Who do I contact for my Contribution Agreement?

These programs were developed as part of a national effort targeted at 'upstream investments'  and were originally scheduled to sunset across the country at the end of this fiscal year. This funding was protected in BC through negotiation of the British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nations Health Governance .

The funding provided to BC communities for these three programs has a total value of $9.6 million annually. The programs were originally established through proposal-driven processes, and resulted in inequities in funding across regions and between larger organizations and more remote communities. These inequities conflict with the instructions from leadership to "leave no community behind."

As a result, and as per the FNHA Summary Service Plan, we will be reviewing the approach to the $9.6 million upstream investment in the coming year. Health Funding Agreements for these programs had an end date of March 31, 2015; however, the FNHA extended these programs in their current form for one more year through to March 31, 2016. We hope to have a renewed approach to these programs for the 2016/17 fiscal year.

It is important to note that the review will not result in a reduction in funding for communities with existing programs.

The intention of the review and renewal process is to bring a strong 'upstream'  and wellness-focused approach to this upstream investment funding. The review will consider options to support increased equity across communities and regions, and will support greater value for investment by examining current program strengths and emerging best practices. Finally, the review will consider opportunities to introduce more flexibility in the use of these funds to better support community and regional priorities and to ensure sustainability of programs.

Communities will be invited to participate in this renewal process by identifying gaps in programming, best practices and key successes. Maternal and early childhood development, mental wellness and chronic disease prevention are priority health issues for BC First Nations, and as your wellness partner, FNHA looks forward to working with you to transform these important programs.

If you have further questions, please contact Diana Clarke, Director – Funding Arrangements at 604-693-6812 or Diana.Clarke@fnha.ca .

Communique - Approach to Upstream Investments - March 31, 2015 (PDF 163 KB)

Changes to funding agreements

Through engagement sessions with health directors, we have heard that reporting requirements for communities are significant and at times onerous. We are also hearing that the pace of change for communities has increased considerably, and that a degree of predictability and familiarity will make this change more comfortable for health providers and partners.

This year we made some incremental and administrative changes to funding agreements, while maintaining many elements familiar to health directors. We recognize that significant changes are needed in the areas of reporting and contribution agreements in the long term, and we are committed to implementing necessary changes in a steady, sustainable pace.

Funding increase for 2016/2017

A 5.5% escalator will be applied to all First Nation Health Service Organization agreements for eligible programs. We would encourage communities to address areas of challenge or priority as part of plans for this year. This increase is reflected in an April 1, 2016 amendment letter to First Nations agreement holders.

Making contribution agreements more flexible

Increasing flexibility for contribution agreements was identified as a priority during Health Director Engagements in 2014. This spring, FNHA will introduce new terms enabling communities and service providers with set funding to request approval to carry over funds to the next fiscal year (IRS funding remains an exception to this change). In addition, communities will have the opportunity to carry over First Nations Health Benefits funding for the duration of the funding agreement with the written approval of FNHA. This is an interim step towards improving contribution agreements. These new carry-over terms are BC-specific and may not occur in other regions of Canada.

New planning and reporting templates to formalize this change and support communities in retaining any unspent funds will be shared with First Nations agreement holders in an updated reporting package that will be made available in April 2016.  

Summary of Reporting Requirements - Block and Flexible Agreements

Summary of Reporting Requirements - Set Agreements

Funding Arrangements Advisory Team

Community Health and Wellness Services

The Funding Arrangements Advisory Team is part of Community Health and Wellness Services.  This team works with community health directors and health leads to: