Deputy Minister of International Development (DME) - Briefing book

2019-12

Mandate and Resources

Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act

S.C. 2013, c. 33, s. 174

Assented to 2013-06-26

An Act respecting the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

[Enacted by section 174 of chapter 33 of the Statutes of Canada, 2013, in force on assent June 26, 2013.]

Short Title

Short title

1 This Act may be cited as the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act.

Continuation of the Department

Department continued

2 (1) The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is continued under the name of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development over which the Minister of Foreign Affairs, appointed by commission under the Great Seal, is to preside.

Minister

(2) The Minister of Foreign Affairs, in this Act referred to as the “Minister”, holds office during pleasure and has the management and direction of the Department in Canada and abroad.

Additional Ministers

Minister for International Trade

3 A Minister for International Trade is to be appointed by commission under the Great Seal to hold office during pleasure and to assist the Minister in carrying out his or her responsibilities relating to international trade.

Minister for International Development

4 A Minister for International Development is to be appointed by commission under the Great Seal to hold office during pleasure and to assist the Minister in carrying out his or her responsibilities relating to international development, poverty reduction and humanitarian assistance.

Use of departmental services and facilities

5 A minister appointed under section 3 or 4 is to act with the concurrence of the Minister in carrying out his or her responsibilities and is to make use of the services and facilities of the Department.

Committees

Committees to advise and assist

6 The Governor in Council may establish advisory and other committees to advise or assist the Minister or to exercise and perform any powers, duties and functions that the Governor in Council specifies and may fix the remuneration and expenses to be paid to the members of the committees so established.

Officers of the Department

Deputy head

7 The Governor in Council may appoint an officer called the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to hold office during pleasure and to be the deputy head of the Department.

Additional deputy heads

8 (1) The Governor in Council may appoint three Associate Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, each of whom is to have the rank and status of a deputy head of a department and is, under the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to exercise and perform any powers, duties and functions, as a deputy of the Minister and otherwise, that the Minister specifies.

Deputy Ministers for International Trade and for International Development

(2) The Governor in Council may designate one of the Associate Deputy Ministers appointed under subsection (1) to be Deputy Minister for International Trade and one to be Deputy Minister for International Development.

Coordinator, International Economic Relations

9 The Governor in Council may designate or appoint a person in the federal public administration as the Coordinator, International Economic Relations who is to have the rank and status of a deputy head of a department and is, subject to the direction of the Governor in Council, to exercise and perform any powers, duties and functions, as a deputy of the Minister and otherwise, that the Minister specifies.

Powers, Duties and Functions of the Minister

Powers, duties and functions of Minister

10 (1) The powers, duties and functions of the Minister extend to and include all matters over which Parliament has jurisdiction, not by law assigned to any other department, board or agency of the Government of Canada, relating to the conduct of the external affairs of Canada, including international trade and commerce and international development.

Powers, duties and functions of Minister

(2) In exercising and performing his or her powers, duties and functions under this Act, the Minister is to

(a) conduct all diplomatic and consular relations on behalf of Canada;

(b) conduct all official communication between the Government of Canada and the government of any other country and between the Government of Canada and any international organization;

(c) conduct and manage international negotiations as they relate to Canada;

(d) coordinate Canada’s international economic relations;

(e) foster the expansion of Canada’s international trade and commerce;

(f) foster sustainable international development and poverty reduction in developing countries and provide humanitarian assistance during crises;

(g) coordinate the direction given by the Government of Canada to the heads of Canada’s diplomatic and consular missions;

(h) have the management of Canada’s diplomatic and consular missions;

(i) administer the foreign service of Canada;

(j) foster the development of international law and its application in Canada’s external relations; and

(k) carry out any other duties and functions that are by law assigned to him or her.

Programs

(3) The Minister may develop and carry out programs related to the Minister’s powers, duties and functions for the promotion of Canada’s interests abroad, including

(a) the fostering of the expansion of Canada’s international trade and commerce; and

(b) the fostering of sustainable international development and of poverty reduction in developing countries and the provision of humanitarian assistance during crises.

Fees

Regulations

11 (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister and the Treasury Board, make regulations prescribing

(a) documents issued by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration for travel purposes for which fees are payable; and

(b) the amount of the fees and the time and manner of their payment.

Cost recovery

(2) The fees are to be prescribed with a view to the recovery of the costs incurred by Her Majesty in right of Canada in providing consular services.

Additional to other fees

(3) The fees are to be paid in addition to any other fees payable under section 19 of the Financial Administration Act in respect of the same documents.

2013, c. 33, s. 174 "11", c. 40, s. 175

Agreements with Provinces

Agreements

12 The Minister may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, enter into agreements with the government of any province or any agency of a province respecting the carrying out of programs related to the Minister’s powers, duties and functions.

Duties of Additional Ministers

Minister for International Trade

13 Subject to section 5, the Minister for International Trade is to promote the expansion of Canada’s international trade and commerce by

(a) assisting Canadian exporters in their international marketing initiatives and promoting Canadian export sales;

(b) improving the access of Canadian produce, products and services to external markets through trade negotiations;

(c) fostering trade relations with other countries; and

(d) contributing to the improvement of world trading conditions.

Minister for International Development

14 Subject to section 5, the Minister for International Development is to foster sustainable international development and poverty reduction in developing countries and provide humanitarian assistance during crises by

(a) undertaking activities related to international development and humanitarian assistance;

(b) ensuring the effectiveness of Canada’s international development and humanitarian assistance activities;

(c) fostering relations with other countries and organizations engaged in international development or humanitarian assistance activities; and

(d) ensuring Canada’s contributions to international development and humanitarian assistance are in line with Canadian values and priorities.

Heads of Missions

Definition of head of mission

15 (1) In this section, head of mission means

(a) an ambassador, high commissioner or consul-general of Canada; or

(b) any other person that is appointed to represent Canada in another country or a portion of another country or at an international organization or diplomatic conference and that is designated head of mission by the Governor in Council.

Duties of head of mission

(2) Except as otherwise instructed by the Governor in Council, a head of mission is to have the management and direction of their mission and its activities and the supervision of the official activities of the various departments and agencies of the Government of Canada in the country or portion of the country or at the international organization to which they are appointed.

Transitional Provisions

Minister for International Cooperation and President of CIDA

16 Any person who holds the office of Minister for International Cooperation or of President of the Canadian International Development Agency on the day on which this section comes into force is deemed to hold the office of Minister for International Development or Deputy Minister for International Development, respectively, on and after that day.

Positions

17 Nothing in this Act is to be construed as affecting the status of an employee who, immediately before the coming into force of this Act, occupied a position in the Canadian International Development Agency except that the employee, on the coming into force of this section, occupies their position in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development under the authority of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Transfer of appropriations

18 Any amount appropriated by an Act of Parliament for the fiscal year in which this section comes into force to defray the charges and expenses of the Canadian International Development Agency that is unexpended is deemed to have been appropriated to defray the charges and expenses of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.

Transfer of powers, duties and functions

19 If, under any Act of Parliament, any instrument made under an Act of Parliament or any order, contract, lease, licence or other document, any power, duty or function is vested in or may be exercised or performed by the Minister for International Cooperation or Minister of International Cooperation, the President of the Canadian International Development Agency or any other employee of that Agency, that power, duty or function is vested in or may be exercised or performed by the Minister for International Development, the Deputy Minister for International Development or the appropriate officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, as the case may be.

Official Development Assistance Accountability Act

S.C. 2008, c. 17

Assented to 2008-05-29

An Act respecting the provision of official development assistance abroad

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

Short Title

Short title

1 This Act may be cited as the Official Development Assistance Accountability Act.

Purpose

Purpose

2 (1) The purpose of this Act is to ensure that all Canadian official development assistance abroad is provided with a central focus on poverty reduction and in a manner that is consistent with Canadian values, Canadian foreign policy, the principles of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness of March 2, 2005, sustainable development and democracy promotion and that promotes international human rights standards.

Official development assistance

(2) Canadian official development assistance abroad shall be defined exclusively with regard to these values.

Interpretation

Definitions

3 The following definitions apply in this Act.

Canadian values means, amongst others, values of global citizenship, equity and environmental sustainability. (valeurs canadiennes)

civil society organization means a not-for-profit or charitable organization whose governing structure is independent of government direction, and includes, but is not limited to, registered charities, non-governmental development organizations, community groups, women’s organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, trade unions, self-help groups, social movements, business associations, coalitions, human rights organizations and advocacy groups. (organisme de la société civile)

competent minister means the Minister for International Development, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs or any other minister who is providing official development assistance. (ministre compétent)

democracy includes, but is not limited to, political and civil rights as defined by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. (démocratie)

international agency means any organization whose objectives include global poverty reduction or international humanitarian assistance. (agence internationale)

international assistance means funding provided by government for international development, international financial institutions, global peace and security, crises overseas and international development research. (aide internationale)

international human rights standards means standards that are based on international human rights conventions to which Canada is a party and on international customary law. (normes internationales en matière de droits de la personne)

Minister means the Minister for International Development or any other minister designated by the Governor in Council as the Minister for the purposes of this Act. (ministre)

official development assistance means international assistance

(a) that is administered with the principal objective of promoting the economic development and welfare of developing countries, that is concessional in character, that conveys a grant element of at least 25%, and that meets the requirements set out in section 4; or

(b) that is provided for the purpose of alleviating the effects of a natural or artificial disaster or other emergency occurring outside Canada. (aide au développement officielle)

2008, c. 17, s. 3; 2013, c. 33, s. 196

Official Development Assistance

Official development assistance

4 (1) Official development assistance may be provided only if the competent minister is of the opinion that it

(a) contributes to poverty reduction;

(b) takes into account the perspectives of the poor; and

(c) is consistent with international human rights standards.

Disaster or other emergency occurring outside Canada

(1.1) Notwithstanding subsection (1), official development assistance may be provided for the purposes of alleviating the effects of a natural or artificial disaster or other emergency occurring outside Canada.

Consultation

(2) The competent minister shall consult with governments, international agencies and Canadian civil society organizations at least once every two years, and shall take their views and recommendations into consideration when forming an opinion described in subsection (1).

Calculation of contribution

(3) In calculating Canada’s official development assistance contribution in Government of Canada publications, the competent minister or the Governor in Council shall consider only official development assistance as defined by this Act that meets the criteria in subsections (1) and (1.1).

No limit or restriction imposed

(4) Nothing in this Act shall be construed so as to limit the funding or restrict the activities of the International Development Research Centre.

Reports

Report to Parliament

5 (1) The Minister or the competent minister shall cause to be laid before each House of Parliament within one year after the end of each fiscal year or, if either House is not sitting, on any of the first five days on which that House of Parliament is sitting, a report containing

(a) the total amount spent by the Government of Canada on official development assistance in the previous fiscal year;

(b) a summary of any activity or initiative taken under this Act;

(c) a summary of Canada’s activities under the Bretton Woods and Related Agreements Act that have contributed to carrying out the purpose of this Act.

(d) [Repealed, 2018, c. 27, s. 658]

(e) [Repealed, 2013, c. 33, s. 193]

Statistical report

(2) The Minister shall issue a statistical report on the disbursement of official development assistance within one year after the end of each fiscal year.

(3) [Repealed, 2018, c. 27, s. 658]

(4) [Repealed, 2018, c. 27, s. 658]

2008, c. 17, s. 5; 2013, c. 33, s. 193; 2018, c. 27, s. 658

Coming into Force

Coming into force

^*6 This Act comes into force 30 days after the day on which it receives royal assent.

^*[Note: Act in force June 28, 2008.]

Amendments not in force

— 2018, c. 27, s. 656

656 The definition official development assistance in section 3 of the Official Development Assistance Accountability Act is repealed.

— 2018, c. 27, s. 657

657 The Act is amended by adding the following after section 3:

Regulations

3.1 For the purposes of this Act, the Governor in Council may make regulations defining the expression “official development assistance”, in which case, the Governor in Council must take into account, among other things, the most recent definition of “official development assistance” formulated by the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Financial Overview

Main Estimates 2019-2020

$148.1M of the Operating budget is for Foreign Service Directives

90% of the Operating budget is consumed by fixed costs (salaries, rent, utilities and protection services)

60% of the Operating budget is spent in total Salaries

60% of the Operating budget is spent at missions abroad

80% of the Grants and Contributions budget is spent under the Development Portfolio

52% of the Grants and Contributions budget is spent in Grants

Governance

Strategic Oversight and Guidance

• The Financial Ops. and Mgmt. Committee is the governance body that provides leadership, strategic guidance, advice and oversight on the alignment of resources with priorities.
• Chairs: ADM, Strategic Policy and ADM, Consular, Security and Emergency Management.

Key Initiatives to Improve Forecasting

Robotic Process Automation

Increase the Timeliness and Accuracy of Financial Data

• Automate the entry of routine staffing transactions into the Salary Forecasting Tool (SFT). The entry of acting assignments was automated in the first quarter of 2019-20. Other staffing actions will follow using an agile approach.
• Automate other routine financial transactions such as budget transfers, commitments, invoices, etc.

