit organizations to fulfill their mandates; and
• Increased community capacity to work with victims, offenders, families and local officials such as police and emergency first responders.

These objectives will be measured via the following performance indicators:

• Number and type of lessons learned, innovative approaches, best practices, other relevant research findings, and "reach" (with whom these were shared);
• Number and type of pilot projects undertaken — results of project evaluations and "reach" (with whom were these results shared);
• Number of funded projects initiatives by Public Safety Canada priority areas based on the Departmental Plan;
• Types of partnership activities (meetings, conferences, fora, publications) and number and type of organizations attending and topics discussed;
• Level of awareness change among participants (through event feedback form or post-event follow-up);
• Number of organizational practices/tools developed and "reach" (with whom were the models/tools shared); and
• Examples of how sharing of organizational practices/tools has led to efficiencies (other organizations not having to re-invent practices/tools).

PTSI

• CIPSRT and the National Research Consortium are recognized for their ability to engage knowledge users from the public safety community throughout the research process by disseminating the research findings into practice;
• The public safety and research communities are better linked/networked resulting in the establishment of multi-disciplinary partnerships;
• Public safety health research publications inform decision making and policy setting in the future; and
• ICBT pilots are underway in Saskatchewan and Québec, and public safety personnel are able to take advantage of online treatment options for PTSI.

These objectives will be measured via the following performance indicators:

• Number of research findings that are put into practice;
• Number of partnerships;
• Number of publications that inform; and
• Number of public safety personnel who have taken the training.

Expected results for FY 2025 to 2026:

PDCP: Increased capacity to support reintegration through virtual services, improved collaboration with community resources, and enhanced volunteer training. Four projects will be funded with lessons learned or best practices developed. Several partnership activities will take place, inclusive of meetings and publications geared towards reducing stigma, improving reintegration and improved knowledge of security issues.

PTSI: Enhanced support for public safety personnel with PTSI through expanded research, partnerships, and online therapy access. Key measures of success will include applied research findings, new partnerships, and public safety personnel utilizing ICBT services in various provinces.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation        

An Evaluation of the Support to Those Who Keep Communities Safe: National Investments to Address Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI) among Public Safety Officers was approved in January 2023 (FY 2022 to 2023).

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: The evaluation was conducted as a result of a Treasury Board commitment; it was not required as per the Financial Administration Act.

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

There is a continued need for the type of programming and research provided by the Initiatives. More could be done to maximize the potential of each Initiative by increasing awareness of them and broadening their reach within the public safety and research communities. The Initiatives’ resources have largely been used effectively and efficiently, though there are opportunities for improvement. The current performance measurement processes could be strengthened to allow for a more fulsome assessment of progress.

Recommendations:

The Assistant Deputy Minister, Emergency Management and Programs Branch, should, as part of renewed/continued funding:

• Explore methods to support the sustainability and expansion of the ICBT pilot by collaborating and coordinating with provinces, territories, and relevant organizations;
• Ensure resources provided to CIPSRT are sufficient for the communication and dissemination of knowledge products and consider working with federal partners (e.g., Statistics Canada) to support the development of a national baseline of information; and
• Revisit and revise the current approach to performance measurement, including the development of a logic model, a performance measurement framework, and an approach that better incorporates GBA Plus.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation           

Not applicable. None required.

General targeted recipient groups

PDCP: Contributions may be provided to the following classes of recipients in support of the objectives of the PDCP:

• National, provincial, territorial, municipal, Indigenous community or professional organizations and associations which have voluntarily associated themselves with a not-for-profit purpose, and which have a mandate to represent their membership or community;
• Canadian universities and educational institutions;
• Provincial, municipal and Indigenous police services;
• Indigenous and non-status governments, organizations and communities;
• Provincial, territorial, municipal and regional governments;
• International non-governmental organizations, including bodies associated/affiliated with organizations of which Canada is a member, which have as their purpose supporting public safety and/or emergency management as priorities;
• Not-for-profit organizations and associations serving the private sector; and
• Crown Corporations, for profit groups and individuals are not eligible for funding under the PDCP.

PTSI: Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT).

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

PTSI: Public Safety Canada continues to work closely with CIPSRT (the recipient) as they deliver on the activities of the contribution agreement, to achieve measurable results.

Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund

Start date

1987

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2009 to 2010

Link to departmental result(s)

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Emergency Prevention/Mitigation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

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

Expected results

The expected results of the SAR NIF include:

• Promoting and supporting projects designed to develop and improve SAR prevention;
• Enhancing the effectiveness of the SAR response in federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions; and
• Sharing SAR response and prevention ‘best practices’ across the SAR community.

Success in achieving the SAR NIF’s expected results will be measured via the following performance indicators:

• The extent to which projects result in improved SAR response and prevention; and
• The extent to which projects promote and improve partnerships among all levels of the national SAR program.

In FY 2025 to 2026, the program will continue supporting ongoing projects. This will result in improved SAR response and prevention and strengthened partnerships among all levels of the national SAR program in alignment with the program's expected results and performance indicators.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation        

An Evaluation of the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund was completed in October 2020 (FY 2020 to 2021).

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

The SAR NIF funded 49 projects over the evaluation period and was found to provide necessary support for SAR services across Canada, particularly in the area of ground SAR. However, while the SAR NIF supports the priorities and response and prevention objectives associated with national SAR, there is no formally defined framework coordinating national SAR policy.

Concerns were raised with respect to eligibility and application requirements as well as administration of the application process and outreach efforts to promote awareness of the call for proposals.

Public Safety Canada’s management of performance data and GBA Plus related data was limited and project results were not found to be shared within the SAR community. The unavailability of data limits a full picture of the existing capabilities and needs of search and rescue in Canada.

Notwithstanding, interview respondents overwhelmingly affirmed the SAR NIF’s positive contribution to Canada’s SAR community.

Recommendations:

The Assistant Deputy Minister of the Emergency Management and Programs Branch should:

• Develop and communicate the priorities of the National Search and Rescue Secretariat and overall policy direction for Search and Rescue support within Public Safety Canada, and ensure that the priorities and objectives of the SAR NIF are aligned;
• Explore ways to improve collection and sharing of project data to support national SAR policy and enhance knowledge management at the national level; and
• Improve the SAR NIF’s application and approval processes to ensure sufficient outreach, support and accessibility.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the Search and Rescue Initiatives has started in FY 2023 to 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in FY 2024 to 2025.

General targeted recipient groups

• For-profit organizations;
• Not-for-profit organizations and charities;
• Academia and public institutions;
• Provincial, territorial and local governments; and
• Individuals.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

When a new call for proposals starts, PS will send email notifications to organizations on the SAR NIF mailing list and to SAR partners. There will also be a social media blitz each week of the call to continue to notify potential applicants. PS will hold English and French information sessions and one on one meetings during calls for proposals to provide specifics about the current call and answer program-level questions regarding eligibility. PS will hold feedback sessions with unsuccessful applicants to provide advice on how to improve if they apply again. The Department will also produce annual performance reports to gather project-level details to quantify program results and indicators.

Supporting a Humanitarian Workforce to Respond to COVID-19 and Other Large-Scale Emergencies

Start date

June 2021

End date

FY 2025 to 2026

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriation following the 2020 Fall Economic Statement

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2022 to 2023

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadian Communities are safe

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Emergency Response/Recovery

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

The Supporting a Humanitarian Workforce to Respond to COVID-19 and Other Large-Scale Emergencies Program is a contribution program that provides funding to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) so they may build capacity and deploy to respond to COVID-19 and other large-scale emergencies.

This Program supports readiness and specific deployments of NGOs by providing them with targeted funding to bolster their readiness capacity and deployment ability. The development of a humanitarian workforce will thus strengthen the preparedness and emergency response capacity in Canada by leveraging the contributions of the NGOs, as well as by enhancing whole-of-society collaboration. This Program will enhance and maintain a humanitarian workforce to provide an agile and responsive surge capacity.

The objective of the Program is to enable NGOs to support Canadians’ needs stemming from COVID-19 and other large-scale emergencies.

Expected results:

The expected outcomes of this Program include:

• The NGOs funded will have the capacity to:
  • respond to requests for support following large-scale emergencies; and
  • support community risk reduction and emergency management response to all-hazard events, including to address the specific needs of communities that face social, cultural and economic marginalization.
• The NGOs funded respond to requests for support as required by impacted jurisdictions;
• The NGOs funded support community risk reduction and emergency management response to all-hazard events; and
• The NGOs funded have at least three capabilities as outlined in the Canadian Core Capabilities List.

Finally, the ultimate outcome of this Program is that a whole of community approach is used to develop, maintain, and improve preparedness, response and recovery for all-hazards risks.

