Programs

Description of Reinvestments

Increases in the federal NCB contribution have allowed provinces and territories to reduce the direct cost of social assistance payments to families with children. These provincial and territorial “savings” can be re-directed to programs and services that benefit low-income families with children in their jurisdictions. This means benefits to social assistance families can be maintained at the same level as before and provincial and territorial funds can be invested instead in “NCB reinvestments” to improve the lives of children.

Provinces, territories and First Nations reinvested and invested a total of $692.4 million in 2001-2002 (estimated to increase to $777.0 million for 2002-2003) in programs and services in five main areas:

• Child benefits and earned income supplements – to provide low-income families with more money so parents can stay in jobs working toward higher wages.
• Child/day care initiatives – to help low–income families cover extra child care costs incurred when working.
• Early childhood services and children–at–risk services – to help children get a healthy start in life by providing support to low–income families when their children are very young.
• Supplementary health benefits – so that families can keep important health benefits when they move from welfare to work.
• Other NCB initiatives – other programs and services as determined by individual provinces and territories.

First Nations NCB Programs

The federal government is responsible for ensuring programs for First Nations children on reserve are comparable to those available to other Canadian children. Under the NCB, First Nations also have flexibility to reinvest savings from adjustments to social assistance budgets because of the NCB into programs and services tailored to meet the needs and priorities of individual communities. Some 600 First Nations participate in the NCB and each runs its own programs. For 2001-2002, First Nations reinvestments and investments in programs and services were $57.2 million and are estimated to be $51.9 million for 2002-2003.

The programs implemented by First Nations vary from community to community and cover a wide range of program areas. NCB reinvestment programs for First Nations fall into five broad activity areas:

• Child/Day Care – Enhancement of day care facilities and the provision of childcare services which allow more families with low incomes to gain access to day care spaces, or to have their share of child care costs reduced. Child/day care reinvestments include enhancements to existing day care centres and child care for children of parents on employment/training programs.
• Child Nutrition – Improving health and well being of children by providing school meal programs as well as education to parents on family nutrition and meal preparation. Some examples include: educational programs aimed at nutrition; food hampers; and meal programs (hot lunches, breakfasts and snacks) provided in school.
• Early Child Development – Early intervention for parents to help their children with a healthy start in life. Some examples include parenting skills programs and drop in centres for parents.
• Employment Opportunities/Training Programs – Directed at increasing the skill level of individuals with children and thereby increasing their chances of obtaining work. Examples include employment and skills development, youth summer work programs, and personal development workshops.
• Community Enrichment – This activity area addresses more intangible and qualitative child development objectives by funding programs and services in the area of cultural teachings (art, music, or storytelling), recreational activities, peer support groups, or groups which bring together community Elders and adolescents. This activity area can also include funding for parenting, family, and community supports, such as life skills, financial management, clothing exchanges, or cultural celebrations.

Further information about First Nations and the NCB can be found by visiting the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada NCB website.