Simplify Financial Reporting

Adapt Financial Information for Decision-making

• Rolled-out (2018-19) simplified financial reports to fund center managers across Headquarters. To be rolled-out across missions in 2019-20.
• Developing dashboards to provide visual representation of financial data, analysis and trends and analytical capacities.

SAP Roadmap

Align functions, Integrate Data, and Streamline Processes

• Leading the development of a multi-year roadmap to implement an integrated SAP solution, including Budget Planning and Forecasting, Project Management, Real Property, Grants and Contributions Management, and more.
• This will allow the Department to coordinate efforts in advancing several long-standing challenges and business decisions.

Training

Expand Engagement and Knowledge of Financial Management Practices

• To reinforce the importance of forecasting and effective funds management, provided training sessions to the Director and DG Communities. Further sessions will be held in 2019-20 with an increased emphasis on Organizational Behavior.
• Working with the Departmental Training Institute to refine financial training at headquarters and abroad.

Budget Planning

Improve Financial Planning from a Departmental Perspective

• For 2019-20, client branches submitted their plans using a standardized template for corporate consolidation and analysis.
• Key findings and recommendations were prepared for senior management consideration, as well as a method to track spending towards plans throughout the fiscal year.

Fraud Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

Provide Insights and Trends on Financial Data

• Two proof of concepts within the Financial Resource Management function as a way for Financial Management Advisors to gain insights into spending trends and anomalies at missions.
• Auditor self-learning/machine learning technology to quickly identify erroneous transactions and improve financial coding.

Workforce Overview

Global Affairs Canada Overall Workforce

Executive (EX)

Head of Mission

Approved by: Francis Trudel, ADM Human Resources

Data Source: Human Resources Management System (HRMS) as of September 30, 2019

Global Affairs Canada International Network

Canada's Network abroad consists of: 178 missions in 110 countries.

Canada's International Network had 8,333 positions (includes Global Affairs Canada and partners/co-locators) abroad.

• Canada-Based Positions (CBS): 2,517
• Locally-Engaged Positions (LES): 5,816

^* Position counts are used rather than employee counts to ensure a consistent year over year picture of Canada’s presence abroad.

Canada’s International Network

Global Affairs Canada, Partners and Co-locators Positions

^* Canada's International Network is comprised of 27 partners and 13 co-locators.

^* Partners include federal departments, agencies and sub-agencies.

^* Co-locators include crown corporations, provincial governments and foreign government diplomatic representation.

Approved by: Francis Trudel, ADM Human Resources

Data Source: Human Resources Management System (HRMS) as of September 30, 2019

Organizational Structure

Organizational Chart

Level 1 – Deputy Ministers and Coordinator

Deputy Minister of International Development – Vacant (DME)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs – Marta Morgan (USS)

Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs – Vincent Rigby (DMA)

Deputy Minister of International Trade – John Hannaford (DMT)

Coordinator International Economic Relations – Jonathan Fried (DMX)

Level 2 – Assistant Deputy Ministers and Directors General

Reports to the Deputy Minister of International Development

International Assistance Operations – C. Campbell

Reports to all Deputy Ministers and Coordinator

Assistant Deputy Minister Human Resources – Francis Trudel (HCM)

Assistant Deputy Minister International Platform – Dan Danagher (ACM)

Assistant Deputy Minister Corporate Planning, Finance and IT (Chief Financial Officer) – Arun Thangaraj (SCM)

Assistant Deputy Minister Public Affairs – Stéphane Levesque (LCM)

Assistant Deputy Minister Strategic Policy – Elissa Golberg (PFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister Global Issues and Development – Christopher MacLennan (MFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister International Security and Political Affairs (Political Director) – Dan Costello (IFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister Partnership for Development Innovation – Caroline Leclerc (KFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister International Business Development and Chief Trade Commissioner – Ailish Campbell (BFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister Trade Policy and Negotiations and Chief Trade Negotiator NAFTA – Steve Verheul (A) (TFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister Consular, Security and Emergency Management (Chief Security Officer) – Heather Jeffrey (CFM)

Legal Adviser – Alan Kessel (JFM) – Special Deployment Position

Assistant Deputy Minister Sub-Saharan Africa – Isabelle Bérard (WGM)

Assistant Deputy Minister Europe, Arctic, Middle East and Maghreb – Peter MacDougall (EGM)

Assistant Deputy Minister Americas – Michael Grant (NGM)

Assistant Deputy Minister Asia Pacific – Paul Thoppil (OGM)

Executive Director and General Counsel – D. Roussy (JUS)

Chief Audit Executive – B. Achtoutal (VBD)

Director General, Inspection, Integrity and Values and Ethics – T. Guttman (ZID)

Corporate Secretary and Director General – J. MacIntyre (A) (DCD)

Chief of Protocol – S. Wheeler (A) (XDD)

Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security – Jacqueline O’Neil (WPSA)

Level 3 – Directors General

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Human Resources

HR Corporate Strategies and Operational Services – M. P. Jackson (HSD)

Assignments and Executive Management – H. Kutz (HFD)

Workplace Relations and Corporate Healthcare – C. Houde (HWD)

Canadian Foreign Service Institute – R. Dubé (CFSI)

Foreign Service Directives – M. Moreau (HED)

Locally Engaged Staff – M. Fletcher (HLD)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister International Platform

Client Relations and Mission Operations – L. Almond (AFD)

Planning and Stewardship – D. Schwartz (ARD)

Platform Corporate Services – D. Bélanger (A) (AAD)

International Platform Transformation – A. Stirling (ACTM)

Project Delivery, Professional and Technical Services – E. Chown (AWD)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Corporate Planning, Finance and IT (Chief Financial Officer)

Financial Planning and Management – S. Carruthers (SWD)

Financial Operations – S. Bainbridge (SMD)

Grants and Contributions Management – M. Colins (SGD)

Information Management and Technology (CIO) – K. Casey (SID)

Director General, Corporate Procurement, Asset Management and National Accommodation – B. Lawson (SPD)

Corporate Planning, Performance and Risk Management – L. Smallwood (A) (SRD)

Senior IM/IT Project Executive – R. Dussault (SED)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Public Affairs

Development Communications – L. Belmahdi (LCA)

Public Affairs – Charles Mojsej (LCD)

Corporate and E Communications – Y. Michad (A) (LDD)

Trade Communications – V. Sharma (LCC)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Strategic Policy

Evaluation and Results – T. Denham (A) PRD)

Foreign Policy – A. Lévêque (A) (POD)

International Assistance Policy – A. Smith (A) (PVD)

International Economic Policy – M.J. Langlois (PED)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Global Issues and Development

International Humanitarian Assistance – S. Salewicz (A) (MHD)

Economic Development – W. Drukier (MED)

Food Security and Environment – S. Szabo (MSD)

Health and Nutrition – J. Tabah (A) (MND)

Social Development – N. Smyth (MGD)

International Organizations – M. Gort (A) (MID)

Innovative and Climate Finance – R. Clark (MLD)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister International Security and Political Affairs (Political Director)

International Security Policy – C. Termorshuizen (IGD)

Peace and Stabilization Operations Program – G. Kutz (IRD)

Counter-Terrorism, Crime and Intelligence – M. Benjamin (IDD)

Human Rights, Freedom and Inclusion – S. Whiting (IOD)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Partnership for Development Innovation

Engaging Canadians – M. Tremblay (KED)

Inclusive Growth, Governance and Innovation Partnerships – C. Hogan Rufelds (KGD)

Canadian Partnership for Health and Social Development – J.B. Parenteau (A) (KSD)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister International Business Development and Chief Trade Commissioner

Trade Portfolio Strategy and Coordination – C. Moran (BPD)

Trade Commissioner Service - Operations – D. McMullen (BTD)

Trade Sectors – R. Kwan (A) (BBD)

Investment and Innovation – E. Kamarianakis (A) (BID)

Regional Trade Operations and Intergovernmental Relations – C. Thomley (BSD)

Chief Economist – M.F. Paquet (BED)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Trade Policy and Negotiations and Chief Trade Negotiator

Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Trade Policy and Negotiations – B. Christie (A) (TFMA)

Reports to the Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Trade Policy and Negotiations

Trade Negotiations – K. Hembroff (TCD)

North America, Trade Policy and Negotiations – A. Alexander (TND)

Market Access – D. Forsyth (A) (TPD)

Chief Air Negotiator and Director General for Services, Intellectual Property and Investment – L. Marcotte (TMD-ANA)

Trade and Exports Control – K. Funtek (A) (TID)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Consular, Security and Emergency Management

Consular Policy – M. Berman (CPD)

Consular Operations – B. Szwarc (A) CND)

Security and Emergency Management (Departmental Security Officer) – R. Sirrs (CSD)

Reports to the Legal Adviser

Trade Law – R. Brookfield (JLT)

Legal Affairs – M. Husain (JLD)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Sub-Saharan Africa

West and Central Africa – T. Khan (A) (WWD)

Southern and Eastern Africa – I. Myles (A) (WED)

Pan-Africa – P. Caldwell (WFD)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Europe, Arctic, Middle East and Maghreb

European Affairs – R. Fry (EUD)

Middle East - S. McCardell (ESD)

Maghreb, Egypt, Israel and West Bank and Gaza – T. Lulashnyk (ELD)

Senior Arctic Official and Director General, Polar, Eurasia and European Affairs - D. Sproule (A) (ECD)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Americas

North America Strategy – E. Walsh (NGD)

North America Advocacy and Commercial Programs – R. Savone (NND)

South America and Inter-American Affairs – C. Urban (A) (NLD)

Central America and Caribbean – A. Frenette (NDD)

Geographic Coordination and Mission Support – N. Ahmad (A) (NMD)

Reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister Asia Pacific

Southeast Asia – Ian Burchett (OSD)

North Asia and Oceania – W. Epp (A) (OPD)

South Asia – D. Hartman (OAD)

Strategic Planning, Ops Dev and TRIGR – M. Suma (A) (OAZ)

Level 4 – Outside of Main Organizational Structure

Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise – Sheri Meyerhoffer (CORE)

Source of information: Human resources Management System (HRMS)

^* In some cases, adjustments have been made by HFR to reflect the most current employee or positional information.

Link to Global Affairs Canada Corporate Governance Structure (http://intra/department-ministere/assets/pdfs/committees-comites/CG_GC_OrgChart_Jan2017-EN.PDF).

Updated on October 31, 2019

Deputy Ministers

Marta Morgan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

On April 18, 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Marta Morgan to the position of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, effective May 6, 2019.

Prior to joining Global Affairs Canada, since June 2016, Ms. Morgan was deputy minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. In that previous role, she led the development of immigration policies and programs to support Canada’s economic growth, developed strategies to manage the significant growth in asylum claims and improved client service.

Before that, Ms. Morgan acquired extensive leadership experience in a range of economic policy roles both at Industry Canada and the Department of Finance Canada. In those departments, as assistant deputy minister and associate deputy minister, she provided leadership in telecommunications policy, spectrum policy, aerospace and automobile sectoral policy, and in the development of two federal budgets.

Prior to her time at Industry Canada, Ms. Morgan held positions at the Forest Products Association of Canada, the Privy Council Office, and Human Resources Development Canada.

She has also been a member of the board of the Public Policy Forum since 2014.

Ms. Morgan has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in economics from McGill University and a Master in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

John Hannaford, Deputy Minister for International Trade

On December 7, 2018, the Prime Minister appointed John F.G. Hannaford as Deputy Minister of International Trade at Global Affairs Canada, effective January 7, 2019.

From January 2015 to January 2019, Mr. Hannaford was the foreign and defence policy adviser to the Prime Minister and Deputy Minister in the Privy Council Office of the Government of Canada.

Until December 2014, Mr. Hannaford was the assistant secretary to the Cabinet for foreign and defence policy in the Privy Council Office. Prior to December 2011, Mr. Hannaford was Canada’s ambassador to Norway. Before that, for two years, Mr. Hannaford was director general of the Legal Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. As a member of Canada’s foreign service, he had numerous assignments in Ottawa and at the Canadian embassy in Washington, D.C., during the early years of his career.

Mr. Hannaford graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, with a Bachelor of Arts (First Class) in history. After earning a Master of Science in international relations at the London School of Economics, he completed a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Toronto and was called to the bar in Ontario in 1995.

In addition to his work as a public servant, Mr. Hannaford has been an adjunct professor in both the Faculty of Law and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa.

Vincent Rigby, Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

On Wednesday, July 31, 2019, the Prime Minister appointed Vincent Rigby as Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs at Global Affairs Canada, effective Monday, August 12, 2019.
Prior to this appointment, Mr. Rigby was Associate Deputy Minister of Public Safety Canada from July 2017 until August 2019.

