Do you have big plans for your community? Perhaps you’ve got a capital project – like a new school, additional housing or a cultural centre – underway or maybe you’re unsure where to start.
In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) ruled that “Canada’s provision of First Nations child and family services and Jordan’s Principle was discriminatory on the prohibited grounds of race and national or ethnic origin. The ruling specifically noted capital as one area requiring redress.”
This ruling opened two funding streams for First Nations communities, as it ordered Canada to “fund the purchase and construction of capital assets for the delivery of First Nations child and family services, as well as services under Jordan’s Principle.” This decision offers First Nations communities several opportunities to build, expand and deliver vital infrastructure and services. However, having a firm understanding of the ways you can apply funds is critical to the planning, implementation and execution of your capital project.
What is CHRT 41?
CHRT 41 is a ruling that orders Canada to fund the purchase and/or construction of capital assets that support the delivery of First Nations Child and Family Services, or Jordan’s Principle services.
CHRT 41 supports capital assets in the form of property, buildings, spaces or vehicles that are intended for long-term use. To qualify, a project must be considered ready to proceed or shovel-ready – which involves First Nations approval, a completed needs assessment, a feasibility study and facility design. Communities should note that the CHRT 41 ruling covers any and all costs associated with the application process and delivery of the project(s) – from the needs assessments through to project close-outs.
How to apply for funding under CHRT 41
With so many ways to apply funding under the CHRT 41 ruling, your development opportunities are extensive – as long as you have the time and resources to put forward a strategic, well-planned funding application.
Applications are reviewed, evaluated and given a final decision by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) within 30 business days. ISC can process strategic, compliant and clear applications more quickly, making it less likely to subject your project to questions or negotiations that will pause the 30-day deadline.
The application process can feel daunting to even the most experienced project owners, but with the right team, it can be optimized. A consultant or project advisor can support you and your community, guiding you through the application process in five simple steps:
- Submit a Needs Assessment Application
For many First Nations communities, submitting an application for a consultant to conduct a needs assessment is the first step towards project development. However, if you’re already engaged with a trusted project manager or consultant, leverage your existing relationships. Many consultants have contacts they can recommend or internal expertise they can engage, enabling you to continue working with the people you know and trust.
- Conduct a Needs Assessment
A consultant or project advisor will work with you and your community to understand your goals, identify project and/or programming opportunities, and determine priorities for focused project planning.
Consultants can perform a needs assessment in one of two ways. A traditional needs assessment typically addresses one need with a single project solution. A community needs assessment takes a more holistic approach, addressing several needs and identifying multiple project opportunities at no additional cost. Your community can then rank and prioritize projects, move forward with a funding application for one or more projects, and save others for future development.
- Complete a Feasibility Study
With a clear understanding of your community’s current needs and goals, a consultant or project advisor will review potential project sites and any existing buildings that could be repurposed. Next, they will put together a feasibility study – complete with project budgets and schedules – to help you review your options and identify the best solution(s) to address your community’s unique needs.
Whether you’re developing a new facility specifically designed to deliver programs and activities or repurposing an existing space to make it more functional, a feasibility study will identify opportunities to fit any budget. Additionally, a feasibility study will offer you and your community a clear breakdown of the project, its costs and benefits so you can make informed decisions.
- Envision Your Facility Design
To round out your application and project planning process, a consultant or project advisor will work with you to identify how you will use the space and/or what types of buildings are needed to deliver your required programming.
This step helps to clearly identify everything your community needs to ensure your project will be successful – from different types of services and programming areas to specific resources and staffing needs.This step encourages you and your community to define how a facility will operate so it can meet the functional needs of the programs and services it houses. If you’re building a youth centre for example, what types of activities will take place there? Will staff be available locally or is there a need for additional housing? Is the space flexible enough to accommodate different types of programming? By working with a consultant or advisor, you can find the answers to these questions and more – working in a plan to secure the resources you need to deliver quality programs.
- Submit Your Application and Prep for Construction
Once your needs assessment, feasibility study and facility design are complete, a consultant or project advisor will consolidate, review, package and submit your application to ISC. While the application is under review, the advisor will monitor its progress, respond to any questions and help to facilitate negotiations, as needed. Once ISC grants approval, your consultant, advisor or project manager can support you as the project advances through detailed design, construction, and ultimately through to completion.
Jordan’s Principle and First Nations Child and Family Services projects are critically important to the health and well-being of your community. Investing in functional infrastructure to support these essential programs now will help build a positive foundation for families to come together and support future generations.
Funding is an important piece of any capital project. Take advantage of experienced consultants and project advisors who are available to help ensure you can bring meaningful change to your community. As a first step, engage with a project manager, advisor or consultant and request a community needs assessment.
Connect with our team to learn more about how you can secure funding for your First Nations projects under Canada’s CHRT 41 ruling.
