The Health Facilities and Capital Program (HFCP) provides funding, through its Contribution Program, to eligible First Nation and Inuit communities (on an exceptional basis in regards to Inuit communities) for the construction, maintenance and management of an extensive portfolio of First Nations owned health facilities (fixed assets), and equipment (movable assets). These facilities provide the physical platforms through which health programs and services are delivered to and by First Nation and Inuit communities across Canada. Health facilities constructed on reserve under this program are subject to normal land tenure rules applicable to all reserve buildings. Namely, they are held by the Crown for the use and benefit of the First Nations. Under this framework, the control, management and usage rights to these facilities rest with the host First Nation, subject to any permit, designation, or surrender of the facilities to Health Canada or any other party, as described within the Indian Act. No special or additional ownership or usage rights accrue to Health Canada or the Crown by virtue of the provision of funding for these facilities under this program.
HFCP requires the services and technical expertise of a private sector consulting company to complete integrated facility audits at 24 Health Canada funded First Nations health facilities in western Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba provinces) and eastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic provinces). This integrated facility audit initiative is part of Health Canada’s ongoing campaign of audits and assessments at Health Canada funded First Nations health facilities across Canada. Integrated facility audits are undertaken for the benefit of the Minister, and the results of the audit are used internally by Health Canada to help ensure that the terms and conditions of contribution agreements are being met, as well as to provide evidence-based information to support the implementation of remedial activities, where required, and support financial planning and prioritization of funding allocation, through contribution agreements to First Nation communities.