From 2013 to 2017, Mr. Rigby was Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic Policy at Global Affairs Canada, where he was responsible for providing integrated strategic policy advice reflecting the foreign policy, international assistance and international trade streams of the Department. In this capacity, Mr. Rigby also served as the Personal Representative (Sherpa) to the Prime Minister on the G20, supporting three G20 Leaders’ Summits. Mr. Rigby carried out a number of additional roles as Assistant Deputy Minister, including as the Department’s Chief Results and Delivery Officer, G7 Sous-Sherpa, Chief Negotiator for the Post-2015 Development Agenda, and Chair of the Arctic Council’s Senior Arctic Officials.

Before the creation of Global Affairs Canada, Mr. Rigby was Vice-President of the Strategic Policy and Performance Branch of the former Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). In this role, Mr. Rigby was responsible for developing and coordinating Canada’s international assistance policy as well as overseeing the performance management and evaluation of Canada’s development programme.

From 2008 to 2010, Mr. Rigby was the Executive Director of the International Assessment Secretariat (IAS) at the Privy Council Office (PCO). Mr. Rigby was also Afghanistan Intelligence Lead Official while at PCO, responsible for coordinating the Canadian intelligence community in support of Canada’s Afghanistan mission.

Before arriving at PCO, Mr. Rigby was Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy) at the Department of National Defence (DND) from 2006 to 2008. Over his 14 years at DND, Mr. Rigby held a number of other positions within the Policy Group, including Director General Policy Planning, Director of Policy Development and Director of Arms and Proliferation Control Policy. Prior to joining DND, he was a defence and foreign policy analyst at the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament, from 1991 to 1994.

Mr. Rigby holds an MA in diplomatic and military history from Carleton University in Ottawa.

Jonathan T. Fried, Coordinator, International Economic Relations

Mr. Fried is the Personal Representative of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the G20 and Coordinator for International Economic Relations at Global Affairs Canada, with a horizontal mandate to ensure coherent policy positions and government-wide strategic planning in international economic organizations and forums regarding, for example, Canada-Asia and other international trade and economic issues.

He served as Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO from 2012 to 2017, where he played a key role in multilateral trade negotiations, including as Chair of the WTO’s General Council in 2014 and chair of the Dispute Settlement Body in 2013. He was the co-Chair of the G20’s Trade and Investment Working Group with China in 2015, and the “Friend of the Chair” for Germany in 2016. Formerly Canada’s Ambassador to Japan; Executive Director for Canada, Ireland and the Caribbean at the International Monetary Fund; Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister; Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for the Department of Finance and Canada's G7 and G20 Finance Deputy. Mr. Fried has also served as Associate Deputy Minister; Assistant Deputy Minister for Trade, Economic and Environmental Policy; Chief Negotiator on China’s WTO accession; Director General for Trade Policy; and chief counsel for NAFTA.

Mr. Fried is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Trade and Investment and of the Steering Committee of the e15 initiative on Strengthening the Global Trading System. He serves on the advisory boards of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, the World Trade Symposium and the Central and East European Law Institute. Mr. Fried was named in 2015 as the inaugural recipient of the Public Sector Lawyer Award by the Canadian Council on International Law to honour his service and contribution to public international law.

Branch Profiles

Human Resources (HCM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

After having completed his master’s degree in industrial relations, Francis Trudel joined the Department of National Defence (DND) in January 1998 as a Special Projects Officer. During his nine years at DND, Francis held several Executive positions.

In April 2007 Francis joined Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada as Director General, Planning and Operations, with the responsibility for service delivery and operational planning. In September 2009, at the request of the Associate Deputy Minister, he led a departmental task force assessing the financial and human resources risks taken on by the Department. In July 2010 he was appointed Canadian ambassador to Uruguay. In June 2012, after a significant restructuring of Corporate Services that resulted in the abolishment of the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) position for Human Resources, he returned at Headquarters as Director General, Corporate and Operational Human Resources.

Since September 2014 Francis has been the ADM of Human Resources, a position created by the amalgamation of the former Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and the former Canadian International Development Agency.

Mandate

The Assistant Deputy Minister of Human Resources is primarily accountable for supporting Canada's international agenda through the strategic management of HR programs for Canada-Based Staff (CBS) and Locally Engaged Staff (LES) at Headquarters, in regional offices and abroad.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• Outstanding decision on the mobility framework touching 1000 positions of high interest for staff and unions.
• Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to be renegotiated with the Nova Scotia Health Authority to ensure a continued delivery of medical assessments for employees/dependents posted in and affected by health events in Cuba while promoting an independent research by the University of Dalhousie.
• Annual HOM process will continue through Fall seeking agrément from host countries and Governor General Order in Council approvals.
• Complete a gender balanced EX-02 and EX-03 promotional exercise.
• Decision on the terms of a new Foreign Service Training Program for new rotational recruits.
• [REDACTED] There are program integrity issues for the LES program, including an ongoing annual shortfall of $20 million as well as an additional $130 million needed over 3 years to wrap up existing LES pension scheme liabilities and transition to a self-sustaining pension and benefits framework.
• Consideration of a new financial benefit for employees speaking critical and enduring foreign languages in key related positions abroad.
• Phoenix Branch Blitz for section 34 managers’ work lists (ongoing).

Hot issues

• Posting Abroad Cycle 2020:  Launched this fall for all levels, Head of Mission, Executive and non-executive rotational positions. This Abroad cycle includes the full incorporation of the newly established Foreign Service International Assistance Stream. This is also the first abroad cycle running on the Competency Based Assignment System (CAMS), and IT platform working to support alignment of workforce talent with organizational need.
• Rotational Workforce Promotion Cycle: Ongoing internal promotion processes for the pooled rotational workforce at the EX03, EX02, EX01, FS03 and FS01. 
• Entry-level recruitment of all Foreign Service streams taking place through the national Post-Secondary Recruitment campaign.
• Appointments of successful candidates (approx. 300) into the new rotational Foreign Service International Assistance (FSIA) stream have begun. This is a key workforce objective further to the formulation of the department, joining under a single ministry, diplomatic, trade, and International assistance workforces.
• Implementation of Bill C-65 managing workplace violence and harassment in the workplace which enshrines harassment within the Canadian Labour Code.
• Collective bargaining between Treasury Board Secretariat and three unions (PAFSO (representing FS), CAPE (representing EC) and PIPSC (representing CO)) have concluded and new agreements have been signed. Negotiations with PSAC (representing PM, AS, CR) are at an impasse and the ratification of a new collective agreement could take several more months.
• The Framework and principles under which Locally Engaged Staff are being managed are undergoing a foundational review in 2019-20. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs is the lead deputy minister and is accountable for this 5000+ whole-of-government workforce. There are program integrity issues for the Locally Engaged Staff program, including an ongoing annual shortfall of $20 million.
• The 2019 posting season was rolled out under the provisions of the newly negotiated Foreign Service Directives (effective April 1st, 2019) and new international relocation contract developed in partnership with PSPC, DND and the RCMP.
• Launch of Learning communities for Directors general, Directors and Deputy Directors in the fall 2019.
• A suite of courses has been developed to build capacity of employees working in the FSIA stream and specifically supporting the implementation of the FIAP. Work continues to ensure a robust program for onboarding and foundational learning for all IA cadre.

International Platform (ACM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

Dan Danagher is a public service executive with over 35 years of experience. He has been the Assistant Deputy Minister of the International Platform Branch since 2015 and served previously at the Assistant Deputy Minister-level in human resources at the Canada Revenue Agency and PWGSC. Dan began his career in 1983 in a trade capacity at External Affairs and International Trade. Since then in a career that has taken him to Supply and Services, DFAIT, Agriculture and Agrifood, TBS, and other departments. Dan has developed a strong background in project management, procurement, communications, information management, human resources, management policy, and finance. He has a strong track record in change management, focusing on building strong foundations to ensure enduring high performance.

Dan has proudly served on the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign cabinet since 2011. He is also a management representative on the Public Service Commission’s Joint Advisory Committee and has served as the vice-chair (employer side) of the National Joint Council since 2014. Dan has a Bachelor’s of Commerce and an MBA.

Mandate

Under the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is responsible for managing Canada’s missions abroad. To that end, the branch was created in 2008 as a whole-of-government resource responsible for centrally managing a network of people, infrastructure, assets, and services that enables the Government of Canada to deliver its international programs and priorities at 178 missions in 110 countries. The branch’s mandate includes:

• Managing and delivering common services abroad through Mission-based teams throughout the network;
• Managing and maintaining a network of over 2200 properties around the world, requiring investment planning, strategic portfolio management, and responsive support to Missions’ real property needs;
• Supporting the presence abroad, including cost-sharing, of GAC’s network partners (GC Departments/Agencies, Provinces and other nations);
• Project management and delivery for new construction, fit-out, major and minor capital projects, physical security abroad, etc.;
• Mission procurement operations, including real property and Duty of Care;
• Global logistics operations, including diplomatic mail and distribution service;
• Materiel management, including fleet and mission inventory management.

The branch’s annual vote 1 and vote 5 budgets is around $600 million and represents roughly one-third of the department’s budgets in these areas.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• [REDACTED]

Hot issues

• In 2017 Global Affairs Canada was provided $1.8 billion in funding under duty of care to mitigate risks to the physical infrastructure, mission readiness, and security of information. The branch was allocated approximately $800 million over ten years for a program of work consisting of real property capital projects and acquisitions, such as armoured cars, aimed at increasing our security posture abroad. This amount includes the construction or relocation of several new chanceries including in Colombo, Moscow, Mexico and New Delhi.
• In order to address significant security and safety shortcomings at the chancery in Moscow, later this fiscal year, Canada will be co-locating with the United Kingdom as an interim solution. [REDACTED]
• The Tokyo Chancery was built in 1991 and full ownership of the building will revert to us in 2021.  GAC is currently assessing opportunities under feasibility. We have a dedicated executive-led team working on this project.

Corporate Planning, Finance and Information Technology (SCM)

Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer

Arun Thangaraj has over 20 years of federal government experience. In 2011, he joined the former Canadian International Development Agency, as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer. In 2013, Arun was the recipient of the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contribution to the public service of Canada and to his community. In July 2015, Arun was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer of Global Affairs Canada. In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of corporate planning, IM/IT and financial planning for the Department. Arun has served on of a number of governance boards including the Finance and Operations Committee of the Global Fund and is currently a member of the Public Sector Pension Advisory Committee. 

Arun is a sessional lecturer in the School of Public Administration at Carleton University where he has taught management stream courses for the past twelve years. He holds an Honours BA in Political Science from the University of Toronto, a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Carleton University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa and holds a CMA/CPA designation.

Mandate

The Corporate Planning, Finance and IT Branch provides service and support to the Department in the areas of financial management, information management and information technology, corporate planning, accommodations and procurement.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• Mid-October: USS for approval - GAC’s Investment Plan dashboard update to TBS.
• Mid-November: all deputies for approval - 2018-19 Departmental Results Report.
• November 15: USS for approval - the departmental Information Technology Plan projects and progress report.
• December: USS for approval - 2020-21 Departmental Priorities.
• [REDACTED]
• According to the Directive on Delegation of Spending and Financial Authorities, the existing delegation chart must be presented to new deputy heads for information purposes within 30 calendar days of their appointment.

Hot issues

• Supps A: It is very unlikely that the Department will have Supplementary Estimates A (because of the election) – Supps A will be done for Departments with urgent important need of funds, otherwise departments have to cash manage. Funding for new initiatives will be postponed to Supps B (December 2019).
• Global Affairs Canada Renovations: Modernization of the department’s workspaces in the National Capital Region, and Mid-Life refit of the Lester B. Pearson Building, with work on Tower D beginning in the fall of 2019 and current work on the main front entrance to be completed by May of 2020.
• Modernization of International IT Network: Ongoing investments to improve bandwidth and mobility and new initiative with SSC to renew the network using cloud services and to improve the security posture.
• Partnership with Shared Services Canada (SSC) is integral to the success of Global Affairs Canada IM/IT delivery of Government of Canada programs and services internationally. The SSC mandate embodies email, data center, network, and workplace technology devices services. Consultation at all levels between the organizations must continue to be on-going for timely problem resolution and recognizing the intricacies of delivery IT solutions abroad.

Public Affairs (LCM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

Stéphane Levesque was appointed as ADM Public Affairs at the start of December 2018. Prior to his appointment he was Director General Communications, International and Defence at the Privy Council Office (PCO). He has filled a number of other senior roles at PCO, namely Director General, Communications Advertising and Marketing (2016 - 17); Executive Director for Social and Economic (2015-16); and Director, New Media (2013-15). He also worked at Transport Canada as the Director, Web, Creative and Internal Communications (2010-13).

Mr. Levesque has taken on a number of high-profile leadership roles in federal government communications and in support of the communications community including co-leading the implementation of the Web Renewal project (2012-2015); supporting the development of the updated Government of Canada Policy on Communications and the Federal Identity; and drafting Annex J of the Open and Accountable Government document — “Personal and Partisan Use of Social Media by Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.”

Mandate

The ADM Public Affairs is Head of Communications for the department, responsible to you as Deputy Head for compliance with the requirements of government policy for communications. Branch activities are aimed at advancing the priorities of the government and those of the department internationally, from providing support to Canadians traveling abroad to responding to humanitarian crisis to supporting ministers domestically.

