Global Affairs Canada: Departmental Results Report 2020-21 - Supplementary Information Tables

Table of contents

• Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 million or more
  • Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program
  • Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
  • CanExport Program
  • Commonwealth Secretariat
  • Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
  • Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program
  • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Grants and Contributions in Aid of Academic Relations
  • Grants in Lieu of Taxes on Diplomatic, Consular and International Organizations’ Property in Canada
  • International Atomic Energy Agency
  • International Criminal Court
  • International Development Assistance
  • International Financial Institutions
  • International Labour Organization
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization Civil Administration
  • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
  • Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie
  • Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
  • Organization of American States
  • Pan American Health Organization
  • Peace and Stabilization Operations Program
  • Projects and Development Activities Resulting from La Francophonie Summits
  • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
  • UN Peacekeeping Operations
  • United Nations Organization
  • Weapons Threat Reduction Program
  • World Health Organization
  • World Trade Organization
• Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 million or less
  • Annual Voluntary Contributions to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and to the Organization of American States' Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission
  • Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat
  • Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
  • Canada’s annual host country grant to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
  • Canadian International Arctic Fund and Global Arctic Leadership Initiative
  • Canadian International Innovation Program
  • Commonwealth Foundation
  • Commonwealth Youth Programme
  • Convention on Biological Diversity
  • Diplomatic Supplement Retirement Benefit
  • Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
  • International Agency for Research on Cancer
  • International Civil Aviation Organization
  • International Energy Agency
  • International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission
  • International Maritime Organization
  • International Renewable Energy Agency
  • International Seabed Authority
  • International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
  • Non-proliferation, Arms Control and Disarmament
  • Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
  • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Centre for Educational Research and Innovation
  • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Steel Committee
  • Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
  • Payments under the Diplomatic Service Superannuation Act
  • Peace Implementation Council
  • Permanent Court of Arbitration
  • Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission
  • Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
  • Secrétariat technique permanent des conférences ministérielles de l’éducation, de la jeunesse et des sports des pays d’expression française
  • Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
  • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
  • United Nations Trust Fund on Indigenous Issues
  • United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture
  • Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and its Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
  • Wassenaar Arrangement
  • World Customs Organization
  • World Intellectual Property Organization
• Gender-based analysis plus.
  • Institutional gender-based analysis plus capacity
  • Highlights of gender-based analysis plus  results by program
• Response to Parliamentary Committees and External Audits
• Up-Front Multi-Year Funding

Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 million or more

Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program

Name of transfer payment program: Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP)

Start date: December 9, 2009

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12 (amended); 2015-16 (amended); 2018-19 (amended)

Link to departmental result(s): 3.4 Improved peace and security in countries and regions where Canada engages

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 26. Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The ACCBP provides assistance to enhance the capacity of key beneficiary states, government entities and international organizations to prevent and respond to threats posed by international criminal activity, with a global mandate and a focus on the Americas.

Results achieved:

• Reduced security threats from transnational organized crime for Canadians and affected populations, particularly women and girls, in countries where Canada engages
• Enhanced inclusive and gender-responsive prevention and response to transnational organized crime by security institutions in countries where Global Affairs Canada offers programming
• Improved inclusive and gender-responsive development and compliance of anti-crime legal instruments, controls or frameworks by states in countries where Global Affairs Canada offers programming
• Improved inclusive and gender-responsive engagement and resilience of communities and civil society in the areas of anti-crime in countries where Global Affairs Canada offers programming

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: None

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: An evaluation is currently underway for ACCBP and the Migrant Smuggling Prevention Strategy. There are currently no results.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: ACCBP delivers programming via Government of Canada departments and agencies, selected multilateral institutions, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and private entities. During the reporting period, emphasis has been placed on encouraging implementers to provide gender analysis in proposals and subsequent programming.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $1.2 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the two planned projects with the Canadian Coast Guard, UNODC and Interpol, which did not move forward in 2020-21 as planned due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on project activities, budgets and timelines.

Canada Fund for Local Initiatives

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)

Start date: April 1, 2012

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21 (December)

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada's interests.
• 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributed to a just and inclusive world.
• 3.1: Improved physical, social and economic well-being for the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly for women and girls, in countries where Canada engages.
• 3.2: Enhanced empowerment and rights for women and girls in countries where Canada engages.
• 3.3: Reduced suffering and increased human dignity in communities experiencing humanitarian crises.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

• Program 9. Geographic Coordination and Mission Support
• Program 28. Canada fund for Local Initiatives

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) is a contributions program delivered through Canadian embassies and high commissions in approximately 125 developing countries. CFLI supports projects that are comparatively modest in scope, scale and cost, and that are usually conceived and implemented by local authorities or organizations.

The program is guided by three core objectives:

• To contribute to the achievement of Canada’s thematic priorities for international assistance, with special emphasis on the themes of advancing democracy and ensuring security and stability;
• To assist in the advocacy of Canadian values and interests and strengthen Canada’s bilateral relations with foreign countries and their civil societies; and
• To provide small-scale financing to local organizations to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.

