Main Estimates 2023-2024 Notes - House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT) - Appearance of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

March 27th, 2023

Published: October 3rd, 2023

Table of contents

• Raison d’être
• 2023–24 Estimates - Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object
• 2023–24 Estimates - Statutory Forecasts
• 2023–24 Estimates - Expenditures by Purpose
• 2023–24 Main Estimates - Interim Supply Requirements
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Overview
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Year-Over-Year Changes – Explanation of Items
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for Office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for the Administration of Trade Controls
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for CanExport – Intellectual Property Support
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for Building Canada’s Research Capacity
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for Compensation Related to Collective Agreements
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Statutory Forecasts – Contributions to Employee Benefits Plans
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Decrease in the Softwood Lumber Funding
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for Locally Engaged Staff Salaries and Related Benefits Incurred at Missions Abroad
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for Currency Exchange Fluctuations On Expenditures at Missions Abroad
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Adjustment Related to the Cost of Assessed Contributions
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - by Vote
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - by Core Responsibility
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Trade and Investment
• Global Affairs Canada: Departmental Plan 2023-2024
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Briefing Note on Departmental Plan 2023-24
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Briefing note on Departmental Results Report 2021-22
• 2023-24 Main Estimates - Public Accounts 2021-22 – Overview

Raison d’être

Global Affairs Canada, under the leadership of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, and the Minister of International Development is responsible for advancing Canada’s international relations, including: developing and implementing foreign policy; fostering the development of international law, international trade and commerce; providing international assistance (encompassing humanitarian, development, and peace and security); ensuring Canada’s strong and sustained engagement in La Francophonie’s institutions; providing consular services for Canadians; and overseeing the Government of Canada’s global network of missions abroad.

Additional information can be found in Global Affairs Canada’s Departmental Plan.

Note: Until the establishing legislation is amended, the legal name of the department for the purposes of Appropriation Acts remains Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.

Organizational estimates

2023–24 Main Estimates by Purpose

Listing of the 2023–24 Transfer Payments

Listing of Statutory Authorities

Unless specifically identified under the Changes in 2023–24 Main Estimates section, all vote wordings have been provided in earlier appropriation acts.

2023–24 Estimates - Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object

This table shows the forecast of total expenditures by Standard Object, which includes the types of goods or services to be acquired, or the transfer payments to be made and the revenues to be credited to the vote.

Definitions of standard objects available at: https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/recgen/pceaf-gwcoa/2324/7-eng.html

Interest payments relating to capital leases are included under “Public debt charges”. These payments are voted expenditures and are not included under the "Public Debt" heading on the Composition of Estimates and Expenditures table.

Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object

2023–24 Estimates - Statutory Forecasts

2023–24 Estimates - Expenditures by Purpose

2023–24 Main Estimates - Interim Supply Requirements

Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

Approved and Pending Items (dollars) (triage items included)

2023-24 Main Estimates - Overview

• The 2023-24 Main Estimates were tabled in Parliament and the related Appropriation Act is expected to receive Royal Assent in June 2023 with an Interim Supply bill approved by March 31, 2023.
• The Department’s total funding requested in the 2023-24 Main Estimates is $7.6B, which represents a net increase of $107.6M over the 2022-23 Main Estimates of $7.5B.
• The increase is mainly due to funding to support the Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program.

Supporting Facts and Figures

• Significant funding increases include:
  • $76.8M related to funding to support Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy;
  • $32.5M related to the increase in the funding for the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program;
  • $32.3M related to transfers to or from other government departments to provide support to departmental staff located at missions abroad;
  • $23.1M related to funding to help developing countries to address the impact of climate change;
  • $21.4M related to the impact of inflation on overseas operations (non-ODA portion); and
  • $16.8M related to funding for reinforcing and modernizing core consular capacity to assist Canadians abroad.
• Significant funding decrease of 97.0M related to funding for the Strategic Priorities Fund.

Background

• The Main Estimates present Global Affairs Canada’s reference levels which are broken down by the nature of the funding (Vote) and according to the Departmental Results Framework (DRF). Adjustments to Main Estimates to account for new programming or for programs that were approved after the process for including items in the Main Estimates (concluded in the Fall), will be received through Supplementary Estimates.
• Supplementary Estimates are part of the normal Parliamentary approval process to ensure that previously planned government initiatives receive the necessary funding to move them forward. They present information to Parliament on the Government of Canada’s spending requirements that were not sufficiently developed in time for inclusion in the Main Estimates.

2023-24 Main Estimates - Year-Over-Year Changes – Explanation of Items

• The Department’s total funding requested in the 2023-24 Main Estimates is $7.6B, which represents a net increase of $107.6M over the 2022-23 Main Estimates of $7.5B.
• Funding increases include:
  • $76.8M related to funding to support Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy;
  • $32.5M related to the funding for the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program;
  • $32.3M related to transfers to or from other government departments to provide support to departmental staff located at missions abroad;
  • $23.1M related to funding to help developing countries to address the impact of climate change;
  • $21.4M related to the impact of inflation on overseas operations (non-ODA portion);
  • $16.8M related to funding for reinforcing and modernizing core consular capacity to assist Canadians abroad;
  • $16.6M related to funding for locally engaged staff salaries and related benefits incurred at missions abroad (non-ODA portion);
  • $10.7M related to funding for payments, in respect of pension, insurance and social security programs or other arrangements for employees locally engaged outside of Canada;
  • $10.7M related to funding for Canada's participation in World Exposition Osaka 2025;
  • $9.3M related to the compensation for EX group;
  • $8.7M related to funding for Safe Third Country Agreement Modernization; and
  • $7.0M related to funding for the administration of Trade Controls.
• Funding decreases include:
  • $97.0M related to funding for the Strategic Priority Fund;
  • $23.0M related to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations incurred on expenditures at missions abroad (non-ODA portion);
  • $19.7M related to decrease in the Softwood Lumber funding;
  • $9.1M related to funding for the Migrant Smuggling Prevention Strategy; and
  • $7.3M related to contributions of employee benefit plans.

Supplementary Messages

The 2023-24 Main Estimates include:

• Increase of $76.8M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to funding to support Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).
• Budget 2018 decisions provided $2.0B in new resources over five years, starting in 2018-19, from the International Assistance Envelope to accelerate the impact of Canada’s new Feminist International Assistance Policy. Budget 2018 decisions also provided $1.5B over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $492.7M per year thereafter from existing unallocated International Assistance Envelope resources, to support innovation in Canada’s international assistance through the International Assistance Innovation Program and the Sovereign Loans Program.
  • An increase of $106.0M in 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates results from a change in the funding profile from 2022-23 to 2020-21 to support the establishment of the Partnership for Gender Equality (Equality Fund);
  • An increase of $56.3M in 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates is related to the implementation of the Innovative Finance Programs;
  • An increase of $0.9M in 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates is related to resources supporting initiatives in the four priority areas, aligned with the FIAP and Canada’s commitments;
  • A decrease of $60.0M in 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates is related to the Global Partnership for Education; and
  • A decrease of $26.4M in 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates is related to the Canada’s response to the Venezuela Refugee and Migrant Crisis.
• Increase of $32.5M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to the funding for the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program.
  • The Economic and Fiscal update 2021 included $179.7M over five years for Global Affairs Canada (GAC), including $30.0M over three years from existing GAC resources, to renew Canada’s engagement in United Nations Peace Operations and Peacebuilding, advancing Canadian initiatives to make peace operations and peace building more effective and inclusive.
  • An increase of 32.9M$ in 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates is related to the Canada’s Engagement in United Nations Peace Operations and Peacebuilding.
• Increase of $32.3M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to the transfers to or from other government departments to provide support to departmental staff located at missions abroad. As part of memorandum of understanding with other government departments, Global Affairs Canada is a common service provider for Government of Canada operations abroad and receives or returns funds for the adjusted cost of operations resulting from staff being posted at Canadian missions abroad by other government departments.
• Increase of $23.1M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to funding to help developing countries to address the impact of climate change.
  • At the 2021 G7 Leaders’ Summit, Prime Minister announced a doubling of Canada’s climate finance, from $2.65B to $5.3B over the next five years. Budget 2021 provided the associated Record of Decision on June 15, 2021 and the financial authority for Canada’s new $5.3B climate finance commitment.
  • An increase of $133.1M in 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates is related to the Canada’s International Climate Finance and Biodiversity Programs; and
  • A decrease of $110.0M in 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates is related to the Canada’s contribution to the first replenishment of the Green Climate Fund.
• Increase of $21.4M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to the impact of inflation on overseas operations (non-ODA portion). Global Affairs Canada seeks compensation for the effects of foreign inflation in excess of Canadian inflation and is compensated annually.
• Increase of $16.8M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to the funding for Reinforcing and modernizing core consular capacity to assist Canadians abroad. The Budget 2022 announced a funding decision of $101.4M over 6 years and $18.5M ongoing, starting in 2022-23, to support Global Affairs Canada Consular and Emergency Management programs.
• Increase of $16.6M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to funding for locally engaged staff salaries and related benefits incurred at missions abroad (non-ODA portion). Global Affairs Canada abides by the employment laws abroad and provide salary and benefit increases that are in line with the local economy so as to keep compensation comparable to that of local employers.
• Increase of $10.7M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to payments, in respect of pension, insurance and social security programs or other arrangements for employees locally engaged outside of Canada. Locally Engaged Staff pension and insurance plans are established when required by local law; are comparable to other employers within each country. The Government of Canada participates in local social security systems unless there is a good reason not to.
• Increase of $10.7M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to Canada's participation in World Exposition Osaka 2025. The Budget 2022 announced the initial funding of $54.4M over four years.
• Increase of $9.3M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to the compensation for EX group.
• Increase of $8.7M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to the Safe Third Country Agreement Modernization. On July 26, 2022, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance approved an off-cycle funding request of up to $243.4M over 5 years and $38.2M ongoing to implement and apply the Additional Protocol to the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the United States.
• Increase of $7.0M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to administration of Trade Controls. The Budget 2021 announced the initial funding of $38.2M over five years and $7.9M ongoing.
• Decrease of $97.0M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to funding for the Strategic Priority Fund. In June 2021, an off-cycle Budget decision provided $115.0M over two years, starting in 2021-22, in additional International Assistance resources to Global Affairs Canada to address global issues funding pressures.
• Decrease of $23.0M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations incurred on expenditures at missions abroad. The purpose of the  adjustment is to ensure that Global Affairs Canada maintains its purchasing power on overseas operations, and is not positively or negatively impacted by currency fluctuations. Global Affairs Canada’s budget is adjusted for currency fluctuations on an annual basis.
• Decrease of $19.7M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates related to the Softwood Lumber funding. Budget 2018 announced $191.0M over five years (from 2018-19 to 2022-23) to Global Affairs Canada and Natural Resources Canada to support softwood lumber jobs, including through litigation under the World Trade Organization and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement dispute settlement mechanisms.
• Decrease of $9.1M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates in related to the Migrant Smuggling Prevention Strategy. Budget 2018 announced an investment of $91.6M over five years (starting in 2018-19) to renew and expand Canada’s coordinated effort across law enforcement, intelligence, border protection and diplomatic spheres through Global Affairs Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, to identify and respond to threats associated with migrant smuggling ventures targeting Canada and across multiples modes of transportation and geographic locales.
• Decrease of $7.3M in the 2023-24 Main Estimates compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates in related to the contributions of employee benefit plans (EBP). The decrease is mainly attributable to the Treasury Board Secretariat EBP adjustment to bring the rate of Global Affairs Canada’s salary base to 15.2% in the 2023-24 Main Estimates, as well as an adjustment related to the locally engaged staff (LES) EBP component, which are to be excluded from the calculation of the final EBP amount for the Department.

Supporting Facts and Figures

• The main items that contributed to year-over-year changes are shown below:

Annex A - 2023-24 Main Estimates - Summary of year-over-year Adjustments

2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for Office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise

• The 2023-24 Main Estimates include an increase of $3.2M to provide additional Resources to Support the Mandate of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE).
• Budget 2021 announced funding of $16.2M over 5 years and $3.3M ongoing thereafter.

Supplementary Messages

• In total, Global Affairs Canada will be requesting $15.9M (excluding PSPC Accommodations and SSC Information Technology costs) over five years (from 2022-23 to 2026-27) and $3.2M thereafter. The portion related to 2021-22 was cash managed internally and funded from the operating budget carry forward.
• The funding will enable the office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) to expand its operating budget and personnel, relocate to new offices, and complete the development and implementation of an electronic case and customer relations management system (eCRM) to enable the CORE to securely and effectively capture and track client engagement, case management and monitoring, and monitoring of recommendations.
• These additional resources are required to enable the CORE to respond timely and effectively to complaints of alleged human rights abuses, undertake reviews, mediate grievances, recommend remedies, follow up on recommendations, and provide advice to companies and the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade.

Expected Results

• Through this initiative, Global Affairs Canada will help enable the CORE to deliver its mandate of promoting the United Nations Guiding Principles and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines; advising Canadian companies; reviewing complaints of alleged human rights abuses, undertaking self-initiated reviews, providing informal mediation services, providing recommendations, and undertaking public reporting; and providing advice to the Minister of International Trade.
• The CORE contributes to Canada’s global influence and reputation with regard to responsible business conduct through encouraging Canadian companies to adopt better policies and operating procedures and through addressing human rights issues.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Allocation by Core Responsibility:

Background

• The CORE was established in 2019. and is mandated to:
  • promote the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises;
  • advise Canadian companies on their practices with regard to responsible business conduct;
  • review alleged human rights abuses involving Canadian companies operating abroad in the garment, mining, and oil and gas sectors;
  • offer informal mediation services; and,
  • provide advice to the Minister of International Trade on any matter relating to Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise’s mandate, including recommendations to review policies related to Government of Canada funding and services provided to Canadian companies.

Funding Profile for CFO Binder

2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for the Administration of Trade Controls

• The 2023-24 Main Estimates include an increase of $7.0M related to funding to support Trade Controls.
• Budget 2021 announced funding of $39.3M over 5 years and $7.9M ongoing thereafter.

Supplementary Messages

• In total, Global Affairs Canada will be requesting $35.3M (excluding PSPC Accommodations and SSC Information Technology costs) over 5 years (2022-23 to 2026-27) and $7.0M ongoing thereafter.
• Funding is required to implement and administer new and more rigorous trade controls required by Canada’s international commitments and domestic policy priorities.

Results

• Through this initiative, Global Affairs Canada will provide the additional resources required to deliver Canada’s trade controls regime in four areas: 1) new tariff rate quotas under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement; 2) steel and aluminum import monitoring programs; 3) new arms control export requirements agreed to as part of Canada’s accession to the Arms Trade Treaty; and 4) export and import control requirements related to the new prohibition of certain firearms. The initiative will enable the effective and efficient administration of trade controls that are critical to the Canadian economy.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Allocation by Core Responsibility:

Background

• Trade and Export Controls Bureau implements Canada’s international trade and security obligations pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act to control trade in specific goods and technologies. This program supports Canada’s international trade relationships at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels and manages a complex range of issues related to international trade and foreign policy, as well as national security interests. These include Canada's international arms control and counter-proliferation agenda as well as international and regional security efforts.
• The scope and volume of imports and exports subject to trade controls have increased significantly in recent years, particularly as new international trade obligations have entered into force. These increased resources are needed to effectively fulfill the expanded scope of the department’s trade controls mandate, particularly as it pertains to the increased workload related to each of the four areas covered by the initiative.

Funding Profile for CFO Binder

2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for CanExport – Intellectual Property Support

• The 2023-24 Main Estimates include an increase of $6.9M related to funding to support Canadian businesses in securing their intellectual property in foreign markets.
• Budget 2022 announced an increase of $35.0M over five years for the CanExport Program as part of an initiative to invest in and protect Canada’s Intellectual Property.

Supplementary Messages

• In total, Global Affairs Canada will be requesting $34,3M (excluding PSPC Accommodations and SSC Information Technology costs) over five years (2022-23 to 2026-27) to supplement funds for the CanExport Program.
• The CanExport program supports increased and more diverse trade and investment to raise the standard of living for all Canadians and enable Canadian businesses to grow internationally; to create economic opportunities; help Canadian exporters be successful in their business development efforts; and facilitate, expand or retain foreign direct investment.
• The CanExport Program is delivered through a non-repayable grants and contributions program focused on helping Canadian Associations, SMEs, Innovators and Communities.

Results

• This initiative builds on steps taken by the Government to improve Canada’s Intellectual Property performance, including the National Intellectual Property Strategy in 2018, led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), and the Elevate Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Assist programs announced in Budget 2021 and led by ISED and the National Research Council, respectively.
• The funding will help increase the percentage of Canadian organizations securing their Intellectual Property rights in foreign markets, which will contribute to the diversification of their export markets.

Supporting Facts And Figures

Allocation by Core Responsibility:

Background

• The purpose of the CanExport Program is to build stronger and more competitive Canadian capacity to compete in the global economy by attracting foreign direct investment, increasing Canadian innovation and commercialization opportunities,  increasing Canadian business’s share in foreign markets and assisting Canadian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) seek to develop new export opportunities and markets.
• According to the 2018 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Main Science and Technology Indicators, on the number of patents held by population, Canada lags behind countries such as Japan, the United States, France and the United Kingdom with whom Canada is competing to attract investment and grow the economy.
• This funding is consistent with the overall government effort to increase innovation in Canada, particularly in the areas of climate change and clean technology. Programs such as the Net Zero Accelerator, announced in December 2020 with $8B in funding, and the Canada Growth Fund, announced in Budget 2022 with $15B in funding are focused on improving Canada’s performance on the innovation front, and Intellectual Property will be a critical part of making the newly developed technology successful in Canada and abroad. Given the recent approval in the United States of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides significant new funding and tax credits to attract investment and clean energy supply, funding to help Canadian companies be competitive in the innovation economy will be critical to their success.

Funding Profile for CFO Binder

2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for Building Canada’s Research Capacity

• The 2023-24 Main Estimates include an increase of $0.5M related to funding to support the establishment of the new Research Security Unit.
• Budget 2022 allocated $2.2M from 2022-23 to 2026-27 and $0.5M on an ongoing basis to Global Affairs Canada for the establishment of the new Research Security Unit.

Supplementary Messages

• In total, Global Affairs Canada will be requesting $2.2M (excluding PSPC Accommodations and SSC Information Technology costs) over five years (2022-23 to 2026-27) and $0.5M ongoing to establish a Research Security Unit within the Science, Technology and Innovation Division.

