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ARCHIVED - Registry of the Specific Claims Tribunal


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Section II: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Strategic Outcome

The sole strategic outcome for the Registry, as approved by Treasury Board, is the efficient administration of the Specific Claims Tribunal, which will be supported by activities related to registry services.

Program Activity by Strategic Outcome

The strategic objective will be met through the registry services program activity. When the Tribunal and the Registry are fully operational, registry services will include the intake and processing of claims, scheduling of proceedings, giving notice to parties and affected individuals, records management, provision of information to the public in both official languages, and attending all Tribunal hearings in support of the presiding Tribunal Member.

The program activity described above should result in timely access to the Tribunal across Canada through client service, quality of advice, efficient and timely processing, and unbiased service delivery.

Performance indicators for the foundational work required to be carried out this year in support of the program activity include:

  • A Registry that is staffed with qualified individuals capable of providing corporate and registry services in an efficient and effective manner;
  • An electronic Registry that utilizes technology to introduce efficiencies and overcome logistical challenges associated with administering a national tribunal; and
  • Engagement and outreach enabling clients and the public to have appropriate information and input into Tribunal activities, practices and procedures.

Performance targets include:

  • Operational electronic registry and case management system;
  • Delivery of sufficient support for the development of rules of practice and procedures, including engagement of stakeholders and identification of best practices;
  • Informed and engaged clients, stakeholders and public;
  • Completion of Registry staffing processes;
  • Delivery of developmental staff training;
  • Completion of business continuity and succession plans;
  • Creation of student work programs;
  • Administration of the Registry within financial allocation; and
  • Implemented communications plan.
Program Activity: REGISTRY SERVICES
Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending (millions of dollars)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
17 2.8 17 2.8 17 2.8

Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
Facilitate timely access to the Tribunal across Canada through client service, quality advice, efficient and timely processing, and unbiased service delivery. A Registry that is staffed with qualified individuals capable of providing corporate and registry services in an efficient and effective manner;
  • Completion of Registry staffing processes.
  • Completion of business continuity and succession plans.
  • Delivery of developmental staff training.
  • Creation of student work programs.
  • Delivery of sufficient support for the development of rules of practice and procedures.
  • Administration of Registry within financial allocation.
An electronic Registry that utilizes technology to introduce efficiencies and overcome logistical challenges associated with administering a national tribunal; and
  • Operational electronic registry and case management system.
  • Electronic filing through the Registry's website.
  • Electronic notification.
  • Immediate access by Tribunal Members to Registry operations from their respective chambers across Canada.
  • Efficient way to track claims and claim trends.
Engagement and outreach enabling clients and the public to have sufficient information and input into Tribunal activities, practices and procedures.
  • Informed and engaged clients and public.
  • Implementation of communications plan.
  • Engagement of stakeholders in support of developing rules of practice and procedure.
  • Website information complete, accurate, and updated regularly.
  • Attendance and participation in relevant tribunal administration and/or Aboriginal law conferences and meetings involving stakeholders and/or their counsel.

Planning Highlights

  • Performance and development plans in place for employees by April 2010.
  • Registry Officer positions classified by May 2010.
  • Internal information and records management system in place by June 2010.
  • Business Continuity Plan completed by July 2010.
  • Staffing of Registry Officer positions completed by October 2010.
  • Registry succession plan completed by November 2010.
  • Case management system with electronic filing and electronic access to the Registry operational by December 2010.
  • Quality service standards in place by February 2011.
  • Customer service evaluation framework completed by March 2011.

Benefits for Canadians

Canada's Performance Report 2008-2009: The Government of Canada's Contribution – a companion document to the 92 departmental performance reports – is divided into four key areas of policy: economic, social, international, and government affairs. The Registry's strategic outcome is aligned with Social Affairs: A Vibrant Canadian Culture and Heritage.

The long-term benefit for Canadians will be the efficient and effective resolution of outstanding specific claims across Canada, some of which currently provide the impetus for disputes causing financial and psychological impact on Canadians. Efficient operation of the Tribunal will create value for Canadians by saving costs associated with traditional litigation, conflicts, and lengthy negotiations.

Resolution of specific claims through the Specific Claims Tribunal will also remove barriers to reconciliation among First Nations, other Canadians, and the Government of Canada. Monetary awards will provide opportunities for successful First Nations to access capital that may then be invested in their communities, contributing to the prosperity of First Nations peoples.

Program Activities Summary

Activities of the Registry over the next year will be organized with reference to the three broad performance indicators identified here above.

1) Human Resources

The Registry is currently developing work descriptions that will allow it to effectively and efficiently classify and staff positions. Registry Officers will be the Registry employees directly responsible for ongoing claims management, ensuring a high level of service to clients and the public.

Human resource considerations will be incorporated into business continuity plans to ensure that services can be maintained during adversity; that there is a skilled workforce with the competencies, information and training needed to perform their work; and that there is succession planning to develop qualified individuals to fill vacancies, whether they arise unexpectedly or not. The Registry, as a small organization, will take particular care in the management of human resources. The implementation of performance and developmental plans for employees will allow for clear communication of expectations and monitoring of performance to ensure objectives are attained. Career development strategies and student programs will be used to develop skilled workers for the Registry and support succession planning for the Registry and the broader public service.

2) Electronic Registry

The Registry will develop and implement an electronic registry and case management system to overcome logistical challenges associated with a national tribunal and help ensure timely and efficient registry services. Technology will be utilized to facilitate paperless filing of claims. The electronic filing of claims, submissions, and motions is expected to improve processing times and reduce expenses for all participants. Electronic notice will facilitate rapid communication, allowing participants to receive automatic notification when documents are filed.

The electronic registry and case management system will be integrated with the Registry's overall information and records management system.

3) Engagement and Outreach

The Specific Claims Tribunal Act was developed through collaboration between the Assembly of First Nations and the Government of Canada. The provision of information about the Tribunal and its activities supports transparency and accountability and will highlight results for Canadians. It is also important that information be produced and disseminated to potential users of the Tribunal to ensure that they have the information needed to participate in Tribunal activities effectively.

First Nations and the general public will be informed of progress made by the Registry and the Tribunal through the website. In addition to publishing information on its website, the Registry will develop communication materials (brochures, fact-sheets, news releases and information kits), and attendance at relevant meetings, committees and conferences.