Summary of the Evaluation of the First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities Program
Building a safe and resilient Canada
About the program
The First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities Program (FNIPFP) provides funding to repair, renovate, remediate or replace policing facilities owned by First Nations and Inuit communities. The FNIPFP is the only dedicated funding for policing infrastructure, in support of the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP).
The FNIPP aims to enhance the effectiveness of policing services in First Nations and Inuit communities in terms of cultural relevance and responsiveness to the public safety needs of communities, through funding for dedicated policing services. Costs under both the FNIPP and FNIPFP are shared with provinces and territories.
What we examined
The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the relevance, efficiency and effectiveness (performance) of the FNIPFP. The evaluation covered the period from fiscal year 2018-2019 to 2024-2025.
Evaluation findings
- There is an ongoing need for a program to fund policing infrastructure for Indigenous communities.
- The initial design of the program did not fully account for the logistical challenges associated with infrastructure programs, including capacity at both the community and departmental levels.
- The FNIPFP lacks a robust approach to performance measurement. The current performance measurement approach is insufficient to meet the needs of program management.
- The FNIPFP's financial resources have increased since the Program was introduced, however existing resources may not be sufficient to address the policing facilities infrastructure deficit.
- Case studies indicate that the Program improved trust, engagement and police service delivery in communities where policing facilities projects were funded.
Recommendations
- Develop and implement a data management strategy for the FNIPFP, that includes ongoing performance measures, data collection requirements, plans for analysis, monitoring and reporting. The data management strategy should be able to inform decision-making and ensure continuity in the event of personnel turnover.
- Consider the need for a comprehensive inventory of policing facilities in communities under all types of policing agreements within the FNIPP to help guide future funding decisions.
- Explore opportunities to build the capacity of PS personnel and Indigenous communities to better design, oversee and manage police infrastructure projects. The development of standardized processes and tools could be considered.
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