Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs - Briefing Book

October 2022

1. Global Trends

Update - August, 2022

Overview

Several inter-related geostrategic trends, observed over a number of years but accelerating in recent months, have been impacting Canada’s foreign policy. First, there has been a sharpening of great power competition, with an increasing security element. The growing rivalry between the US and China, exacerbated by aggressive Chinese military and diplomatic actions (for example, regarding Taiwan, the South China Sea and Hong Kong), affects the strategic choices of every country as pressures to align with major powers grows on key issues. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in turn, has increased the risk of direct military conflict between great powers, accelerated geopolitical divisions, and pushed deeper coordination among Western states and their allies. Second, authoritarianism and reactionary populism are on the rise in many countries, while even robust democratic systems are experiencing internal challenges. Third, deepening inequality within and across countries is driving questions about who shapes and benefits from current national and global systems. This is highlighted by differing views on global issues including Russia’s invasion and occurring in tandem with deliberate action to roll back progress on human rights and gender equality in all regions and across some international bodies. Fourth, the role of technology, and those who develop and deploy it, is evolving rapidly as part of the digital transition. A more digital world offers significant potential to improve lives, but is also a source of geopolitical conflict as authoritarians assert state control over tech issues and use it to advance massive disinformation campaigns (such as, regarding Xinjiang, COVID-19 and Ukraine invasion).

Beyond these key geostrategic trends, the world continues to fight against the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Following recent decades of significant, if uneven, economic advancement and poverty reduction in much of the world, the pandemic has caused serious global harm, since amplified by the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including exacerbating inequities and vulnerabilities, and significantly reversing poverty reduction and development gains, notably for women, children and marginalized groups, particularly in emerging and developing economies. The pandemic has also demonstrated the importance of cooperation, and the key role played by multilateral bodies in distributing vaccines, strengthening health systems, supporting poorer governments and providing aid to the most vulnerable.

At the same time, efforts to address the growing climate crisis have been affected by governments’ prioritisation of public health, food security, energy security and hard security crises. China’s suspension of climate talks with the U.S. in August 2022 highlights the challenge of advancing global cooperation to implement climate commitments.

Geopolitical Competition, Peace and Security

In addition to the devastating impact on Ukraine, the Russian invasion caused a spike in energy and commodity prices, threatens global food security, further disrupted supply chains and roiled markets as states and businesses sought to comply with sanctions. The invasion has initiated debates about whether the geopolitical situation is seeing a full paradigm shift or a mere acceleration of recent trends toward more conflictual geopolitics and threats to democracy. The invasion is also having diverging impacts on climate responses, as higher oil and gas prices facilitate investment in green energy at the same time as some states relax carbon commitments in pursuit of greater energy security.

It has also significantly increased the risk of conflict between Russia and NATO members, leading to the most significant great power brinkmanship in decades, with implications for national security and defence, collective security mechanisms, and the functioning of multilateral institutions. The crisis has quickly brought change in European foreign and defence policies, as states review defence spending, arms export controls, energy security, conflict risk assessments, and relationships with NATO and Russia (such as, Sweden and Finland joining NATO; Germany’s lethal aid to Ukraine). Questions are also being raised about economic security, sanctions and the extent to which they provoke an economic decoupling and fragmentation of the global economy.

The crisis in Europe has also served as a leading example of the Biden administration’s efforts to re-establish U.S. leadership on a range of international issues, including leading coordination with European partners and other partners over the war in Ukraine. U.S. leadership in Europe is continuing at the same time as it seeks to strengthen its presence and alliances in the Pacific, including by seeking to establish the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. [REDACTED] Bilaterally, the quick agreement on a Roadmap for a Renewed Canada-U.S. Partnership outlines how our 2 countries can together face a range of challenges, including on multilateral issues, though the last 5 years [REDACTED] accordingly. While the U.S. is focused on the Indo-Pacific and long-term strategic competition with China, Russia’s invasion has ensured continued deep engagement with Europe, including through NATO.

The historic shift of geopolitical and economic power from the Atlantic to the Pacific continues as emerging Asian countries (particularly China and India) are generally projected to grow at a faster rate than more advanced economies. For its part, [REDACTED].

The U.S.-China rivalry has sharpened, and both are increasing pressure on third countries to align on key issues. While some bilateral cooperation and much trade will continue, the U.S. and China are seeking some degree of strategic and economic decoupling, especially in advanced technology, putting the world on a path towards less digital and technological interoperability. The U.S. will seek to confront and compete with China on issues of concern (such as, trade, human rights, security and technology) while looking to cooperate on others (for example, climate change, global health, counter-narcotics, and non-proliferation), often in coordination with regional partners, including ASEAN, the Quad (India, Japan, Australia and the U.S.), and AUKUS (Australia, UK and the U.S.). U.S.-China cooperation will likely ebb and flow with the state of bilateral relations, with multiple avenues of cooperation recently suspended following the visit of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August 2022. [REDACTED]

Another key trend is increased competition between democratic and authoritarian states, which is seeing deepened cooperation among democratic states as well as between some autocratic states. The 2 most significant authoritarian states, [REDACTED] it does not recognize Russia’s control over Crimea and has retained neutral language on the Ukraine invasion, even abstaining on relevant votes at the UN.

Along with other assertive authoritarians, notably Iran, Russia and China interfere in democratic processes abroad, and seek to weaken multilateral work on democracy, human rights and media freedom. At the same time, illiberal populists in Hungary, Poland, Turkey, Brazil and other states also weaken democratic institutions in the pursuit of nationalist goals, though without acting as adversary states.

These dynamics hinder multilateral action, including on regional crises and security challenges. Protracted crises, notably in Syria, Libya, Ethiopia, Yemen, the DRC, Lebanon, Venezuela, Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti and the Sahel, destroy lives and livelihoods, with regional and international implications. No fragile and conflict affected state is on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on hunger, health, gender equality and women’s empowerment, and millions of people continue to be displaced due to conflict and instability. Increasingly complex, overlapping and long lasting emergencies (for example, PS752, COVID, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Ukraine) have created major stresses on Canada’s consular system, shedding light on its complexity and importance.

More peaceful regions and issues are also vulnerable to increased contestation. The Arctic, for example, is changing rapidly in the face of climate change and technology, further opening to maritime navigation and resource exploration. Russian disruption and increased interest in the region from non-Arctic powers such as China may make it more difficult for the Arctic to remain a rules-based, peaceful and stable region. Nuclear non-proliferation challenges also remain (such as, Iran, North Korea) though negotiations regarding Iran continue intermittently. Non-traditional security issues, from health security to space security, have been given added primacy since the inception of the pandemic.

Cyberspace is an increasingly active domain for geopolitical rivalry and criminal action, with a proliferation of state-sponsored cyber activities, including increasingly sophisticated misinformation and disinformation campaigns and industrial espionage. While the Ukraine war has seen Russia conduct a disinformation campaign, amplified by sympathetic or disruptive voices around the world, the war between Russia and Ukraine has not seemingly led to a broader cyber war. It has, however, brought attention to the urgent need to coordinate with allies to prevent and address disinformation.

To address these challenges, multilateralism will continue to be practiced by the vast majority of states, and the wide range of institutions that compose the rules-based international system, notably the UN, will continue to facilitate diplomatic discussions and collective action, with varying degrees of success, just as they have through the Cold War, the global war on terror, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in a period of renewed geopolitical strain, the nature of some multilateral action is likely to evolve. Russia, for example, has been isolated or suspended from certain multilateral forums (such as UN HRC) for invading Ukraine. The diversity of state responses to the invasion, however, highlights the difficulty of building multilateral consensus. Some countries, with different relations with both Russia and the West, with acute development and security needs or economic dependencies, may be more sympathetic to anti-Western narratives and likely to perceive Western hypocrisy in the difference of response to a European conflict than to conflicts elsewhere. Some states also prefer not to be drawn into choosing sides in what they may see as a false dichotomy or as somebody else’s war. While the rules-based international system has never been strong enough to prevent a major power from acting unilaterally, neither does any one state have the power to undermine the functioning of the system, however imperfectly.

Democracy, Human Rights and Gender Equality

Achieving greater respect for human rights, gender equality, and inclusion is a significant challenge in the face of eroding human rights and democracy globally. For 2021, Freedom House recorded the 16th consecutive year of overall decline in democracy around the world. Connected with this trend, segments of the population in many countries feel excluded from decision-making or economic opportunities. In some liberal democracies, political polarization has led to increased questioning of the integrity and representativeness of democratic institutions. In some cases, these trends have been accelerated by digital technologies, which allow authoritarian regimes to violate human rights, and non-state actors to commit abuses and undermine democracies, even as they enable civil society, human rights defenders, and pro-democratic voices in support of freedom of expression and association.

At the same time, a deliberate anti-human rights and gender equality backlash is targeting feminist movements and women’s rights, while Indigenous, Black, Asian and other racialized people continue to feel the consequences of systemic racism and discrimination both in Canada and abroad. Women and girls face particular health and socioeconomic threats, exacerbated by intersecting forms of discrimination and violence, and remain systematically underrepresented in decision-making and leadership positions.

Development, Economics and Trade

With divergent recoveries underway, much remains to be seen about how the evolving pandemic and the war in Ukraine will affect recovery efforts. The immediate economic consequences of the geopolitical turmoil include sharp inflation, further strains on many stretched government budgets, and could prompt debt management challenges, particularly for emerging and developing economies. In June 2022, the World Bank warned of possible stagflation and reiterated that it expects economic output in emerging markets and developing economies to remain substantially below the pre-pandemic trend over their forecast horizon. The effects of the pandemic and from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on global poverty and efforts to achieve the SDGs are expected to be substantive, particularly as rising inflation and spikes in the prices of food and other commodities impact the affordability of basic necessities. In 2020, the world experienced the largest increase in global hunger ever recorded, and the World Bank estimated that COVID-19 pushed close to 100 million people into extreme poverty, representing the first increase in the global extreme poverty rate since 1998. This could be repeated in 2022 due to food insecurity caused by the war. Furthermore, the growing impacts of climate change are expected to negatively affect development prospects in some regions, most notably in parts of Africa and South Asia that are already among the world’s poorest.

International migration experienced a shock from COVID-19, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While regular migration routes slowed, irregular migration routes did not, with significant negative impacts on migrants and the communities that host them.

Despite COVID-19, remittance flows remained resilient in 2020 and bounced back in 2021. While the 2021 rebound in foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to low- and middle-income countries was welcome after a steep fall in 2020, FDI to least developed countries has recovered the least and is most threatened by the difficult economic headwinds of 2022. Trade flows, which did better than had been feared in 2020, rebounded significantly in early 2021, although growth rates have since decelerated and have continued to slow in 2022. Given recent developments, the international trade landscape may become more fragmented, as the war in Ukraine, geopolitical competition and nationalist industrial strategies further distort global free trade and encourage the creation of geopolitically aligned trade arrangements that have the potential to lead to some measure of de-globalization. The multilateral trading system, underpinned by the WTO, has struggled to accommodate emerging economic players and global issues. One major challenge is the ongoing digital and technological transformation (for example, digital currencies, Web3, the metaverse, robotics). The rising pace of innovations and power of big technology companies, represent challenges for policymakers, notably as a growing share of economic activity is conducted digitally. The disruptions of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine have also encouraged states to review their exposure to global risks and the resilience of key supply chains (such as, ally-shoring), notably for energy, critical minerals, bio-manufacturing (pharmaceuticals, vaccines), food and high tech services and products such as semi-conductors. In some countries, pandemic-related measures may signal a sustained shift toward more active industrial policies and the goal of relative economic self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, international development remains an important domain for geopolitical influence among leading powers, including the EU, China, the U.S. and Japan. As the pandemic recovery continues, and the war in Ukraine rages on, donors are struggling to preserve official development assistance levels due to domestic fiscal requirements and likely increases in defence spending. This has led to a renewed focus on aid and development effectiveness, including on “localization” as a new way of approaching the ideal of local ownership, and greater coherence of humanitarian, development and peace efforts (triple nexus). Debt financing has become an acute issue as many developing countries had high debt loads before the pandemic. International financial institutions are offering unprecedented emergency financing facilities and new projects, while the G20 is committed to temporarily suspend debt payments on the part of the poorest countries.

Looking Forward

In this new and uncertain era, Canada needs all the tools at its disposal to navigate difficult terrain ahead, ensuring that its diplomacy remains fit for purpose in a rapidly changing world. It remains to be seen how the invasion of Ukraine and our collective response will shape the evolving global order, how the world now deals with aggression, and how it will be able to deter aggression in the future. Canada will need to reinforce existing partnerships while pursuing non-traditional ones. It will need to invest, with others, in shaping the international order, including to protect, promote and reform elements of the existing rules-based system that are core to its interests and support its values. It will also need to determine how to respond to a quickly changing security environment. At the same time, Canada needs to be discerning and strategic in its prioritization of institutional and bilateral support, multilateral and technical initiatives, and domestic measures designed to protect national interests.

2. State of the Global Economy

August, 2022

Global Growth Trends

Macroeconomic outlooks released over the course of 2022 have trended continually downward, as the fragile global recovery from the pandemic has given way to worsening economic news. The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest baseline forecast is for growth to slow from 6.1% last year to 3.2% percent in 2022, which is 1.2% lower – or some US$1 trillion less – than it projected at just the start of this year.

Notably, the recovery has been divergent in its trajectory, as advanced economies, better able to buffer citizens from the worst effects of the pandemic, had mostly recouped economic losses by the end of 2021. Most developing countries, meanwhile, have been grappling with more economic scarring in the form of lost education, economic activity and investment, sharp reversals in poverty eradication and years of catching up to return to pre-pandemic growth trends. Many countries also incurred enormous levels of borrowing and spending to weather the pandemic, leading to record levels of global debt, as a backdrop to present conditions.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 dealt a serious shock to global economic prospects. Most immediately, the invasion pushed already high energy prices sharply upwards while also shaking up numerous trading relationships, disrupting supply chains and generally creating business uncertainty. Russia’s actions have destabilized energy markets, most acutely in Europe, while also imperiling food and fertilizer supplies that large swaths of the world rely upon.

