Background - Grants and Contributions Information Management System

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) has primary, but not exclusive, responsibility for meeting the federal government's constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Northerners. To fulfill this mandate, AANDC works collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Northerners, as well as with other federal departments, agencies, provinces and territories.

Consistent with the Department's evolving role from direct service delivery to a program funding agency, AANDC has established multi-department funding agreements, such as the Canada/First Nations Funding Agreement, in addition to other transfer payment instruments. Transfer payments are made to First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Northerners and their organizations to enable the delivery of essential services to their respective community members, in accordance with Treasury Board's Policy on Transfer Payments and AANDC's internal accountability, performance reporting and evaluation requirements. The Grants and Contribution Information Management System (GCIMS) is intended to apply technology to transform business processes in support of administrative and program devolution. The system builds upon the ongoing work to improve governance and accountability, by using technology as a means to create an on-line business environment that fosters integrated service delivery, helps develop enhanced financial management tools for communities (e.g., financial tracking and forecasting), and improve accountability by providing better financial and non-financial reporting capabilities.

FNITP and the Blue Ribbon Panel

In 2006, the Government announced the creation of an independent blue-ribbon panel, mandated to recommend measures to make the delivery of government grant and contribution programs more efficient, while ensuring accountability. This panel published its final report - The Report of the Independent Blue Ribbon Panel on Grants and Contribution Programs from Red Tape to Clear Results - in December 2006. (PDF Version)

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada initiated the FNITP project (since renamed GCIMS) – it is mentioned in The Government of Canada Action Plan to Reform the Administration of Grant and Contribution Programs. GCIMS has been recognized as aiding in promoting greater accountability - one of the Government of Canada's top priorities. Work is on-going with other Government Departments towards improving Grants and Contribution to First Nations and for enhanced transparency and accountability.