The CFLI Thematic Priorities, approved annually by a Program Management Board, are:

• Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
• Inclusive governance, including diversity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
• Peace and security, with a focus on conflict prevention and building peace.
• Human dignity, covering health, education and nutrition.
• Growth that works for everyone, including women’s economic rights, access to decent jobs and entrepreneurship, investing in the poorest and most vulnerable, and safeguarding economic gains.
• Environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management.

Results achieved: In 2020-21, the CFLI was effectively managed by 68 Canadian missions abroad to support 663 projects in 131 countries and in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Local civil society organizations (CSOs), academic institutions and local governments implemented 80% of CFLI projects in 2020-21. Missions often targeted promising and relatively new CSOs that may not have otherwise qualified for funding from international donors.

The importance of supporting local organizations that best understand local needs and priorities was particularly highlighted in 2020-21 as the program responded to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. CFLI projects help Canadian missions to expand their networks and build relationships with local governments and civil society, which were key sources of information on the evolving needs and challenges of communities that were difficult to reach during the pandemic. For example, in Honduras, CFLI contacts helped keep the mission informed on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting more rural communities and vulnerable women workers, and the on-going risks that LGBTQ2I human rights defenders and organizations face.

Meanwhile, in 2020-21, 80% of missions indicated that their CFLI program created meaningful opportunities for interactions with local stakeholders, including CSOs and civic leaders. This represents a 17% decrease when compared to 2019-20 responses, which can be attributed to the extreme limitations in interactions with recipients and, even more so, beneficiaries in certain contexts due to COVID-19 related travel and social distancing restrictions.

Given the growing need for support to combat COVID-19 around the globe in 2020-21, existing CFLI funds were repurposed to respond to the pandemic. An additional $14 million in Crisis Pool funds were also programmed through the CFLI. Temporary amendments to the program’s authorities were granted for COVID-19 responsive programming and new programming guidance and tools, such as a more robust risk tool, were developed for missions to ensure effective management of this large increase in funds. In total, 315 projects in 2020-21 supported local efforts to prepare for, respond to, or recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Projects included: making COVID-19 awareness campaigns accessible to persons with disabilities in Cameroon; improving the quality of distance learning in rural schools in Ukraine through digital competencies training for teachers; and increasing frontline prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in refugee camps along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Despite the focus on COVID-19, CFLI projects continued to work on a wide range of thematic areas, adapting projects to be delivered in a safe way during the pandemic. For example, in the Philippines, one project protecting human rights amid the COVID-19 pandemic by providing remote legal assistance to marginalized communities. Consistent with previous years, a high proportion of projects in 2020-21 focused on promoting human rights, diversity, and inclusion, including Indigenous, disability and LGBTQ2I rights in developing countries (110 projects). In 2020-21, 63% of projects were implemented by human rights and inclusive governance organizations, up 2% from 2019-20.

In 2020-21, the CFLI program continued to integrate gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across all programming, in alignment with the Feminist International Assistance Policy. Ensuring strong outcomes for women was key to projects aimed at economic empowerment (68 projects) and mediation and peacebuilding (11 projects). Overall, 89% of CFLI projects involved consultation with women and girls and 95% incorporated a gender-based analysis into the design of their projects. It is also notable that 35% of projects were implemented by women’s rights organizations.

The CFLI is a key advocacy tool providing Canadian missions with opportunities to raise awareness and foster discussion on issues of importance to Canada. In their end of year reports, 97% of Canadian diplomats managing the CFLI overseas indicated that the program meaningfully increased their mission’s ability to advance Canadian values and interests in their countries of accreditation. The positive results and goodwill generated by CFLI projects provided a platform for Canada to advocate on a range of issues, such as combatting sexual and gender-based violence (84 projects in 2020-21) or climate change (33 projects in 2019-20). CFLI projects were also highlighted as part of broader advocacy campaigns such as the 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence, helping to promote the work of CSO partners.

The CFLI is also intended to provide small-scale financing to local organizations to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. CFLI humanitarian and emergency response projects are small-scale (maximum $50,000), implemented in complementarity with other Canadian support delivered through regular humanitarian channels. In 2020-21, $587,000 was disbursed to 15 projects in response to crises around the globe, from providing psychological first aid and mental health services in Lebanon to affected people in the aftermath of the Beirut explosion, to providing food, hygiene, and health supplies to Indigenous communities impacted by Hurricane Eta in Panama. Overall, 81,312 people benefitted from CFLI humanitarian programming in 2020-21 and organizations that received funding had the opportunity to grow their capacities to respond to future crises.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: By program design, the CFLI is intended to respond to local needs and engage closely with recipients, many of whom are small organizations with modest resources. Applicants are solicited mainly through broad calls for proposals, which clearly identify a contact person who is responsible for responding to queries. Many Canadian missions hold information sessions for interested applicants. Once projects are selected for funding, recipients and mission personnel communicate frequently throughout the implementation and reporting process. Mission personnel often visit project sites to monitor projects. Additionally, recipients may be offered the opportunity to participate in group experience-sharing workshops or training, including on financial reporting and record keeping.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.83 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the new CFLI funds for the Pacific from other bureaus. The CP-QRM contribution related to Humanitarian Assistance was moved from the CFLI program to Humanitarian Assistance under International Development Assistance Program.