Spiralling prices caused by the invasion and its fallout have aggravated existing inflationary pressures, eroding purchasing power and depressing growth almost everywhere. Advanced and developing economies alike have tightened fiscal and monetary policy—reducing spending programs and hiking interest rates—to control inflation and to reduce capital outflows where that is a risk. Central banks are to varying degrees risking the “hard landing” of cooling demand and even smaller recessions now rather than letting inflation continue to rise and multiply problems.

It is therefore a precarious moment for the global economy. While a lot of indicators about consumer and business sentiment reflect that inflation and recession fears are widespread, employment—for example across the 38 members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)—has mostly held firm and buoyed spending. Food prices are still high, but energy and some commodity prices are coming down, slowing the pace of inflation in June and July, which both reflects some improving metrics but also deteriorating expectations for global demand. There has been some palpable relief from economists in latest bulletins, but many downside risks remain.

Challenges Ahead

There are a number of foreseeable challenges ahead that may impact Global Affairs Canada’s work and geopolitical dynamics more generally.

Winter in Europe: Eurozone economies have been battered by high energy prices and are intently focused on levels of gas consumption and storage that will get them through the winter without rationing and industry shutdowns. Here, the risk of recession is highest, as Russia seeks to use its remaining energy leverage over Europe to wring concessions and undermine transatlantic resolve over its support to Ukraine. The potential for Europe, as one of the major hubs of the global economy, to drag on trading partners and global supply chains is quite high, but expectations for Europe to scrape through without gas rationing this winter seem to be improving; this will be something to watch closely, especially should Russia stop pipeline shipments entirely. The re-drawing of the energy map in Europe, with new sources of gas negotiated, plans for renewables, and reversals on nuclear policy (such as in Germany), has been dramatic. Just how much other economic links and exports are increasingly re-oriented away from Russia in the longer term may also have profound geopolitical implications.

United States fighting inflation: High energy prices, on top of persistent supply chain problems, have pushed U.S. (and Canadian) inflation rates to 40-year highs. While energy prices, supply chain pressures and inflation readings are inching downward, most observers still warn that inflation is historically high and likely to stay there through 2022 and even 2023. The central banks in both countries do not see their inflation fight as over, and are expected to keep hiking interest rates, which will cool the economy and can have global impact. U.S. consumer demand plays a very significant role in global production and trade, including Canadian exports. Most economists are predicting a period of weak growth, but for both to narrowly avoid recessions.^{Footnote 1} Slowing demand and high interest rates in the United States also put pressure on emerging markets and developing countries from which investment is more likely to retreat.

A significant longer-term trend to follow is just how much U.S. rhetoric, in particular, about reducing its economic linkages with China and instead “re-shoring” (or “friend-shoring”) production materializes as fact. This is especially the case for supply chains critical to the U.S. national security, including critical minerals, semiconductor and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The administration efforts are facilitated by a bipartisan consensus in Congress on China, which may portend more aggressive industrial and trade policy ahead.^{Footnote 2} The Biden administration is already using competition with China as a way of justifying a revamped U.S. industrial policy. Recent laws passed by Congress are partly a response to the PRC’s “Made in China 2025” policy and amount to a more deliberate state-driven sector of the innovation economy. Further, the administration is also looking at deploying all tools currently available (for example, export/import control, tariffs) and exploring the development of new ones, including with allies, to address shared concerns with China’s economic and trade policies. Business watchers and surveys report that there is much talk and planning from C-suite executives about re-shoring as well.

China’s economy slowing: The world’s second largest economy and “factory of the world” has been faltering, with its zero-tolerance policies to control COVID stifling industrial production and consumer spending. China narrowly avoided economic contraction in the second quarter, registering slight growth of 0.4% (year on year), and made a rare surprise rate cut in August as weaker data was reported about industrial output, spending and youth employment. China’s property sector also faces serious trouble, as house prices have declined for 11 consecutive months, and many large developers have been under strain or defaulted on loans, requiring bailout. There are risks that this could spill over to the wider Chinese economy, and given its size, the global economy (for example, slowing Chinese demand is a major cause of declining commodity prices, including oil). Most economists feel those risks are small, but a concern. In the bigger picture, China’s economy is widely expected to miss its official growth target of about 5.5% for this year. The economy’s struggles in a pivotal year—Xi Jinping will seek confirmation of a third term this fall—arguably raise the chances of Chinese leadership acting with greater volatility.

Developing countries vulnerable: Most developing countries entered the 2022 period with a delay in recovering their pre-pandemic growth trajectories. Many have suffered years of closed schools and rely heavily on foreign investment and tourism that contracted sharply and have not fully rebounded. While Europe has faced the sharpest increases in energy costs in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it is developing countries—especially those that are import dependent—that have been least able to shield their citizens from rising food and energy prices. The World Bank has estimated that there will be an additional 75 to 95 million people living in extreme poverty in 2022, compared to pre-pandemic projections.

Even with some encouraging signs of falling commodity prices, food and energy prices are expected to remain elevated for some time. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supply upheaval have aggravated complex systems that were already under strain. Governments have in many cases struggled to act, as they are forced to curtail spending and balance mounting debt commitments at a time when rates are rising. The high cost of essentials therefore represents a risk to social and political stability in some countries. As the IMF puts it, “higher food and energy prices are robust predictors of unrest.”

At the systemic level, tighter financial conditions have the potential to trigger debt distress in emerging market and developing economies. The world seems less at risk of the sort of debt crises that were touched off by the last major stagflationary episode in the 1970s, but with record levels of debt and tight financial conditions, there is simply less room for manoeuver all around. Many indebted countries will look to G7 and G20 members and international institutions for help. China plays a notably large role as its overseas lending, largely done on a bilateral basis, now exceeds (as far back as 2017) that of multilateral creditors like the IMF or the World Bank. With a growing share of its overseas loans going bad and being renegotiated, the stakes for China are high as this lending currently represents a kind of domestic liability under present conditions.

3. Decisions and Events

Forward Calendar: For Action / Decision, & Key Events for Information (non-exhaustive)

October 17-23

October 24-30

October 31 - November 13

November 14-30

December

4. Cabinet and Parliamentary Affairs

Cabinet and Parliamentary Highlights Fall 2022

Approved by: Collen Calvert, Director General and Corporate Secretary

5. Federal Budget

Budget 2022

Budget 2022 allocated $1,125.7 billion in new funding over five years to Global Affairs Canada to select initiatives including:

• G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (MINA)
• Support for the Special Envoy on Combatting Antisemitism and Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia (MINA)
• Enhanced China Capacity (unannounced) (MINA)
• Expanded intellectual property support (CanExport) (MINT)
• Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (MINE)
• Global health security (MINE)

[REDACTED]

Preparations for Budget 2023

PFM is responsible for coordinating the Federal budget process for Global Affairs Canada, and works closely with Finance officials to build understanding of and support for the department's proposals, for all three Ministers.

Preparations are now underway for Budget 2023 and submissions are typically due in November.

The department’s approach to Budget 2023 will need to be situated in the shifting global context, with Russia’s illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine; a broader rise in authoritarianism leading to the erosion of democratic values; worsening food and energy crises; rising inflation; ongoing implications of COVID-19; and other global challenges adding to the existing pressures faced by Global Affairs Canada. Coordination across three ministerial portfolios presents additional challenges.

[REDACTED]

To implement the Ministers’ mandate letter commitments and deliver on ongoing departmental priorities, [REDACTED].

Funding windows

Historically, funding requests have been channeled through two main windows:

• Fall Economic Statement (FES): for urgent proposals aligned with key thematic(s) priorities, with submissions due in August.
• Federal Budget: primary cycle for major new proposals, with submissions due in November.

The Minister of Finance’s call letter for Budget 2022 introduced a third funding window:

• Spring/summer period: for proposals related to operations of government, including renewals (sunsetting initiatives) and program integrity, with submissions due in May.

This third, new process was to launch in spring/summer 2022, but this did not occur, in part, due to the high volume of off-cycle requests being processed by Finance Canada following Budget 2022. It is unclear if this program integrity window will remain for the coming year, or if the regular Budget 2023 cycle will be the only opportunity for operational items.

Spending and Strategic Policy Reviews

Budget 2022 announced a spending review to reduce “the pace and scale of spending that has yet to occur”, with an update to be provided in the Fall 2022 Economic and Fiscal Update. The Budget also announced the launch of a Strategic Policy Review to ensure government programs are delivering intended results, with targeted savings of $6 billion over five years, and $3 billion annually by 2026-27.

The department continues to await further details on this review from the Treasury Board Secretariat.

6. The Department at a Glance

Context

As the Deputy Minister of International Trade (DMT), you are responsible for advancing and representing Canada’s interests and values abroad. Global Affairs Canada brings together foreign policy, trade, and international assistance capabilities in an integrated way to Canada’s advantage. The department manages international negotiations on a host of subjects, advances international law, responds to complex international crises, and plays a role in expanding economic opportunities for Canadians. It is also responsible for consular relations, including helping Canadians in distress abroad.

Who We Are

Canada’s first foreign ministry was established in June 1909. Since then, the department has progressively transformed itself to reflect the changing international environment. The most significant transformations include its amalgamation with the Department of Trade and Commerce in 1982 and with the Canadian International Development Agency in 2013.

While the legal name of the department (pursuant to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act of
June 26, 2013) remains the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, its public designation under the Federal Identity Program is Global Affairs Canada.

What We Do

The department manages Canada’s diplomatic and consular relations with foreign governments and international organizations, engaging and influencing international players to advance Canada’s security and prosperity in a dynamic global context. It advances a coherent approach to Canada’s political, trade and international assistance goals based on astute analysis, consultation and engagement with other government departments, Canadians and international stakeholders. The department is constantly monitoring global developments and assessing the potential implications to deliver on the government’s mandate, ensuring it is supported by evidence-based policy advice at all times.

The department’s work is focused on 5 core responsibilities:

1) International Advocacy and Diplomacy: promote Canada’s interests and values through policy development, diplomacy, advocacy, and engagement with diverse stakeholders. This includes building and maintaining constructive relationships to Canada’s advantage, primarily through our network of missions; taking diplomatic leadership on select global issues; and supporting efforts to build strong international institutions and respect for international law, including through the judicious use of sanctions.

2) Trade and Investment: support increased trade and investment to raise the standard of living for all Canadians. This includes building and safeguarding an open and inclusive rules-based global trading system; support for Canadian exporters and innovators in their international business development efforts; negotiation of bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral trade agreements; administration of export and import controls; management of international trade disputes; facilitation and expansion of foreign direct investment; and support to international innovation, science and technology.

3) Development, Humanitarian Assistance, Peace and Security Programming: contribute to reducing poverty and increasing opportunity for people around the world. This includes alleviating suffering in humanitarian crises; reinforcing opportunities for inclusive, sustainable and equitable economic growth; promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment; improving health and education outcomes; and bolstering peace and security through programs that counter violent extremism and terrorism, support anti-crime capacity building, peace operations and conflict management.

4) Help for Canadians Abroad: provide timely and appropriate travel information and consular services for Canadians abroad, contributing to their safety and security. This includes visits to places of detention; deployment of staff to evacuate Canadians in crisis situations; and provision of emergency documentation.

5) Support for Canada’s Presence Abroad: deliver resources, infrastructure and services to enable a whole-of-government and whole-of-Canada presence abroad. This includes the management of our missions abroad and the implementation of a major Duty of Care initiative to ensure the protection of Government of Canada personnel, overseas infrastructure and information.

Through these 5 pillars of responsibility, Global Affairs Canada provides an integrated and agile platform from which to deploy and leverage a strong and diverse toolkit in support of the economic prosperity, health and security of all Canadians. In a complex global landscape, this includes Canada’s memberships in multilateral institutions such as the UN, G7, G20, NATO, NORAD, the OECD, the OAS, APEC, Arctic Council, the Commonwealth and the Francophonie, which enables it to engage multiple and diverse stakeholders, offers opportunities to influence the views of international partners, and to take joint action to address difficult problems, from cyber security to climate change, and from missile defence to economic stability. It also includes important natural resources, defence and security assets, and human capacities not least those located at the federal level related to science and technology, governance and effective public sector management, as well as those skills and assets that come from Canada’s Parliament, other orders of government, the judiciary, Canadian civil society, research institutions and the private sector.

Legal Responsibilities

The department is the principal source of advice on public international law for the Government of Canada, including international trade and investment law. Global Affairs Canada lawyers develop and manage policy and advice on international legal issues, provide for the interpretation and analysis of international agreements, and advocate on behalf of Canada in international negotiations and litigation. There are also a number of Department of Justice lawyers at the department, who provide legal services under domestic law, including on litigation and regulations such as sanctions implementation.

Our Workforce

To deliver on its mandate, the department relies on a workforce that is flexible, competent, diverse and mobile.

The department counts over 12,000 active employees (including Canada-Based Staff (CBS) and Locally Engaged Staff(LES) active employees). 7,203 of them are CBS, serving either in Canada or at our missions abroad. The remaining 5,305 employees are LES, usually foreign citizens hired in their own countries to provide support services at our missions. Currently, 57% percent of Canada-based staff are women (compared to 59% percent of LES) and 60% percent of the CBS population has English as their first official language (40% French).

A distinctive human resources system allows the department to meet its complex operational needs in a timely manner. Our staff work in some of the most difficult places on earth, including in active conflict zones. Among the various occupational groups and assignment types, a cadre of rotational employees supports delivery of the department’s unique mandate through assignments typically ranging between two to four-year periods, alternating between missions abroad and headquarters. They are foreign service officers (in trade, political, economic, international assistance, and management and consular officer streams), administrative assistants, computer systems specialists and executives, including our Heads of Mission.