Results

• The new Research Security team would support Global Affairs Canada involvement in the interdepartmental effort to implement the Guidelines by contributing its expertise and applying its legislated authorities related primarily to foreign policy and reputational risks for Canada.
• This new team would coordinate timely and quality inputs from Global Affairs Canada and Other Government Departments for Global Affairs Canada participation in Research Security discussions with key allies and other foreign partners.
• These resources would also improve interdepartmental consultations in preparation for international research security discussions to which Global Affairs Canada is a participant or for which Global Affairs Canada’s perspective is required, such as the Five Eyes Multi-Country Dialogue on Research Integrity.
• The incremental resources will ensure that the full scope of departmental perspectives and mechanisms are applied to protecting Canada’s research community and to collaborative efforts with trusted allies to counter threats from bad faith foreign actors.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Allocation by Core Responsibility:

Background

Ministers Blair, Hadju and Champagne released a policy statement on research security on March 24, 2021, highlighting the increased threats faced by Canada’s innovation ecosystem and encouraged enhanced protection of our research and knowledge development. In response, the National Guidelines for research partnerships were developed by the Government of Canada-Universities Working Group and published on July 12, 2021. These Guidelines call upon researchers, research institutions and governments to integrate national security considerations into the evaluation of federally funded research projects and partnerships. Budget 2022 committed to implement the Guidelines fully, with $159.6M starting in 2022-23, and $33.4M ongoing.

Funding Profile for CFO Binder

2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for Compensation Related to Collective Agreements

• The 2023-24 Main Estimates include an increase of $9.3M compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates for compensation related to the impact of the approval of pay increases for executives and senior leaders.

Supplementary Messages

• Global Affairs Canada will be receiving $9.3M in 2023-24 and ongoing to compensate for the impact of the approval of pay increases for executives and senior leaders.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

• The Compensation Reserve group prepares a base payroll snapshot from the Public Service and Procurement Canada’s pay files ahead of each round of bargaining. The snapshot is taken immediately before a new round of bargaining starts. The snapshot is used in the calculations of the impacts of economic increases, market adjustments and restructures for all departments, agencies and crown corporations.

2023-24 Main Estimates - Statutory Forecasts – Contributions to Employee Benefits Plans

• The 2023-24 Main Estimates include $126.9M for contributions to employee benefits plans (EBP).
• As compared to the 2022-23 Main Estimates, the contributions have increased by $4.2M (from $122.7M to $126.9M).

Supplementary Messages

• The net increase of $4.2M is attributable to the:
  • New funding requested through the 2023-24 Main Estimates (net increase of $13.6M);
  • Treasury Board Secretariat EBP adjustment to bring the rate of Global Affairs Canada’s salary base to 15.2% in the 2023-24 Main Estimates, as well as an adjustment related to the locally engaged staff (LES) EBP component, which are to be excluded from the calculation of the final EBP amount for the Department (net decrease of $8.1M); and
  • Variation in funding profile and sunset of programs (net decrease of $1.3M).

Supporting Facts and Figures

Allocation by Core Responsibility:

Background

• The statutory item "employee benefit plans" (EBP) includes costs to the government for the employer's matching contributions and payments to the Public Service Superannuation Plan, the Canada and the Quebec Pension Plans, Death Benefits, and the Employment Insurance accounts.
• Following consultation with the Treasury Board Secretariat, it was confirmed that starting in 2019-20 the locally engaged staff (LES) salaries should be excluded from the calculation of the final EBP amount for the Department.

2023-24 Main Estimates - Decrease in the Softwood Lumber Funding

• The 2023-24 Main Estimates include a decrease of $19.7M related to the sunset of the Softwood Lumber funding.
• Budget 2018 has announced $191.0M over five years (from 2018-19 to 2022-23) to Global Affairs Canada and Natural Resources Canada to support softwood lumber jobs, including through litigation under the World Trade Organization and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) (previously North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)) dispute settlement mechanisms.

Supplementary Messages

• In total (excluding PWGSC Accommodations and SSC Information Technology costs), Global Affairs Canada requested $128.9M over five years (from 2018-19 to 2022-23) to effectively manage the softwood lumber file.
• The requested funding allowed Global Affairs Canada to negotiate a new Softwood Lumber Agreement with the United States; administer and implement any managed trade agreement; defend Canadian softwood interests during any trade disputes; and issue permits for exports to the United States. This amount included a $90.5M (over five years) Special Purpose Allotment entitled “Softwood Lumber Legal and Litigation Costs” for any legal and litigation costs associated with the management of the file.

Results

• Through this initiative, the Government of Canada aimed to secure a softwood lumber managed trade agreement which brings predictability and stability to the Canadian forest industry. In addition, this initiative looked to vigorously defend Canadian interests in any trade disputes, including under the CUSMA and before the World Trade Organization.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Allocation by Core Responsibility:

Background

• The softwood lumber file was a Federal Government responsibility with a governance structure that engages with multiple departments and agencies. [REDACTED] As such, Global Affairs Canada was the lead department for the softwood lumber file and funding was sought to manage all aspects of the file.
• The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act provides that all matters relating to international trade fall within the authority of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This includes the decisions associated with the allocation of export quota and the issuance of export permits, the latter of which is governed by the Export and Import Permits Act. As such, Global Affairs Canada has a legislative mandate to issue permits for exports of softwood lumber products to the United States.

Funding Profile for CFO Binder

2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for Locally Engaged Staff Salaries and Related Benefits Incurred at Missions Abroad

• The 2023-24 Main Estimates include an increase of $16.6M (Non-ODA portion) related to the revisions of locally engaged staff salaries and related benefits at missions abroad.
• To ensure that Global Affairs Canada abides by the employment laws abroad and provide salary and benefit increases that are in line with the local economy so as to keep compensation comparable to that of local employers.

Supplementary Messages

• The Department is not reimbursed for locally engaged staff salary and benefits increases as part of the standard collective bargaining exercise. This is because unlike other federal Departments, the salaries and benefits of locally engaged staff are not subject to neither the employment laws of Canada nor collective bargaining.
• The purpose of the adjustment is to ensure that Global Affairs Canada does not lead nor lag the local market in terms of salary and benefits. For each locally engaged staff position level, a comparison is made to the wages and hours of work of several other organizations.
• The adjustment includes all locally engaged staff that provide services to Global Affairs Canada, and several other government departments.
• The Department is compensated with a one-year lag for locally engaged staff salary revisions.

Supporting Facts and Figures

• Overall, the Department requested an ongoing increase of $17.1M.
• Of this amount, $16.6M comes from the fiscal framework and $0.5 million comes from the Vote 10 (Grants and Contributions) to cover the Official Development Assistance (ODA) portion.
• The Official Development Assistance (ODA) adjustments fall within the purview of the International Assistance Envelope and, as such, adjustments are made internally via transfers to/from development funds through the Annual Reference Level Update.

Background

• As a major part of its operations abroad, Global Affairs Canada hires locally engaged staff who make up close to 45% of the total full time equivalents of the Department which represents close to 6,000 locally engaged staff in 183 missions in 112 countries.
• Unlike other federal departments, the salaries and benefits of these locally engaged staff are not subject to the employment laws of Canada nor collective bargaining, and the Department is not reimbursed for these salaries and benefits as part of the standard collective bargaining exercise.
• The Department must abide by the employment laws abroad and provide salary and benefit increases that are in line with the local economy so as to keep compensation comparable to that of local employers.
• There are different terms & conditions and salary scale for each country, based on local market practice and law. Locally engaged staff annual salary adjustments vary by country, by occupational group and sometimes by level (during a Total Guaranteed Cash Review).
• As the common service provider abroad for the Canadian Government and in support of other government departments, all of the locally engaged staff fall under Global Affairs Canada’s jurisdiction. Without the required funding, the Department would seek funds from all partner departments to contribute to Global Affairs Canada’s resultant operational shortfall.
• By agreement with Treasury Board Secretariat, the Department uses the Annual Reference Level Update to make adjustments for the increase in the locally engaged staff salaries and benefits.
• LES salaries are adjusted according to the Total Guaranteed Cash Review Strategy which was put in place in 2010. There are two ways of adjusting salaries under this strategy, but adjustments are always based on market practice:
  • During the Total Guaranteed Cash Review, which is done on a cyclical basis (usually every five years), local labour market data is collected and salaries are adjusted accordingly. Adjustments are only made if a specific level has fallen below market. Adjustments are made level by level and zero percent increases are not out of the norm.
  • In years between Total Guaranteed Cash Reviews, locally engaged staff salaries are adjusted based on a salary adjustment formula. This formula takes both the mission’s positioning determined at the last Total Guaranteed Cash Review and the country inflation as an indicator of local labour market movement fluctuations into account.  Each level within an occupational group of a mission receives the same increase.

2023-24 Main Estimates - Funding for Currency Exchange Fluctuations On Expenditures at Missions Abroad

• The 2023-24 Main Estimates include a decrease of $23.0M (Non-ODA portion) related to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations incurred on expenditures at missions abroad.
• To ensure that Global Affairs Canada maintains its purchasing power, and is not positively or negatively impacted by foreign exchange rate fluctuations, Global Affairs Canada’s budget is adjusted for currency fluctuations on an annual basis.

Supplementary Messages

• The purpose of the adjustment is to ensure that Global Affairs Canada maintains its purchasing power on items that are impacted by currency fluctuations including:
  • Locally engaged staff (LES) salaries, and
  • Operating expenditures at missions abroad, including those managed at headquarters.
• Currency gains are returned to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and reimbursement for currency losses are sought through the Supplementary Estimates and the Annual Reference Level Update.

Supporting Facts and Figures

• Overall, the Department requested an ongoing decrease of $24.1M due to currency gains.
• Of this amount, $23.0M is returned to the fiscal framework and $1.1M to Global Affairs Canada’s Vote 10 (Grants and Contributions) to cover the Official Development Assistance (ODA) portion.

Background

• In recognition of the fact that currency rate fluctuations can affect the Department's purchasing power abroad, Global Affairs Canada and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat are parties to a longstanding arrangement whereby Global Affairs Canada is annually compensated for net currency losses experienced abroad and, conversely, "returns" any net currency gains to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. This way, Global Affairs Canada neither loses nor gains simply as a result of changes in the relative value of the Canadian dollar vis-à-vis the foreign currencies in which its missions operate.
• Currency adjustments are made on two occasions each year, if required. The first adjustment is made annually through the Annual Reference Level Update and is intended to adjust departmental budgets to reflect changes in foreign exchange rates for the period since the previous year's Annual Reference Level Update. The second occasion for making currency adjustments is through Supplementary Estimates to accommodate "in-year" fluctuations. Fluctuations within a fiscal year represent the difference between the actual exchange rates that were in effect throughout the fiscal year when individual payments are issued, and the "base rates" that were established for that year through the Annual Reference Level Update.
• The funding requirements for operating costs are maintained in Canadian dollars. As such, the currency adjustments for the current years (included in Supplementary Estimates) are based on the forecast of currency gains/losses that will be incurred for the current fiscal years.

2023-24 Main Estimates - Adjustment Related to the Cost of Assessed Contributions

• The 2023-24 Main Estimates include a net decrease of $6.5M (Non-ODA portion) related to the cost of assessed contributions due to changes in the international organizations’ budget, changes to the Canada’s rate of assessment and the impact of currency fluctuations resulting from the payment of the contributions in foreign currencies.
• The net decrease is explained by the following three factors:
  • Decrease in the size of the organizations' budgets;
  • Decrease in Canada's rates of assessment (usually calculated on the basis of per capita GDP); and
  • Decrease resulting from changes in the rate of exchange.
• On behalf of the Government of Canada, Global Affairs Canada pays annual assessments to 59 international organizations including 12 that relate to United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Supplementary Messages

• Assessed contributions are treaty-based membership fees for international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
• In order to maintain membership in these international organizations, Canada receives an annual assessment for the cost of these organizations.
• Global Affairs Canada, on behalf of Canada, is responsible for paying these annual assessments. The assessments vary each year due to fluctuating foreign currency rates (most assessments are in USD or Euro), changes to the organizations’ budgets, and adjustments to Canada’s rate of assessment.