In 2020-21, CFLI funding was assigned to 68 different missions and supported 663 projects. The total identified lapse is not a one-time activity, but an accumulation of many different activities. There are often instances whereby the recipients do not end up spending the full amount in their project agreement, which missions can only identify when revising the end of project reporting, thus leaving an amount lapsed. The COVID-19 pandemic also affected final implementation and spending of CFLI projects, which will now be completed in 2021-22. A large portion of funds was flagged by missions and CFLI to be reallocated within the department, so the actual program lapse at the end of the fiscal year was $364,069.

CanExport Program

Name of transfer payment program: CanExport Program (formerly known as Global Markets Support Program/Trade and Investment Support Program)

Start date: December 11, 2008

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

• 2008-09 (updated 2013-14 to add the Foreign Trade Zones Marketing Program)
• 2015-16 to add the CanExport Program
• 2017-18 amendments to program terms and conditions, including name change of program from Global Markets Support Program to Trade and Investment Support Program
• 2018-19 additional funding ($50 million over 5 years) in response to Budget 2018 to increase Trade Diversification
• 2019-20 additional funding ($100 million over 5 years) in response to the Fall Economic Statement, changes to program terms and conditions, and name change of program from Trade and Investment Support Program to CanExport Program

Link to departmental result(s):

• 2.2: Canadian exporters and innovators are successful in their international business development efforts.
• 2.3: Foreign direct investment is facilitated, expanded or retained.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

• Program 14. International Business Development
• Program 15. International Innovation and Investment

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose and objectives of the program are to build a stronger and more effective Canadian capacity to compete in the global economy. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved: In 2020-21, CanExport SMEs approved $37,325,605 in funding for 1128 projects supporting the international business development efforts of companies. The projects targeted 106 markets around the world. The final reports for projects completed in 2020-21 show that, at the time of completion and as a direct result of their project, recipients established 474 leads and generated more than $160 million in new export revenues. CanExport SMEs recipients also indicated a 92.7% client satisfaction rate.

In 2020-21, CanExport Associations approved $7,907,699 in funding. CanExport Associations approved activities supporting 72 industry associations and business organizations in 40 markets, benefitting some 34,339 member companies (89% of which are SMEs). The most recent medium-term program questionnaire found that 94% of relevant projects resulted in foreign sales or contracts.

In 2020-21, CanExport Innovation approved $259,798.62 in funding for 29 projects. The projects targeted 15 markets around the world. As a direct result of program funding, recipients established 11 leads and signed 13 formal partnership agreements, with a reported total value of $1.55 million. Three distribution and sales agreements and one investment partnership agreement worth $750,000 were also signed.

For 2020-21, CanExport Community Investments approved 65 recipients for $5.03 million, at a 50/50 expense cost share, out of a total request for $8.07million from 83 applicants

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: None. The Evaluations planned for 2018-19 and 2019-20 were rescheduled to take place in fiscal year 2023-24.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: The CanExport Program administers an annual recipient questionnaire, allowing recipients to provide direct feedback to program management. Although the questionnaire does not cover CanExport SMEs, final reports and annual snapshots are submitted by CanExport SME recipients to provide feedback and data on the results associated with their individual projects. The CanExport Program also seeks feedback from applicants and recipients through proactive outreach and through ongoing communications related to program delivery.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $2.3 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the funds transferred from other programs.

Commonwealth Secretariat  

Name of transfer payment program: Commonwealth Secretariat

Start date: September 28, 1965

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2006-07

Link to departmental result(s): 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s assessed contribution to the regular budget of the Commonwealth is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of Canada’s membership is to further the Government of Canada’s foreign policy goals related to international peace, security and development and, to this end, to enhance relationships among the 54 Commonwealth member countries. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved: The below summary contains select (non-exhaustive) examples of 2020-21 results and milestones.