Heads of Mission serve the minister further to a cabinet appointment. They develop deep expert knowledge of their countries of accreditation, establish wide networks, and provide advice and guidance on pressing matters of bilateral and international concern. The Head of Mission is responsible for Canada’s “whole of government” engagement in their countries of accreditation and for the supervision of all federal programs present in their mission.

Global Affairs Canada personnel work in Canada and abroad to advance Canadian interests through creative diplomacy ranging from formal negotiations and network building to stakeholder engagement and capacity building. Canadian officials take part in thousands of international meetings every year on a multitude of topics, advancing Canadian interests through formal and informal interactions with representatives from virtually every country on earth. These efforts are aligned carefully with the priorities of the department and are amplified through targeted public diplomacy, including on social media.

The department is also supported by a 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa which is always on guard to assist Canadians in need of consular assistance abroad or to respond in real time to natural disasters and complex emergencies around the globe.

Our finances

The department’s total funding requested in the 2022-23 Main Estimates was $7.5 billion. This amount is broken down as follows:

• Vote 1 (Operating): $1,890.3 million
• Vote 5 (Capital): $200.9 million
• Vote 10 (Grants and Contributions): $4,904.8 million
• Vote 15 (LES pension, insurance, social security programs): $91.8 million
• Statutory items (e.g. direct payments to international financial institutions; contributions to employee benefit plans): $381.3 million.

The budget distribution by core responsibility of the department in the 2022-23 Main Estimates was reported as follows:

Our network

The department’s extensive network abroad counts 178 missions in 110 countries (see attached placemat for an overview of the network). They range in type and status from large embassies, to small representative offices and consulates.

The department’s network of missions abroad also supports the international work of 37 Canadian partner departments, agencies and co-locators (such as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; National Defence; Canada Border Services Agency; Public Safety; Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Export Development Canada; and several provinces and territories.

The department’s headquarters offices are located in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Most staff are located in the first three buildings:

• Lester B. Pearson Building (125 Sussex)
• John G. Diefenbaker Building
  (111 Sussex)
• Place du Centre (200 Promenade du Portage)
• Queensway Corporate Campus
  (4200 Labelle)
• Cooperative House (295 Bank)
• National Printing Bureau
  (45 Sacré-Coeur)
• Fontaine Building (200 Sacré-Coeur)
• Bisson Centre (the Canadian Foreign Service Institute Bisson Campus)

The department also has six Canadian regional offices to engage directly with Canadians, notably Canadian businesses:

• Vancouver
• Calgary
• Winnipeg
• Toronto
• Montréal
• Halifax

Senior leadership and corporate governance

In support of ministers, the department’s most senior officials are the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (USS); the Deputy Minister of International Trade (DMT); the Deputy Minister of International Development (DME); and the Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (DMA) (see attached bios for DMT, DME and DMA).

Sixteen Branches, headed by Assistant Deputy Ministers, report to the Deputy Ministers and are responsible for providing integrated advice across various portfolios, ranging from geographic regions to corporate and thematic issues (see separate branch profiles and Assistant Deputy Minister bios).

Canada’s Heads of Mission abroad are responsible for the management
and direction of mission activities,
and the supervision of the official activities of the various departments and agencies
of the Government of Canada in the country or at the international organization to which they are appointed.

The department has a robust corporate governance framework with specific committees for audit, evaluation, security, financial operations, corporate management, policy and programs, and diversity and inclusion.

Senior managers from headquarters and the mission network manage and integrate the department’s policies and resources in this context to maximize our assets, and ensure accountability for the delivery of departmental programs and results. This approach results in more coherent and cohesive international engagement, supported by an integrated organizational structure.

Planning and reporting

The department’s annual planning and reporting process is structured around its Departmental Results Framework.

A Departmental Plan establishes the Government’s foreign affairs, international trade and development agenda for the coming year. It provides a strategic overview of the policy priorities, planned results and associated resource requirements for the coming fiscal year. The document is approved by the Ministers and tabled in Parliament (usually in March-April). The Plan also presents the performance targets against which the department will report its final results at the end of the fiscal year through a Departmental Results Report, typically tabled in Parliament in late fall.

The department’s top corporate priorities are identified each year to ensure that the enabling functions of the department (HR, finance, IM/IT, accommodations, etc.) are able to provide optimal services to support the department’s mandate. As well, top departmental risks are identified and communicated in the Enterprise Risk Profile. Both the corporate priorities and risks are managed through the department’s governance system and re-evaluated on an annual basis.

7. Deputy Ministers biographies

Deputy Minister of International Trade, Rob Stewart

On October 12, 2022, the Prime Minister appointed Rob Stewart as Deputy Minister of International Trade.

Previously Mr. Stewart was appointed Deputy Minister of Public Safety Canada effective December 11, 2019.

Deputy Minister Stewart spent most of his public service career at the Department of Finance Canada, starting in 1993. Before being promoted to Deputy Minister at Public Safety, he held the role of the Government of Canada's Finance Deputy for the G7 and G20, and for the Financial Stability Board from 2016 to 2019. He provided leadership and policy advice to the Government on a wide range of financial sector and international trade and finance matters. He was previously the Assistant Deputy Minister of Financial Sector Policy for two years, prior to which he held the position of Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade and Finance for four years. Before joining the Department of Finance Canada, Rob worked at Export Development Canada and in the Canadian sport system.

He holds a BA from Carleton University (1981) and an MBA from the University of Ottawa (1987).

Deputy Minister of International Development, Christopher MacLennan

On January 5, 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Christopher MacLennan as Deputy Minister of International Development.

Prior to this role, Mr. MacLennan was the Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Personal Representative of the Prime Minister for the G20 Summit. He continues to be the Personal Representative of the Prime Minister for the G20 Summit.

Previously, as Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) for Global Issues and Development at Global Affairs Canada, Mr. MacLennan led Canada’s international development assistance efforts through multilateral and global partners, humanitarian assistance and priority foreign policy relationships with the United Nations, the Commonwealth and La Francophonie. In addition to this role, he served concurrently as Canada’s G7 foreign affairs sous-sherpa.

Prior to these roles, Mr. MacLennan was acting Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Priorities and Planning and ADM of Policy Innovation at the Privy Council Office. Mr. MacLennan has also served as Director General for Health and Nutrition at Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada and in 2014 led the team that organized the Prime Minister’s international summit, Saving Every Woman, Every Child: Within Arm’s Reach, which addressed maternal, newborn and child health. This work followed his previous role in the G8 Muskoka Initiative on maternal, newborn and child health in 2010.

Mr. MacLennan has also worked in various capacities at the Canadian International Development Agency, Environment Canada and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

Mr. MacLennan holds a Ph.D. from Western University specializing in constitutional development and international human rights. From 2012 to 2013, he was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law. Mr. MacLennan has written numerous publications, including Toward the Charter: Canadians and the Demand for a National Bill of Rights, 1929–1960.

Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cindy Termorshuizen

On January 5, 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Cynthia (Cindy) Termorshuizen as Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

From October 2020 to January 2022, Ms. Termorshuizen was Assistant Deputy Minister, Consular, Security and Emergency Management, at Global Affairs Canada.

Ms. Termorshuizen previously served in a range of roles at Global Affairs Canada, including Director General of International Security Policy; Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Canada to China; and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Canada to Afghanistan.

Ms. Termorshuizen also held a number of positions earlier in her career at the Privy Council Office and the Department of National Defence.

Ms. Termorshuizen holds a Master of Arts in political science from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Arts in international development and French from the University of Guelph.

8. Global Affairs Canada Executive (EX) Organizational Structure

9. Global Affairs Canada International Network

Network Map

10. Financial Overview

11. Global Affairs Canada Workforce Overview

12. Branch Profiles

A - Geographic

EGM - Europe, Arctic, Middle East & Maghreb

Sandra McCardell, Assistant Deputy Minister

Sandra McCardell was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister, Europe, Arctic, Middle East and Maghreb in June 2020. She works to advance Canada's foreign policy, trade and development objectives across 74 countries through a network of 54 embassies and high commissions.

During her nearly 30 years with Global Affairs Canada, Sandra has been High Commissioner to South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Mauritius and Ambassador to Madagascar (2015-2019), Ambassador to Morocco and Mauritania (2012-2015), and Ambassador to Libya (2009-2011). In Ottawa, she has worked as Director-General, Middle East, as well as a Director in the Invest in Canada Bureau and Director of Executive Assignments.

Sandra works to advance equity, diversity and inclusion as the Champion for Women at Global Affairs Canada.

Mandate

Responsible for 54 Canadian diplomatic missions and 74 countries, EGM advances Canada’s foreign policy, trade and development goals. This diverse portfolio of countries includes historic allies in Europe, a number of G7 members, and diverse like-minded partners as well as complex, fragile or conflict-affected states and challenging relationships.

EGM seeks to strengthen its transatlantic partnership to advance commons goals, notably to promote democracy and human rights. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this partnership has worked to support Ukraine, reinforce European security, and address the global impacts in food and energy and the effects of Russian disinformation.

The branch supports Canada’s Arctic leadership in a region of increasing geostrategic competition through its implementation of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, participation in the Arctic Council, and a programming budget of $35.9 million over 5 years.

EGM uses diplomacy and development tools to address the root causes of instability and insecurity in the Middle East and North Africa. EGM works with the Legal Branch to press Iran for transparency, accountability and justice for the victims of flight PS752.

The branch pursues international trade, investment and innovation opportunities throughout the region benefitting from five Free Trade Agreements (CETA, European Free Trade Agreement, Canada-U.K. Trade Continuity Agreement, Israel, Jordan and Ukraine).

EGM supports poverty reduction through bilateral development programming across programs in the Middle East (Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq), West Bank/Gaza, Ukraine and North Africa ($212 million budgeted for
2021-22).

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• [REDACTED]
• German federal elections September 26.
• UN General Assembly resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; 20^th anniversary of Canada’s leadership of Iran resolution (Sept – Dec)
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• Energy supplies to Europe (December)

Hot issues

• Support for Ukraine; impact of invasion on global food and energy security
• Russia’s undermining of the rules-based international order
• Democratic backsliding in certain NATO/EU partner countries
• Pursuing accountability and justice from Iran for the victims of PS752
• Resolution of the White Helmets.
• Israel/West Bank/Gaza: deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza; fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
• Iran and Iran-linked regional destabilization
• Regional influence of Turkey and suspension of export permits
• Ongoing bilateral dispute with Saudi Arabia
• Syria: Canadian extremist travellers; potential Turkish incursion; escalating humanitarian crisis.
• Lebanon: economic/humanitarian crisis
• Challenges to Tunisia’s democracy.

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

EGM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
181, 31%	1, 0%	395, 69%	577, 100%

Text version

EGM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
194, 34%	383, 66%	0, 0%	577, 100%

NGM - Americas

Michael Grant, Assistant Deputy Minister

Michael Grant is ADM for the Americas at Global Affairs Canada (GAC). A diplomat since 1994, Michael has served in Serbia, Turkey, 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 GAC, the Privy Council Office and as Director General for International Security Policy at the Department of National Defence.

Mandate

The branch advances Canada's priorities in the 39 countries across North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. It consists of four bureaus, as well as 48 missions in 25 countries. In all our offices at HQ and abroad, the branch aims to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees.

The branch manages Canada’s most important bilateral relationship. Canada and the United States have deeply integrated economies, many similar values, histories and strategic interests. The extent of integration is unique in the world. Canada also works closely with key partner Mexico bilaterally, and trilaterally with the United States in the North American Leaders Summit process.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, the branch manages the relationships of Canada with key regional partners and groups, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Argentina, as well as the Pacific Alliance and Mercosur. The branch also manages relationships in regional multilateral fora, including at the Organization of American States, where Canadian leadership is often sought, including on the Venezuela crisis and on situations in Haïti and Nicaragua. NGM also manages relationships with CARICOM and the Central American Integration System (SICA), among others.

The branch manages development assistance programming throughout Central America, the Caribbean (including Haiti, the region’s largest recipient), Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, as well as through the Inter-American system of hemispheric institutions.

Strong bilateral and commercial relationships outreach at all levels with counterparts in governments across the region underpin our diplomatic engagement and position Canada as a privileged partner for many countries.

Furthermore, through its Geo Coordination and Mission Support bureau, the branch coordinates geographic branches at HQ and supports missions abroad to advance GoC priorities (including through cultural diplomacy and advocacy campaigns), providing them with innovative results-oriented planning monitoring and reporting solutions and enabling effective collaboration. The branch also manages the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, a tool that allows 70+missions to fund international assistance projects in 130 Official Development Assistance-eligible countries. The branch collaborates with stakeholders across the department to facilitate inputs on IRCC and CBSA policies and operations affecting multiple regions or the entire world and serves as the Secretariat for the ADM and DG Geo Committee Meetings, facilitating coherence on common issues across the goegraphics.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

North America

• S. Secretary Blinken visit to Canada – October 27-28 (TBC)
• S. Midterm elections on Nov. 8, 2022
• President Biden visit to Canada (Fall 2022 or early 2023 TBC)
• First official incoming visit of Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard to Canada (TBC - Fall 2022)
• North American Leaders’ Summit (NALS) in Mexico, [REDACTED] (December 2022)
• Negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) will continue into the fall/winter 2022and Spring 2023.

Geo coordination and Mission Support

• GAC funding under the Creative Exports Strategy is scheduled to sunset on 31 March, 2023. [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Hot issues

North America

• Ongoing work on the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership, a whole-of-government approach launched in February 2021 to tackle COVID-19; economic recovery from the pandemic; climate change; diversity, equity and inclusion; security and defence; and global alliances.
• [REDACTED]

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the region, including supply chain disruptions (e.g. fertilizer, grains) and related food security issues, as well as Russian efforts to influence the region and spread disinformation.
• Challenges to democratic institutions, governance issues, corruption/insecurity, rising inequality, disinformation – promotion of democracy in LAC remains a key priority for Canada, including in regional hotspots (e.g. Nicaragua, Venezuela, Haiti)
• Support for an inclusive and sustainable pandemic recovery, including through the implementation of the Summit of the Americas commitments (e.g. LA Declaration on Migration and Protection and Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP)), and other issues of importance to the hemisphere.
• Addressing irregular migration in Central America through the NALS process and through MIRPS.
• Creation of a Canada-CARICOM Strategic Partnership to consolidate the importance of our strategic partnership, [REDACTED].