The branch provides support directly to the offices of the department’s three main ministers through three portfolio strategic communications divisions. The strategic communications units are also centrally involved in Global Affairs Canada’s participation in the management of major issues with broad impact across the government.

The ADM and the DGs typically participate in government-wide issue-response task forces, taking the lead for communications where required. The branch manages all headquarters media relations activities, responding to more than 5,200 media enquiries, more than any other department. The branch also provides 24/7 monitoring, media analysis and reporting services.

The branch manages internal communications for the department, including direct support to the deputy ministers across the full range of their communications and outreach activities.

The branch manages the department’s official digital properties, and in this area we are also a government leader contributing to innovation and best practices for other departments. We provide direct support to missions in the management of their digital properties and social media accounts including training to diplomats on the use of new and emerging social media tools. The division is also resourced to take-over accounts on behalf of missions affected by crises or natural disasters.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• Caretaker convention for the federal election:
  • Government communications significantly affected;
  • Most government advertising suspended on June 30; and
  • Additional restrictions come in force during the official campaign.

Hot issues

• Managing consular cases is an on-going priority for LCM and represents a significant portion of day-to-day activities.
• Canada-China tensionsrelated to Meng, including arbitrary detention of Kovrig and Spavor (with consular implications), increasing economic pressure by China is a sustained communications challenge.
  • Recent communications on China have focused on demonstrating Canada’s commitment to the rule of law and defending Canadian values.
• Canada-US relationship:
  • US ratification of CUSMA could take place during the election period; and
  • The US administration could take unpredictable steps affecting the trading relationship and Canadian economy.
• Cuba: The unexplained health incidents of Canadian diplomats posted to Havana and the department’s response continues to pose communications challenges.
• Venezuela: communications focused on ensuring Canada’s position is clearly articulated while providing up-to-date travel information to Canadians and coordinating with the Lima Group.
• Foreign interference in Canadian politics and elections: the branch is closely engaged in the development of appropriate communications around the issue of potential foreign interference.

Strategic Policy (PFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

Elissa Golberg was named Assistant Deputy Minister for Strategic Policy at Global Affairs Canada in September 2017. She is also the Department’s Champion for Innovation and Experimentation, Head of Performance Management, Chief Results and Delivery Officer, and Chair of the Resource Management Committee. Ms. Golberg has held several senior Canadian government roles, including Assistant Deputy Minister – Partnerships for Development Innovation (2015-2017); Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (Geneva) and to the Conference on Disarmament (2011-2015); Director-General of the Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force (2009-2011), and Representative of Canada in Kandahar, Afghanistan (2008-2009). Ms. Golberg holds a Master’s degree in International Relations. She has been a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and has published on humanitarian, fragile state and public policy related matters. She is a recipient of the NATO ISAF General Service Medal, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the Public Service Award of Excellence, and 3 Minister’s Awards for Foreign Policy Excellence.

Mandate

The branch is the department’s home for “Insight, Hindsight and Foresight”. It supports Global Affairs Canada in understanding the wider Canadian and global context, including trends and constraints which may impact Canada’s global policy and program choices and actions, and contributes to clarifying and designing Canada’s international and regional roles in a rapidly evolving and transformational period. The branch designs, delivers and coordinates strategic policy advice on current and emerging feminist foreign policy, economic diplomacy and international assistance matters, leads the Department’s evaluation, results and delivery, research and foresight functions, and data strategy coordination. It shapes Canadian positions in major global forums like the G7, G20, OECD, and World Economic Forum, and fosters relationships with a diversity of Canadian and international actors, including think tanks and academia, civil society, the private sector, foundations, and other orders of government. The branch coordinates the Medium-Term Planning and Budget processes, acts as secretariat for the Deputy Minister Committees on Global Trends, Foreign Affairs and Defence (GTFAD), supports departmental representation at the Deputy Minister Committees on Economic Trends and Policies (ETP), Innovative Growth and the Department’s Performance Management and Evaluation Committee, and chairs the ADM Policy Group, and ADM International Assistance Committee.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• Ongoing lead on MTP and Transition.
• 2020 Federal Budget Process.
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• Lead implementation of Departmental Data Strategy.
• Draft Trade and Development 2.0 Paper.
• Draft Private Sector Strategy Outline.
• [REDACTED]

Hot issues

• G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting (November 22-23, 2019 in Nagoya, Japan).
• World Economic Forum Davos 2020 Annual Meeting (January 21-24, 2020 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland).
• IDRC-GAC Joint Management Exchange (proposed for November 21, 2019).
• Comprehensive High-Level Midterm Review of Implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries (December 5-6, 2019 in New York).

Global Issues and Development (MFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

Christopher MacLennan is currently the Assistant Deputy Minister for Global Issues and Development. In this role, he leads on Canada’s development assistance efforts through multilateral and global partners, humanitarian assistance and priority thematic policy issues such as the empowerment of women and girls, health and education and green economic growth. Mr. MacLennan also serves as Canada’s G7 foreign affairs sous-Sherpa. He has also served as acting Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Priorities and Planning and ADM of Policy Innovation at the Privy Council Office. Prior to PCO, Mr. MacLennan was Director General for Health and Nutrition at Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD). Mr. MacLennan led the team that organized the Prime Minister’s Saving Every Woman, Every Child Summit on maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) in 2014. This work followed on his previous work for the G8 Muskoka Initiative on MNCH in 2010. Mr. MacLennan holds a Ph.D. from Western University specializing in constitutional development and international human rights and has numerous publications including Toward the Charter: Canadians and the Demand for a National Bill of Rights, 19291960.

Mandate

The branch advances Canadian priorities through thematic policy leadership, managing global investments and delivering specialized knowledge and advice on health, social, economic and environmental issues. The branch also delivers effective, needs-based humanitarian assistance in response to complex emergencies and natural disasters in developing countries. It is also the lead in Canadian engagement with multilateral and global organizations, including the UN, International Financial Institutions, and the Commonwealth and La Francophonie.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• African Development Bank and African Development Bank, [REDACTED].
• Decision required on funding levels for SRHR and gap areas in global health $1.4 billion.
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• Reviewing International Assistance Innovation Program and Sovereign Loan Program investments for year 1.
• Approval for G7 African Guarantee Fund.
• [REDACTED]
• Polio Pledging Event, United Arab Emirates, November 2019.

Hot issues

• Advancing Canada’s UN Security Council bid (2021-2022) in the final stretch before the vote in June 2020
• Monitoring and responding to humanitarian crises, including in Yemen, Libya, Bangladesh/Myanmar, as well as the humanitarian implications of the ongoing Venezuela crisis.

International Security And Political Affairs (IFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister (Political Director)

Daniel J. Costello (B.A. Honours, Political Science, McGill University, 1984; M.A. Philosophy, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 1991; Ph.D. Philosophy, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 1995) taught for several years at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and l'Université François-Rabelais in Tours, France, before returning to Canada to serve as Policy Adviser and Executive Assistant to the Director of Policy and Research in the Office of the Prime Minister (1996-99), Executive Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (1999-2002) and Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (2002-2004). He returned to teaching at the University of Ottawa in the fall of 2004 prior to joining Foreign Affairs Canada in  2005, where he has served as Director General for Intergovernmental Relations and Domestic Outreach (2005-06), Director General for the European Union and Western Europe (2006-08), Ambassador to the Republic of Poland with concurrent responsibility for Belarus (2009-12), Director General for Strategic Policy (2012-13), Assistant Deputy Minister for Europe and the Middle East (2013-15), and Ambassador of Canada to the European Union (2015-19). He began his assignment as Assistant Deputy Minister (Political Director) for International Security and Political Affairs in August 2019.

Mandate

The International Security and Political Affairs Branch (IFM) is responsible for addressing international crises and the security of Canadians through the delivery of strategic policy advice, tailored analysis, and specialized programming. The branch plays a core role in exercising Canada’s leadership in protecting and strengthening the rules-based international order and advancing Canadian values related to human rights, freedoms and inclusion, democracy, peace and stabilization programming, and security cooperation.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• Minister of Foreign Affairs approval for Canada to host 2020 Canada-UK Global Conference for Media Freedom and on follow up actions from July 2019 Conference.
• Need for Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs guidance related to Canada’s United Nations Security Council Campaign (UNSC) term preparations [REDACTED]
• Peace Operations: Decision required by end of 2019, pursuant to 2017 peacekeeping pledges, on a formal offer regarding a Quick Reaction Force to the UN Department of Peace Operations.
• Women, Peace, and Security: Approval of Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security 2018-19 Annual Progress Report. Important to have a completed report ahead of Canada’s Co-Chairmanship with Uruguay of WPS Focal Points Network in 2020- the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
• UNGA 1st Committee on International Security and Disarmament, (7 October 7 to 8 November).
• UNGA 3rd Committee on Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Affairs (1 October to 21 November).
• NATO Foreign Ministers meeting, November 18-19, Brussels.
• NATO Leaders meeting, December 3-4, London.
• OSCE Foreign Ministers Meeting, December 5-6, Bratislava.

Hot issues

• Foreign interference and threats to democracy/election: increased focus of Rapid Response Mechanism to monitor threats of foreign interference in Canadian election (Oct 21) with potentially weekly engagement of DM in Panel of 5.
• [REDACTED] 
• [REDACTED]

Partnerships for Development Innovation (KFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

Caroline Leclerc is a graduate of the University of Ottawa’s École de Droit civil and was admitted to the Quebec Bar Association in 1994. She joined the federal government in 1995, joining the Canadian International Development Agency in 2005, which formed part of Global Affairs as of 2013.

Earlier positions at CIDA/GAC include Director General of Strategic Planning and Head of Development Evaluation, and Director General for Food Security and Environment.

She took on the position of Assistant Deputy Minister of Partnerships for Development Innovation on September 5, 2017.

Mandate

The branch implements multi-sectoral and multi-country programming in developing countries to advance the objectives of the Feminist International Assistance Policy. The branch leverages the best that Canada has offer on the global stage by working principally through Canadian organizations that, through their extensive local partner networks and deep knowledge of local context, can reach and work with the poorest and most vulnerable, complementing the Department’s government to government and multilateral programs. Calls for proposals open to a diverse array of Canadian organizations allow the Branch to select the very best and often innovative initiatives to achieve the department’s policy objectives (e.g.- G7 ‘Dismantling Barriers and Improving the Quality of Education for Women and Girls in Fragile, Conflict and Crisis Situations, the SMO (Development Impact Window - Canadian Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation), and the recently closed Health and Rights call for proposals).

The branch engages Canadians in international development at home and abroad. Flagship initiatives such as the Volunteer Cooperation Program provide unique opportunities for Canadians to contribute to Canada’s international assistance. Other efforts to mobilize Canadians such as International Development Week and partnerships with national, provincial and regional councils of international cooperation increase domestic awareness and understanding of, and commitment to international development issues. KFM is also leading the establishment of the Equality Fund through a $300 million commitment to mobilize unprecedented resources from private philanthropy and other funders in support of women’s organizations and movements in developing countries, and is responsible for GAC’s partnership with Grand Challenges Canada ($165 million) with a view to promote innovative and life-saving solutions to critical health challenges in low and middle-income countries.

Innovation is central to the branch’s mandate which acts as a catalyst for innovation across Global Affairs Canada’s, leading active communities of practice, developing tools, engaging other government departments and international networks, and sharing good practices and knowledge.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• $325M Call for Proposals for the Health and Rights of Women, Adolescent Girls and Children, with deadline for submissions in October 2019. Approval of selected projects are expected to be sought between May and September 2020.
• Assessment of applications submitted to the Call for Concept Notes under the Small and Medium Organization (SMO) initiative. Invitations for full proposals would be issued end of November, early December.
• [REDACTED]
• Renewal of current scholarship program. Approval to be sought between January and May 2020.
• Technical Assistance Program-Expert Deployment Mechanism signature of MoU with Canadian Commercial Corporation to launch an RFP to select an implementing agency to identify experts and manage deployments.

Hot issues

• [REDACTED]

International Business Development, Investment and Innovation (BFM)

Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada

Ailish Campbell was named Chief Trade Commissioner in March 2017. She leads a team of Trade Commissioners in 160 offices that serve Canadian business interests to help firms sell, grow and succeed abroad.

Previously, she was General Director at Finance Canada responsible for the federal budget in innovation and defence policy areas, and Vice President, Policy - International and Fiscal Issues, at the Business Council of Canada where she led CEO engagement in China, Japan and India. She began her career in the federal public service as a trade negotiator in the Doha Round of WTO negotiations.

Ailish holds a Master of Science (Economics) from the London School of Economics and a Doctorate in International Relations from the University of Oxford and is designated as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Ailish and her husband Dan have two children. They enjoy skiing and hiking.

Mandate

Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, through over 160 offices across Canada and around the world helps: Canadian businesses succeed in global markets and access international technology; Canadian municipalities attract Foreign Direct Investment; and Canadian schools attract international students. The Trade Commissioner Service has over 15,000 active Canadian business clients.

The TCS provides core services including:

• Market insights and practical business advice;
• New business opportunities and qualified contacts on the ground;
• Resolution of business problems; and
• Services to high growth companies.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• TCS Annual Report 2019 (October).

Hot issues

• Implementation of the Trade Diversification Strategy (incremental funding of $289.5 million over 5 years/$69.8 million ongoing) with a target of increasing Canada’s overseas exports by 50 percent by 2025.
  • Under the Strategy, the number of Trade Commissioners available to serve exporters is set to increase by 7 percent in overseas markets and by 40 percent in the domestic regional network.
  • Challenges to staff TCS positions and consequently lapsing a portion of funds allocated to the Trade Diversification Strategy.
  • Implementation of Key Account phase two with up to 80 clients on boarded by late 2019.
  • Improved capacity across Canada to support under-represented groups taking full advantage of the opportunities presented by global trade.
  • Launching new Canadian Technology Accelerators (CTAs) in Mexico, London, Berlin and Delhi, helping high-growth technology firms scale up by connecting them with export, investment, and partnership opportunities in global innovation centres.
  • Updating the Trade Commissioner Service’s tools, including a modern web presence and new client relationship management for seamless client referrals between federal and provincial partners.
  • Close collaboration with AAFC on canola export diversification.
• The first Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) was appointed on April 8, 2019.
• Dicennial Legislative Review of Export Development Canada underway and plans to undertake a comprehensive review of the Canadian Commercial Corporation have been announced.
• Implementation of the International Education Strategy ($34 million over 5 years and $6 million ongoing to the department) announced in Budget 2019 with a focus on diversification, digital marketing and implementation of new scholarships.
• Outreach and training workshops for SMEs on Canada’s FTAs – to date over 4,000 participants have been reached.
• Implementation of new rules to expand the accessibility of CanExport SMEs funding program launched August 2019.
• Use of Climate Finance mechanisms to assist Canadian cleantech and infrastructure companies in developing countries.

Trade Policy and Negotiations (TFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

Steve Verheul became Assistant Deputy Minister of the Trade Policy and Negotiations Branch at Global Affairs Canada in mid-2017. In addition to this role, Mr. Verheul has been Canada’s Chief Negotiator for the CUSMA negotiations. Prior to that, Mr. Verheul was appointed as Canada’s Chief Negotiator for negotiations between Canada and the European Union from 2009-2016. He worked in international trade policy at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada from 1989 to 2009, where he worked on the NAFTA negotiations and the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations that led to the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Associate Assistant Deputy Minister

Bruce Christie serves as Canada’s Chief Negotiator for the CPTPP and the Canada-Mercosur FTA. Prior to that, he has held a number of senior positions in Ottawa and abroad, including as Chief Air Negotiator and Director-General of the Intellectual Property, Investment and Services Trade Policy Bureau from 2014 to 2017. Previously he was Minister and Deputy Permanent Representative to the WTO at the Permanent Mission of Canada in Geneva from 2009 to 2014, during which he served as the Chairman of the WTO Committee on Government Procurement.

Mandate

The branch is responsible for the development and implementation of Canadian trade policy, including managing all international trade, investment and air transportation rights negotiations; issue management related to international trade policy; litigation and dispute settlement; and the administration of import and export controls under the Export and Import Permits Act.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• Implementation of Bill C-47 and associated regulations to accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
• WTO consultations concerning China’s restrictive measures on Canadian canola exports.
• Round 8 Canada-Mercosur FTA negotiations.
• Advance Canada-Pacific Alliance Negotiations.

Hot issues

• Ratification of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
• Canada-United Kingdom Trade Dialogue.
• Suspension of Canola Seed Exports to China.
• Australia wine WTO dispute.
• WTO ReformReview of export permits to Saudi Arabia.

Consular, Security and Emergency Management (CFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister (Chief Security Officer)

Heather Jeffrey was appointed as Canada’s Assistant Deputy Minister for Consular, Security and Emergency Management in August 2017. Prior to this assignment, she served as Director General for International Humanitarian Assistance from 2015 to 2017 and as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2015.

Heather joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1996. Since that time, she has served at a variety of positions in Ottawa and abroad, including in the areas of multilateral development policy, international disarmament, and human security, as well as at the Canadian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and at the Canadian Embassy in Mexico. She has also served in the Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat of the Privy Council Office and as an exchange officer within the Mexican Foreign Ministry.

Heather has a MA in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School at Carleton University, a Graduate Diploma in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University (Bologna) and a BA (Honours) in Political Science from Carleton University.

Mandate

The branch is responsible for:

• Leadership of global consular operations directly serving Canadians travelling or living abroad, including the standards and policy framework governing these operations;
• Delivery of passport services abroad, the provision of travel advice and the promotion of safe travel practices among Canadians;
• Integrated management of all departmental security activities required to protect Canadian employees, missions and assets abroad and in Ottawa (including training, physical and operational security);
• Emergency preparedness and coordination of crisis response to international incidents affecting Canadians and Canadian interests abroad, including management of the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre (EWRC).

Financial and human resources^*

Hot issues

• Syria/Extremist Travellers: DM discussion of changing context around Canadian Extremist Travelers (and family members) currently detained in Kurdish-held areas of Syria or in ISIL or regime-controlled territory, some of whom are requesting consular services. Intensive ongoing whole of government collaboration is underway on this file.
• China Consular Cases: Monitoring, response and advocacy to provide consular services and family liaison, to counter the arbitrary treatment of Canadians in China and to provide accurate and timely travel advice as part of whole of government response to Chinese actions following the Meng case.
• Cuba Health Incidents: The branch chairs an interdepartmental task force on Health Incidents that is responding to events in Cuba where 15 GAC staff and family members have so far been confirmed to be affected [REDACTED]. This whole of government approach includes liaison with RCMP investigation, a research agreement with Dalhousie University and relations with the [REDACTED] regarding Canada’s diplomatic footprint, the next steps for the MoA with Dalhousie, advice from Health Canada and the International Health Advisory Team (IHAT) on new medical testing [REDACTED] and GAC’s response to an ongoing lawsuit by affected staff are all ongoing areas of work.
• Implementation of Duty of Care investments and OAG Physical Security Audit: The significant influx of Duty of Care investments is being managed jointly across 4 branches of GAC through a dedicated governance structure. [REDACTED]. An action plan has since been put in place and has resulted in significant progress on some elements, in particular in staffing. For others, ongoing monthly monitoring at the ADM governance level has been implemented to track progress and escalate any issues that arise that may jeopardize implementation.
• New Consular Strategy and OAG Audit Implementation: A comprehensive review of consular services has been undertaken in response to a 2018 OAG audit of consular services and a report of the Standing Committee of the House of Commons, including ongoing stakeholder consultations.
• Implementation of the management action plan includes revised service standards (effective Apr. 1 2019) and the recent launch of a modernized consular strategy in July.
• Changes to Passport Program Abroad:  Intensive collaboration with IRCC on the administration and modernization of the passport program abroad, including a return to service standards following spike in demand caused by implementation of electronic travel authorizations, as well as a joint project for the international deployment of a new passport issuance system in 2020-21.
• “Going Digital” IT Project for a new Consular Case and Emergency Management System (CCEM): A $9.2M IT project is underway to develop and deploy by 2021 a new consular case management system to support consular services, registration of Canadians abroad, crisis management and improved program management. [REDACTED].
• Emergency Management: Ongoing tracking and coordination of response and reporting through the EWRC on: (1) Ebola Outbreak in DRC; (2) Situation in Hong Kong, and (3) the 2019 Atlantic/Caribbean hurricane season.

Legal Affairs (JFM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

Alan Kessel assumed his responsibilities as ADM Legal Affairs and Legal Adviser in September 2017. Prior to this appointment Mr. Kessel was Deputy High Commissioner in London between September 2013 and August 2017.

Mr. Kessel has held numerous positions in the Legal Branch, including that of the Legal Adviser (2005–2013); as Deputy Legal Adviser and Director General of the Bureau of Legal Affairs (2004–2005); as Director of the United Nations, Criminal and Treaty Law Division.

His postings abroad have included the Canadian Embassy in Sweden (1985–1987), the Canadian Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland (1990–1994) and the Canadian High Commission in London, U.K. (2000–2004, 2013-2017).

Mr. Kessel received his bachelor of Arts degree in 1976 from the University of Waterloo and his law degree in 1979 from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1981. After several years in private practice in Toronto, he joined the Department in 1983.

Mandate

The branch is the Government of Canada’s principal source of advice on public international law.

The branch supports the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Trade in their statutory duties to foster the development of international law and its application in Canada’s external relations - a key element of a rules-based international order - as well as to pursue bilateral and multilateral negotiations. 

The branch’s lawyers manage and develop policy and advice on international legal issues, advocate on behalf of Canada in international litigation and provide operational services such as negotiating and interpreting international agreements.

The branch’s two areas of expertise are international trade law and public international law. International trade law includes areas such as market access and trade remedies law, investment and services law, and softwood lumber litigation.  Public international law includes areas such as international peace and security, state sovereignty and extraterritoriality, consular and diplomatic law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, economic law, international treaty law, international criminal law, international environmental law as well as oceans and airspace law.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• [REDACTED]
• Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) negotiations are ongoing, with the next round due to take place in March 2020.
• Tabling of Canada’s Annual Report to Parliament under the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA) (which references the SNC-Lavalin file).
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Hot issues

• OECD Working Group on Bribery, responsible for monitoring the implementation and enforcement of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, issued a public statement of concern regarding the SNC-Lavalin matter in March 2019. As requested by the Working Group, Canada provided an update on this matter in June 2019. The Working Group expects Canada to continue to provide updates at future meetings, including in October and December 2019.
• The two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, have been in custody since December 10, 2018. [REDACTED] of his residual immunities (in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations) which provides for functional immunities that continue to protect those activities, even after the diplomatic assignment has ended.
• Reform of current UN models for investor-state dispute settlement (JLT lawyer is the elected chair of the Working Group at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law responsible for developing reforms).
• WTO - Ensuring the continuation of a rules-based international trading order by engaging with a group of like-minded WTO members (the “Ottawa group”) to address the current concerns with the dispute settlement system and to find alternative approaches in the event that the current stalemate with appointments to the WTO Appellate Body persists.

Sub-Saharan Africa (WGM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

Isabelle Bérard is the Assistant Deputy Minister for Sub-Saharan Africa Branch as of September 30th, 2019. Previously she served as Assistant Deputy Minister, International Affairs Branch at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Isabelle has more than 30 years of experience in international relations. Before joining ECCC, she worked at Global Affairs and the Canadian International Development Agency. She had the opportunity to work in several countries in Africa, as well as in Pakistan, the Middle East and Haiti and has dealt with a large range of issues including natural resources, refugees and gender equality.

Isabelle has a Bachelor Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Québec in Montréal and a Graduate Degree in International Development and Cooperation from the University of Ottawa. She also completed a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership and Governance at the University of Ottawa.

Mandate

The branch advances Canada’s priorities in the 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The branch consists of three bureaus - the Southern and Eastern Africa Bureau (WED), the Western and Central Africa Bureau (WWD) and the Pan-Africa Affairs Bureau (WFD) - as well as 16 missions and 5 offices in the field, in 19 countries. Within the Government of Canada, the branch acts as the main vector to advance, support and coordinate Canada’s foreign policy objectives in Sub-Saharan Africa which include: promoting human rights and inclusive governance; supporting poverty reduction efforts that reach the poorest and most vulnerable and building healthy and empowered people and communities; investing in inclusive and green economic growth and supporting a diversified trade agenda that benefits Canadians and Africans; and, contributing to peace and security, with a focus on fragile and conflict affected states. The branch manages political, trade and development relationships with Sub-Saharan African countries and regional institutions including the African Union and the African Development Bank, and leads on relevant issues in multilateral fora, including the UN and the G7. The branch is responsible for international assistance totaling approximately $620M/year including Canada's programming, policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement activities. The branch also provides consular services to Canadian citizens abroad, manages an active advocacy and diplomacy program, as well as a trade program that delivers commercial services and advice to Canadian businesses and supports their pursuit of international business opportunities.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• [REDACTED]
• Decision on proposed travel to Africa: 1 to 2 visits to Africa are recommended for MINE in 2019-2020. An early decision on locations and timelines should be taken to allow for outreach to priority countries. Recommended destinations include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Ethiopia* (if PM/MINA not available).
• Decision on the date for the next Canada-South Africa Bilateral Consultations to be hosted by South Africa (usually at deputy minister-level (Chaired by USS)).

Hot issues

• DRC – Ebola crisis.
• Sudan –Governance transition following fall of 30-year dictatorship and signature of a Transitional Constitutional Arrangement for the next 36 months.
• [REDACTED]
• Burkina Faso – Deteriorating security situation and kidnapping case.
• Tanzania – Burundian refugees – mass repatriation planned by Tanzania and Burundi scheduled to begin early October 2019.