Greater adherence to Commonwealth values and principles, in particular those enunciated in the Commonwealth Charter

• The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) was supported to protect and promote Commonwealth values and principles
• Member states engaged with and benefit from strengthened Good Offices of the Secretary-General
• Member states conducted fair, credible and inclusive elections. For example, elections were held in nine Commonwealth countries between July and December 2020. However, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the Secretariat was only able to deploy one Commonwealth Observer Group (to Ghana in December 2020), while providing support to others, including observer missions to Malawi, Sri Lanka, and St Kitts and Nevis. Commonwealth Observer Group recommendations progressed, with work continuing in Cameroon and Seychelles
• Mechanisms of civil paths to peace in member states were strengthened to counter violent extremism. In June 2020, the Secretariat participated in the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law Virtual Consultations on Rule of Law-Based Multi-Actor Intervention Programme for preventing and countering violent extremism

More effective, efficient and equitable public governance

• Human rights were promoted and protected and participation in the UN’s Universal Periodic Review process was improved. For example, a joint Statement was delivered for the first time from all 54 Commonwealth Members at the 45th session of the Human Rights Council regarding technical cooperation and the importance of sustaining multilateralism in human rights
• Rule of law and access to justice for all were strengthened. For example, a webinar series on COVID-19 and the rule of law was presented by the Commonwealth Secretariat, highlighting the role of the Commonwealth in promoting the rule of law, and continues work to deliver legislation, tools, and knowledge products
• Public administration for good governance and the prevention of corruption was improved

More inclusive economic growth and sustainable development

• Effective mechanisms for increased trade, increased access to trade, employment and business growth were established. For example, National Export Strategies were completed for Malawi and the Gambia, capacity building trainings were deployed in Cameroon and Belize, and the Trade Connectivity Cluster week was convened in December 2020
• Commonwealth positions were advanced in international development and financing mechanisms launched such as the Commonwealth FinTech Toolkit (launched in September 2020) during Commonwealth FinTech Week
• National frameworks facilitated effective debt management. For instance, debt management software was installed in 24 Commonwealth countries, with an additional seven countries that have requested the system
• Sustainable development of marine and other natural resources was advanced, including ‘blue economies: 46 of the 54 Commonwealth countries are now part of one or more of the ten Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups; the Action Groups have held one or more members meetings and have all developed Terms of Reference and Plans of Action; Maldives joined with Kiribati to co-champion the Sustainable Coastal Fisheries Action Group, Kenya was joined by Antigua and Barbuda in co-championing the Sustainable Blue Economy Action Group;  and in June 2020, Cyprus announced that it was developing a national aquaculture strategy and it has now opened it for public consultation

Strengthened resilience of small states and vulnerable states

• International policies, mechanisms and rules were more responsive to small states’ development strategies and resilience needs: a virtual event on COVID-19, Vulnerability and the Urgent Need for Access to Finance in Small States was held on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September 2020; the Secretariat’s Disaster Risk Portal was launched at the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting in October 2020; and the Secretariat held a virtual event on the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector in small states

It is expected that many of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s delayed or cancelled activities will be implemented in 2021-22, to the extent that the operational environment permits in the context of the recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic. The postponement of major Commonwealth events (e.g. Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting), as well as the transition to virtual platforms for a range of high-level meetings and interventions, required the organization to adjust its program implementation.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: The recommendations of the 2020 KPMG Waivers and Declarations Report on the Commonwealth Secretariat procurement waivers and tenders were implemented in 2020-21.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: In 2020-21, a final evaluation of the Commonwealth Foundation: Strategy Plan 2017-2021 took place, but the report had not yet been shared with Commonwealth member states.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: The Commonwealth Secretariat continued its ongoing engagement and consultation with its 54 member countries and its network of civil society organizations and citizens throughout the Commonwealth. Regular consultations with members took place via the organization’s internal governance mechanisms, an Executive Committee and a Board of Governors. Canada sat on the Executive Committee and Board of Governors meetings in 2020-21, during which the Commonwealth Secretariat provided updates on its activities, results and planning.

The Commonwealth Secretariat’s news and events page on its website features regular public news releases detailing the outreach and consultations undertaken by the Commonwealth Secretariat in all its activity areas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in 2020-21 of online virtual events with Commonwealth members and stakeholders.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.3 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to transfers from other programs to cover currency fluctuations.

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization

Name of transfer payment program: Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)

Start date: February 1998

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: December 2011 – extended indefinitely by the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Link to departmental result(s): 1.1 Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 11.International Security Policy and Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution to the CTBTO, which is responsible for provisionally implementing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

The CTBTO is an international organization financed by the CTBT States Signatories. Cost-effective and results-oriented, it has a strong technical focus, with some 80% of its budget allocated to the establishment of the International Monitoring System, the global verification regime of the CTBT.

Results achieved:

• Strengthened global capacity by addressing gaps in coverage from the International Monitoring System, to monitor for nuclear tests and seismic events.
• Effective and efficient implementation of the CTBTO’s major programs as reflected in its program and budget.
• Ensured that CTBTO actions and decisions are consistent with Canadian foreign policy priorities, through continued Canadian participation in the CTBTO’s activities, including the Preparatory Commission and its political and technical subsidiary bodies.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: Audits were conducted by the CTBTO in 2020-21. CTBTO’s audits are made available to the state signatories, but are not available publicly

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: Evaluations were conducted by the CTBTO in 2020-21.  CTBTO’s evaluations are made available to the state signatories, but are not available publicly.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.1 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program

Name of transfer payment program: Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program (CTCBP)

Start date: September 2005

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12 (amended); 2015-16 (amended); 2018-19 (amended)

Link to departmental result(s): 3.4 Improved peace and security in controls and regions where Canada engages.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 26 Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The CTCBP provides training, equipment, infrastructure and technical assistance to enhance the capacity of key beneficiary states, government entities and international organizations to prevent and respond to threats posed by terrorist activity.