Geo Coordination and Mission Support

• Active participation in GAC’s Modernization of Diplomacy committees and exercises

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

NGM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
237, 43%	0, 0%	313, 57%	550, 100%

Text version

NGM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
234, 43%	316, 57%	0, 0%	550, 100%

OGM - Asia-Pacific

Paul Thoppil, Assistant Deputy Minister

Paul Thoppil was appointed the assistant deputy minister (Asia Pacific) in July 2019. In addition, he became the department’s champion of diversity and inclusion in November 2020. Before his current roles, from 2014 to 2019, Paul was the senior assistant deputy minister and the chief finances, results and delivery officer at Indigenous Services Canada.

From 2009 to 2014, Paul was the commercial minister at the Embassy of Canada to Japan. Between joining GAC in 2004, and until 2009, Paul served several successive director general positions related to innovation and partnerships, corporate finance, corporate planning and global business opportunities.

Paul also has previous experience bridging the gap between the private and public sectors as chief financial officer and vice president of risk and financial services at the Canadian Commercial Corporation. Before then, he worked in the public service at the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Department of Finance.

Mandate

The Asia-Pacific Branch promotes Canada’s interests and values through management of bilateral relationships with countries and partners in the region. This work is carried out through an integrated approach to safeguard and advance Canada’s political and security interests, increase trade and foreign direct investments with partners in the region, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through international assistance programs and innovative partnerships.

Top of mind for the Branch is a new, integrated and whole-of-government regional strategy for the Indo-Pacific. This will necessitate the shift from a pan-Asian structure to one that realigns with the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific for Canada’s interests, values, and future influence in the world.

In addition to the regular geographic focus on bilateral relations, the Branch also oversees Canada’s multilateral engagement with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) of which Canada is a founding member. Further, the Branch also provides oversight on behalf of the Minister to the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), constituted by an Act of Parliament. The Branch is currently working with the APF to revamp its endowment Conditional Grant Agreement to enhance collaboration and amplify GC messaging in the region

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• Indo-Pacific Strategy: [REDACTED]. These dates present extremely tight timelines for the Branch and other government departments. Additional lines of work include [REDACTED], a communications package, and support for PM/MINA announcements, as part of the PM travel to Asia in November for G20, APEC, and ASEAN.
• [REDACTED]
• China: Canada’s evolving China Strategy is under implementation in the aftermath of the two Michaels and forthcoming release of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. This includes Canada collaborating with China on hosting of COP15 in Montreal (7-19 December).
• Japan and ROK: The government is intensifying efforts to invest in bilateral and security-related cooperation with Japan and the ROK, including through high-level engagement and PM/MINA travel to the region in Fall 2022 (including attendance at the State Funeral for former PM Abe).
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• Southeast Asia: The Branch will support PM travel to region in mid-November for ASEAN Summit (as Guest) and a 45^th Anniversary Canada – ASEAN Commemoration, APEC and G20. Significant advocacy is required to elevate Canada’s status with ASEAN to Strategic Partner as targeted for the ASEAN Summit.

Hot issues

• Indo-Pacific Strategy: Once the Indo-Pacific Strategy is launched, high-level political engagement with partners in the region will be essential, including through the proposed Special Envoy, bilateral dialogues at the political level, regional forums/summits, and exploring opportunities to work with likeminded Indo-Pacific groupings.
• Afghanistan: The government has committed to resettle at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghans to Canada by end of 2024. Efforts focus on supporting IRCC via engagement with like-minded countries, private sector service providers, and NGOs to address shared challenges.
• China: GC continues to monitor regional situation, including: tensions across the Taiwan Strait in response to parliamentary visits; Canadian and allied military operations in the western Pacific; and outcomes of the Chinese Communist Party’s 20th Congress.
• Myanmar and Rohingya: Deteriorating situation and ongoing crisis will require ongoing adjustments to Canadian policy including the proposed appointment of a Special Envoy, implementation of a three-year Rohingya Strategy, possible future sanctions and an updated approach for engagement with the political opposition, and options for third-country resettlement of Rohingya, following the recent change in position by the Government of Bangladesh.
• Supply chain disruptions: Disruptions from the pandemic (ex. China’s Zero COVID Policy) and others related to the Ukraine/Russia conflict have magnified the pressure (e.g., India, Indonesia and Bangladesh) for reliable, diverse sources of imports. Canada has increased exports of certain commodities (e.g. potash) and could leverage this situation to strengthen Canada’s commercial position in the region.

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

OGM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
195, 39%	0, 0%	307, 61%	502, 100%

Text version

OGM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
215, 43%	287, 57%	0, 0%	502, 100%

WGM - Sub-Saharan Africa

Antoine Chevrier, Assistant Deputy Minister

Antoine Chevrier is the Assistant Deputy Minister for Sub-Saharan Africa Branch as of March 2022. Antoine started working with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in 1997. At Headquarters, he was director of the Haiti Bilateral Development Program, as well as director of the transition team in charge of amalgamating CIDA with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in 2013. In 2014, he was appointed Director General of the Geographic Coordination and Mission Support Bureau. He has served abroad in various positions, including, from 2009 to 2013, director of the development program at the embassy to Peru and Bolivia. Mr. Chevrier served as High Commissioner in Mozambique, Malawi and Eswatini, and as Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Representative to the African Union. Back at Global Affairs Canada headquarters, he was Director General for Pan-African Affairs and subsequently Assistant Deputy Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs at the Privy Council Office.

Mandate

The branch advances Canada’s priorities in the 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including 16 missions and 5 offices in 19 countries and 48 countries of accreditation. Within the Government of Canada, the branch advances, supports and coordinates Canada’s foreign policy objectives in Sub-Saharan Africa. The branch manages political, trade and development relationships with Sub-Saharan African countries and regional institutions, including the African Union and leads on relevant issues in multilateral fora, including the UN and the G7. It is responsible for policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement activities and approximately $600M per year of international assistance funds. 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.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• Enhanced mission network in Africa: As part of a PM commitment to deepen engagement with the continent, a new mission to the African Union was announced by Minister Joly in June 2022; [REDACTED]. Work will also continue to upgrade our mission in Rwanda following the PM announcement.
• First High Level Dialogue with the African Union Commission, hosted by Minister Joly. The event could take place as early as late October 2022.
• In the wake of the Ukraine crisis, Africa is struggling with the impact of increased food and fuel prices. [REDACTED]
• Africa’s needs in the face of the growing effects of climate change will also be expected to take a prominent position in the upcoming “African” COP27 on climate change in Egypt (November 6-18) and at the Biodiversity COP15 (December 5-17) in Montreal.
• [REDACTED]
• MINT has a mandate letter commitment to put in place an Africa-Canada Economic Cooperation Strategy, currently being developed by the department.
• Over the past year, Canada has engaged in a heightened schedule of high-level engagement on the continent with each of Minister Joly, Minister Sajjan, Parliamentary Secretary Virani (PST), Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant (PSA), Minister Guilbeault, and Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association travelling over the spring/summer. Minister Sajjan has indicated an interest in travelling to Sub-Saharan Africa in early October 2022. PSA to travel 1-2 times to the continent before end of 2022.
• Germany, as 2022 G7 Chair, hosting a Strengthening Democracy in Africa Conference (September 26-27).
• Originally planned for 2019, the Canada-Nigeria Binational Commission (bilateral consultations) was postponed 4 times due to elections in both countries and COVID-19. WGM is looking into potential dates in October 2022. USS would be the head of delegation.
• USS to host the Canada-South Africa Bilateral Consultations on 3-4 October. The Director General of Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) (DM-equivalent) is expected to visit Ottawa for the consultations.
• The United States will host in December 2022 an Africa leaders Summit. This may generate interest in terms of incoming travel from participating leaders.

Hot issues

• [REDACTED]
• The upgrade of Canada’s representation in Rwanda from office to a high commission was announced in June 2022 by the Prime Minister.
• Food insecurity: Heightened food insecurity, mostly due to global disruption of food (cereals) supply and the fragility of the food security more generally on the continent.
• Sahel/West Africa: Growing security and humanitarian crises in the Sahel, terrorist threats expanding towards West African coastal countries, exacerbating political instability due to ongoing transitions in Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad and Guinea, all of which are under military-led governments. Coordinated donor efforts and like-minded partners, including through the Alliance Sahel and Coalition for Sahel.
• Mali: In current coup d’État context, increased potential of violence against civilians, as Malian armed forces team up with Russian mercenaries (Wagner) to combat Islamist and rebel groups linked to alleged human rights violations in Mali. MINUSMA’s mandate was renewed for another year in late June 2022.
• Prospects remain for conflict resolution in Northern Ethiopia, albeit lack of progress on humanitarian access and accountability for human rights violations continue to be challenging and the situation could deteriorate.
• Political transition in Kenya (elections were held August 9; the losing candidate is likely to appeal the results), direction of new administration in Somalia amid instability, extremist violence and a historic drought.
• Mozambique – terrorist insurgency in Cabo Delgado continues despite presence of external support, including from Rwanda. Humanitarian crisis is the largest in Southern Africa.
• Lack of democratic political transition in Sudan, and democratic deficit in South Sudan’s implementation of the peace agreement.

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

WGM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
168, 48%	0, 0%	184, 52%	352, 100%

Text version

WGM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
180, 51%	172, 49%	0, 0%	352, 100%

B - Functional

BFM - International Business Development, Investment and Innovation

Sara Wilshaw, Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Trade Commissioner

A senior public servant with 28 years of experience, Ms. Wilshaw was named Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner and Assistant Deputy Minister for International Business Development, Investment and Innovation in October 2020.

Ms. Wilshaw previously served as Director of Operations, Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat, at the Privy Council Office. In that capacity she provided strategic analysis and advice on Canada-US relations, Latin America, trade, climate change, human rights, and the UN.

Before joining PCO, Ms. Wilshaw was Director General for Global Affairs Canada’s North America Bureau during the renegotiation of NAFTA. She had previously represented Canada as Consul General in Dallas, and as Senior Trade Commissioner in New Delhi. Her international experience also includes service at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the WTO and at the Embassy of Canada in Japan.

Mandate

Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is a network of over 1,500 international business development professionals who help Canadian businesses succeed in global markets. Working from more than 150 locations around the world and six hubs across Canada, the TCS worked with 10,182 Canadian clients in FY 2021-22, 93% of whom were small and medium-sized businesses. The TCS delivered 50,863 services to these clients, including:

• Providing insights and advice to help clients assess market potential and develop market-entry strategies
• Connecting clients with new opportunities and qualified contacts in target markets
• Helping clients resolve business problems

The TCS also works with Invest in Canada to attract, retain, and expand foreign direct investment into Canada.

The International Business Development, Investment and Innovation branch (BFM) leads the TCS and supports the department’s overall trade and investment mandate by:

• Leading on trade promotion initiatives
• Increase exports by supplying the TCS network with intelligence on Canadian industry capabilities and international business development needs.
• Planning and supporting the execution of international trade missions
• Promoting responsible business conduct (RBC) and supporting uptake of RBC by Canadian companies active abroad
• Chairing Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for RBC for the OECD Guideline for Multinational Enterprises and providing it support through its Secretariat
• Supporting inclusive trade and exporter diversity initiatives in Canada
• Helping clients leverage international science, technology and innovation (STI) partnerships
• Administering the CanExport grants and contributions programs
• Tracking TCS performance (in recent years client satisfaction has been consistently over 91%) and managing TCS operations and training
• Supporting quality service provision to potential and existing foreign investors
• Coordinating our trade-oriented relations with provinces and territories by, inter alia, liaising with them and organizing FPT roundtables and bilateral meetings for MINT, DMT, BFM and others.

Hot issues

• Leverage strong relationships with partners and undertake joint initiatives to support Canada’s economic recovery through forums such as the Business, Economic and Trade Recovery (BETR) team (Global Affairs Canada, Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada Canadian Commercial Corporation, Invest in Canada, National Research Council - IRAP) and the Federal‑Provincial -Territorial International Business Development network.
• Pursue service differentiation initiatives and delivery of high-intensity services, including the Canadian Technology Accelerator, Global Mentor Program and High-Intensity Service Fund programming.
• Implement a new electronic client relationship management system to extend reach and enhance TCS service delivery.
• Take further steps to ensure TCS services and programs are accessible and responsive to the needs of equity‑deserving clients which are underrepresented in the TCS clientele (SMEs owned by women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and members of the LGBTQ community).
• Implement Canada’s evolving Strategy for RBC abroad launched in April 2022.
• Promote new tools, training, and guides for clients and Trade Commissioners focused on intellectual property and e-commerce.
• As announced in Budget 2022, partake in building a world-class intellectual property (IP) regime by supporting Canadian businesses secure their IP in foreign markets, [REDACTED].
• Work with Invest in Canada and others to implement Canada’s national FDI attraction strategy.
• Refreshing Canada Trade Mission model to reflect lessons learned during the pandemic.
• Roll out new digital marketing and online elements of Canada’s International Education Strategy.
• Develop a new STI cooperation agreement with the United States and a new agreement for Canadian association to Horizon Europe with the EU; and strengthen the Canada-Israel innovation partnership to create new opportunities for Canadian SMEs under the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP).

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

BFM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
398, 76%	124, 24%	0, 0%	522, 100%

Text version

BFM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
437, 84%	85, 16%	0, 0%	522, 100%

CFM - Consular, Security and Emergency Management

Julie Sunday, Assistant Deputy Minister

Julie Sunday is the Assistant Deputy Minister, Consular, Security and Emergency Management since January 2022.