Europe, Arctic, Middle East and Maghreb (EGM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

Peter MacDougall assumed his responsibilities as ADM Europe, Arctic and Maghreb (EGM) in July 2019.  Prior to this,          Mr. MacDougall was Ambassador of Canada to Jordan from 2016 to 2019. He was the assistant secretary to the Cabinet for Foreign and Defence Policy from January 2015 to August 2016.

Mr. MacDougall has a bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of British Columbia (1988); a bachelor of social work from the University of Victoria (1992); a master of social work from McGill University (1998); a master of arts in international relations from Université Paris 1, Panthéon-Sorbonne (2014); and Diploma, École nationale d’administration, Strasbourg (2014).

Mr. MacDougall worked in the non-profit sector prior to joining Health Canada in 2000.  He became director of HRSDC’s Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative in 2004. In 2006, he became director of Intergovernmental and Stakeholder Relations at CIC, and subsequently, DG, Admissibility Policy, and DG, Refugee Affairs, before joining the Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat at the Privy Council Office in 2011 as director of operations.

Mandate

From London, Moscow and the Arctic region to Baghdad and Rabat, the branch’s four bureaus and 54 missions abroad cover a large and diverse portfolio of 74 countries, supporting bilateral engagement and regional initiatives that range from Canada’s closest allies to the most dangerous environments [REDACTED]. There is a high degree of political attention in the branch’s region that is by amplified by a significant number of high-level meetings and visits. The branch manages a number of politically complex issues, running the gamut from Brexit to Daesh. EGM advances Canada’s development assistance priorities such as poverty alleviation, women’s economic empowerment and support to democracy and human rights via a significant portfolio of bilateral development programming including the $3.5 billion Middle East Strategy. EGM maximizes international trade opportunities throughout the region including via five Free Trade Agreements (Israel, Jordan, Ukraine, Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The branch also supports relevant branches and our missions in providing timely consular services for Canadians as well as advocacy on non-consular cases (ex: permanent residents). Our work in each stream is underpinned by the Feminist Foreign Policy agenda.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• ELECTIONS: Poland Parliamentary (Oct 13); Swiss Federal Assembly (Oct 20); Romania Presidential (Nov 10); Belarus Parliamentary (Nov 17); Algeria Presidential (Dec 12); Swiss Federal Council (Dec 11); Uzbekistan Parliamentary (Dec 22).
• September 30: Deadline to appeal Federal Court decision on settlement wine labelling.
• October 31: Official Brexit.

Hot issues

Europe/Eurasia

• UK/Brexit.
• Ukraine: New president focused on reforms; political transition increases chance for conflict resolution.
• Turkey: [REDACTED]
• Russia: Ongoing aggression and malign influence.

Middle East/Maghreb

• White Helmets resettlement.
• Yemen: Potential informal consultations in the UN-led peace process.
• Saudi Arabia: Ongoing bilateral dispute including commercial repercussions and ongoing human rights concerns.
• Saudi Arabia/Iran/US: Growing tensions on the Gulf region and risk of further escalation.
• Iran: Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA); increasingly aggressive acts in the region.
• Iran-USA: Increasing tensions and risk of further escalation in the region. USA calling allies to help with safeguarding shipping in the Persian Gulf, as well as to participate in Warsaw Process.
• Syria: Regional dynamics.
• Israel: [REDACTED], voting on UN resolutions, elections, Middle East peace issues.
• West Bank/Gaza: Deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, UNRWA misconduct allegations.
• Egypt: Consular cases.
• Libya: Increasing instability.
• Algeria: Political transition.
• Tunisia: Elections.

Americas (NGM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

Michael Grant is ADM for the Americas at Global Affairs Canada. A diplomat since 1994, Michael has served in Serbia, Turkey (with responsibility for Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan), Argentina, Mexico, Libya as Ambassador, and most recently as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

In Ottawa, Michael has served in various positions covering the Middle East, G7 and international security at Global Affairs Canada, the Privy Council Office and as Director General for International Security Policy at the Department of National Defence.  Michael is originally from Saint John, New Brunswick, and is a Graduate of Concordia University (BAdmin, 1992).

He began his professional life as a Canadian Sales Representative for Allied Mineral products from Columbus, Ohio. An avid hockey player, average golfer and aspiring yogi, Michael spends his spare time pretending he is a 1970s rocker with his kids.

Mandate

The branch advances Canada’s priorities in the 39 countries across North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The branch consists of five bureaux and 48 missions.

The branch promotes Canada’s interests and values in the region and across our mission network through policy development, trade promotion, diplomacy, advocacy, and effective engagement.

The branch also supports the Department’s 2019-20 priorities of strengthening the rules-based international order, implementing a feminist approach, pursuing more diversified, modern and inclusive trade and investments in the region, and strengthening Canada’s place in North America. Our international assistance contributes to poverty reduction, fostering peace and security, and in so doing, advances the Sustainable Development Goals. Through our Geo Coordination and Mission Support function at Headquarters, we champion innovation and coordinate missions and geographic branches to advance Government of Canada priorities.

Through our mission network, the branch further provides timely and appropriate consular services for Canadians abroad. In all our offices, the branch aims to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees.

In North America (United States and Mexico), Canada continues to promote its interests with its first and third-largest trading partners, respectively. With the change of administration in Mexico, and continued challenges in the U.S.-Canada relationship, efforts to underline the importance of Canada to decision-makers in and outside the capitals will remain a priority.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, Canadian leadership is sought. Our convening power is evidenced though engagement in the Lima Group (Group of friends of Venezuela), the Organization of American States and other multilateral fora. The branch is working to develop long term vision for Canada in the region across all three business lines.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• Oct 10 – Cuban Parliament will elect new President of the Republic of Cuba in an extraordinary session.
• Oct 11 – USS visit to WSHDC.
• Oct 18-20 – World Bank/IMF Fall Meeting in Washington, D.C..
• Oct 20 – Bolivia Presidential Elections.
• Oct 27 – Argentina Presidential Elections.
• Oct 27 – Uruguay Presidential Elections.
• Oct 28-29 – International Solidarity Conference on the Venezuelan Refugee and Migrant Crisis in Brussels.
• Oct 31-Nov 4 – ASEAN Summit, Bangkok, Thailand (possible MINA bilat with U.S. Sec. Pompeo)
• Early November – Lima Group meeting.
• Nov 1 – Presentation of credentials ceremony for Orlando Viera Blanco (OVB), appointed representative to Canada of Juan Guaidó, Interim President of Venezuela.
• Nov 6 – 2019 Caribbean Forum in Barbados on Regional Transformation (International Monetary Fund, Caribbean Development Bank, and the Government of Barbados.
• Nov 6-7 – DMX to World Trade Symposium in New York (TBC).
• Nov 12-14 – Tri-national Agricultural Accord meeting, Winnipeg, MB.
• Nov 13-14 – BRICS Summit—Brasilia, Brazil.
• Nov 13-17 – APEC Ministerial and Leader Meetings, Santiago Chile.
• Nov 20 – NATO foreign ministers meeting (MINA) in Belgium.
• Dec 3-4 – NATO Leaders Summit, London, PM participation, possible bilat with POTUS.
• Dec 9-12 – COP 25- Santiago, Chile.
• Dec 10 – Argentina Presidential Inauguration.
• Dec 18 – Regular Meeting of Heads of State and Government of SICA, San Salvador.
• Fall: Appointment of Canadian Ambassador to the U.S..
• Fall: Accreditation of new U.S. Ambassador to Canada.
• Jan 2020 – Bolivia Presidential inauguration.

Hot issues

• U.S. Relations (e.g. CUSMA, Buy America(n), China, prescription drugs, opioids, critical minerals, Helms Burton Act, Iran, Korea, etc.).
• Venezuela Crisis.
• Nicaragua (sanctions and posture, including at OAS; future of suspended development projects).
• Cuba (health incidents and Helms Burton Act).
• Haiti (political crisis).
• Migration & Borders in the Americas (e.g. flows related to the Venezuela crisis and movements from Central America through Mexico towards the U.S.; and the Mexico Visa Exemption, Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement renegotiation).
• OAS Secretary General election (anticipated in the Spring of 2020).

Asia-Pacific (OGM)

Assistant Deputy Minister

Mr. Paul Thoppil was appointed as Assistant Deputy Minister, Asia Pacific in January 2019. Prior to his appointment he was the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). From 2009 to 2014 Mr. Thoppil was the Commercial Minister at the Canadian Embassy to Japan in Tokyo. Between joining Global Affairs Canada in 2004 and his posting in Japan in Japan in 2009, Mr. Thoppil was Director General at Global Affairs for Innovation and Partnerships, Corporate Finance, Corporate Planning, and Global Business and Opportunities. He has also previously worked as CFO and V.P. of Risk and Financial Services for the Canadian Commercial Corporation as well as the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Department of Finance.

Mr. Thoppil is married to Naina Thoppil and has two children. He obtained degree from the University of Ottawa and is a Charted Professional Accountant.

Mandate

The branch is focussed on leveraging Canadian interests in the most economically dynamic region in the world – a region that has tremendous potential for Canada. The Asia Pacific region is home to emerging super powers such as China; emerging powers, such as India, home to 1.3 billion people. Many other Asian countries are going through rapid transitions in economic development. The branch promotes Canada’s interests and values through policy development, diplomacy, and advocacy; and in so doing, it is strengthening the rules-based international order and implementing a feminist approach. The branch also supports increased and more diverse trade and investment in the region, with an emphasis in 2019-20 on pursuing more diversified, modern and progressive trade. Our international assistance contributes to poverty reduction, fostering peace and security, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Through our mission network, the branch further provides timely and appropriate consular services for Canadians abroad. In all our offices, the branch aims to foster a diverse, inclusive working environment, for all employees.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• ASEAN Leaders’ Summit – It is anticipated that the PM will participate in the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit on October 31-November 4, 2019, in Bangkok, Thailand.
• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) – The PM, MINA, and MINE are invited to Santiago, Chile, to participate in the annual APEC Ministerial Meeting (November 13-14) and the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (November 16-17).

Hot issues

• Afghanistan: The September 28 Presidential election is likely to be contested and could go to a second round, with results unlikely before December. Peace talks with the Taliban could resume (between either US-Taliban or intra-Afghan talks, or both). Increased violence is likely under either scenario or if the talks fail, stall or fail to start. [REDACTED]
• Rohingya Crisis: Canada remains deeply concerned by the ongoing violence in Myanmar that has led more than 740,000 Rohingya, mostly women and children, to flee to Bangladesh since August 2017. On May 23, 2018, Canada announced a comprehensive Strategy to Respond to the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh which includes $300 million over three years to address the humanitarian crisis; encouraging positive political developments in Myanmar; ensuring accountability; and enhancing international cooperation.
• Pacific Islands: Engaging with Pacific Islands should remain as top priority item in coming months due to climate action [REDACTED].Last year, the PM announced $20 M in new funding for increased technical assistance and capacity development in Small Island Developing States. He also announced $10 million to the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience.

Legal Services Unit (JUS)

Senior General Counsel, Department of Justice

Daniel Roussy, LL-L, LL-B Appointed Senior General Counsel at Global Affairs Canada Legal Services Unit (JUS) since September 2017, Daniel is a member of the Barreau du Québec (1993) and the Law Society of Ontario (1995). He holds a licence in civil and common law from the National Program at the University of Ottawa. He previously held the position of General Counsel at the CRTC and worked with the LSUs of ESDC, CSIS and DFO.

Mandate

The unit comprises 26 Department of Justice lawyers and advises Global Affairs Canada on all legal aspects of its operations – except on public international law and military law – to the extent it forms part of Global Affairs Canada’s area of responsibility. The branch is nested in a vast nationwide network of Justice Canada lawyers and paralegals, benefitting from recognized experts in a plethora of specialties, which makes the Department of Justice Canada’s largest law firm. It provides the following services: (i) legal advice on issues of Canadian law, including Crown law, labour and employment law, consular affairs, national security, intellectual property, access to information and privacy; (ii) legal advice on commercial law (transfer payments, public procurement, construction law, etc.); (iii) legal advice on real property law (leases, acquisition and disposition of property, etc.); (iv) legal advice on the negotiation, drafting, and interpretation of legal instruments, whether binding or non-binding; (v) litigation support; and (vi) drafting of legal instruments, domestic or commercial.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Hot issues

• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Office of the Chief Audit Executive (VBD)

Chief Audit Executive

Raymond Kunze joined Global Affairs Canada in October 2019. He has significant experience, spanning over 20 years, working in the public sector in various management positions. Most recently he was Director General, Immigration Program Guidance at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  Prior to that, Raymond was the Chief Audit Executive at IRCC for several years and the Chief Audit and Evaluation Executive at Infrastructure Canada.

The first part of Raymond’s public sector career was spent at the Office of the Auditor General working in both Ottawa and the Winnipeg Regional Office.  During that time he held various positions, the latest was as Director of Performance Audit for the International/Public Safety team.