Results achieved:

• Reduced security threats from transnational terrorism for Canadians and affected populations, particularly women and girls, in countries where Canada engages.
• Enhanced inclusive and gender-responsive prevention and response to terrorism by security institutions in countries where Global Affairs Canada offers programming.
• Improved inclusive and gender-responsive development and compliance of counter-terrorism legal instruments, controls or frameworks by states in countries where Global Affairs Canada offers programming.
• Improved inclusive and gender-responsive engagement and resilience of communities and civil society in counter-terrorism activities in countries where Global Affairs Canada offers programming.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: An evaluation of CTCBP is currently underway, but no results are available.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: CTCBP delivers programming via Government of Canada departments and agencies, selected multilateral institutions, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and private entities. During the reporting period, emphasis has been placed on encouraging implementers to provide gender analysis in proposals and subsequent programming.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $1.5 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the new funding during the year to implement the Feminist International Assistance Agenda.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 

Name of transfer payment program: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Start date: 1945

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3  Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s annual assessed contribution to the FAO is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of membership is to further the Government of Canada’s foreign policy goals related to agricultural development and to provide Canada with a voice in the international community. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved: Key results for 2020-21 were:

• Contributed to the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition
• Increased and improved provision of goods and services from agriculture, forestry and fisheries in a sustainable manner
• Reduced rural poverty
• Enabled more inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems
• Increased the resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises

The Mid-Term Review (MTR) Synthesis Report 2020 informs the membership of the progress made during 2020, in implementing the approved Programme of Work and Budget 2020-21 based on FAO’s strategic results framework for work under all sources of funds. It reports on the extent to which FAO is on track to deliver the outputs against indicators and targets, highlighting achievements at global, regional and national levels. See the Mid-Term Review Synthesis Report 2020.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.3 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Grants and Contributions in Aid of Academic Relations

Name of transfer payment program: Grants and Contributions in Aid of Academic Relations

Start date: January 1, 1989

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2015-16

Link to departmental result(s): 2.2: Canadian exporters and innovators are successful in their international business development efforts.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 14. International Business Development

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The objective of Grants and Contributions in Aid of Academic Relations is to support international education by using learning, scholarship, research, academic relations, cooperation and dialogue to improve awareness of Canada’s international policies and priorities (e.g. democracy, the rule of law and human rights) and facilitate Canada’s economic prosperity. Recipients are not required to repay grant funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Highly skilled and qualified international students/researchers/professionals in Canada: 184 scholars selected Canada as a study destination through program-funded activities; and 2 scholars have chosen to remain or return to a Canadian institution to pursue further study/research following program-funded activities
• Canadian students/researchers/professionals abroad: No Canadian students, researchers, academics or professionals were selected to undertake studies/research or professional development abroad
• Circulation of ideas and research to the benefit of Canadian and international individuals, as well as the public and private sectors: 10 new collaborative linkages have been established between foreign and Canadian institutions; and 10 new joint publications of academic articles of research and 3 new collaboration opportunities with the international education sector were created via program-funded activities

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: As requested by the International Scholarship Programs, an audit of the project “Canada and Israel: From Start-up to Scale Up’’ (2015-2018 CA-1 University of Toronto) was conducted in 2020-21. The purpose was to ensure the compliance of the costs claimed in the final financial report with the terms and conditions established in the contribution agreement signed between Global Affairs Canada and the University of Toronto for the audit period from October 30th, 2015 to March 31th, 2018. The audit found that the costs claimed by the University are in all material respects consistent with the terms and conditions established in the contribution agreement.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: The following engagement efforts took place in 2020-21: promotion of programs via the EduCanada website’s section on International Scholarships; information webinars; direct engagement with prospective applicants through virtual online meetings; and promotional efforts by Canadian missions abroad. 

A series of programs’ soft launches through tailored messages displayed on the International Scholarships page of the EduCanada website and sought to engage applicants and recipients on the new program updates, especially the recently developed Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy scholarship program. Promotion efforts included a program introduction webinar at the 2020 Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) conference, two separate webinars on updates to Global Affairs Canada’s short exchange programs, and hundreds of interactions via e-mail with prospective applicants.

The International Scholarships team participated in education conferences and forums. This includes the annual CBIE Conference, a virtual Study Tour for select ELAP scholars and a virtual Collaboration Mission for which the theme revolved around the green economy sector.

Other engagement efforts also included regular collaboration with Canadian post-secondary institutions and international education stakeholders (e.g. Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICAN), Vancouver Community College (UMAP Secretariat), Languages Canada, Universities Canada (partly via CBIE), the Scholarship Administrator).