Supporting Facts and Figures

• In total, Global Affairs Canada is proposing a net decrease of $37.1M to the cost of assessed contributions in 2023-24. This is mainly due to the following factors:
  • ($15.1M) decrease in the size of the organizations' budgets;
  • ($14.8M) decrease in Canada's rates of assessment (usually calculated on the basis of per capita GDP); and
  • ($7.2M) decrease resulting from changes in the rate of exchange.
• Of this total, $30.5M (ODA portion) will be reflected as an internal budget transfer in the reference level process within Vote 10 (Grants & Contributions).
• The Official Development Assistance (ODA) adjustments fall within the purview of the International Assistance Envelope and, as such, adjustments are made internally via transfers to/from development funds through the Annual Reference Level Update.

Background

• The assessed contributions represent Canada’s membership to international organizations which are paid in foreign currencies. The cost of membership in international organizations is determined by each organization and is an obligation of membership. Most international organizations are funded by assessed contributions based on a formula agreed to by all members. These assessed contributions are accepted as treaty obligations and are legal commitments of the Government of Canada.
• Global Affairs Canada vigorously pursues a policy of zero-nominal growth in budget discussions in international organizations. Canada is aligned, particularly in the United Nations system of specialized agencies, with other like-minded countries in systematically seeking more efficient management of these organizations.

2023-24 Main Estimates - by Vote

• In the 2023-24 Main Estimates, Global Affairs Canada requested expenditure authorities of $7.6B, which represents a net increase of $107.6M over the 2022-23 Main Estimates of $7.5B.
• The Main Estimates are reported by Vote as well as Standard Object.
• Net increase by Vote:
  • $70.5M in Vote 1 - Operating expenditures;
  • $41.9M in Vote 10 - Grants and Contributions;
  • $10.7M in Vote 15 - Locally engaged staff pension programs;
• Net decrease by Vote:
  • $3.4M in Vote 5 - Capital expenditures; and
  • $12.1M in the Statutory Vote.
• Variance in the allocation compared to 2022-23 is a result of year-over-year changes in the Department’s funding profile.

Supplementary Messages

• Global Affairs Canada’s 2023-24 Main Estimates has the following votes:
  • Vote 1 is to fund the operations of the department, which is comprised of salaries, the operating costs to deliver our programs (Trade, Development, and Foreign Affairs), including operating expenditures at missions abroad and other operational expenses such as travel and professional services.
  • Vote 5 is to cover capital expenditures which are largely related to the Real Property program.
  • Vote 10 funds the grants and contributions expenditures including programming for international development and assessed contributions.
  • Vote 15 is for expenditures relating to the costs of pension, insurance and benefits for Locally Engaged Staff (LES).
• The following two votes are technical in nature:
  • Vote 20 allows Global Affairs to make direct payments to International Financial Institutions, which are typically development banks.
  • The Statutory Vote includes the following items:
    • Direct payments to International Financial Institutions;
    • Contributions to employees benefit plans;
    • Minister’s salary and motor car allowances; and
    • Payments under the Diplomatic Service (special) Superannuation Act.

Supporting Facts and Figures

The following items represent the increases / decreases by Vote:

• Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures – $70.5M
  • $30.4M related to the transfers to or from other government departments to provide support to departmental staff located at missions abroad;
  • $22.9M related to the impact of inflation on overseas operations;
  • $13.5M related to funding for locally engaged staff salaries and related benefits incurred at missions abroad;
  • $13.3M for Reinforcing and Modernizing Core Consular Capacity to Assist Canadians Abroad;
  • $10.4M related to funding for Canada's participation in World Exposition Osaka 2025;
  • $7.9M for the compensation for EX group;
  • $5.7M related to funding for the administration of Trade Controls;
  • $5.2M for Strengthening Canada’s Capacity for a Global China;
  • $4.5M related to the funding for the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program;
  • $3.9M for the adjustment related to the inflation on Foreign Service Allowances;
  • $3.0M for the operating portion of the Duty of Care special purpose allotment to support mission security abroad;
  • ($21.3M) related to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations incurred on expenditures at missions abroad;
  • ($18.8M) related to funding for the Softwood Lumber special purpose allotment;
  • ($5.5M) related to funding for the Canadian Creative Export Strategy; and
  • ($4.6M) related to the other items.
• Vote 5 – Capital Expenditures – ($3.4M)
  • ($3.4M) for the capital portion of the Duty of Care special purpose allotment to support mission security abroad;
  • ($1.0M) related to the funding for the Trade Commissioner Service’s Electronic Client Relationship Management; and
  • $1.0M for other items.
• Vote 10 – Grants and Contributions – $41.9M
  • $76.5M related to funding to support the Feminist International Assistance Policy;
  • $27.0M related to funding for the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program;
  • $22.5M related to funding to help developing countries to address the impact of climate change;
  • $21.0M related to the swaps from International Financial Institutions (IFI) - Direct Payments to Vote 10 due to the accelerated payments of the Climate Finance Global Environment Facility (8th replenishment cycle) and the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol;
  • ($97.0M) related to funding for the Strategic Priority Fund; and
  • ($8.1M) for other items.
• Vote 15 – Payments in respect of pension, insurance and social security programs for locally engaged staff – $10.7M
  • $10.7M related to the increase of funding for payments, in respect of pension, insurance and social security programs or other arrangements for employees locally engaged outside of Canada, or in respect of the administration of such programs or arrangements.
• Vote 20 – Payments to international financial institutions – Direct payments – $0.0M
  • To authorize the inclusion of an authority embedded in vote wording.
• Statutory Vote – ($12.1M)
  • $16.7M relating to the Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) component of new funding requested through the 2023-24 Main Estimates;
  • ($21.0M) related to the swaps from International Financial Institutions (IFI) Direct Payments to Vote 10 due to the accelerated payments of the Climate Finance Global Environment Facility 8th replenishment cycle and the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol;
  • ($7.3M) for the Treasury Board Secretariat Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) adjustment to bring the rate of Global Affairs Canada’s salary base to 15.2% in the 2023-24 Main Estimates. This amount also includes an adjustment related to the locally engaged staff (LES) EBP component, which are to be excluded from the calculation of the final EBP amount for the Department; and
  • ($0.5M) for the EBP variation in funding profile and sunset of programs.
• The Main Estimates are also provided by Standard Object, which includes the types of goods or services to be acquired, or the transfer payments to be made from funding contained in these estimates.

Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object

2023-24 Main Estimates - by Core Responsibility

Top Line Messages

• Following the requirements of the TBS Policy on Results, the 2023-24 Main Estimates for Global Affairs Canada are reported by core responsibility:
  • $879.7 million - International Advocacy and Diplomacy;
  • $351.8 million - Trade and Investment;
  • $4,728.6 million - Development, Peace and Security Programming;
  • $66.7 million - Help for Canadians Abroad;
  • $1,256.5 million - Support for Canada's Presence Abroad; and
  • $293.2 million - Internal Services.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Allocation by Core Responsibility:

Background

• As per the Policy on Results, each department is required to have a Departmental Results Framework (DRF) and Program Inventory established and validated periodically.
• They are the basis for the department’s reporting to Parliament and Canadians on performance and expenditures in the Main Estimates and Public Accounts.
• The Departmental Plan outlines the department’s plans for the year ahead grouped by its core responsibilities under the 2023-24 Departmental Results Framework.
• The core responsibilities outlined in the DRF stem from Global Affairs Canada’s legislative framework and describe high-level domains in which Global Affairs Canada acts or has authority to operate on behalf of Canadians.
  • International Advocacy and Diplomacy: Global Affairs Canada promotes Canada’s interests and values through policy development, diplomacy, advocacy, and effective engagement.
  • Trade and Investment: Global Affairs Canada supports increased and more diverse trade and investment to raise the standard of living for all Canadians and to enable Canadian businesses to grow internationally and to create economic opportunities.
  • Development, Peace and Security Programming: Global Affairs Canada programming contributes to reducing poverty, increasing opportunity for people around the world, alleviating suffering in humanitarian crises, and fostering peace and security, and in so doing, advances the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Help for Canadians Abroad: Global Affairs Canada provides timely and appropriate consular services for Canadians abroad, contributing to their safety and security.
  • Support for Canada's Presence Abroad: Global Affairs Canada manages and delivers resources, infrastructure and services enabling Canada’s presence abroad, including at embassies, high commissions, and consulates.
  • Internal Services: Internal Services are those groups of related activities and resources that the federal government considers to be services in support of programs and/or required to meet corporate obligations of an organization. Internal Services refers to the activities and resources of the 10 distinct service categories that support Program delivery in the organization, regardless of the Internal Services delivery model in a department.

2023-24 Main Estimates - Trade and Investment

Top Line Messages

• Through the Trade and Investment core responsibility, Global Affairs Canada supports increased and more diverse trade and investment to raise the standard of living for all Canadians and to enable Canadian businesses to grow internationally and to create economic opportunities.
• The 2023-24 Main Estimates includes funding of $351.8 million within the Trade and Investment core responsibility.

Supporting Facts and Figures

• The revenues and other reductions of $2.0 million are related to the authority to collect revenues. The department has a net voting authority for revenues received from services that are not funded by appropriations. The amount of $2.0 million includes $1.0 million for Edu-Canada and $1.0 million for trade fairs and missions.

Background

• Global Affairs Canada seeks to advance three high level results through this area of departmental spending:
  1. building and safeguarding an open and inclusive rules-based global trading system;
  2. supporting Canadian exporters and innovators internationally; and
  3. ensuring Canada is a top destination for global investment.
• Highlights from this year’s Departmental Plan for this area include:
  • Continuing to promote open borders and the free flowing of goods, capital and people and working to counteract disruptions caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • Leading whole-of-government efforts in the Indo-pacific region to expand market access, support supply chain resilience, secure productive investment, protect intellectual property, promote competitive business opportunities, and foster a more open, predictable and sustainable regional economic order;
  • Working to reform and strengthen access to global trade markets through the Ottawa Group on WTO reform;
  • Advancing Canada’s inclusive approach to trade, by supporting businesses owned by Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized Canadians, newcomers, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, youth and women, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises;
  • Continuing to develop and apply effective trade controls under international agreements, such as the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT);
  • Working with foreign investors to raise their knowledge, awareness and interest in investing in Canada and assisting Canadian communities to attract, retain and expand foreign investment in support of growth and well-paying jobs in Canada; and
  • Bolstering economic and environmental protection through support for innovation and green jobs, thereby building a more resilient, inclusive, sustainable and competitive economy.
• The department will report on results against the 2023-24 Departmental Plan in fall 2024 via it’s Departmental Results Report.

Global Affairs Canada: Departmental Plan 2023-2024

Departmental Plan 2023-2024

2023-24 Main Estimates - Briefing Note on Departmental Plan 2023-24

• Global Affairs Canada will continue in 2023-24 to implement the feminist foreign policy, with a focus on finding solutions to shared challenges; fostering an inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery the COVID-19 pandemic; and making progress on the goals within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• The department will actively support the Government of Canada’s efforts to advance Canadian prosperity and security, including by reinforcing international peace and security, democracy, human rights, gender equality, the rule of law and environmental protection.
• Global Affairs Canada will also work to shape the global system to protect Canada’s interests, including by addressing the impacts of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the global food, energy and climate crises, as well as pursuing the implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
• Finally, the department will continue working to preserve and expand open, rules-based, and inclusive trade and support Canadian businesses looking to grow into global markets.

Background

• The annual Departmental Plan is a legislative requirement as part of the Government’s annual planning and resource management process.
• The Departmental Plan provides Parliament and Canadians with a strategic overview of the department’s priorities and planned results for the coming fiscal year by outlining its expenditures, as identified in the Main Estimates, grouped by core responsibilities under the 2023-24 Departmental Results Framework.
• The Global Affairs Canada 2023-24 Departmental Plan was tabled in Parliament on March 9, 2023.
• The format of the 2023-24 Departmental Plan remains very similar to that of last year. The first section presents the Ministers’ Message, which reflects our ministers’ shared vision of the objectives that the department will achieve for Canadians in 2023-24.
• The Planned Results section provides an overview of the department’s key planned activities to deliver on its priorities for the coming fiscal year, with planning highlights in this section outlined by each core responsibility and associated departmental result. The planned results tables in each section demonstrate how results will be measured at the end of the fiscal year in the Departmental Results Report, and include updated targets. The actual results for the past three years are also included in this table, where possible.
• The Spending and Human Resources section consolidates the financial and human resource information provided for each core responsibility and internal services, including explanations of any significant variances in expenditure plans over the next three fiscal years. Planned spending is also compared with the current and previous years’ actual spending
• The Additional Information section includes corporate information about the department, including the organizational profile and the results reporting framework. This section also presents a listing of supplementary information made available online, including the department’s raison d’être, mandate and role, gender-based analysis plus, as well as tables outlining its grants and contributions programs.
• Further details on the core responsibilities, as well as highlights from the Departmental Plan can be found as individual notes in this binder.