Success in achieving the expected results will be measured via the following performance indicators:

• Number of non-governmental organizations that were supported to develop and enhance their readiness and capacity to respond to all-hazards events across Canada;
• Number of deployment funded in response to a Request for Federal Assistance;
• Number of people trained to perform humanitarian workforce functions;
• Percentage of days funded organizations maintained capacity to respond to all-hazards events;
• Number of cultural competency sessions delivered;
• Number of individuals who completed self-directed cultural safety training;
• Number of collaborations established by recipients to address specific needs of marginalized communities;
• Number of NGOs that develop plans for engaging vulnerable communities;
• Percentage of funded organizations that can demonstrate at least three capabilities; and
• Percentage of stakeholders indicating that they were adequately engaged in the preparation for events affecting the national interest.

In FY 2025 to 2026, the program will continue its ongoing support for current projects that will enhance the readiness and deployment capacity of funded NGOs, enabling them to effectively respond to large-scale emergencies. This support aligns with the program’s anticipated outcomes and performance measures.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

An evaluation was not required but an Internal Audit of COVID-19 Response Fund Management was completed in FY 2023 to 2024.

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Not applicable (not an evaluation).

Summary of the Audit's Findings:

Overall, governance structure met the needs of the programs by facilitating the management and delivery of the PS COVID-19 related contribution programs. Additional guidance is required to help ensure monitoring and reporting controls are applied more consistently.

Recommendations:

• Going forward, the Assistant Deputy Minister, Emergency Management and Programs Branch, should ensure any Terms of Reference for the Deputy Minister Emergency Management Committee is updated, approved and communicated to reflect the Committee’s current state;
• The Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Management Branch, should ensure that programs are provided with clear guidance on the requirements and use of exception forms to help ensure consistent application;
• The Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Management Branch, should ensure the audits included in the Departmental Recipient Audit Plan related to COVID-19 and HWF are completed as scheduled. Based on the results of these recipient audits, consideration should be given to expanding the number of agreements included in the Audit Plan given the limited documentation on file to support financial information; and
• The Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Management Branch, should ensure guidance surrounding service standard information clearly states whether amendment information is included or not as part of the reporting on Service Standards for Transfer Payment Programs.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the Humanitarian Workforce Program started in FY 2024 to 2025.

General targeted recipient groups

Not-for-profit organizations and charities.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure Canada is able to effectively prepare for and respond to all-hazards events, in 2025 to 2026, Public Safety Canada will engage provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, and stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations funded under the Humanitarian Workforce program, on the needs of the Humanitarian Workforce Program.

Supporting the Canadian Red Cross's urgent relief efforts related to COVID-19, floods and wildfires

Start date

2020

End date

FY 2025 to 2026

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

One-time appropriation

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2020 to 2021

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadian Communities are safe

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Emergency Response/Recovery

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

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).

Expected results

Immediate Outcomes:

The expected immediate outcomes of this Program include that the CRC will be able to:

• respond effectively to Canadians’ requests for support stemming from the COVID-19, floods and wildfires;
• supply Emergency Response Units (ERU), COVID-19 Testing Assistance Response (CTART) and Outbreak Crises Management (OCM) adjunct healthcare capacity as required by heavily impacted jurisdictions; and,
• support community risk reduction.

With respect to responding effectively to Canadians’ requests for support, indicators and targets include:

• The percentage of days in which the CRC maintained a readiness to deploy 10 CTARTs simultaneously;
• The percentage of days in which the CRC maintained the required readiness to deploy up to 7 teams to support outbreak crisis management;
• 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; 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. 

With respect to supplying ERU, CTART, and OCM adjunct healthcare capacity as required by heavily impacted jurisdictions, indicators and targets include:

• The number of CRC staff ready to deploy in support of vulnerable Canadians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic;
• 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; and
• The percentage of jurisdictions to which ERUs, CTARTs and OCM teams are deployed that report satisfaction with the CRC’s adjunct healthcare capacity.

With respect to supporting community risk reduction and emergency management response, indicators and targets include:

• 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;
• The number of community risk reduction assessments performed and the percentage of communities that implemented the CRC’s recommendations;
• The number of training sessions and people trained in PDT and use of PPE; and
• The total value in Canadian dollars of PPE provided to non-government organizations, health authorities and emergency response organizations directly serving Canadians.

Intermediate Outcome:

Intermediate and long-term outcomes (10 months) of this Program are that the CRC will have broadly contributed to keeping Canadians safe by continuing to deliver their broad array of services to people in need. The indicators for the achievement of intermediate outcomes are referenced above.