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $5.9 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mobility and the cancellation of fall 2020 scholarships. Only 184 students managed to arrive in Canada and take up their scholarships in winter 2021.

Grants in Lieu of Taxes on Diplomatic, Consular and International Organizations’ Property in Canada

Name of transfer payment program: Grants in lieu of taxes on diplomatic, consular and international organizations’ property in Canada

Start date: January 18, 1979

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 1978-79

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada's interests.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 4. The Office of Protocol

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: This transfer program aims to operationalize the Diplomatic, Consular and International Organizations’ Property Grants Order (P.C.1979-50, January 18, 1979), the Municipal Grants Act, and successor orders and acts. The related Memorandum of Understanding between Global Affairs Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada establishes responsibilities for the provision of services related to the payment of grants in lieu of real property and frontage or area taxes with respect to diplomatic and consular properties.

Results achieved: Canada’s international commitments were met, as measured by the timely and accurate administration of payments to taxing authorities in Canada with respect to properties of foreign States entitled to realty tax exemptions and the maintenance and expansion of the most favourable property tax exemption opportunities for Canadian missions abroad.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $1.5 million being lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the final invoice received lower than initially planned.

International Atomic Energy Agency

Name of transfer payment program: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Start date: December 19, 1989

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests.
• 1.2: Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 11. International Security Policy and Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s annual assessed contribution to the IAEA is a legally binding obligation of membership. Payment is made to ensure that membership remains in good standing and to therefore allow Canada to vote and participate in the Agency’s activities, including as a member of its Board of Governors. The IAEA is the main UN organization responsible for furthering the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Results achieved:

• Effective and efficient implementation of the IAEA’s major programs, as reflected in the Agency’s biennial program and budget, and effective participation for Canada in the Agency’s activities
• Direct and indirect technical and commercial dividends to the Canadian nuclear industry
• IAEA actions and decisions take into account Canadian interests and foreign policy priorities

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: IAEA audits are not made public.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: IAEA assessments are not made public.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $1.3 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

International Criminal Court

Name of transfer payment program: International Criminal Court (ICC)

Start date: April 1, 2005

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 3. International Law

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To support the role of the ICC as the first permanent, treaty-based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. The Court’s expenses are funded primarily by assessed contributions from states parties. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program. Canada’s support for the ICC is directly related to article 10(2)(j) of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, according to which the Minister of Foreign Affairs is required to “foster the development of international law and its application in Canada’s external relations.”

Results achieved:

• The ICC continued to carry out preliminary investigations, investigations and prosecutions. To date, 30 cases have been brought before the Court and 14 different situations are under investigation. A further 8 preliminary examinations are underway. A verdict was issued in 1 case. 4 cases are undergoing various stages of trials, with 2 trials commenced during the year. A verdict was delivered in 1 case (guilty). 2 suspects were remanded into the ICC’s custody, and the Appeals Chamber confirmed 2 verdicts (1 guilty, 1 acquittal). The start of 1 additional trial was scheduled for October 2021. For more information, please visit the ICC web page.
• Engaged in continued outreach to promote accountability for serious international crimes and advance the interests of justice. The ICC created an outreach strategy and published a report for the UN General Assembly. The Court also reported on its outreach activities to the Assembly of States Parties (ASP). Reports to the ASP are available on the ICC website.
• Internal controls were maintained by the ICC Registrar, as well as through the Office of Internal Audit. The ASP also appointed an External Auditor and created the Committee on Budget and Finance for the budgetary and financial review and monitoring of the ICC’s resources. The Court’s reports to the ASP contain detailed performance measures and performance indicators for its various activities. All proposed ICC budgets, Committee on Budget and Finance reports, financial statements, external audit reports, and resolutions are available on the ICC website.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: Through its resolution in December 2019, the ASP tasked an External Auditor “to conduct an evaluation of the oversight bodies of the ICC as part of its work in 2020, replacing the performance audit, and to recommend possible actions on their respective mandates and reporting lines, while fully respecting the independence of the Court as a whole” (Resolution ICC-ASP/18/Res.1). The External Auditor’s report is expected to be released in the Fall of 2021.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: In response to increasing challenges and calls for reforms, in December 2019, the ASP adopted a resolution that established the Independent Expert Review (IER) to identify ways to strengthen the Court and the Rome Statute System. The IER final report concluded with a set of 384 recommendations (short and long term, 76 of which are “prioritised recommendations”) and was adopted by ASP during its 2020-21 session. Canada was supportive of the IER and provided comments to Experts during its review.

At the ASP in 2020, States Parties agreed to create a review mechanism to turn the IER report into a concrete plan, tasking individual working groups and bodies with carrying out specific actions. This mechanism is made up of focal points from New York and The Hague, supported by 3 regional group representatives. The ICC has appointed its own focal points to draft a similar document for action by the Court.