Raymond holds a Bachelors in Economics and a Masters in Natural Resources Management. He is a Certified Internal Auditor and a Certified Government Audit Professional.

Mandate

The Office of the Chief Audit Executive (OCAE) conducts internal audits and advisory engagements on all programs and functions within Global Affairs Canada.

The internal audit function helps the department achieve its mandate by bringing an independent, systematic and disciplined approach to assess the effectiveness of governance operations, risk management practices and internal controls. The audits are planned using risk-based methodology which is undertaken every two years. In the offsetting year, the risk-based audit plan is refreshed to capture any new or emerging risks.

Audit reports are tabled before the Departmental Audit Committee (DAC), chaired by Stephen Wallace, BA and supported by Laurie Edwards, CPA; Andree Lafortune, CPA and Kim Scott, MA. The DAC membership was just recently renewed.

The OCAE conducts follow-up activity on all internal and external audit recommendations to ensure timely implementation to properly address risk areas identified by the audits. The follow-up status report on audit recommendations is also routinely tabled at the DAC.

The OCAE acts as the liaison with external assurance providers such as the Office of the Auditor General and the Public Service Commission.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• There is an upcoming Departmental Audit Committee meeting scheduled for December 11-12, 2019. OCAE will be tabling eight audits. We will also be tabling for information a consulting engagement on the GAC Renovation Project Management.

Hot issues

• There are 109 outstanding audit recommendations (83 internal and 26 external).
• Two upcoming mission audits - Abidjan and Haiti.  The Haiti audit will be important follow-up audit given the previous management issues.

Inspection, Integrity and Values & Ethics Bureau (ZID)

Inspector General (Director General)

Tamara Guttman, Inspector General since September 2016.

Tamara is a career diplomat, who joined the foreign service in 1990. She served as Ambassador of Canada to Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia from 2010 to 2013, and from 2013 to 2016 as Director General of the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs). She has also served abroad at Canada’s missions in Rome, Copenhagen, Seoul and Budapest, and was speechwriter and foreign policy advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada 2001-2003.

She has a BA from Carleton University (1989).

Deputy Inspector General/Director of Inspections: Pierre Giroux (ZIV)

Director, Special Investigations Unit: Jerome Bernier (ZIU)

Director, Values & Ethics and Workplace Well-being:  position will be re-staffed in October (ZIB)

Mandate

The Inspector General (IG) is responsible for the inspection of Canada’s missions abroad; values and ethics guidance and compliance (including harassment, conflict of interest and PSDPA wrong-doing disclosures*); fraud risk management; mental health and employee assistance services; and all investigations related to V&E matters and fraud. The IG also provides support and guidance to Heads of Mission and undertakes different forms of outreach and intervention across the mission network. The office, which comprises 3 divisions, operates with autonomy from other departmental structures, to reinforce its neutrality, confidentiality and objectivity; the IG reports directly to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, while, separately, the Director for Values & Ethics also has direct delegated authority from the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs on wrongdoing disclosures and harassment. ^* Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs will receive various reports on investigations under the PSDPA authority, and periodic updates on other investigations
• The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs may receive communication from the three federal Commissioners for Public Sector Integrity, Ethics, and Lobbying on current investigations involving GAC activities or personnel
• The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs approved GAC’s annual submission actions under the Public Servant Disclosure Protection Act, which will be published after the election.
• USS will receive a Fraud Risk Assessment report later in 2019.
• USS will receive email summaries of mission inspection reports, and later will receive memos with the formal, completed mission inspection reports for review and acknowledgement (reports are approved by the IG); in 2019-20, inspections include WSHDC (June 2019); MIAMI and ATNTA (fall 2019); LSBON and ASTNA (December); BMAKO and DAKAR (Feb/Mar).
• Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs will receive the IG’s annual ‘Trends and Issues’ report on observations and findings across the Global Affairs Canada network, expected in the fall.

Hot issues

• EXCO discussed mental health and harassment issues in Global Affairs Canada in March; the branch will lead follow-up on these (updated strategies, program and capacity questions).
• The branch plays an active role in preparing Heads of Missions and other staff for postings abroad, including diverse training activities, and guidance on best practices, risks and accountabilities.
• ZID and HCM will coordinate Global Affairs Canada implementation of Bill C-65, which amends the Canada Labour Code on harassment and workplace violence.
• The IG will contact Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs as required to brief and seek guidance on issues of concern, such as serious cases or matters involving senior personnel.

Corporate Secreteriat (DCD)

Director General And Corporate Secretary

Jennifer MacIntyre holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University (1997) and a Masters in Public Administration from Queen’s University (2008). Jennifer served as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister responsible for international visits and summits before joining the former Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003. She was Deputy Director with the Global Partnership Program, responsible for Canada’s nuclear security programming in the Russian Federation, until 2006, when she was posted to Washington, D.C., as Counsellor (Intergovernmental Affairs) and Executive Assistant to the Ambassador to the United States. In 2011, she returned to Ottawa as the Director of the Europe and Eurasia Bureau’s Bilateral Relations and Operations Division. In 2013, she was appointed Ambassador to the Swiss Federal Council with concurrent accreditation to the Principality of Liechtenstein. In 2017, she was appointed Ambassador of Canada for Climate Change. She was named Director General and Corporate Secretary in 2018. She is the departmental concierge for the upcoming transition in October/November 2019.

Mandate

The Corporate Secretariat coordinates advice and provides services to ministers and deputy ministers related to Cabinet and parliamentary affairs, correspondence, and executive briefing. It is also responsible for departmental performance and compliance related to obligations under the Access to Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Canada Evidence Act, and the Statutory Instruments Act (i.e., regulations making). The Corporate Secretariat provides strategic advice and support for the department’s corporate governance committees, particularly the Executive Committee, and acts as a focal point for the department’s work to advance open and transparent government. Its Ministerial Liaison Unit plays a unique role in its direct administrative support to ministers’ and deputy ministers’ offices. The Corporate Secretariat’s primary clients are ministers and deputy ministers, however, in all areas of its mandate (e.g., Cabinet affairs, executive briefing, ATIP, etc.), it also provides advice and support to clients in divisions across the department, including training on processes, strategies and legal obligations.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• Coordination of concierge functions related to any transition of government.
• Implementation of new corporate governance committee structure.
• Advancing the renewed Executive Committee forward agenda.

Hot issues

• Concierge support to ministers and ministers’ offices at transition.  
• Coordination of Caretaker Convention advice in partnership with Strategic Policy and Communications branches.
• Operational support to Strategic Policy Branch (PFM) in the preparation of transition briefing material.
• Compliance with new proactive disclosure requirements under the amended Access to Information Act.
• Departmental consultations to advance initiatives to improve the quality of briefing products.

Office of Protocol (XDD)

Director General Chief of Protocol

Stewart Wheeler became Chief of Protocol of Canada in January 2019. Prior to that he served as ADM of International Relations/Chief of Protocol in Ontario’s Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs (2016-18). Stewart has over 20 years experience in the Foreign Service, with postings in Washington, London, Bogota, Kabul and as Ambassador of Canada to Iceland (2012-16). He also served as Press Secretary to Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

In overseas assignments, Stewart has covered policy areas including, U.S. congressional relations, trade promotion, Arctic foreign policy, energy trade policy, human rights, peace processes, post-conflict reconstruction, and public affairs. In Ottawa, he has worked in parliamentary and Cabinet relations, media relations, Mexico Relations, corporate and internal communications.

Stewart studied international relations at Trent University and the Universidad de Granada in Spain. He received the Minister’s Award for Foreign Policy Excellence in 1999, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, and the Operational Service Medal – South-West Asia Ribbon, for his civilian service in Afghanistan (2010-2011).

Mandate

The Office of Protocol advances Canada’s bilateral relations and foreign policy objectives in partnership with geographic branches and PCO, and facilitates the presence and work of the foreign diplomatic community in Canada, by:

• Coordinating visits to Canada by foreign Heads of State, Heads of Government, Ministers of Foreign Affairs/Trade/Development, Heads of International Organizations and guests of the government (i.e., the Governor General, Prime Minister or Portfolio Ministers); and managing the official travel abroad by the Governor General, Prime Minister, Portfolio Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.
• Managing/coordinating official events (in Canada and abroad) hosted by the Prime Minister, Portfolio Ministers, and senior officials from Global Affairs Canada and other federal departments.
• Managing the National Airport Courtesies Program, which provides airport courtesy clearances for foreign dignitaries visiting Canada and the Canada Reception Centre (Terminal Lounge/Hangar 11, Ottawa Airport).
• Managing practical compliance with the Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act (and related Orders in Council and frameworks) and develops, administers and monitors policies and programs for facilitating the establishment of foreign diplomatic and consular, international organizations, and the presence of their representatives in Canada.
• Providing services related to the agrément and accreditation of foreign representatives, the issuance of visas and appropriate credentials, diplomatic security and protection, privileges and immunities, and outreach and ceremonial programs for foreign Heads of Mission (HoMs).

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• Canadian representation (by Chief Justice of Canada) at the Enthronement of the Japanese Emperor (Tokyo, October 22).
• Visit of the Governor General to Estonia and Lithuania (November 24-28).
• (TBC) Prime Minister to ASEAN Summit (Bangkok, November 2-4).
• Prime Minister to APEC Summit (Santiago, November 16-17).
• Prime Minister to NATO Leaders Meeting (London/Watford, December 3-4).

Hot issues

• N/A

International Assistance Operations (DPD)

Director General

Edmond D. Wega began his public service career at Transport Canada in 2001. He subsequently worked with the Department of Finance Canada, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the Privy Council Office. He joined the Canadian International Development Agency in 2003, working on Canada’s assistance to Central and Eastern Europe. In the following years, he held various managerial positions, including Director of the Canada Fund for Africa Secretariat, responsible for the delivery of Canada’s G8 commitment in support of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.

He subsequently served abroad, in Addis Ababa (2008-2012) and in Maputo (2012-2015) as Head of Aid and Senior Director responsible for Canada’s development programs in Ethiopia and Mozambique. At Global Affairs Canada, Mr. Wega led the Pan Africa Development Program as Senior Director (2015-2016) before serving as Director General of the Eastern and Southern Africa Bureau. Most recently, Mr. Wega served as Ambassador of Canada to Burkina Faso and Benin.

Mandate

The International Assistance Operations Bureau (the Bureau) was created in 2017 to provide centralized guidance and coordination for all branches responsible for international assistance programs. The bureau reports directly to the Deputy Minister for International Development on behalf of Global Affairs Canada Deputy Ministers responsible for international assistance.

Financial and human resources^*

90-day horizon – Milestones & decision points

• Explore a new budget review process for non-repayable, international development contribution agreements that will speed up negotiations;
• Re-engage partner organizations through the Task Force on Increasing Effectiveness (TaFIE) to continue identifying mutual, concrete actions to streamline processes and mechanisms; and
• Building on previous TaFIE recommendations, continue to develop and pilot a light process for low dollar value/low complexity projects.
• Following the completion of the Annual Reporting Exercise for International Assistance Programming, DPD will require guidance from oDME/oMINE on public communication of the 2018-2019 FIAP Key Performance Indicator results.

Corporate Governance Committee Structure

Departmental Audit Committee

Chair: External (Stephen Wallace)

Performance Measurement and Evaluation Committee

Chair: Marta Morgan (USS)

Vice-Chair: Deputy Minister of International Development (DME)

Executive Committee

Chair: Marta Morgan (USS)

Vice-Chairs: Deputy Minister of International Development (DME), John Hannaford (DMT), and Vincent Rigby (DMA)

Security Committee

Chair: Dan Costello (IFM)

Vice-Chair: Michael Grant (NGM)

Advisors: Heather Jeffrey (CFM) / Reid Sirrs (CSD/CSO)

Ex-Officio Member: Jennifer MacIntyre (DCD)

Corporate Management Committee

Chair: Heather Jeffrey (CFM)

Vice-Chair: Peter MacDougall (EGM)

Advisors: Francis Trudel (HCM) and Arun Thangaraj (SCM) / Kristina Casey (SID/CIO)

Ex-Officio Members: Jennifer MacIntyre (DCD) and Tamara Guttman (ZID)

Financial & Operations Managment Committee

Chair: Elissa Golberg (PFM)

Vice-Chair: Christopher MacLennan (MFM)

Advisor: Arun Thangaraj (SCM)

Ex-Officio Members: Jennifer MacIntyre (DCD) and Raymond Kunze, Chief Audit Executive (VBD)

Policy and Programs Committee

Chair: Ailish Campbell (BFM)

Vice-Chair: Caroline Leclerc (KFM)

Advisor: Elissa Golberg (PFM)

Ex-Officio Members: Jennifer MacIntyre (DCD) and Edmond Wega (DPD)

Current Departmental Business

International Horizon Issues

North America

Relations with U.S.