2023-24 Main Estimates - Briefing note on Departmental Results Report 2021-22

• In 2021-22, Canada continued to work in close collaboration with other countries to hold Russia accountable for its illegal invasion of Ukraine, including by imposing export controls and direct sanctions on 645 individuals and 80 entities, as of March 31, 2022.
• In response to the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in 2021, Canada supported evacuation and resettlement efforts with approximately 3,700 Canadian citizens and eligible persons evacuated from Afghanistan, including Afghan nationals eligible under Canada’s Special Immigration Measures Program.
• Canada’s humanitarian assistance helped its global partners to meet the needs of over 160 million people in more than 50 countries around the world, including in response to the growing needs in Afghanistan and Ukraine, as well as to address the global food security crisis.
• In 2021-22, Canada continued to rank as one of the top 10 contributors to the UN’s peacekeeping budget, contributing approximately $204 million in assessed contributions, which helped finance UN peacekeeping operations around the world, including in such countries as the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mali, and South Sudan.
• In an effort to help developing countries to adapt to and mitigate climate change, Canada doubled its climate financing commitment to $5.3 billion over 5 years.
• The department’s efforts to support diversity and inclusion were advanced through the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), which provided tailored service to 646 women-owned and 101 Indigenous-owned businesses, resulting in over 160 business deals for more than 90 businesses owned and/or led by women or Indigenous peoples.
• Canada continued to build on our strong relationship with the United States and with Mexico by implementing the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement and the newly launched North American action plan with 50 initiatives related to trilateral cooperation.

Supplementary Messages

Global Affairs Canada’s results highlights include:

• Canada launched free trade negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesia, India and the United Kingdom, as well as foreign investment promotion and protection agreement negotiations with Taiwan, all of which will help to secure long-term, inclusive economic prosperity for Canadians.
• Canada effectively supported the market diversification efforts of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the CanExport SMEs program, approving 833 projects and helping to expand Canada’s presence in 84 different export markets.
• The TCS facilitated 120 foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities worth more than $1.9 billion and facilitated 115 in-person and virtual visits to Canada by prospective foreign investors.
• 99% of Canada’s bilateral international development assistance either directly targeted or integrated gender equality results, exceeding the 95% target set in the Feminist International Assistance Policy, and approximately 49% of its international assistance supported fragile and conflict-affected states.
• Canada continued to support education around the world, including through an investment of $300 million over 5 years to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), as well as $67.2 million to support education for children and youth experiencing forced displacement in contexts of crisis and conflict.
• Global Affairs Canada managed almost 119,000 new consular and routine cases, including more than 4,500 cases concerning Canadians who required urgent consular assistance while travelling or residing abroad.
• Global Affairs Canada completed the first phase of work to update its Travel Advice and Advisories web pages with new information on local implementation of child abduction laws, as well as information on laws that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ travellers.
• Global Affairs Canada distributed 9,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses and millions of units of various infection protection supplies (e.g. masks, hand sanitizer, gloves) to keep its staff in missions and at headquarters safe during the pandemic.
• As part of the department’s Digital Strategy, Global Affairs Canada modernized its IT service delivery and network infrastructure across the world to increase the capabilities and the productivity of the department’s workforce in a hybrid work environment.

Background

• The Departmental Results Report describes the department’s achievements for the fiscal year against the priorities and expected results established in the corresponding Departmental Plan. It highlights a number of significant accomplishments achieved by the department over fiscal year 2021-22.
• The Departmental Results Report was tabled on December 2, 2022, and is available online. More information on departmental results can be found in the supplementary information tables available on the department’s website and on the Government of Canada’s InfoBase website.

Supporting Facts and Figures

• Global Affairs Canada’s total actual spending in 2020-21 of $8,074M was within its total authorities of $8,534M.
• The department’s total expenses decreased by $640 million or 8% during 2021-22 compared to 2020-21, which is mostly explained by the following:
  • Decrease of $883 million in transfer payments as less funding was sent to countries in response to the pandemic compared to the previous year.
  • Increase of $243 million in operating expenses primarily due to the department facilitating a transfer of medical equipment and medicines on behalf of the Public Health Agency of Canada to the Indian Red Cross Society.
• The department’s total expenses exceed planned results by $1,085M or 17%, which is mostly explained by the following:
  • Additional authorities were approved by Parliament late in the fiscal year (Supplementary Estimates B & C) to support developing countries’ access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, to support the recovery and resilience of developing countries (COVID-19), and to help developing countries address the impact of climate change.

2023-24 Main Estimates - Public Accounts 2021-22 – Overview

Top Line Messages

• The Public Accounts of Canada are prepared annually by the Receiver General of Canada. The Public Accounts of Canada 2022 were tabled in the House of Commons on October 27, 2022.
• The Public Accounts contain all government expenditures and revenues, http://www.parl.gc.ca/procedure-book-livre/document.aspx?sbdid=f26eb116-b0b6-490c-b410-33d985bc9b6b&sbpidx=11 accounts receivables, loans, assets and related reserves that are deemed necessary to present a fair picture of the Government of Canada’s financial position. They also highlight, among other things, any losses of public money and property and explain the nature of lapses at year-end.
• The financial information of each individual department and agency are rolled up into the Public Accounts of Canada.

Supplementary Messages

• Each year, the President of the Treasury Board tables a detailed report of the financial transactions of all government departments and agencies, entitled the Public Accounts of Canada.
• The report must be tabled on or before December 31 following the end of the fiscal year to which the accounts apply; or, if the House is not sitting, on any of the first 15 subsequent sitting days. As a matter of tradition only, the Public Accounts are addressed to the Governor General.
• The fundamental purpose of the Public Accounts of Canada is to provide information to Parliament, and thus to the public, which will enable them to understand and evaluate the financial position and transactions of the government.
• Two constitutional principles underlie the public accounting system: that duties and revenues accruing to the Government of Canada form one Consolidated Revenue Fund, and that the balance of the Fund after certain prior charges is appropriated by the Parliament of Canada for the public service.