Financial Statements for the Year Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

a) Parliamentary authorities

Indigenous Services is financed by the Government of Canada through Parliamentary authorities. Financial reporting of authorities provided to the Indigenous Services do not parallel financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles since authorities are primarily based on cash flow requirements. Consequently, items recognized in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and in the Statement of Financial Position are not necessarily the same as those provided through authorities from Parliament. Note 3 provides a reconciliation between the basis of reporting.

The planned results amount in the "Expenses" and "Revenues" sections of the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position are the amounts reported in the Future-oriented Statement of Operations included in the 2019–2020 Departmental Plan. Planned results are not presented in the "Government funding and transfers" section of the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and in the Statement of Change in Departmental Net Debt because these amounts were not included in the 2019–2020 Departmental Plan.

b) Net cash provided by Government

The Indigenous Services operates within the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), which is administered by the Receiver General for Canada. All cash received by the Indigenous Services is deposited to the CRF and all cash disbursements made by the Indigenous Services are paid from the CRF. The net cash provided by Government is the difference between all cash receipts and all cash disbursements, including transactions between departments of the Government.

c) Amounts due from or to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF)

Amounts due from or to the CRF are the result of timing differences at year-end between when a transaction affects authorities and when it is processed through the CRF. Amounts due from the CRF represent the net amount of cash that the Indigenous Services is entitled to draw from the CRF without further authorities to discharge its liabilities.

d) Revenues

Revenues are recorded on an accrual basis:

• Revenues from regulatory fees are recognized in the accounts based on the services provided in the year.
• Deferred revenue consists of amounts received in advance of the delivery of goods and rendering of services that will be recognized as revenue in a subsequent fiscal year as it is earned.
• Other revenues are recognized in the period the event giving rise to the revenue occurred.
• Revenues that are non-respendable are not available to discharge the Indigenous Services' liabilities. While the Deputy Head is expected to maintain accounting control, he or she has no authority regarding the disposition of non-respendable revenues. As a result, non-respendable revenues are considered to be earned on behalf of the Government of Canada and are therefore presented in reduction of the Indigenous Services' gross revenues.

e) Expenses

Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis:

• Transfer payments are recorded as expenses when authorization for the payment exists and the recipient has met the eligibility criteria or the entitlements established for the transfer payment program. In situations where payments do not form part of an existing program, transfer payments are recorded as expenses when the Government announces a decision to make a non-recurring transfer, provided the enabling legislation or authorization for payment receives parliamentary approval prior to the completion of the financial statements. Transfer payments that become repayable as a result of conditions specified in the contribution agreement that have come into being are recorded as a reduction to transfer payment expense and as a receivable.
• Vacation pay and compensatory leave are accrued as the benefits are earned by employees under their respective terms of employment.
• Services provided without charge by other government departments for accommodation, the employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans, legal services, and workers' compensation are recorded as operating expenses at their carrying value.

f) Employee future benefits

• Pension benefits: Eligible employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, a multiemployer pension plan administered by the Government. Indigenous Services' contributions to the plan are charged to expenses in the year incurred and represent the total departmental obligation to the Plan. The department's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contribution. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.
• Severance benefits: The accumulation of severance benefits for voluntary departures ceased for applicable employee groups. The remaining obligation for employees who did not withdraw benefits is calculated using information derived from the results of the actuarially determined liability for employee severance benefits for the Government as a whole.

g) Accounts and loans receivable

Accounts and loans receivable are stated at the lower of cost and net recoverable value.

When necessary, an allowance for valuation is recorded to reduce the carrying value of accounts and loans receivable to amounts that approximate their net recoverable value.

The amount of allowance on loans receivable is determined based on an assessment of collectability of each loan on an annual basis using a standard set of criteria to assess the default risk. Interest on loans receivable is calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions of each individual program.

If loans and interest receivables cannot be used to discharge the Indigenous Services' liabilities or to issue new loans, they are considered to be held on behalf of government and are therefore presented as an offsetting amount to the Indigenous Services' financial position.

h) Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities, including the provision for loans guarantees, are potential liabilities which may become actual liabilities when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. If the future event is likely to occur or fail to occur, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made, a provision is accrued and an expense is recorded. If the likelihood is not determinable or an amount cannot be reasonably estimated, the contingency is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

For loans guarantees, an allowance is recorded when it is determined that a loss is likely and the amount of the allowance is estimated taking into consideration the nature of the guarantee, loss experience and current conditions. The allowance is reviewed on an ongoing basis and changes in the allowance are recorded as expenses in the year they become known.

i) Contingent assets

Contingent assets are possible assets which may become actual assets when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. If the future event is likely to occur or fail to occur, the contingent asset is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

j) Environmental liabilities

Environmental liabilities consist of estimated costs related to the remediation of environmentally contaminated sites. A liability for remediation of contaminated sites is recognized when all of the following criteria are satisfied:

• an environmental standard exists,
• contamination exceeds the environmental standard,
• The Indigenous Services is directly responsible or accepts responsibility, and
• it is expected that future economic benefits will be given up and a reasonable estimate of the amount can be made.