• CUSMA ratification (timelines TBD)
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Mexico

• [REDACTED]
• Central American migration

Europe

Regional

• [REDACTED] of Middle East and African migration
• Developments [REDACTED]

EU/United Kingdom

• Brexit negotiations [REDACTED]
• CETA ratification by all EU member states
• Follow-up from 17th Canada-EU Summit (June 2019)

Ukraine

• Military training mission (Op UNIFIER) and other security cooperation
• Ongoing political reforms

Russia

• Crimea and Eastern Ukraine
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Romania

• [REDACTED]

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Migration flows and impact [REDACTED]
• Venezuela: ongoing political crisis, LIMA group engagement/leadership
• Caribbean: managing hurricane season
• Latin America: [REDACTED]

Africa

• African Continental Free Trade Agreement and growth opportunities
• Political transitions (e.g. [REDACTED])
• Security situation [REDACTED]
• Sahel: mitigate terrorism, [REDACTED] G7 and broader coordination of international efforts
• Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and migration to Europe

Global themes/Trends to watch

• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• Democratic institutions, processes, and freedoms under threat
• [REDACTED] and violent extremism
• Peace, stability and climate change
• Scale and drivers of migration
• Diverging approaches to cyberspace, online platforms, new digital technologies and regulations

Multilateral

G7/G20

• Signature initiatives from Canada’s 2018 G7 Presidency – implementation & follow-up
• G7 transition from France to U.S.
• G20 transition from Japan to Saudi Arabia

UN

• Canada’s UN Security Council campaign (vote in June 2020), related events/interactions
• Secretary General Guterres’ vision for UN Reform
• Implementation of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development (Decade of Action 2020-2030)
• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – (COP25, December 2019)

WTO

• Appellate Body appointment stalemate (December 10 deadline)
• WTO reform initiatives (Ottawa Group: transparency, dispute settlement, rule-making)
• [REDACTED]

NATO

• Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Nov. 2019) and Leaders Summit (Dec. 2019)
• [REDACTED]
• Contributions to NATO missions in Iraq and Latvia
• [REDACTED]

Plurilateral trade agreements

• CPTPP (Canada ratified Dec 2018)
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

• 2020 Review Conference

Global Replenishments

• Global Fund (October 2019)
• Green Climate Fund (October 2019)

International Development

• Nairobi Summit (Nov 2019): 25th anniversary of Int’l Conference on Population and Development
• “Beijing 25+” (March 2020, New York): 25th anniversary of Fourth World Conference on Women

Legal/Regulatory

• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

High profile consular cases

• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Middle East

Turkey/Syria

• [REDACTED]
• White Helmets (civilian volunteer group), government as gatekeeper of aid operations

Regional

• Instability in the Strait of Hormuz
• Regional spillover of [REDACTED]
• Global Coalition against Daesh
• Political transitions [REDACTED]

Israel/ Middle East Peace Process (MEPP)

• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Gulf States

• Bilateral relations with [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED] humanitarian situation, peace talks
• Human rights concerns [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Iran

• [REDACTED]

Libya

• Escalating civil conflict, political and institutional backsliding

Asia

Regional

• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

China

• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Northeast Asia

• [REDACTED]

North Korea

• Nuclear negotiations, [REDACTED]
• Multilateral efforts [REDACTED]
• Human rights and humanitarian situation

South Asia

• Situation in [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Afghanistan

• [REDACTED]
• Peace process

Myanmar

• Rohingya crisis, [REDACTED]
• Reinforce democratic transition

Report to Parliament on the Government of Canada’s Official Development Assistance 2017-2018

Introduction

This report explains how the Government of Canada spent its official development assistance (ODA) from April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018. During this time, the Government of Canada disbursed $5.37 billion in ODA in over 130 countries, working with many partners. The partners included governments, nongovernmental organizations, international bodies and private sector entities.

These ODA activities represent the efforts of 19 Canadian federal departments and agencies. In accordance with the Official Development Assistance Accountability Act (ODAAA), these initiatives:

• contribute to poverty reduction;
• take into account the perspectives of the poor; and
• are consistent with international human rights standards.

In June 2017, the Government of Canada launched a new policy to guide Canada’s international assistance. The new policy is the result of an extensive review of international assistance, including consultations pursued in the summer of 2016. Global Affairs Canada reached out both in Canada and overseas to seek the views of its partners and stakeholders. The department benefitted from the contributions of more than 15,000 people and many international organizations in more than 65 countries. Global Affairs published an online summary of What We Heard on December 6, 2017.

The Feminist International Assistance Policy seeks to eradicate poverty; promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and help build a more inclusive, more peaceful and more prosperous world.

This year’s ODAAA Report is structured around the six interrelated action areas from the new policy:

1. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls (core action area)
2. Human dignity, which includes:
   • health and nutrition
   • education
   • gender-responsive humanitarian action
3. Growth that works for everyone
4. Environment and climate action
5. Inclusive governance
6. Peace and security

The Feminist International Assistance Policy guides Canada’s international implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This report illustrates some of Canada’s initial contributions toward achieving the 2030 Agenda’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout this report, you will find examples of how the policy was implemented in different countries, and the results achieved. Attention is given to how Canada is improving the effectiveness of its international assistance. This includes Canada’s work on innovation and research, aid transparency, innovative financing to support sustainable development and building new partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

Recognizing the importance of monitoring and reporting in international assistance programming, Global Affairs Canada reiterated its commitment to evidence-based decision making in the policy.

As highlighted in Budget 2018, the government is committed to ensuring that information on Canada’s international assistance funding is open and transparent. The government is continuing to explore how to further enhance its international assistance reporting and how to better communicate the government’s efforts to Canadians, non-governmental organizations and the international community. This report is one example of these efforts, as it seeks to present information in a more engaging and streamlined fashion, with greater reference to related web content. The government will continue to seek to improve its reporting to Canadians. Feedback is welcome.

Highlighting Innovation in Canada’s ODA activities

This year’s report highlights how innovation has been integrated throughout Canada’s ODA activities in various fields. The Innovation Icon can be found next to results that advanced innovation in 2017-2018. A comprehensive overview of Canada’s efforts to drive innovation can be found under the Advancing Development Innovation section in this report.

Official development assistance disbursements by department for 2017-2018

The Government of Canada disbursed $5.37 billion in official development assistance (ODA) in 2017-2018. Nineteen federal departments and agencies helped deliver this assistance. While this report provides preliminary figures, final and more detailed information will be presented in the Statistical Report on International Assistance (Fiscal Year 2017-2018). The statistical report will be published on the Government of Canada website by the end of March 2019, once all final figures have been received and verified.

Table 1 describes the amount disbursed by each of the 19 federal departments and agencies.

Official Development Assistance Accountability Act

The Official Development Assistance Accountability Act (ODAAA) came into force in 2008. Its purpose is to ensure that all Canadian official development assistance (ODA) focuses on poverty reduction and reflects aid effectiveness principles and Canadian values. For details, please refer to the full text of the Official Development Assistance Accountability Act.

To help ensure the accountability and transparency of Canada’s international assistance, the Act requires that an annual report summarizing Canada’s ODA spending and activities be tabled in Parliament. The Minister of International Development tables the annual report in Parliament, on behalf of the Government of Canada.

In order for international assistance to be reported to Parliament as ODA under the Act, three criteria must be met. Assistance must:

1. contribute to poverty reduction;
2. take into account the perspectives of the poor; and
3. be consistent with international human rights standards.

Canadian ODA can also be directed toward humanitarian assistance to help alleviate the effects of a natural or human-caused disaster or other emergencies in developing countries.

When the Government of Canada developed its Feminist International Assistance Policy, it was conscious of the need to ensure that the policy reflected the Act’s goals. Based on overwhelming evidence, Canada recognizes that promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls is the most effective approach to poverty eradication.

Canada’s ODA takes into account the perspectives of the poor to ensure that local needs are being met effectively. Canada works closely with partner governments, civil society organizations and project recipients to help ensure Canadian supported initiatives are effectively designed and implemented.

It regularly engages with a wide range of stakeholders, including international experts, academics and local partners, to inform Canada’s international assistance efforts. Stakeholder engagement also plays a critical role in informing Canadian policy and programming approaches in specific country contexts.

For Canada’s programming to be consistent with international human rights standards, initiatives must demonstrate, at a minimum, that they reasonably expect to “do no harm.” This requires exercising due diligence to avoid undermining human rights in the host country or community.

Many projects led or funded by Canada go beyond the principle of “do no harm” by specifically promoting and protecting human rights. Some of these projects are presented in the Inclusive governance section of this report.

Canada’s feminist approach, as outlined in the Feminist International Assistance Policy, is grounded in a human rights-based approach. Canada recognizes that all people should enjoy the same fundamental human rights and be given the same opportunities to succeed. This is regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability, migrant or refugee status, or any other aspect of identity.

Adopting a human rights-based approach means that Canada is contributing to advancing human rights through all of its international assistance. Canada’s approach is guided by the key human rights principles of equality and non-discrimination, participation and inclusion, and transparency and accountability.

Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy

Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, launched in June 2017, seeks to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, more inclusive and more prosperous world. Based on overwhelming evidence, Canada recognizes that promoting gender equality and investing in empowering women and girls is the most effective approach to reducing poverty. Women and girls are powerful agents of change. They have the ability to transform their households, communities and the economies of their countries.

This new vision for international assistance supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The policy adopts an integrated approach to development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance though six action areas:

1. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls (core action area)
2. Human dignity, which includes:
   • health and nutrition
   • education
   • gender-responsive humanitarian action
3. Growth that works for everyone
4. Environment and climate action
5. Inclusive governance
6. Peace and security

These action areas take into account Canada’s experience and comparative advantage. They represent interrelated global challenges that, when addressed, can make a significant difference in the lives of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens, particularly women and girls.

In the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada has committed to working to maximize the effectiveness of its international assistance. This includes:

• providing more integrated and responsive assistance;
• investing in innovation and research;
• increasing transparency;
• delivering better reporting on results;
• developing more effective partnerships; and
• concentrating on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls.

Prioritizing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls represents a significant evolution in how Canada approaches international assistance. In 2017-2018, Global Affairs Canada took important steps to reorient its programming to align with the policy and its targets. For example, 99% of Canada’s new bilateral international development assistance programming in 2017-2018 targeted or integrated gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Canada expects to achieve meaningful development, humanitarian, stabilization and diplomatic impact through the approaches set out in the policy. Key priority areas for enhancing Canada’s impact and achieving results include:

• promoting the involvement of women and girls as agents of change;
• scaling up the number of women and adolescent girls who can access sexual and reproductive health services, including access to contraception;
• strengthening women’s rights organizations and movements;
• expanding the number of girls who complete elementary and high school;
• enhancing women’s access to land, labour, and inheritance and property rights, and promoting their economic participation and empowerment;
• better meeting the needs of women in humanitarian settings and reducing incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse;
• increasing the number of women in leadership positions;
• bolstering resilience to climate change and supporting climate-smart agriculture; and
• strengthening peace operations to advance Canada’s women, peace and security agenda, including by deploying more women peacekeepers and civilian personnel.

Canada is already making great strides in these areas, and has established a robust accountability framework to measure results. This new framework will also enhance development effectiveness by expanding the information and evidence available to help assess progress and support continued improvements in implementing the policy

For more information, see the Feminist International Assistance Policy.

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, world leaders agreed on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—a global action plan to eradicate poverty and build peace around the world. The 2030 Agenda’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets are integrated and indivisible. They balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: social, economic and environmental. The agenda is universal in nature, meaning that developing and developed countries alike are implementing it.

The SDGs are underpinned not only by the 169 targets but by 232 indicators as well. These indicators were developed by the Inter-agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators (IAEG-SDGs), a group established by the UN Statistical Commission. Statistics Canada is a member of the IAEG-SDGs and played a key role in developing the global indicator framework to monitor international SDG implementation.

Internationally, Canada’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda will be guided by the Feminist International Assistance Policy which has integrated the SDGs throughout. SDG 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is at the heart of Canada’s approach to implementing the 2030 Agenda. It will drive progress toward achieving the other SDGs.

The federal 2018 Budget announced the creation of a dedicated SDG Unit. It will enable better coordination among all levels of government, civil society organizations and the private sector on Canada’s efforts surrounding the 2030 Agenda. The SDG Unit will also support the monitoring and reporting of Canada’s domestic and international efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

The SDG Unit falls under the responsibility of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. It will lead efforts to develop a national strategy to advance the implementation of the SDGs, consulting with all levels of government, Indigenous peoples, civil society and the private sector.

Minister Duclos will be supported in this work by seven ministers:

• Minister of International Development;
• Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;
• Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;
• Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;
• Minister of Environment and Climate Change;
• Minister of Status of Women; and
• Minister of Indigenous Services.

Canada reviewed its initial progress toward implementing the 2030 Agenda and presented its first Voluntary National Review at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2018.

Canada reported on actions and measures taken to advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda over the last three years, including progress made in achieving the SDGs and relevant targets. Canada showcased a whole-of-society approach to the implementation of the SDGs. It did this by drawing on contributions from all levels of government, Indigenous peoples and other Canadian stakeholders. The full report is available on the Government of Canada website.