In FY 2025 to 2026, the program expects to achieve the following expected results:

• Strengthened capacity within the CRC for both response and recovery efforts in critical events, such as floods and wildfires; and
• Increased ability to deploy emergency response resources and services, ensuring affected communities receive essential support for immediate and longer term recovery.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

Not applicable. Not required – low program materiality.                       

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Not applicable

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation           

Not applicable – program sunsetting in FY 2025 to 2026.

General targeted recipient groups

The CRC is the sole eligible recipient for this Program.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

No specific engagement activities are planned for FY 2025 to 2026, beyond the effective administration of the program.

Details on Transfer Payment Programs of less than $5 million

Combat Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking

Start date

2004 (Enhanced in 2007)

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime (CPCSOC): FY 2019 to 2020

Links to departmental result(s)

Canadian communities are safe

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

Links to the department’s Program Inventory

Border Policy

Serious and Organized Crime

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime (CPCSOC), the Combat Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking (CCSEHT) program supports initiatives, research, partnership building, specialized police services, projects and programs to increase knowledge, raise awareness and help advance efforts to combat serious and organized crime. In particular, the program seeks to support projects and initiatives to increase knowledge, raise awareness and/or help advance efforts to combat human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

Specific objectives of the CPCSOC include:

• 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.

Expected results   

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation        

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

Decision following the results of last evaluation     

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation           

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

General targeted recipient groups       

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients        

See: Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime

COSPAS-SARSAT

Start date

July 1, 1988

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2010 to 2011

Link to departmental result(s)

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Emergency Prevention/Mitigation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

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

Expected results

The expected result of the COSPAS-SARSAT transfer payment program is that Canada’s obligations under the ICSPA are met.

Alongside the other countries Party to the ICSPA, Canada will continue to exercise its oversight of the COSPAS-SARSAT Secretariat.

In FY 2025 to 2026, PS will be leading Canada’s efforts to update the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Agreement (ICSPA), which is the foundational document of the Programme which supports global search and rescue (SAR) efforts by providing satellite based distress alert and location data to SAR authorities. Enhancing the Programme’s ability to deliver accurate distress alert and location data to SAR authorities will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of SAR response in Canada and around the world, thereby reducing the potential loss of life during a SAR incident.

Canada will also continue to meet its obligation under the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Agreement (ICSPA) to provide financial support for the management and administration of the International COSPAS-SARSAT Secretariat.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

Not applicable. None required.

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Not applicable

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation           

An evaluation of the Search and Rescue Initiatives has started in FY 2023 to 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in FY 2024 to 2025.

General targeted recipient groups

International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Not applicable.

Cyber Security Cooperation Program

Start date

2019

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2025-26

Link to departmental result(s)

National security threats are understood and reduced while maintaining public trust

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Cyber Security

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The Cyber Security Cooperation Program (CSCP) aims to contribute to the federal government’s leadership role in advancing cyber security in Canada. By enabling close collaboration with other levels of government, the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations, the CSCP’s purpose will be to provide funding for 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), the CSCP will support projects that contribute to:

• Forging whole-of-society partnerships for cyber security;
• Advancing national cyber awareness and hygiene;
• Making Canada a trusted innovator that prioritizes cyber security;
• Growing the foundational cyber security workforce of the future;
• Identifying and supporting targeted areas of cyber security research to meet Canadian needs;
• Identifying, deterring, or defending against cyber threats; and,
• Making critical systems more resilient.

Expected results

The outcomes and indicators related to this program are still under development and will be made available online at a later date.

In FY 2025 to 2026, the Cyber Security Cooperation Program will launch a call for proposals with the intention of signing funding agreements by the end of the calendar year.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

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

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision

Continuation

Summary of the Mid-Term Evaluation Findings

The NCSS initiatives remain crucial in addressing ongoing and emerging cyber security threats such as ransomware and attacks on critical infrastructure. The Strategic Policy Capacity initiative has enhanced inter-departmental coordination and awareness of cyber security issues, though advancing the policy agenda remains challenging due to the increasing complexity of the cyber landscape. There is an opportunity to enhance the integration of project findings into broader policy decisions. Feedback from funding recipients has provided valuable insights into administrative and policy direction improvements. GBA Plus remains a priority, with ongoing efforts to ensure its comprehensive application in PS NCSS initiatives.

