5 Conclusions And Recommendations

5.1 Conclusions

5.1.1 Relevance

The Reconciliation Secretariat is well-aligned with both federal government and departmental priorities pertaining to reconciliation and issues that affect Indigenous peoples’ interactions with the Canadian justice system. New and growing roles undertaken by the Secretariat demonstrate continued relevance.

5.1.2 Design and delivery

The Reconciliation Secretariat was established under a different name in 2017 to support the then Minister and DM to advance the reconciliation agenda for the Department and, to some degree, the whole of government. The demand for, and nature of, the services provided by the Secretariat has been changing and increasing over time, so its role has been evolving to reflect the changing demands on the organization. Recent years have seen the Secretariat taking on many different Indigenous priorities and participating on 24 different committees and WGs. Interactions with OGDs and Indigenous partners have also increased. The evaluation found that the Secretariat has been responsive to the new demands placed upon it.

The Secretariat’s current design, including having two teams (Engagement Team and Coordination and Reporting Team), is appropriate. The Secretariat has also worked hard to cultivate diversity and inclusion into its work and its team, and now has a staff complement with 75% Indigeneity, mix of gender and representation in different parts of Canada. However, it struggles to carry out its CoE role to meet the increasing demands or be proactive due to a lack of capacity. The lack of capacity is also resulting in the risk of burn-out among staff and managers.

The role of the Secretariat is not clear to most stakeholders, both within and outside Justice Canada. The Reconciliation Secretariat has worked diligently to manage possible areas of overlap. However, due to the general lack of awareness of the Secretariat’s role, the perception of overlap continues to be an issue. In particular, the linkage between the IJS and the PCSIO is not clear.

5.1.3 Effectiveness

The Secretariat has made significant contributions to many Indigenous files, not the least of which is the MMIWG Federal Pathway, PBMs, and coordinating Justice Canada reporting to CIRNAC on Calls for Justice and Calls to Action. Currently, the Reconciliation Secretariat’s three areas of primary focus are as follows: the ongoing development of the IJS; leading/participating on various committees and WGs; serving as the CoE on Indigenous engagement and reconciliation.

Due to capacity challenges and a lack of awareness of the CoE role among many at the Department, the Secretariat’s impact on the capacity of Justice Canada personnel to engage with Indigenous partners is unclear. While the Secretariat has developed a few guidance documents, it can only take a reactive approach to capacity building and only when it has the capacity to do so.

It can be said with certainty, however, that the Reconciliation Secretariat has advanced the IJS since the funding was approved in late 2021. A CFP was issued and 38 grants awarded. A consultation firm was hired and an engagement strategy has been developed and is being implemented. Indigenous-led and Justice Canada-led engagement sessions have taken place. The engagement phase of the IJS will continue throughout 2023-24 to inform the development of the IJS by March 2024 and activities are on track.

The evaluation found that the Reconciliation Secretariat is working effectively with its OGD and Indigenous partners. OGDs value the Secretariat and what it brings to committees/WGs and the work overall. Indigenous partners believe that the Secretariat is making sincere efforts in their interactions and relationships with them. However, structural barriers hamper interactions that fully respect Indigenous governments’ approaches and timelines or that represent full partnership.

5.2 Recommendations

Based on the findings described in this report, the following recommendations are made:

Recommendation 1: The Indigenous Rights and Relations Portfolio, in collaboration with sectors across the Department, should undertake a whole-of-Justice review to clarify mandates, roles and responsibilities in regard to Indigenous-related priorities.

The evaluation found that the role of the Secretariat is not clear to most stakeholders within Justice Canada (and outside of the Department). In addition, due to the general lack of awareness of the Secretariat’s role, there is a perception of overlap between it and other areas within the Department and the linkage between the IJS and the PCSIO is still not clear. Once mandates are clarified within Justice Canada, the Reconciliation Secretariat will be in a better position to proactively clarify its role with partners/stakeholders and reduce the perception of overlap.

Recommendation 2: The Reconciliation Secretariat should seek opportunities to secure ongoing resources to ensure that it has the ability and capacity to sustain and advance government and departmental priorities regarding reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

The evaluation found that the Secretariat is finding it a challenge to carry out its CoE role to meet demand or be proactive due to capacity issues. The lack of capacity is also resulting in the risk of burn-out among staff and managers carrying out their other activities. Additionally, the Secretariat does not have long-term funding. As a result, Justice Canada may be limited in its ability to continue the work of the Secretariat and meet commitments made by the Department and the government of Canada.