Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. As the Minister of Finance reported, and as many economists have affirmed, this government’s position, as reflected in the Fall Economic Statement, is a balanced and responsible one. Yes, there is some targeted increased funding to help Canadians, students and others, get through this difficult time, which is still affecting them — indeed us all — because of the rising cost of living.

At the same time, the government has set clear targets and has exercised considerable restraint in spending so as to not run counter to the policy that the Bank of Canada has implemented and is implementing to fight inflation. This is a responsible, balanced approach, and it is serving Canadians well.

Hon. Brian Francis: Senator Gold, according to a report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer, who testified last week at the Indigenous Peoples Committee, the significant increase in funding allocated to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, or CIRNAC, and Indigenous Services Canada, or ISC, from 2015 to 2023 has not resulted in a commensurate increase in their ability to meet their own performance indicators. In addition, while targets are often amended, changed or not met at all, the compensation of deputy ministers and other executive-level staff responsible for day-to-day operations is not affected.

Senator Gold, could you please provide us with a detailed explanation of how current performance indicators are set and measured by both departments? Also, what are the contributors, consequences and solutions for the continuous failure to meet performance indicators?