Recommendations

Public Safety Canada should:

• Enhance leadership and coordination efforts by prioritizing work on the forward policy agenda, including addressing information sharing challenges and forming relationships with other levels of government, particularly provinces and territories;
• Develop and implement follow-up processes to collect information regarding the implementation of mitigation measures by participants as a result of activities for critical infrastructure sectors;
• Develop an approach to utilize Cyber Security Cooperation Program project findings to inform the NCSS policy agenda and decision-making; and
• Increase awareness of how aspects of diversity and inclusion inherent to Gender-Based Analysis Plus apply to cybersecurity.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

No evaluation planned – not required due to being under $5M

General targeted recipient groups

• Canadian not-for-profit organizations;
• Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit or Metis) governments, including a Council of a Band within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Indian Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.I-5, or a government established under the authority of self-government agreement, which has been approved and has force of law under an act of Parliament or a legislature;
• Canadian academic and research institutions; and,
• Provincial, territorial and local governments and authorities.

In addition to the above list, contributions may also be provided to Canadian for-profit organizations, provided that the nature and the intent of the activity will not generate a profit for the entity.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Prospective applicants will be made aware of the funding competition once the call for proposals is announced on the Public Safety Canada website. All applications will be acknowledged via email upon receipt, and later, an update on whether their application was successful in securing an offer to sign a funding agreement.

Once funding agreements are signed, recipients will maintain regular contact with program administration personnel at Public Safety Canada to ensure program milestones are being met and payments are being disbursed appropriately.

Financial Information

Heavy Urban Search and Rescue

Start date

FY 2016 to 2017

End date

Ongoing

Types of transfer payment

Grant (contribution allowed)

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2016 to 2017

Link to departmental result(s)

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Emergency Prevention/Mitigation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

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.

Expected results

The HUSAR program aims to achieve the following expected results:

• HUSAR Task Forces are effectively equipped to respond to disasters;
• Increased interoperability between HUSAR teams; and
• Canada has HUSAR capabilities that are able to respond to emergencies affecting urban centres in an efficient, effective and coordinated manner.

These results will be measured through the following performance indicators:

• Number of teams with deployable HUSAR capacity;
• Percentage of activity reports which demonstrate use of at least 95% of approved funding;
• Number of Task Forces that have jointly trained/exercised; and
• Number of Task Forces able to jointly respond to disaster.

Expected results for FY 2005 to 2026 include HUSAR Task Forces sustainment of capabilities that are able to respond to emergencies affecting urban centres and surrounding areas within their jurisdiction in an efficient, effective and coordinated manner. Interoperability between HUSAR teams will be increased through discussions, working groups, joint training and table-top exercises to take place during two planned in-person Workshops and regular semi-monthly meetings. PS will also seek to advance the implementation of an International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) Recognized National Accreditation Process (IRNAP).

Fiscal year of last completed    

Not applicable. Low program materiality.                                

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

An evaluation of the Search and Rescue Initiatives has started in 2023 to 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in FY 2024 to 2025.

General targeted recipient groups

The provincial or municipal legal entities responsible for the management of one of the six HUSAR Task Forces located in Vancouver (British Columbia), Calgary (Alberta), Brandon (Manitoba), Toronto (Ontario), Montréal (Québec), and Halifax (Nova Scotia).

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

The HUSAR Program benefits from an established schedule of engagement activities including semi-monthly meetings of the Task Force-Sub-Working Group (TF-SWG) composed of the Team Leads of the six-federally-recognized Task Forces and members of Public Safety Canada. The TF-SWG also monitors opportunities to enhance standardization and interoperability, in line with the Performance Indicators of the HUSAR Program, through participation in exercises, training, and working groups associated with internationally verified best practices.

In addition to these engagements, PS also organizes two in-person workshops held in Spring and Fall in collaboration with the Task Forces which both strengthens relationships, provides critical insight into the day-to-day challenges and successes of the Task Forces, and allows for the discussion and resolution of barriers to achieving program objectives.

International Association of Fire Fighters

Start date

FY 2008 to 2009

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2008 to 2009

Link to departmental result(s)

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Emergency Preparedness

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

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.

Expected results

The immediate outcomes of the IAFF are that Canadian fire fighters and other first responders nationally have the skills and knowledge required to respond to a HazMat incident, and that there is improved interoperability between trained first responders in Canada.

The intermediate outcomes are that Canadians are protected from the aftermath of a HazMat incident, and that Canadian firefighters and other first responders are protected in the event of a HazMat incident.