The liability reflects the Indigenous Services' best estimate of the amount required to remediate the sites to the current minimum standard for its use prior to contamination. When the cash flows required to settle or otherwise extinguish a liability are expected to occur over extended future periods, a present value technique is used. The discount rate applied is taken from the Government's CRF monthly lending rates for periods of one year and over. The discount rates used are based on the term rate associated with the estimated number of years to complete remediation. For remediation costs with estimated future cash flows spanning more than 25 years, the 25 year Government of Canada lending rate is used as the discount rate.

k) Tangible capital assets

All tangible capital assets and leasehold improvements having an initial cost of $10,000 or more are recorded at their acquisition cost. The Indigenous Services does not capitalize intangibles, works of art and historical treasures that have cultural, aesthetic or historical value, assets located on Reserves and museum collections.

Amortization of tangible capital assets is done on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets as follows:

Assets under construction are recorded in the applicable capital asset class in the year they are put into service and are not amortized until they are put into service.

l) Measurement uncertainty

The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported and disclosed amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes at March 31 included. The estimates are based on facts and circumstances, historical experience, general economic conditions and reflect the Government's best estimate of the related amount at the end of the reporting period. At the time of preparation of these statements, management believes the estimates and assumptions to be reasonable. The most significant items where estimates are used are contingent liabilities, environmental liabilities, the liability for employee future benefits, the allowance for doubtful accounts and the useful life of tangible capital assets. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimated. Management's estimates are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary, they are recorded in the financial statements in the year they become known.

m) Related party transactions

Related party transactions, other than inter-entity transactions, are recorded at the exchange amount.

Inter-entity transactions are transactions between commonly controlled entities. Inter-entity transactions, other than restructuring transactions, are recorded on a gross basis and are measured at the carrying amount, except for the following:

Services provided on a recovery basis are recognized as revenues and expenses on a gross basis and measured at the exchange amount. Certain services received on a without charge basis are recorded for departmental financial statement purposes at the carrying amount.

Indian Band Funds

These accounts were established to record moneys belonging to First Nation bands throughout Canada pursuant to sections 61 to 69 of the Indian Act.

The funds are classified as either capital moneys or revenue moneys. Capital moneys of the band include all moneys derived from the sale of surrendered lands or the sale of band capital assets. Moneys from the sale of surrendered lands can include land sales, timber sales, oil and gas royalties, and sale of gravel. Revenue moneys are all moneys not classified as capital moneys.

Moneys are generally disbursed from these accounts pursuant to an authorized request from a band.

Indian Savings Accounts

These accounts were established to record moneys belonging to certain registered individuals pursuant to sections 52 and 52.1 to 52.5 of the Indian Act.

Sources of moneys include inheritances and per capita distribution of band funds. Moneys are generally disbursed from these accounts pursuant to an authorized request from an individual and upon reaching the age of majority.

Indian Estate Accounts

These accounts were established to record moneys belonging to dependent adults (referred to as mentally incompetent individuals in the Indian Act) and deceased individuals pursuant to sections 42 to 51 of the Indian Act.

Sources of moneys belonging to dependent adults include insurance proceeds, per capita distribution of band funds, and federal and provincial payments. Payments are made from these accounts for the maintenance and care of the individuals.

Estate accounts for deceased individuals (who were registered and ordinarily resident on reserve at the time of their passing) include the proceeds of their liquidated assets that are held pending the settlement of the estate. The closing of an account usually corresponds with the final distribution to their heirs.

a) Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities arise in the normal course of operations and their ultimate disposition is unknown. Contingent liabilities are potential liabilities which may become actual liabilities when one or more future events not wholly within the Government's control occur or fail to occur. To the extent that the future event is likely to occur, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made, an estimated liability is accrued and an expense recorded in the financial statements. They are grouped into two categories: claims and litigation and loan guarantees.

The total of both categories of contingent liabilities recorded for Indigenous Services as of March 31, 2020 was $590 Million ($163 Million in 2019).

b) Contingent assets

Contingent assets arise in the normal course of operation and their ultimate disposition is unknown. The Department has made claims against external parties for which a recovery or gain is likely to materialize, however a reasonable estimate cannot be made. Contingent assets are not recognized in the financial statements.

Remediation of contaminated sites

The Government's "Federal Approach to Contaminated Sites" set out a framework for management of contaminated sites using a risk-based approach. Under this approach the Government has inventoried the contaminated sites identified on federal lands allowing them to be classified, managed and recorded in a consistent manner. This systematic approach aides in the identification of the high risk sites in order to allocate limited resources to those sites which pose the highest risk to the human health and the environment.