Previously, Julie was Director General of Security and Emergency Management and the Chief Security Officer of Global Affairs Canada. Julie also led the Global Affairs Canada vaccine distribution campaign in 2021 as Director General for Pandemic Response. In addition, she was Director General and Special Advisor to the Assistant Deputy Minister, International Platform Branch (2020-21) and to the Chief Financial Officer (2018-20).

Prior to joining Global Affairs Canada, Julie was the Executive Director for Planning and Governance (DG-level) at the Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada (2017-2018). Julie also worked in the Social Development Policy Secretariat at the Privy Council Office where she supported the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs.

Mandate

The Consular, Security and Emergency Management branch is responsible for:

• leading world-wide programs to provide consular services to Canadians travelling or living abroad;
• designing and implementing strategies to address the policy challenges that lie beneath consular cases and to improve the international legal and policy framework relevant to the provision of consular services internationally;
• directing the promotion of safe travel practices and safety awareness among Canadians;
• providing corporate leadership for the integrated management of all security activities to protect employees, information, and assets in Canada and around the world at missions abroad;
• exercising leadership across the federal government with respect to preparedness and response to international emergencies affecting Canadians and Canadian interests;
• providing expert advice and policy recommendations to Ministers and senior officials, and for liaising with other domestic and international officials as required.

90-day horizon: Milestones & Decision Points

• [REDACTED]
• Arbitrary Detention: 69 countries and the EU have endorsed Canada’s Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State to State Relations. Several activities are underway to advance this initiative:
  1. Continue efforts to expand the broad coalition (diverse, large and public); and
  2. [REDACTED]
  3. [REDACTED]
• Duty of Care (DoC): Treasury Board approved $1.87 billion in funding over 10 years with $127 million ongoing in the fiscal framework from 2017-18 to 2026-27. This funding will significantly enhance GAC’s ability to meet its duty of care obligations by strengthening its security posture overseas and the seismic resilience of GAC’s network of missions abroad. [REDACTED]
• Honorary Consul Program: As of October 11, 2022, one action memo is pending the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ approval for 5 honorary consul nominees. In May 2021, GAC’s Chief Audit Executive launched the first internal audit of the Honorary Consul program, with completion expected in the fall of 2022.

Hot issues

Consular

• Syria:The consular cases of Canadians detained by Kurdish authorities in north-eastern Syria represents a uniquely challenging issue. Canada’s Embassy in Damascus closed in 2012 and Canadian consular officials do not travel to this region due to the security situation. As a result, Canada’s ability to provide consular assistance is extremely limited.
• China: Canada has a number of ongoing complex issues and cases in China which impact bilateral relations, including cases involving [REDACTED]. The arbitrary detention of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor remains a sensitive issue in our engagement with China. Canada also continues to advocate for a prompt resolution to the case of Robert Schellenberg, who was arbitrarily sentenced to the death penalty following the arrest of Meng Wanzhou in December 2018. Another case of concern is that of Canadian citizens, Huseyincan Celil, an ethnic Uighur, detained in 2006 on terrorism-related charges.
• Dominican Republic: On April 5, 2022, Dominican Republic authorities detained 12 Canadian citizens (5 flight crew and 7 passengers) on a Pivot Airlines flight destined for Toronto after 210 kilograms of cocaine was found inside the aircraft. Consular officials and the Canadian Ambassador continue to express Canada’s interest in this file with the Dominican Government.

Mission Security/Emergency Management

• Ukraine: The Branch leads on Canada’s phased diplomatic return to Kyiv by supporting mission security and engaging CAF support and the consular response to such issues as Canadians enlisted in the conflict. A number of decisions related to Canada’s footprint in Kyiv have been taken since the February suspension of our operations in Ukraine, and the May 8^th return to Kyiv led by the Prime Minister. [REDACTED]
• Haiti: Port-au-Prince is a critical risk mission with significant physical security vulnerabilities requiring constant attention. After the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse (July 7, 2021), the security situation remains tense. An increase in criminal kidnappings for ransom, with roughly 15 cases per year is the most significant risk from a consular and security perspective. Subjects typically include dual-national Canadians with strong ties to Haiti. Sept 15, large protests caused the country to pause due to the announcement of the removal of subsidies for fuel. PRNCE was forced to shelter in place and activate ERT. The ongoing result and disruptions are a critical fuel crisis which continues to significantly impact mission operations.
• Health Incidents Task Force: The Branch leads the interdepartmental task force on Unexplained Health Incidents (UHI) often referred to as “Havana Syndrome” affecting diplomatic staff and dependents. GAC and Canadian partners continue to work with U.S. counterparts. A cause(s) has not yet been identified.
  • Litigation: An action was commenced against the Crown by employees of GAC and their dependents seeking damages.
  • There continues to be media coverage, which has generated concerns among employees and dependents.
  • On October 7, 2021, a broadcast message was issued, which outlines the symptoms and how to report. Since then, a variety of occurrences have been reported from a number of locations across our network.

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

CFM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
283, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	283, 100%

Text version

CFM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
228, 81%	55, 19%	0, 0%	283, 100%

IFM - International Security and Political Affairs

Heidi Hulan, Assistant Deputy Minister (Political Director)

Heidi Hulan joined Global Affairs Canada in 1996. She became Political Director and Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security in February 2022.

Previously, she served as Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, with accreditation to the Republic of Slovakia (2017-2021). In 2020-2021, she was Chair of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors.

At headquarters, Ms. Hulan has held a variety of positions including: Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy; Director General, International Security Policy; Director General, Non-Proliferation and Security Threat Reduction.

Overseas, Ms. Hulan served at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York and as deputy permanent representative of Canada to NATO.

She is a past recipient of both the Minister’s Citation for Foreign Policy Excellence and the Deputy Minister’s Award of Excellence.

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 and interests related to human rights, freedoms and inclusion, democracy, peace and stabilization programming, and security cooperation.

Working closely with Canada’s bilateral, multilateral, and intergovernmental partners, the branch is at the forefront of Canada’s policy and programming responses to global security issues such as foreign interference, international cyber security, international crime and terrorism, weapons proliferation, violent extremism, conflict-affected states, and authoritarianism. The branch supports Canadian participation in key multilateral bodies, including NATO, the UN Human Rights Council, the OSCE, the G7 (IFM serves as the G7 Political Director), the UN Peacebuilding Commission, the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Conference on Disarmament, the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and the Global Coalition Against Daesh, as well as a number of international coalitions with respect to freedom online, media freedom and LGBTI rights. The branch houses the Intelligence Bureau, which works with partners across the Government and with allies to provide strategic reporting and intelligence in support of operations and decision-making. The branch also supports the management of Canada’s defence and security engagement with key partners and allies.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• Modernization of Canada’s approach to democracy promotion globally, [REDACTED]
• G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting (November 3-4).
• Minister Joly co-host High Level Round Table on Strengthening the International Legal Framework Against Corruption with Dutch Foreign Minister (November 28).
• NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting (November 29 -30).
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Hot issues

• Response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine through intelligence assessments, policy advice, peace and security programming, and diplomacy.
• Scoping Canada’s military contributions to United Nations peace operations in an evolving security environment.
• Establishment of a NATO Centre of Excellence on Climate Change and Security.
• MC on the Government’s response to private member’s bill C-281: International Human Rights Act.
• Work with other government departments to advance Canadian cyber security and active capabilities.

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

IFM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
367, 95%	0, 0%	19, 5%	386, 100%

Text version

IFM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
291, 75%	95, 25%	0, 0%	386, 100%

JFM - Legal Affairs

Alan Kessel, Assistant Deputy Minister and Legal Adviser

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 (2005–13); as Deputy Legal Adviser and Director General of the Bureau of Legal Affairs (2004–05); and as Director of the United Nations, Criminal and Treaty Law Division.

He served abroad at the Canadian Embassy in Sweden (1985–87), the Canadian Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland (1990–94), and the Canadian High Commission in London, U.K. (2000–04, 2013-17). He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1981 and joined the department in 1983.

Mandate

The Legal Affairs Branch is the Government’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 manages and develops policy and advice on international legal issues, advocates on behalf of Canada in international litigation, negotiates and interprets international instruments, and provides operational services to government entities and the public, such as the authentication of documents, the publication of the Canada Treaty Series and the operation of a public treaty web portal.

The branch's two areas of expertise are international trade law and public international law. International trade law includes market access, trade controls, investment and services, and trade remedies. Public international law includes international peace and security, state sovereignty and extraterritoriality, consular and diplomatic law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, international treaty law and the application of Canada’s treaty adoption process, international criminal law, international law in cyberspace, international environmental law, and oceans and airspace law.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• Accountability – Ukraine: Canada has announced its intention to intervene in the proceedings instituted by Ukraine against Russia at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) under the Genocide Convention. The aim is to file a declaration of intervention this fall.
• [REDACTED]
• Treaty-related Actions: The Minister of Foreign Affairs is responsible for all treaty-related actions on behalf of the Government, including obtaining orders in council to sign and bring into force international treaties. A number of treaty-related documents require signature over the coming weeks and months so that GAC and other government departments can fulfill their international commitments and engage at the international level.

Hot issues

• Accountability – PS752: Canada is leading the Coordination Group (CG), comprised of Sweden, Ukraine and the U.K., whose goal is to pursue transparency, accountability and justice on behalf of victims of Flight PS752 and their families. The Branch chairs the CG Legal Subcommittee in advancing a two-track legal strategy to hold Iran accountable for its breaches of international law.
• Accountability – Syria: Canada and the Netherlands have invoked the dispute settlement process under the Convention against Torture to hold the Syrian responsible for breaches of its obligations under international human rights law, in particular torture. [REDACTED]
• Accountability – Myanmar: Canada and the Netherlands have expressed their joint intention to intervene in the matter of The Gambia v. Myanmar, a case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar at the ICJ alleging violations of the Genocide Convention.
• Enbridge Line 5: The branch is providing legal advice and representation to the Government of Canada in two separate consultations under the Canada-US Agreement Concerning Transit Pipelines (1977) in order to prevent the shutdown of this critically important transit pipeline by the State of Michigan (targeting the portion of Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac) and by the Bad River Indian Band (targeting the portion of Line 5 which crosses its Reservation in Wisconsin). [REDACTED]
• BBNJ: The Branch is GoC lead on the negotiations for a new treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), commonly known as the High Seas Treaty.
• Arbitrary Detention as Practice in State-to-State Relations: The branch advises on this area of international law, to encourage international adhesion to the Canada-led Political Declaration against this practice and its implementation.
• WTO Appellate Body Impasse/Dispute Settlement (DS) Reform: The Appellate Body (AB) has been non-functional since December 2019 due to the United States blocking the appointment of new AB members. WTO panel decisions can currently be appealed into the void, rendering them unenforceable. In April 2022, the United States initiated an informal process on dispute settlement reform in Geneva with other WTO members, which is in line with the commitment agreed to at the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference to hold discussions to reform the WTO dispute settlement system by 2024. Canada is engaged in this process and with the United States on solutions to restore a fully functioning DS system, including by making WTO DS more efficient. Canada spearheaded the establishment of the Multi-Party Interim Appeal-Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) to ensure that the WTO dispute settlement system continues to function for those members participating in the MPIA.

2022-2023 financial and human resources

Text version

JFM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
114, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	114, 100%

Text version

JFM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
78, 68%	36, 32%	0, 0%	114, 100%

KFM - Partnerships for Development Innovation

Patricia Peña, Assistant Deputy Minister

Patricia Peña joined the Government of Canada in 2007. She has a longstanding and broad experience working with Canadian, multilateral and diplomatic partners.

Prior to her appointment as Assistant Deputy Minister of the Partnerships for Development Innovation Branch, Ms Peña held a number of senior positions at Global Affairs Canada (GAC).  She served as Ambassador to Chile, Director General Foreign Policy and Director General Economic Development. From 2007 to 2011, she undertook various policy and operational roles at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), including in the areas of democracy, governance, human rights and economic growth.

Prior to joining the Canadian public service, Ms. Peña lived for almost 10 years in London, England and worked in various public sector agencies, including the UK Electoral Commission where she oversaw political financing regulation in the United Kingdom. 

Mandate

The Partnerships for Development Innovation (KFM) 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 to offer on the global stage by working primarily through Canadian civil society organizations (CSOs) that, through their extensive local partner networks and knowledge of local context, can reach the poorest and most vulnerable, all while complementing the department’s bilateral and multilateral programs. KFM’s programming mechanisms allow a diverse array of Canadian organizations to submit innovative initiatives to achieve the department’s policy objectives.

The branch also engages Canadians in international development at home and abroad. Various initiatives such as the Volunteer Cooperation Program and the Technical Assistance Partnership provide unique opportunities for Canadians to contribute to international assistance. Other efforts to mobilize Canadians, such as International Development Week and partnerships with national, provincial and regional councils of international cooperation, increase understanding of, and commitment to international development issues.

KFM is working with the Equality Fund to mobilize unprecedented resources from private philanthropy and funders in support of women’s organizations. KFM is responsible for the partnership with Grand Challenges Canada to promote innovative and life-saving solutions to critical health challenges. Innovation is central to the branch’s mandate, which acts as a catalyst for development innovation, and leads communities of practice and develops tools.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• Climate finance: The policy parameters of Canada’s new $5.3 billion climate finance commitment are being finalized in advance of the UN Climate Change Conference 2022 (COP27) in November. KFM plays an important role in delivering on this commitment through engagement and programming with Canadian partners. An Omnibus Partnering for Climate approval memo [REDACTED] is expected [REDACTED]. In addition, there will be a Call for Concept Notes for the Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate initiative in the fall ($15 million/5 years).
• Development Impact Window - Canadian Small and Medium Organizations (SMO) for Impact and Innovation: GAC has launched its third call valued at $23 million. This initiative is designed to engage Canadian SMOs in international assistance efforts in areas consistent with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

Hot issues

• Direction and Control: Canadian international development charities have long sought changes to the Income Tax Act accountability provisions referred to as “direction and control”. In response, Senator Omidvar introduced Senate Public Bill S-216 (second reading scheduled for the fall), and Finance Canada introduced a counterproposal to Bill S-216 in Budget 2022 that was approved in June of this year. As a next step, the Canadian Revenue Agency will develop new related guidance for Canadian charities, in consultation with the sector. It is anticipated that discussions between Canadian international development charities and the Canadian Revenue Agency will focus on the degree of accountability that the Canadian charities should have for funds transferred to local charities in developing countries.
• Grants and Contributions Transformation: KFMT is a new bureau focused on modernizing the GAC IT platform and transforming the way the department delivers its international assistance, reaping the full benefits of digitization. This goes well beyond migrating IT systems. It also includes delivering on Feminist International Assistance Policy commitments to streamline funding and reporting procedures, reduce administrative burdens, and be more responsive transparent and predictable.
• Localisation: GAC is exploring providing greater support for local organizations in developing countries, as a means to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its international assistance. KFM is contributing to the development of a GAC policy on localization, drawing on Canadian CSOs’ perspectives and practices, and will consider the implications for the Canadian sector if more localized delivery of international assistance is pursued.