The ultimate outcome is to contribute to Public Safety Canada’s mandate of ensuring “A Safe and Resilient Canada” by promoting public safety and protecting Canadians and Canadian first responders from the aftermath of a HazMat incident.

These outcomes will be measured via the following performance indicators:

• Number of training classes and number of students;
• Number of “train the trainer” classes and number of students; and
• Percentage of trained students that are from non-firefighting disciplines.

In FY 2025 to 2026, the IAFF will continue to hold training classes across Canada for Canadian fire fighters and other first responders, reaching as many first responder populations as possible.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

The 2011-2012 Evaluation of the Internal Association of Fire Fighters/Canada Contribution Program (FY 2012 to 2013).

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Decision: Continuation

Summary of the Evaluation's Findings:

The International Association of Fire Fighters (Canada) Contribution Program was originally intended to address a gap in training among fire fighters and contribute to interoperability among first responders. Because training data is not collected nationally it was difficult for the evaluation to determine if these training gaps persist. However, based on available evidence, there is still a need for hazardous materials training for first responders. Systematic collection of data related to hazardous materials training across the country would provide a more accurate understanding of the current level of first responder training and the remaining training gaps.

The Program is considered efficient since the program administration ratio compares favourably to other Public Safety Canada transfer payment programs. However, there are lapses in Program spending; more accurate recipient estimates and closer attention to year-end consolidation of expenditures may improve this result. In terms of Program economy, the cost per training participant is within range of two other similar training offerings that were compared during the evaluation.

Recommendations:

The Evaluation Directorate recommends that the Assistant Deputy Minister, Emergency Management and Regional Operations Branch:

• Develop program alternatives that better reflect Public Safety Canada’s leadership and collaboration role. Program alternatives should consider:
• Need/gaps in hazardous materials training in provinces/territories, through consultation with the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Forum of Senior Officials Responsible for Emergency Management; and
• Public Safety Canada’s evolving business model in the area of emergency management training.
• Develop a mechanism that will promote timely updates of recipient estimates and expenditures in order to provide a more accurate financial representation of the program.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation

Not appliable. None required. Low program materiality.

General targeted recipient groups

IAFF

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

Not applicable since this is a single recipient program.

Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada

Start date

April 2015

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

FY 2014 to 2015

Link to departmental result(s)

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

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Emergency Prevention/Mitigation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program      

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.

Expected results

The expected results of the SARVAC program are:

Immediate outcomes:

• Bringing 13 jurisdictions, hundreds of teams and thousands of volunteers under one umbrella of the National Search and Rescue Program (NSRP), thereby increasing program management and efficiency;
• Increasing awareness of individual responsibility for safety through prevention education; and
• Providing a forum for exchanging and sharing best practices, policies and protocols across jurisdictions.

Intermediate outcomes:

• Increasing the ability to standardize procedures and protocols in key areas such as training, inventory management and reporting requirements to provide interoperability and portability of volunteer resources; and
• Increasing awareness and outreach about SAR incidents, how to alert the SAR system and survival tips which will change the behaviours of the general public both before and during SAR incidents, thereby leading to increased survivability.

Ultimate outcomes:

• Increasing program economies, efficiencies and effectiveness; and
• Reducing the loss of life and/or injuries to the general public.

The SARVAC program will be assessed using the following performance indicators:

• Number of provincial and territorial (P/T) SAR associations represented on SARVAC, and the number of communications and common identity products distributed;
• The number of awareness and outreach sessions delivered;
• The number of toolkit modules and shared practices disseminated;
• The number of volunteers and their competencies and experiences tracked and recognized across jurisdictions;
• The number and type of deployments by jurisdiction;
• The extent and value which SAR partners assign GSAR volunteers, both on response and prevention activities; and
• The frequency and outcomes of SAR incidents.

In FY 2025 to 2026, SARVAC will continue to assist in improving GSAR in Canada through the coordination, consistency, and standardization of volunteers involved in GSAR, in alignment with the program's expected results and performance indicators. In late FY 2024 to 2025 SARVAC will finalize their Business Plan for FY 2025 to 2026.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

Not applicable. None required.

Decision following the results of last evaluation

Not applicable. 

Fiscal year of next planned valuation

An evaluation of the Search and Rescue Initiatives has started in FY 2023 to 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in FY 2024 to 2025.

General targeted recipient groups

SARVAC

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

This is a single recipient program, not applicable.

Date modified:

2025-06-17