In accordance with Order-in-Council P.C. 2019-1109, effective July 22, 2019, Indigenous Services received full responsibility of remediation activities for contaminated sites south of 60 degrees transferred from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs. Indigenous Services has identified a total of 1,973 sites where contamination may exist and assessment, remediation and/or monitoring may be required. Of these, 1,972 sites were transferred from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.

Indigenous Services has determined that action is required for 734 sites. As a result, a gross liability of $249 Million has been recorded. This liability estimate has been determined based on site assessments performed by environmental experts.

In addition, a statistical model based upon a projection of the number of sites that will proceed to remediation and upon which current and historical costs are applied is used to estimate the liability for a group of unassessed sites. As a result, there are 1,205 sites where a liability estimate of $130 Million has been recorded using this model.

These two estimates combined, totaling $379 Million, represents management's best estimate of the costs required to remediate sites to the current minimum standard for its use prior to contamination, based on information available at the financial statement date.

For the remaining 34 sites, no liability for remediation has been recognized. Some of these sites are at various stages of testing and evaluation and if remediation is required, liabilities will be reported as soon as a reasonable estimate can be determined. Indigenous Services does not expect to give up any future economic benefits (there is likely no significant environmental impact or human health threats). These sites will be re-examined and a liability for remediation will be recognized if future economic benefits will be given up.

The following tables present the total estimated amounts of these liabilities by nature and source, the associated expected recoveries and the total undiscounted future expenditures as at March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019. When the liability estimate is based on a future cash requirement, the amount is adjusted for inflation using a forecast CPI rate of 2.0% (2.2% in 2019). Inflation is included in the undiscounted amount. The Government of Canada's cost of borrowing by reference to the actual zero-coupon yield curve for Government of Canada bonds has been used to discount the estimated future expenditures.

a) Pension benefits

Indigenous Services' employees participate in the Public Service Pension Plan (the "Plan"), which is sponsored and administered by the Government of Canada. Pension benefits accrue up to a maximum period of 35 years at a rate of 2 percent per year of pensionable service, times the average of the best five consecutive years of earnings. The benefits are integrated with Canada/Québec Pension Plan benefits and they are indexed to inflation.

Both the employees and Indigenous Services contribute to the cost of the Plan. Due to the amendment of the Public Service Superannuation Act following the implementation of provisions related to Economic Action Plan 2012, employee contributors have been divided into two groups — Group 1 relates to existing plan members as of December 31, 2012 and Group 2 relates to members joining the Plan as of January 1, 2013. Each group has a distinct contribution rate.

The 2019–2020 expense amounts to $51 Million ($36.1 Million in 2018–2019). For Group 1 members, the expense represents approximately 1.01 times (1.01 times in 2018–2019) the employee contributions and, for Group 2 members, approximately 1.00 times (1.00 times in 2018–2019) the employee contributions.

Indigenous Services' responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the consolidated financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.

b) Severance benefits

Severance benefits provided to the Indigenous Services' employees were previously based on an employee's eligibility, years of service and salary at termination of employment. However, since 2011 the accumulation of severance benefits for voluntary departures progressively ceased for substantially all employees. Employees subject to these changes were given the option to be paid the full or partial value of benefits earned to date or collect the full or remaining value of benefits upon departure from the public service. By March 31, 2020, all settlements for immediate cash out were completed. Severance benefits are unfunded and, consequently, the outstanding obligation will be paid from future authorities.

The changes in the obligations during the year were as follows:

Guarantee deposits

In fulfilling its duties under various acts that govern the use of federal Crown land, including land use activities, water resources, and water rights, Indigenous Services may issue licences, permits, and other instruments to individuals and organizations that propose to undertake resource exploration and other types of development projects.

In accordance with the terms and conditions of the instrument, Indigenous Services may require security deposits to ensure the lands and waters are returned in a condition acceptable to the Indigenous Services. These guarantee deposits are received in the form of cash and are deposited to and held in the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Other specified purpose accounts

These accounts are established to receive, hold and disburse moneys in accordance with relevant statutes, departmental policies and agreements. The most significant of these accounts is the Indian Moneys Suspense Account. This statutory account was established to hold moneys received for individuals and bands pending execution of the related lease, permit or licence, settlement of litigation, registration or identification of the recipient, and for locatees pursuant to land tenure instruments issued by Indigenous Services. These moneys are eventually disbursed to Indigenous recipients, credited to Band Fund or individual Trust Fund accounts, or returned to the payers, as appropriate.

Defaulted guaranteed loans portfolio

The objective of loan guarantees is to encourage lending institutions to make loans for properties located on First Nations lands and to support access to credit markets for First Nations and First Nations organizations. Since properties located on First Nations lands cannot be used as collateral to secure the loans and lending institutions are prevented from foreclosing on these properties in the event of a borrower default as prescribed by the Indian Act, lending institutions can be exposed to greater business risk in issuing loans for properties located on First Nations lands.