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

KFM Active CBS by category as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
134, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	134, 100%

Text version

KFM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
109, 81%	25, 19%	0, 0%	134, 100%

MFM - Global Issues and Development

Peter MacDougall, Assistant Deputy Minister

In addition to his role as Assistant Deputy Minister for Global Issues and Development, Mr. MacDougall also serves as Canada’s G7 Foreign Affairs Sous‑Sherpa and Departmental Focal Point for Conflict Mediation.

Mr. MacDougall served as the Assistant Deputy Minister for Europe, Arctic, Middle East and Maghreb from 2019-2020, and as Ambassador of Canada to Jordan from 2016-2019. Prior to his arrival at Global Affairs Canada, he held positions in the Privy Council Office (PCO) as the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Foreign and Defence Policy (2015 to 2016), and Director of Operations in the Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat (2011 to 2014).
Prior to PCO, from 2006 to 2011, Mr. MacDougall held a number of executive positions at Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), including Director General of Refugee Affairs. He has also held analyst and executive positions in health, social and economic policy and programs. Prior to joining the federal government, Mr. MacDougall worked in the NGO sector in the area of HIV/AIDS education and harm reduction.

Mandate

The Global Issues and Development Branch (MFM) advances Canadian priorities through

thematic policy and programming leadership, managing a base budget of approximately $2.2 billion, as well as additional significant allocations made throughout the year, (for example Crisis Pool and Strategic Priorities Fund) which fund global investments and deliver specialized knowledge and advice on health (including the international cooperation response to COVID-19 and vaccine donations), sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), education, gender equality, food security, environment/climate change, inclusive governance and economic growth.

MFM advances Canadian priorities in innovative financing, sovereign lending and climate finance.

MFM delivers effective, needs-based humanitarian assistance in response to complex emergencies and natural disasters in developing countries.

Additionally, the branch leads on Canadian engagement with multilateral and global organizations, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie and International Financial Institutions.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• September 19-21: Seventh Replenishment Conference of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
• September 20-26: UN General Assembly High Level Week (includes Transforming Education Summit, US-led Global Action Plan on COVID Response, and the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS) Solidarity event).
• September 27-October 7: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 41st Session of the Assembly.
• October 14-16: Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund.
• November 6-18: UN Climate Change Conference (COP27).
• November 15-16: G20 Leaders’ Summit.
• November 19-20: 18e Sommet de la Francophonie.
• December 5-17: Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15).

[REDACTED]

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

[REDACTED]

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

Hot issues

• UNGA High Level Week coordination.
• Canada’s level of participation at Tunisia-hosted Francophonie Summit (November 2022).
• Indo-Pacific Strategy.
• Global food and nutrition crisis, exacerbated by invasion of Ukraine (including G7 coordination on Ukraine grain transport and storage).
• Surplus COVID-19 vaccine dose donations.
• Humanitarian Assistance (Afghanistan, hurricane season).

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

MFM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
325, 86%	0, 0%	55, 14%	380, 100%

Text version

MFM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
281, 74%	281, 74%	0, 0%	380, 100%

PFM - Strategic Policy

Alexandre Lévêque, Assistant Deputy Minister

Alexandre Lévêque is Assistant Deputy Minister for Strategic Policy at Global Affairs Canada. Prior to this, Mr. Lévêque served as the Director of Operations and Assistant Secretary to Cabinet at the Privy Council Office’s Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat.

During his career, Mr. Lévêque has served in various capacities at Global Affairs Canada, among them: Director General, Strategic Foreign Policy Bureau; Executive Director, G7/G20 Summits Division, which included Canada’s presidency of the G7; Director, Human Resources Bureau; and, Director, Central America and Caribbean Division.

Overseas, Mr. Lévêque has served as Canada’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Zambia and Seychelles, and Ambassador to the Comoros (2012-2016); and had postings in Thailand and at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York (2000).

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 that may impact Canada's global policy and program choices, as well as related actions. It also contributes to clarifying and designing Canada's international and regional roles in a rapidly evolving geostrategic context.

The branch designs, delivers and coordinates strategic policy advice on foreign policy, current and emerging international economic policy and international assistance matters, coordinates and implements Canada’s overall approach to sanctions, leads the department's evaluation, results and delivery, research and foresight functions, as well as the 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, government transition and Federal Budget processes, and acts as secretariat for the Deputy Ministers’ Foreign Policy and Defence Committee (FPDC), the Deputy Minister of Trade’s Committee on Trade and Investment, the Department's Performance Management and Evaluation Committee (PMEC), and Policy & Programs Committee.

The branch also leads on the special project on the “Future of Diplomacy: Transforming GAC”.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• Future of Diplomacy project – Report to be submitted to the Minister of Foreign Affairs by the end of the year.
• [REDACTED]

• Potential new autonomous sanctions measures and permit applications under the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act to respond to global developments.
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• Visit of the Aga Khan (or one of his representatives) to Canada and the appointment process of a new Canadian representative to Ismaili Imamat.
• [REDACTED]
• Launch of the Feminist Foreign Policy paper.

Hot issues

• G7 Foreign Ministers Meetings, September 21 (UNGA), November 2-3, 2022 (Germany).
• Bligh Street Dialogue virtual meeting with Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (September/October, 2022, TBC).
• Statutory parliamentary review of autonomous sanctions legislation by
  October 18, 2022.
• G20 Leaders’ Summit, November 15-16, 2022 (Bali, Indonesia).
• Coordinate departmental Budget 2023 process and off-cycle funding requests.
• Launch of the cycle 3 process to report on Mandate Letter Commitments.
• Lead the department’s process to enhance Managing for Results.
• Steer ongoing development, coordination, and implementation of GAC’s Departmental Data Strategy.

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

PFM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
163, 96%	0, 0%	7, 4%	170, 100%

Text version

Number and Percentage of active Canada-based staff by category for PFM as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
140, 82%	30, 18%	0, 0%	170, 100%

TFM - Trade Policy and Negotiations

Bruce Christie, Assistant Deputy Minister

Bruce became Assistant Deputy Minister of the Trade Policy and Negotiations Branch in 2021. After Deputy Minister Morrison, he is Canada’s senior-most official responsible for international trade policy and negotiations. He is Canada’s chief trade negotiator, as well as chief negotiator for the CPTPP. Since joining the Department in 1992, Bruce has held several senior positions in Ottawa and abroad, including as Chief Air Negotiator and Director General of the Intellectual Property, Investment and Services Trade Policy Bureau (2014-17). He was Canada’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the WTO (2009-14), during which time he served as the Chair of the WTO Government Procurement Committee and as Canada’s lead negotiator in the Doha Round non-agricultural market access negotiations and Russian WTO accession.

Mandate

The Trade Policy and Negotiations Branch oversees the development of policy to advance Canadian economic, trade, and investment interests abroad; the negotiation and implementation of Canada’s international trade agreements, including multilateral agreements, bilateral/regional free trade agreements (FTA), foreign investment promotion and protection agreements (FIPA), and air transport agreements; the management of trade policy issues under the framework of the WTO and Canada’s existing FTAs; and the administration of the Export and Import Permits Act and related policy issues (including military-strategic export controls).

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• Continue to action Canada’s trade and investment negotiation agenda. This includes FTA negotiations with ASEAN, Indonesia, India, United Kingdom (UK); and Ukraine; Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) accession negotiations with the UK; and continuing FIPA discussions with priority partners.
• Engage with Pacific Alliance and Digital Economy Partnership Agreement Parties on Canada’s accession to these agreements.
• APEC Minister’s Meeting (Nov. 16-17)

Hot issues

• Issuance of export permits for controlled, military and strategic goods.
• Canada-U.S. trade and irritants such as dairy, softwood lumber, home shopping, online news and streaming acts.
• WTO engagement, including ongoing leadership of Ottawa Group Members on WTO reform and resolution of Appellate Body impasse
• Negotiation of Early Progress Trade Agreement with India

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

TFM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
315, 98%	6, 2%	0, 0%	321, 100%

Text version

TFM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
300, 93%	21, 7%	0, 0%	321, 100%

C - Corporate

ACM - International Platform

Stephane Cousineau, Assistant Deputy Minister

Mr. Cousineau was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the International Platform Branch in January 2022. He has 30 years of experience in the federal government, 21 years of which have been at the executive level. Prior to this, he was the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Corporate Services at Shared Services Canada.
Previously, Mr. Cousineau was Assistant Deputy Minister of Corporate Management Services and Chief Financial Officer of FINTRAC. He has further contributed to a number of broader Government of Canada initiatives, including Mental Health and Wellness and Workplace Charitable Campaigns at Shared Services Canada.
Mr. Cousineau has wide experience in leading, leveraging and managing business transformation agendas and managing strategies, program design, organizational integration and large scale, complex business and system projects.

Mandate

The International Platform Branch (ACM) was created in 2008 as a whole-of-government resource responsible for centrally managing Global Affairs Canada (GAC)’s network of infrastructure, people, assets and services.

More specifically, ACM’s mandate includes managing Canada’s presence abroad (including that of GAC, other GoC departments and agencies, and select provinces and foreign governments) by:

• Managing and delivering common services abroad through regional common service delivery points and through mission-based teams across the network including the Management Consular Officer (MCO) cadre.
• Coordinating changes in the network, including mission openings and closings, mission position changes, in addition to developing, implementing and coordinating associated cost recovery from partners.
• Managing and maintaining a network of over 2,600 properties around the world (including Chanceries, Official Residences and staff quarters). ACM is also responsible for leading the greening of our mission portfolio abroad, as required by the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy.
• Global supply chain operations, including diplomatic mail and distribution services within HQ and across the international platform network. Material management, including fleet and mission inventory management and international procurement operations.
• Providing functional guidance, policies and procedures supporting MCOs and their teams to deliver on seven business lines.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• An environmental scan of the International Platform Branch has recently been conducted in which a broad range of stakeholders (HoMs, MCOs, OGD partners, employees etc.) shared their views on what can be done to improve the management of the branch. A branch strategy was developed to address issues raised, which includes 10 priorities grouped under the themes of People Management, Service Delivery and Communications/Responsible Stewardship. Progress on these priorities and their associated initiatives is currently being tracked and measured, and will be periodically reported on to GAC senior management.

Hot issues

• Unprecedented workforce shortage and rotation in the Management Consular Officer (MCO) Stream is expected to continue. The GAC Workforce Strategy for the stream includes an action plan to mitigate the impact of this capacity gap among officers responsible for the management of mission operations abroad.
• In 2017, as part of the Duty of Care initiative, the department was allocated $1.87B dollars over 10 years (and $126M ongoing) [REDACTED] to implement security measures across missions and at HQ. $1.18B of this funding is allocated to ACM to undertake several categories of infrastructure projects, namely: physical security enhancement, seismic enhancement, mission relocations and the purchase of security equipment (including armoured vehicles). Two years of international Covid restrictions have delayed project delivery, [REDACTED].
• Network Affordability - Work is underway to assess the long-term affordability of GAC’s footprint abroad. While the department has sufficient funds to keep operating the overseas network in the short term, a review of all 178 missions will provide a comprehensive portrait of the state of our real property assets. In the past, GAC received funding for our security investments and capital projects (funding fenced for these specific purposes only), but uncertainty exists as to whether new funding will remain accessible. New pressures, [REDACTED], will place financial strain on our limited resources. Departmental discussions on the overseas footprint, as well as the future of how—and where—GAC works, will also impact the affordability of the network going forward. Mission [REDACTED] – ACM is currently working to deliver on MINA directive to [REDACTED] missions in Kigali, Villinus, Tallinn, Bratislava, Yerevan, and is also working on [REDACTED] already underway in [REDACTED] Milan.
• Major Real Property Projects
  • Moscow Chancery
  • Tokyo Chancery
  • Mexico Chancery
  • [REDACTED] New Delhi [REDACTED]
• The mission in Afghanistan was temporarily shuttered in August 2021. Should the decision be made to reopen, GAC will require lead-time to assess and recommission real property assets, hire staff, etc.

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

ACM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
444, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	444, 100%

Text version

ACM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
405, 91%	39, 9%	0, 0%	444, 100%

HCM - Human Resources

Francis Trudel, Assistant Deputy Minister

Francis Trudel is the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of Human Resources (HR) at Global Affairs Canada (HCM), a position he has held since September 2014.

He plays an active role in the overall human resources agenda of the public service. He is an elected member of the HR Council and was appointed by the Minister of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat as negotiator for the Public Service Health Care Plan.

He joined the federal public service in January 1998 at the Department of National Defence where he held various human resources roles.

In 2007, he joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada as Director General, Planning and Operations, responsible for service delivery and operational planning. He also led a Departmental Task Force on risk analysis, financial management and human resources.

In 2010, he served as Ambassador of Canada to the Eastern Republic of Uruguay.

In 2012, he managed the implementation of the Deficit Reduction Action Plan for human resources in the Department.

