Auditor general finds long delays in Indian status application process
Indigenous Services Canada’s headquarters has been facing challenges in processing applications for Indian status in a timely manner, as revealed in a recent report by Canada’s auditor general. The average processing time for applications at ISC headquarters is just under 16 months, far exceeding the service standard of making a decision within six months. This delay has significant implications for First Nations people, as it hinders their access to essential services such as on-reserve housing, health benefits, and financial aid for post-secondary education.
Auditor General Karen Hogan emphasized the importance of timely decision-making under the Indian Act, which plays a central role in recognizing First Nations people under Canadian law. The report highlighted that over 80 percent of applications processed by ISC headquarters took longer than the stipulated six-month period, with a backlog of almost 12,000 applications.
To address these issues, the audit recommends that ISC streamline its application processing to reduce wait times and establish a plan to clear the backlog. The report also underscored the need for proper training and certification for officials making final decisions on applications. While the regional offices managed to make decisions on a significant number of applications, improvements are needed to ensure consistency and efficiency in the process.
Furthermore, the funding model for community-based registration administrators has remained unchanged since 1994, leading to disparities in compensation. Almost 30 percent of communities receive minimum funding, equivalent to below minimum wage in all provinces and territories. This lack of proper funding and training hinders First Nations communities from effectively taking on registration responsibilities.
In response to the audit findings, Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty expressed her agreement with the recommendations and pledged to enhance the fairness and efficiency of the registration process. Efforts are underway to transition from paper applications to a digital format to expedite processing times and reduce errors. Additionally, the introduction of Bill S-2 aims to address remaining inequities in the registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act.
Overall, Indigenous Services Canada is committed to working collaboratively with First Nations communities to ensure that registration services are delivered with integrity, respect, and a strong focus on client service. By implementing the audit recommendations and making necessary improvements, ISC aims to streamline the application process and enhance the overall experience for First Nations individuals seeking Indian status.