As guarantor, loan guarantees issued under the various programs may become receivables of the Department when, at the request of a lending institution, Indigenous Services is required to honour these loan guarantees. As a result, Indigenous Services makes payment to the lending institution and establishes a receivable from the First Nation or First Nation organization.

Indigenous Services has access to an annual $2 million statutory authority to fund payments to lending institutions to honour loan guarantees. Payments made in excess of the $2 million authority limit are charged as program expenses and are funded by budgetary authorities.

There was no default in 2020 ($74,614 in 2019).

The significant terms and conditions of the two loan guarantee programs are as follows:

On-Reserve Housing Guarantee program

Payments of principal and interest for loans issued under this program are amortized over a period of maximum 25 years. The interest rates on the guaranteed loans are consistent with conventional mortgage interest rates offered by the major banks. On a semi-annual basis, any accrued interest receivable outstanding is compounded as part of the principal amount owing on the loan.

To control the occurrence of defaulted loans in this program, the Department restricts the eligibility of recipients for further loans until such time as a recovery plan has been reached and has been in operation in accordance with its terms and conditions for a period of six months.

Indian Economic Development Guarantee program

Loans issued under this program cannot exceed a term of 15 years and the line of credit must be renewed every year. Interest rates on guaranteed loans are consistent with rates provided by lending institutions to commercial businesses, which are usually based on a spread from the prime lending rate. Accrued interest on loans issued under this program is not compounded. Any security pledged for a guaranteed loan may not be released by the lending institution without the prior approval of the Minister of Indigenous Services.

a) Common services provided without charge by other government departments

During the year, Indigenous Services received services without charge from certain common service organizations related to accommodation, employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans, legal services and workers' compensation coverage. These services provided without charge have been recorded in the Indigenous Services' Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position as follows:

The Government has centralized some of its administrative activities for efficiency, cost-effectiveness purposes and economical delivery of programs to the public. As a result, the Government uses central agencies and common service organizations so that one department performs services for all other departments and agencies without charge. The costs of these services, such as the payroll and cheque issuance services provided by Public Services and Procurement Canada, audit services provided by the Office of the Auditor General and information technology infrastructure services provided by Shared Services Canada are not included in Indigenous Services' Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position.

b) Other transactions with related parties

Expenses and revenues disclosed in (b) exclude common services provided without charge, which are already disclosed in (a).

2.1 Internal Control Management

Indigenous Services has a well-established governance and accountability structure to support departmental assessment efforts and oversight of its systems of internal control. A departmental internal control management framework, approved by the Deputy Head, is in place and includes:

• Organizational accountability structures as they relate to internal control management to support sound financial management, including roles and responsibilities of senior managers;
• Indigenous Services adheres to the Values and Ethic Code for the Public Sector;
• Ongoing communication and training on statutory requirements, and policies and procedures for sound financial management and control; and
• At least semi-annual monitoring of and regular updates on internal control management, as well as the provision of related assessment results and action plans to the Deputy Head and departmental senior management and, as applicable, the Departmental Audit Committee.

The Departmental Audit Committee provides advice to the Deputy Head on the adequacy and functioning of the department's risk management, control and governance frameworks and processes.

2.2 Service Arrangements Relevant to Financial Reporting

Indigenous Services relies on other organizations for the processing of certain transactions that are recorded in its financial statements as follows:

3.1 Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management recognizes that there is an increased risk in financial reporting due to the continued transition of Indigenous Services into a standalone department, while operating under a shared services model for internal services.

Management has assessed the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Department's internal controls over financial management and reporting. It is important to note that compensating controls have been implemented to address impacts of COVID-19 decisions and in addition are being developed to improve the Interdepartmental Settlements process.

3.2 Assessment Results over the 2019–20 Internal Control Plan

In today's environment, effective internal control system requires thorough planning coupled with nimble responsiveness to emerging risks.

The initial Internal Control Plan for 2019–20 has been updated in-year to ensure value-added internal control assessments as part of ongoing departmental transition and transformation.

At the end of the fiscal year 2019–20, internal control assessments were completed for five business processes; areas for improvement have been identified, and management action plans will be monitored in 2020–21:

• Financial Close and Reporting
• Contingent Liabilities
• Non-Insured Health Benefits Program
• Tangible Capital Assets
• Contractual Obligations

Assessments are underway for the Grants and Contributions process as well as the Pay Administration process.

Results of the above assessments of internal controls over financial reporting support the Statement of Management Responsibility from the Deputy Minister and Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer for the 2019–20 Financial Statements.

Overall, management has not identified any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of the Department's internal controls over financial management and reporting which could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.