Indigenous Services Canada + Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) are two distinct federal departments tasked with advancing Indigenous priorities in Canada. Established in 2017 following the dissolution of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), these departments manage different aspects of Indigenous policy, service delivery, and governance.
ISC is responsible for providing essential services to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including healthcare, education, housing, and child and family services. It also works to transfer control of these services to Indigenous-led organizations. CIRNAC focuses on treaty negotiations, self-government agreements, land claims, and Northern affairs, aiming to strengthen nation-to-nation relationships and modernize Indigenous governance structures. Together, ISC and CIRNAC oversee key programs that impact Indigenous communities across Canada.
In FY 2024,
$63B
was spent by ISC and CIRNAC
In FY 2024,
12.3%
of federal spending was allocated to Indigenous priorities via these Departments. This does not include additional programs in other departments designed specifically for Indigenous beneficiaries.
In fiscal year (FY) 2024, ISC and CIRNAC collectively spent $63 billion, accounting for 12.3% of the total federal budget. The departments play a critical role in addressing socio-economic disparities, facilitating self-governance agreements, and improving service delivery for Indigenous communities across Canada.
26.48%
18.38%
12.25%
6.71%
3.74%
3.27%
2.82%
2.71%
2.67%
2%
Federal spending on Indigenous priorities may fluctuate over time due to population growth, policy shifts, and emerging challenges such as climate change and infrastructure deficits. Since 1995, total federal spending has risen by 74.9%, while spending on Indigenous priorities has increased by 592%, reflecting expanded program commitments and new governance agreements and claim settlements.
Despite these increases, significant challenges remain in areas such as housing, healthcare access, and infrastructure in remote Indigenous communities.
ISC + CIRNAC's share of federal spending in FY 2024 was 592% higher than in FY 1995
Percentage of federal budget dedicated to Indigenous Priorities, FYs 1995-2024
Most federal spending can be categorized as direct or indirect. Direct spending refers to money the federal government spends on budget items such as federal programs, employee salaries, and debt interest. Indirect spending refers to federal transfers to other levels of government.
In FY 2024, ISC and CIRNAC transferred 93.1% of total spending directly to indigenous communities.
How did ISC and CIRNAC spend their budgets in 2024?
Federal government spending in FY 2024
ISC + CIRNAC, Spending by Entity, FY 2024
Department of Indigenous Services
Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Canadian High Arctic Research Station
$46.48B
$16.35B
$70M
$37M
Who leads ISC and CIRNAC?
The leadership of ISC and CIRNAC are led by the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, respectively. These Ministers are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and then formally sworn into office at Rideau Hall. They take the Oath of Office and the Oath of Allegiance and become a member of the King's Privy Council for Canada.
These Ministers are some of the cabinet members who serve at the Prime Minister's discretion. Their tenure typically ends when they resign, are replaced, or when a new Prime Minister takes office and appoints a new cabinet. Outgoing ministers remain in their roles until their successors are sworn in.