Mandate

The Human Resource Branch 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.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• In July 2022, the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs approved the creation of an Ombuds Office. As a result, responsibilities and authorities related to Values and Ethics will be transferred to HCM from the Inspector General. The transition is expected to be completed by fall 2022.
• As of June 20, 2022, the Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the core public service was suspended, and affected employees have reintegrated. Pursuant to Health Canada’s recent authorization of the booster dose for children aged 5 to 11 years as well as the mRNA vaccine for adults, GAC is working with the National Operations Center to secure an allocation of doses for Canada-based staff abroad and their dependants as well as Locally-Engaged Staff and is working on a distribution plan.
• On August 8, 2022, the Deputies announced leadership changes in the Anti-Racism Secretariat (ARS). Effective this summer, the ARS will fall under the responsibility of HR.
• The process to select ambassadors and consuls general for the Canadian missions abroad begins each September with the advertisement of head of mission openings. Deputy recommendations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs would be made in December following an extensive vetting process. After Ministerial and Prime Minister approval, host government approval (or agrément ) is sought and once received, Order in Council is requested. Delays in recent years have an impact on our mission network as well as on schooling for the children of our Head of Mission candidates.
• A 2-year Foreign Service Onboarding Program (FSOP) was launched on August 30, 2021. It is a comprehensive training program that fosters a sense of community among new FS recruits and develops key international competencies. A new cohort started training on September 7, 2022.
• The formal launch of the new Learning Management System, Campus International, was recently completed. The Digital Campus offers a variety of courses available to all GAC employees.
• In September 2022, launch of a compensation integrated case-management solution for Canada-based staff (CBS). It assists in expediting the resolution of compensation issues and ensures that requestors receive notifications about their enquiries at every step of the process until completion.

Hot issues

• Reintegration phase at HQ and future of work. A new telework solution is being created to facilitate the implementation of telework agreements in a hybrid work environment (launch planned for mid-October 2022).
• Collective bargaining is currently underway for several collective agreements applicable to GAC employees. GAC will be supporting TBS negotiations for the Foreign Service table. Contingency plans will be established in the event of a potential strike.
• Working aggressively to address long-standing gaps in the Foreign Service pools. The goal is to balance the pools by 2023/4.
• Health Canada has reviewed its services under the Public Service Occupational Health Program which directly impacts CBS abroad. While contracts are in place to cover some of HC’s previous functions, a review of GAC’s overseas health services model is underway to ensure GAC’s ability to meet CLC-II requirements and its duty of care obligations.
• Influencing the upcoming TBS-Union negotiations of the Foreign Service Directives to encourage more flexibility in supporting our staff posted abroad.
• Creating an inclusive environment and a culture that recognizes, values and truly engages the diversity of all employees at GAC, is an important strategic priority for the department.
• While GAC has an enviable language capacity compared to other organizations in the public service, its language of work has been raised as an issue by bargaining agents. Representation of Francophones in the Foreign Service was also raised in the press in 2021. GAC is working to enhance the visibility of official languages internally and enrich its bilingual culture in the workplace, both at HQ and abroad.
• Further refining the locally engaged staff (LES) HR management framework to reflect evolving GoC priorities as they apply to LES (e.g. crisis administration, pension and benefits administration, diversity and inclusion, post-COVID workplace context, etc.), ensuring consistency in the management of the LES workforce working for all GoC departments abroad.
• Implementing the LES Benefits Modernization initiative and the recommendations from the Global Review to ensure a systematic and standardized approach for LES pensions and benefits management. Depending on the funding option chosen, the Deputy Minister’s support would be critical in securing the funding for the continued implementation.

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

HCM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
593, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	593, 100%

Text version

HCM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
455, 77%	138, 23%	0, 0%	593, 100%

LCM - Public Affairs

Stéphane Levesque, Assistant Deputy Minister and Head of Communications

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 - 2017); Executive Director for Social and Economic (2015 to 2016); and Director, New Media (2013 to 2015). He also worked at Transport Canada as the Director, Web, Creative and Internal Communications (2010-2013).

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

Public Affairs Branch activities are aimed at advancing the priorities of the government and department internationally, providing support to Canadians traveling abroad, and informing the department’s staff, in compliance with government communications policy.

The branch provides support directly to the offices of the department’s three main ministers through four portfolio strategic communications divisions, including one dedicated to consular issues. These strategic communications divisions are also centrally involved in GAC’s participation in the management of major issues with broad impact across the government. The ADM and DGs typically participate in government-wide issue-response task forces, taking the lead for communications when required.

The branch manages all headquarters’ media relations activities, including training of all heads of missions and senior executives, organizing media events and responding to an average of about 5,000 media enquiries annually, more than any other department.

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

The branch also manages the department’s official digital properties, policy compliance for GAC communications and public opinion research.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• LCM can prepare an employee engagement plan for the deputy upon arrival with internal activities throughout the year, including options for a departmental town hall with executives, or all employees.
• Foreign Policy: LCM is working with desks and the minister's office on the communications strategy for the release of the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Feminist Foreign Policy. The Minister of Foreign Affairs (MINA) is expected to deliver a key-note speech in the House of Commons; a specific date has not been confirmed.
• Canada will host the UN Biodiversity Conference – COP15 in Montreal, December 7 to 19, 2022. Although Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is leading on this, GAC ministers will participate. LCM is working collaboratively with its ECCC communications counterparts.

Hot issues

• On foreign policy issues and emergency management: Situation in Iran (women’s rights), Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the situation with China (Taiwan, bilateral relations) and Myanmar, the situation in Sri Lanka and increased violence in and around Gaza, all continue to have foreign policy implications for Canada, while the impact of these situations on Canadians and Canadian assets abroad carries major communications implications.
• Disinformation: LCM is working on combatting Russian disinformation, through debunking disinformation narratives and equipping people on how to identify disinformation when it happens. LCM started to issue disinformation content related to the Iranian regime.
• Complex Consular Issues: The branch provides strategic communications advice and services to the ongoing cases of Canadians in Northeastern Syria, as well as Canadians fighting in Ukraine. We also provide support for the initiative against arbitrary detentions in state-to-state relations, including an upcoming Canada-led conference, and support to the task force managing Canada's ongoing response to the downing of PS752.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): GAC leads the international implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, a file that has renewed focus as the PM has recently been named the co-chair of the UN SDG Advocates group. Communicating about Canada’s role in advancing the SDGs at home and abroad, and supporting the PM in his advocacy role, is expected to be a significant focus for LCM in the coming months.
• On trade, Canada is negotiating free trade agreements with the United Kingdom; India (an early progress trade agreement); ASEAN, and Ukraine, and in talks to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement with Singapore, Chile and New Zealand. GAC is proactively engaged on the impact of U.S. clean vehicle credits on the Canadian auto sector, and other trade implications stemming from the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, as well as legal action against U.S. softwood lumber tariffs, and concerns about U.S. and New Zealand trade actions against Canada’s supply management system for dairy.

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

LCM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
226, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	226, 100%

Text version

LCM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
226, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	226, 100%

SCM - Corporate Planning, Finance and Information Technology

Anick Ouellette, Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer

Anick Ouellette began her career working in the private sector for a period of 10 years. She then joined the public service in 2001 at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), where she fulfilled various roles and responsibilities within the finance sector. In 2006, Anick joined the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and held the positions of Director of Financial Policies, Director General, Finance Operations and Deputy Chief Financial Officer (DCFO). In 2013, Anick became the Director General, Financial Operations and DCFO at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and in 2015 she joined the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) as the Director General, Finance Administration and DCFO.

Prior to her current role, Anick occupied the position of Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Library and Archives Canada where her responsibilities included finance and procurement, human resources and security, corporate planning and accountability, real property management, as well as innovation and technologies.

Anick is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA).

Mandate

The Corporate Planning, Finance, and IT Branch (SCM) provides service and support to the department in the areas of financial management, information management and information technology, corporate planning, performance and risk management, asset management and procurement.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• As part of the department's Financial Sustainability Strategy, various options for the reallocating of financial resources will be presented this fall for discussion and decision purposes.
• The Supplementary Estimates B, currently in development, is expected to be approved in Parliament in mid-December. Supplementary Estimates B includes funding for new initiatives, reprofiling requests from 2021-2022, as well as transfers from or to other government departments. The last Treasury Board meeting for submissions of funding items to include in the Supplementary Estimates B is October 6, 2022.
• Last fiscal year, a departmental Accounting Policy for Loans and Repayable Contributions was implemented. This was necessary given the Office of the Comptroller General’s increased scrutiny on the growing asset portfolio generated by International Climate Finance and International Assistance Innovation programming. Furthermore, the Office of the Auditor General revised a sample of related transactions as part of their Annual Review of the Fiscal Year-end Process. A formal report is expected shortly and based on preliminary findings; it is expected that the conformity of Global Affairs Canada’s (GAC) accounting treatment will be confirmed, but changes may be recommended for these programs.
• The IM/IT Bureau (SID) is working on various fronts to support the Future of Work model and its hybrid workforce this Fall, including, among other things, the development of a telework agreement module; an application that would allow employees to book unassigned office spaces and non-corporate boardrooms; seamless interoperability between our collaboration solutions and our videoconferencing equipment in boardrooms; increasing IM/IT support capacity; and ongoing work with Shared Services Canada (SSC) to improve network performance.
• With the department’s current capacity and funding, GAC will leverage governance to ensure that IM/IT projects and activities outlined in our Departmental Plan on Service and Digital (DPSD) are prioritized and aligned with core business priorities.
• The following ministerial approvals will be required: 2021-2022 Departmental Results Report (November 1, 2022); 2021-2022 GAC Fees Report (November 1, 2022); and 2023-2024 Departmental Plan (January 2023).
• An updated Delegation of Financial and Contractual Signing Authorities Instrument, including proposed changes for the International Development Assistance Program was submitted further to the appointment of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is yet to be approved and therefore the last approved delegation remains in force (July 2017).
• [REDACTED]

Hot issues

• In an effort to increase the financial sustainability of the department, through better alignment of resources to priorities and improved ability to address current and future financial pressures, a Financial Sustainability Strategy is under development. This strategy will address different problematics such as the Departmental Management Reserve practices, the affordability of the network abroad and a potential increase of revenues in service fees.
• GAC delivers on $4.4B in International Assistance Envelope programming in support of the Government of Canada’s agenda, including the promotion of human rights, women’s empowerment, diversity, education, global health and global food security. The Grants and Contributions Development budget is highly committed in legal agreements, leaving limited funding for new planned initiatives. Corporate mitigation measures may be necessary to ensure that the department respects its financial appropriations.
• A close monitoring of the financial situation of the Operating and Capital votes is required as the impacts of COVID-19 on operations endure. Ensuring that funds are sufficient to address current and future year organizational priorities and innovative initiatives remains a priority.
• GAC currently lacks sustainable long-term funding to support the department’s digital agenda, which includes the modernization of its international network and infrastructure. To advance the key files, including the Future of Diplomacy, significant investments are required to fully digitize GAC’s programs and services and ensure a seamless, borderless user experience across the globe. SCM is currently looking at various mechanisms to fund sustainably GAC’s digital transformation [REDACTED].
• Ensuring Shared Services Canada’s (SSC) focus on GAC’s key priorities requires ongoing engagement and governance. GAC is dependent on SSC to deliver on key services and projects. Ongoing issues, such as procurement challenges and delays, are impacting GAC project delivery and IM/IT service levels.
• [REDACTED]
• The department has launched a Grants & Contributions (Gs&Cs) program delivery transformation / modernization initiative. While the focus is on International Assistance (IA) with KFM as the project “sponsor” and SCM as a key partner/stakeholder, the initiative will be whole-of-department. The effort will be multi-year, replace the existing SAP system project management component, and leverage digital / data transformation to inform future Gs&Cs management.
• As part of the Deputy Minister of International Development’s Transformation Agenda and GAC’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework, the branch is working with stakeholders across programs and functional areas to implement a Risk Appetite Framework for International Assistance which includes a set of risk appetite statements based on three risk areas: programming, fiduciary and financial, and reputational risk. The framework aims to guide staff in making risk-based decisions and adjusting processes, and is being piloted within the Gs and Cs Transformation programme.
• The 125 Sussex Rehabilitation project is a $600 Million PSPC-managed project, which began in 2017 and is scheduled for completion in 2028. GAC’s portion of the project is $243 million and is part of a long-term modernization plan for our 3 main workplaces in the National Capital Region at 125 & 111 Sussex and 200 Place du Centre. PSPC has recently indicated that GAC must vacate a large portion of our 111 Sussex location. Additionally, as part of PSPC’s commitment to achieve savings targets outlined in Budget 2022, PSPC has indicated its objective to reduce the overall accommodation footprint of the Government of Canada by 50% over the next 5 to 10 years. GAC and PSPC are currently in discussion to determine the long-term final footprint of GAC in the National Capital Region.

2022-23 financial and human resources

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SCM Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
1171, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	1171, 100%

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SCM Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
1102, 94%	68, 6%	1, 0%	1171, 100%

D - Special Bureaus

DCD - Corporate Secretariat

Colleen Calvert, Director General and Corporate Secretary

Colleen Calvert assumed her role as Director General and Corporate Secretary in April 2021.

She began her public service career as a legislative assistant in the Senate of Canada, followed by eight years at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Upon joining Global Affairs Canada in 2007, she worked for eight years in trade policy, including a four-year posting in Beijing. Colleen worked as a Deputy Director in the Office of the Deputy Minister of International Trade (2015-2016), followed by five years as the Executive Director of Cabinet and Parliamentary Affairs.

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.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• Achieve 50% reduction of backlog in ATIPs for high volume branches, and 100% reduction for medium and low volume branches.
• Annual training for senior officials before Parliamentary committees.
• Support and advice for bills before parliament implicating departmental legislation, including: S-9 (Chemical Weapons); C-281 (International Human Rights Act); and, C-282 (Supply Management).
• Presentation of branch work volumes via the corporate secretariat over the most recent four to five-year time horizon.

