Since 2019, Manitoba child and family services agencies have been operating under block funding, i.e., single envelope funding. From the outset, the block was underfunded. For many agencies in the province, the block has a negative connotation because of its association to reduced funding.  However, Sagkeeng Child and Family Services (SCFS) embraced the challenge of working with the block.  The agency had to change the dynamic of its spending to meet the parameters of the block approach.  Its efforts enhanced flexibility in decision-making and accountability to its First Nations.

The lessons from SCFS’s experience with the provincial block are relevant as funding approach reforms for the federal First Nations child and family services Program are being negotiated. In a federal context, should a block approach be adopted it would be expected that the resources in a block would be commensurate to agency mandates, i.e., not underfunded as in the case of Manitoba.

This analysis was produced by IFSD to support ongoing research in First Nations child and family services. IFSD's work is undertaken through a contract with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). The views and analysis do not necessarily reflect the views of the AFN.

This analysis was produced by IFSD to support ongoing research in First Nations child and family services. IFSD's work is undertaken through a contract with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). The views and analysis do not necessarily reflect the views of the AFN.

This analysis was produced at the request of IFSD to support ongoing research in First Nations child and family services. IFSD's work is undertaken through a contract with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). The views and analysis of the independent authors do not necessarily reflect the views of the AFN or IFSD. 

This research was produced at the request of IFSD to support ongoing research in First Nations child and family services. IFSD's work is undertaken through a contract with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). The views and analysis of the independent authors do not necessarily reflect the views of the AFN or IFSD.

This  first person narrative was produced at the request of IFSD to support ongoing research in First Nations child and family services. IFSD's work is undertaken through a contract with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). The views and analysis of the independent authors do not necessarily reflect the views of the AFN or IFSD.

This note briefly describes what inflation is and how it is measured.  It discusses the recent sharp increases in inflation in Canada, which has brought hardship to many Canadians, particularly First Nations.

Assessing how the Canadian dream of homeownership was affected through this challenging period can provide helpful context for understanding the impacts on this industry and help guide new policies to calm the market. In this note, we selected a number of metrics for both supply and demand in the housing market.

Using the framework, the platforms of the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC), the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC), and the New Democratic Party (NDP) were assessed ahead of Election Day 2021. IFSD assessed the parties’ platforms in the order in which they were released and published its findings (LPC, CPC, NDP

IFSD finds that the New Democratic Party (NDP) Platform 2021 merits a rating of ‘pass,’ with ratings of ‘good’ for realistic economic and fiscal assumptions, a ‘pass’ for responsible fiscal management, and a’ fail’ on transparency.