The review mechanism and Court focal points have released an action plan for implementing the IER recommendations, with the Court and specific working groups tasked with various actions.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: The Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands is in regular direct contact with Court officials and, together with the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in New York, participates in working groups dealing with governance and finance issues affecting the ICC. Canada, together with the six other largest contributors to the ICC’s budget, continues to press for budget efficiencies.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending is similar to the planned spending. The minor variance is attributable to the increased value of the Canadian dollar during the course of the year.

International Development Assistance

Name of transfer payment program: International Development Assistance (IDA)

Start date: 2001-02

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012-13

Link to departmental result(s):

• 3.1: Improved physical, social and economic well-being for the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly for women and girls, in countries where Canada engages.
• 3.2: Enhanced empowerment and rights for women and girls in countries where Canada engages
• 3.3: Reduced suffering and increased human dignity in communities experiencing humanitarian crises.
• 3.4: Improved peace and security in countries and regions where Canada engages.
• 3.5: Canada’s international assistance is made more effective by leveraging diverse partnerships, innovation, and experimentation.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

• Program 11. International Security Policy and Diplomacy
• Program 21. Office of Human Rights, Freedom and Inclusion (OHRFI) Programming
• Program 22. Humanitarian Assistance
• Program 23. Partnerships and Development Innovation
• Program 24. Multilateral International Assistance
• Program 25. Peace and Stabilization Operations
• Program 28. Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
• Program 29. Europe, Arctic, Middle East and Maghreb International Assistance
• Program 30. Americas International Assistance
• Program 31. Asia Pacific International Assistance
• Program 32. Sub-Saharan Africa International Assistance

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: In 2017, the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie launched the Feminist International Assistance Policy. The policy outlines how Canada will refocus its international assistance on helping the poorest and most vulnerable people and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. The policy implementation is focused on six action areas: - Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls; Human Dignity (Heath, Education and Humanitarian Assistance); Growth That Works for Everyone; Environment and Climate Change; Inclusive Governance and Peace and Security.  At the same time, the policy recognize that promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is the most effective approach to eradicating poverty and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Official development assistance (ODA) activities contribute to poverty reduction, take into account the perspectives of the poor, and are consistent with international human rights standards, as per the Official Development Assistance Accountability Act (the Act). ODA may also be provided for the purposes of alleviating the effects of natural disasters or other emergency events occurring outside Canada. Global Affairs Canada is the lead department responsible for Canada's ODA. The majority of the department’s international assistance activities are aligned to the Act; however, Global Affairs Canada’s transfer payment program does not preclude activities falling outside the scope of the Act. Most recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved: In 2020-21, Global Affairs Canada continued to advance international assistance commitments and make progress towards expected results, as well as contributing to efforts by the Government of Canada and the international community in COVID-19 recovery. The program contributed to the achievement of the following expected outcomes:

• Improved physical, social and economic well-being for the poorest, most marginalized and most vulnerable, particularly for women and girls, in countries where Global Affairs Canada engages
• Enhanced enjoyment of human rights for women and girls and gender equality for all women and men, girls and boys, particularly the poorest, most marginalized and most vulnerable, in countries where Global Affairs Canada engages
• Enhanced equal learning outcomes for girls and boys and equal employability of youth, women and men, particularly the poorest, most vulnerable and most marginalized, in developing countries, conflict-affected and fragile situations and humanitarian settings where Global Affairs Canada engages
• Improved health and well-being for the poorest, the most marginalized and the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, in countries where Global Affairs Canada engages
• Reduced suffering and increased human dignity in communities experiencing humanitarian crises where Global Affairs Canada engages in humanitarian programming
• Improved state of the environment and climate resilience for marginalized and vulnerable populations and future generations, particularly women and girls
• Improved equality and enjoyment of human rights for the poorest, most marginalized and most vulnerable people, particularly women and children, and youth in countries and online spaces where Global Affairs Canada engages
• Improved peace and security in countries and regions where Canada engages
• Canada’s international assistance was made more effective by leveraging diverse partnerships, innovation, and experimentation

For more details on international assistance results and disbursements, please refer to Global Affairs Canada’s Report to Parliament on the Government of Canada’s International Assistance and Statistical Report on International Assistance, respectively, both of which are published online.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: In 2020-21, Global Affairs Canada conducted an audit of the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program. For a summary of findings, visit the department’s website.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: In 2020-21, Global Affairs Canada completed program evaluations of the following programs and portfolios (with links to summaries):

• Evaluation of the Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls in the Middle East and Maghreb 2015-16 to 2019-20;
• Evaluation of Canada’s International Assistance in Ethiopia 2013-14 to 2019-20;
• Evaluation of the Establishment of the Convergence Blended Finance platform (RDFI phase III);
• Evaluation of International Assistance Programming in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2012‑13 to 2018‑19;
• Evaluation of International Assistance Programming in Peru, 2013-14 – 2018-19;
• Formative Evaluation of the Innovation Platform for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (IP4MNCH).

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: Please refer to Core Responsibility 3 of the Departmental Results Report 2020-21.