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

DCD Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
155, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	155, 100%

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DCD Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
151, 97%	4, 3%	0, 0%	155, 100%

DSMX - Summits Management Office

Adam Barratt, Director General

Adam Barratt was appointed Director General of the Summits Management Office in September 2022. Prior to that, he served six years as Minister-Counsellor at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. In Ottawa, he last served as the departmental spokesperson to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and as head of the media relations unit. Overall, Adam has over 20 years of international experience divided between Rideau Hall where he managed the Governor General’s visits abroad, and Global Affairs, including postings to Mali, Haiti and Washington.

Adam studied political science, history and international relations at Carleton University. He received a deputy minister’s commendation and the Operational Service Medal for his work in Haiti in 2010 and the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 for service to the Crown. Born in Montreal and raised in Edmonton and Vancouver, Adam is fluently bilingual in French and forever working on his Spanish. His husband, David Moore, is a senior advisor at the World Bank.

Mandate

The Summits Management Office (DSMX) advances Canada’s multilateral relations and foreign policy objectives, in partnership with its clients and key federal partners. It is the central entity with the organizational expertise to respond to the Prime Minister and GAC Portfolio Ministers’ needs to host major international multilateral events in Canada. In recent years, the Office has delivered on regular major events (e.g. 2016 North American Leader’s Summit, 2018 G7 Summit, 2019 Women Deliver Conference).

The DSMX delivers by:

• Planning, costing and delivering all operational requirements for PM-led summits and GAC ministerial international events held in Canada.
• Coordinating requests for logistical, technical and protocol support for virtual events attended or hosted by the department’s portfolio ministers and parliamentary secretaries.
• Leading on all events that fall under the 1996 Framework for the Management and Funding of PM-Led Summits of an International Nature.
• Acting as a consultation office to other government departments/agencies organizing major international events in Canada.
• Making its expertise available to foreign countries which are planning to host their own international events.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• [REDACTED]

International Multilateral Events

• ECCC – COP15 (Dec. 7-19, 2022)
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]
• [REDACTED]

Decisions and Hot issues

• Permanent funding for the Office has yet to be identified.
• Prioritization of Ministerial events to be led or supported this fall and next year.
• Increased demand to support virtual events and meetings will require additional, predictable funding.

2022-23 Financial and human resources

JUS - Legal Services Unit

Mandate

JUS advises on all aspects of domestic Canadian law and international private law as well as litigation, domestic or foreign, engaging Global Affairs Canada. JUS is comprised of counsel from Justice Canada as well as paralegal and administrative staff from Global Affairs Canada. JUS provides legal advice on questions of Canadian law on all aspects of Global Affairs Canada’s operations. JUS has a broad practice, which includes national security law; litigation support; specialised advisory services in commercial, corporate and real property matters; consular and emergency management; labour and employment law relating to heads of mission and locally-engaged staff; sanctions; and administrative law including information and privacy law. Our advisory work supports GAC policy and program development, operations, and litigation in civil and criminal matters, in Canada and abroad. JUS also represents the Federal Central Authority for the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. As part of Justice Canada, JUS draws upon specialist expertise. A number of matters entail close and successful cooperation with the GAC Legal Advisor and the Trade Law Bureau.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

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

Hot issues

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

2022-23 financial and human resources

NOTE: JUS is comprised of both DOJ lawyers and managers, who are DOJ employees funded under an MOU between DOJ and GAC, as well as GAC administrative, paralegal and records staff, who are GAC employees. The FTEs reported below are the GAC employees; the approximately 25 DOJ counsel and 3 DOJ executives are funded under the rubric of the Operations budget below.

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JUS Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
23, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	23, 100%

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JUS Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
23, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	23, 100%

VBD - Office of the Chief Audit Executive

Natalie Lalonde, Chief Audit Executive and (since August 1, 2022) Senior Official for Internal Disclosure

Natalie Lalonde rejoined Global Affairs Canada in May 2022. She has significant audit experience spanning over 21 years working in the public sector.

Previously, she was the Director General of Audit and Evaluation at Treasury Board Canada Secretariat and Chief Audit Executive at Heritage Canada. Prior to that, for five years, she was Director of Operations at the Canadian International Development Agency, when it merged into the current department.

Natalie holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation, is a member of the Canadian Advisory Board of the Institute of Internal Auditors since April 2021 and is also co-chair of the GoC Advisory Committee on Innovation in Internal Audit.

Mandate

The Office of the Chief Audit Executive conducts internal audits and advisory engagements on all programs and functions within the department. Internal audit is a trusted business partner supporting the department to achieve its mandate by bringing an independent, systematic and disciplined approach to assess the effectiveness of governance, risk management practices and internal controls.

The risk-based audit plan is evergreen to capture emerging risks and engagements are identified using a robust risk-based methodology.

The Departmental Audit Committee (DAC) is chaired by Stephen Wallace (former Senior Public Servant) and supported by Kim Scott, Neil Yeates (former DM) and Nancy Whipp.

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

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• Due to recent departmental restructuring regarding the creation of the Ombuds Office, integrate responsibilities and resources related to investigations of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act and internal fraud in October 2022.
• Coordinate with deputies and the Departmental Audit Committee on three upcoming in-person meetings – December 2022, February 2023, and May 2023
• December 2022 DAC meeting, will include tabling of the following audit reports – Management of Honorary Consuls, IT Application Portfolio Management, and Trade Commissioner Services-Regional Operations and advisory report on Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

Hot issues

• Office of the Auditor General activities include: Performance Audit of Effectiveness of International Assistance (tabling Spring 2023); 2021-22 Public Accounts (tabling Fall 2022); Update on Past Audits (2018 Audit of Physical Security at Canada’s Missions Abroad)

2022-23 financial and human resources

Text version

VBD Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
29, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	29, 100%

Text version

VBD Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
29, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	29, 100%

XDD - Office of Protocol

Stewart Wheeler, Chief of Protocol

Mr. Wheeler became Chief of Protocol of Canada in January 2019. Prior to that he served as Assistant Deputy Minister of International Relations/Chief of Protocol in Ontario’s Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs (2016-18). Stewart has over 20 years of 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 received the Minister’s Award for Foreign Policy Excellence in 1999 for his work on the Kosovo Crisis, 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 and multilateral relations as well as foreign policy objectives in partnership with geographic and functional branches, PCO, partner departments and Rideau Hall as well, as facilitates the presence and work of the foreign diplomatic community accredited to Canada (aka the diplomatic corps), 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); managing the official travel abroad of the Governor General, Prime Minister, Portfolio Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries; managing the National Airport Courtesies Program, which provides airport courtesy clearances to foreign dignitaries visiting Canada; as well as the management of the Canada Reception Centre (terminal lounge and hangar 11)..
• 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.
• Delivering a range of services to 189 bilateral missions (including 55 non-resident missions based in the U.S.), 480 consular posts, and 26 international organizations with offices in Canada (e.g. the International Civil Aviation Organization), as well as to their 8,000 accredited personnel. Services include: accrediting foreign representatives and their families; managing the approval processes for foreign heads of mission, military attachés and foreign honorary consuls; advising and assisting the diplomatic corps on privileges and immunities questions; liaising on diplomatic security matters; providing diplomatic visa services; organizing credentials ceremonies for HOMs-designate with Rideau Hall; and delivering outreach activities.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

High level visits:

• October
• GG to Iceland – Arctic Circle Assembly (Oct.12-15)
• US Secretary of State –visit-in (TBC)
• Chairperson of the African Union Commission –visit-in (Oct. 26-28)
• President of Hungary - official visit-in (Oct. 28-Nov. 1)
• November
• PM to Cambodia - ASEAN (TBC)
• PM to Indonesia - G20 Summit (Nov.15-16)
• PM to Thailand - APEC Summit (Nov.18-19)
• PM to Tunisia – Sommet de la Francophonie
• December
• PM to Mexico - North American Leaders’ Summit (NALS) (Dec. 13-14)
• Bilateral Leader Visits on the margins of COP15 (TBC)

Decisions and Hot issues

Hangar 11 – Canada Reception Centre:

The May storm in Ottawa brought destruction and damage to the Canada Reception Centre (Hangar 11) and has affected both GAC and DND operations as a result. After two months of negotiations with DND and PSPC, Protocol has movedinto the adjacent Terminal A to resume operations from a smaller space. The large space requires remediation based on air quality testing (mold and asbestos) and to date we do not have approximate timelines nor costs from DND; high level discussions are required to navigate a long term solution to meet GoC needs for a Canada Reception Centre.

VVIP Travel Contracting

Working with contracting and financial colleagues to ensure GAC is equipped with an improved system for urgent contracting is support of VVIP travel requirements.

Pressure on the ICA/GHA Special Allotment Funds:

Expected need to engage the Treasury Board Secretariat during the current fiscal year in order to unfreeze a portion of the International Conference Allotment (ICA) and Government Hospitality Allotment (GHA) special funds, which are held back; and to renew and refresh the special allotments to reflect current international environment and spending rates.

2022-23 Financial and human resources

Text version

XDD Active CBS by Work Location as of March 31, 2022

HQ	Region	Abroad	Total
65, 100%	0, 0%	0, 0%	65, 100%

Text version

XDD Active CBS by Category as of March 31, 2022

Traditional	Rotational	Mobile	Total
59, 91%	6, 9%	0, 0%	65, 100%

XED - Office of the Chief Economist

Marie-France Paquet, Chief Economist

Ms. Paquet is the Chief Economist and Director General of the Office of the Chief Economist at Global Affairs Canada since September 2017.

Ms. Paquet has previously worked in other government departments and in academia. She taught economics at the School of Management at the University of Ottawa. She worked in the Economic and Fiscal Policy Branch, and in the International Trade and Finance Branch, at Finance Canada. Ms. Paquet was the Director of Operations, Economic and Regional Development Policy Secretariat at the Privy Council Office. She also worked at Transport Canada on the coordination of the policy response to the Lac-Mégantic tragedy.

Mandate

The Office of the Chief Economist, which reports directly to the Deputy Minister of Trade (DMT), is responsible for the development of economic analysis and evidence in support of departmental and government policy-making and program implementation related to global commerce and trade negotiations. It is also responsible for directing the provision of commerce-related information (including the departmental flagship publication State of Trade) to other government departments, academics, think tanks and the public, as well as for outreach on international trade issues and the importance of international trade to the Canadian economy and engagement with other partners involved in international trade research. The Office also performs the vetting of economic information and statistics and furthermore ensures the accuracy of economic concepts and statistics for Ministerial statements, publications, submissions to Cabinet, briefs and any other departmental products. The Chief Economist leads a team of analysts in reporting and advising on international trade, investment and economic issues. Current economic research and analysis projects include the impact of trade agreements on labor and gender, the determinants of export for SMEs, the impact of foreign direct investment on the economy, the vulnerability of Canadian supply chains, and the impact of COVID-19 on trade.

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• Release report CETA@5 - Canada’s Merchandise Trade Performance with the EU, 5 years after the entry into force of CETA (early October).
• Organize a special event at OECD on Services Trade Restrictions (October 13-14, Paris).
• Host conference on economic impact of trade agreements, based on State of Trade 2022 report with Minister Ng (November, Ottawa).
• Release report on the 25th anniversary of the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) (November).

Hot issues

• Supply Chains – Coordination with international partners on analytical work towards building supply chain resiliency, including in support of Canada-U.S. supply chain working group.
• War in Ukraine – Continue to monitor impact of sanctions and other economic issues stemming from war in Ukraine, including on food and energy security.
• Inclusive Trade – Wrapping-up first phase of work in partnership with Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business on Indigenous exporters with expectation of launching report in December.
• Performance of trade agreements –conducting economic impact assessments, as required by the trade negotiation agenda (e.g. Canada-India), assessing Canadian trade performance under the CPTPP (3-year report) and of the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (25th anniversary report).

2022-23 financial and human resources

ZID - Inspection, Integrity and Values & Ethics Bureau

Robert Sinclair, Inspector General

Robert Sinclair (LLB Dalhousie University, 1995; B.Ed. McGill University, 1989; BA McGill University, 1986) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1995. He was appointed Inspector General on September 6, 2021. From 2019-2021 he served as Deputy Head of Mission of the Mission of Canada to the European Union and as the Permanent Observer of Canada to the Council of Europe. Headquarters assignments have been with Threat Assessment and Intelligence Services; South Asia Relations; International Human Rights; and the Department’s Legal Bureau. Positions overseas have included Dublin; Brussels; London; Washington; and Moscow.

Mandate

The Inspector General (IG) is responsible for the inspection of Canada’s missions abroad and the wellbeing of GAC employees, including Informal Conflict Resolution and Employee Assistance Program services. The IG also provides support and guidance to Heads of Mission and undertakes different forms of outreach and intervention across the mission network.

In Fall 2022, the IG’s office will also take on the role of organizational Ombudsperson (Ombud). Added responsibilities will be to offer a centralized support unit where employees can confidentially obtain support and information about options for resolving workplace issues, and to engage senior management by reporting on the state of wellness in the department and by recommending responses to emerging issues.

The office of Ombud/IG operates with autonomy from other departmental structures, to reinforce its independence, neutrality, confidentiality and objectivity; the Ombud/IG reports directly to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. When it is fully operational, the office of Ombud/IG will comprise 2 divisions:

Deputy Inspector General/Director of Inspections: Lisa Rice Madan (ZIV)

Deputy Ombud: staffing currently underway

90-day horizon: Milestones & decision points

• ZID – Lead the creation of the Ombud Office and coordinate the move of the values and ethics policy, advisory and investigative functions under human resources and the move of wrongdoing (Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act) and internal fraud investigations, and fraud risk management under the Chief Audit Executive.
• ZIV - As per the planning scenario presented to EXCO in April 2022, a virtual Inspection of RABAT will be undertaken in October, 2022. Inspections are planned for BSBGN, KLMPR and YNGON in November and December 2022. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs/ Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs will continue to receive completed mission inspection reports.

Hot issues

• 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.
• 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.

2022-2023 financial and human resources