Explanation of variances:

11. International Security Policy and Diplomacy: Actual spending was $1.2 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the transfer of funds between two programs

22. Humanitarian Assistance: Actual spending was $615.2 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the new funding received during the year for CP-QRM ($179.1 million), internal reallocation of resources and Program Inventory (PI) realignment for the COVID-19 Crisis Pool fund. The CP-QRM contribution related to Humanitarian Assistance was moved from CFLI program to Humanitarian Assistance under International Development Assistance Program

23. Partnerships and Development Innovation: Actual spending was $8.8 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to new funding received during the year

24. Multilateral International Assistance: Actual spending was $1.2 billion higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the new funding received during the year to help developing countries address the impact of climate change ($341 million), develop sustainable economic plans for Oceans ($4 million), support access by developing countries to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics ($120 million), and support access by developing countries to COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics ($705 million)

29. Europe, Arctic, Middle East and Maghreb International Assistance: Actual spending was $45 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the new funding received during the year for COVID-19 and PI realignment

30. Americas International Assistance: Actual spending was $12 million lower than the planned spending. During the year, funding was received for Amazon Wildfires ($12.6M) which was offset by internal transfer to other PIs

31. Asia Pacific International Assistance: Actual spending was $35 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the new funding received during the year related to COVID-19 and PI realignment

32. Sub-Saharan Africa International Assistance: Actual spending was $75 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to internal reallocation of resources and PI realignment.

International Financial Institutions

Name of transfer payment program: International Financial Institutions (IFIs) as per the International Development (Financial Institutions) Assistance Act

Start date: N/A

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Statutory Authority (Payments to International Financial Institutions – Direct payments)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: N/A

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1 Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests
• 1.2 Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world
• 1.3 Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law
• 1.4 Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened
• 3.1 Improved physical, social and economic well-being for the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly for women and girls, in countries where Canada engages
• 3.2 Enhanced empowerment and rights for women and girls in countries where Canada engages

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 24. Multilateral International Assistance

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: International financial institutions (IFIs) such as the World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund and the regional development banks (including the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank) provide technical assistance and financial services that focus on country-specific development solutions. Payments to IFIs are made in accordance with sections 3(a), 3(c) and section 12 of the International Development (Financial Institutions) Assistance Act. These include direct payment to the institutions to enable the IFIs to finance their concessional facilities and funding windows for assistance to the poorest developing countries, as well as the purchase of shares of the institutions to provide them with increased capital in order to expand their financing activities. There is no expectation for recipients to repay funds provided under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Increased effectiveness of Canadian development cooperation through engagement with, and investment in, multilateral and global organizations, to address humanitarian and development challenges, including: progress in global food security, health, education, women’s economic empowerment, governance, climate mitigation and adaptation, infrastructure development, and support inclusive, sustainable economic growth in developing countries
• Engaged on governance, policy and programming issues at the Global Environment Facility (GEF) —including Canadian advocacy for strengthening gender equality considerations, enhancing private sector engagement and developing more robust results and monitoring systems
• Continued playing a leadership role in encouraging:
  • greater mainstreaming and integration of gender equality in the strategies, policies and operations of regional development banks and the International Fund for Agricultural Development;
  • the regional development banks and the International Fund for Agricultural Development to expand climate change adaptation and mitigation, particularly in the area of climate finance; and,
  • the IFIs to strengthen their results-based management and evaluation systems

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: The IFIs regularly conduct audits of their programming that are shared with Global Affairs Canada in its capacity as shareholder and member of the governing body of these institutions.

Overarching assessments of many key partners will primarily be done through the Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN). Planned assessments to commence in 2020-21, did not include any International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: All IFIs have independent evaluation units that conduct systematic project and program evaluations, which are published on their websites.

External evaluations by MOPAN are also carried out from time to time. None of the IFIs underwent a MOPAN evaluation in 2020-21. However, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank (IDA-IBRD) are scheduled to undergo a MOPAN evaluation in 2021-22

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: The recipients of IFIs programming are mostly developing country governments, which must request the programming. The Regional Development Banks work closely with the governments to ensure that their programming is in line with each government’s development priorities and that project beneficiaries are consulted in the design of the project.

All IFIs have in place environment and social safeguard policies to reduce and mitigate negative environmental and social consequences of the projects.

Global Affairs Canada sits on the boards of many of these institutions and holds regular consultations with them, including through annual conferences, bilateral meetings, donors’ meetings, including on general capital increases and replenishment discussions.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $9.5 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the new funding received during the year to cover new requirements.

International Labour Organization

Name of transfer payment program: International Labour Organization (ILO)

Start date: The ILO was founded in 1919, and Canada has been a member since inception.

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3 Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s annual assessed contribution to the ILO is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of membership is to further the Government of Canada’s foreign policy goals related to international labour and social policy issues and provide it with a voice in the international community. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Development and effective supervision of international labour standards and realization of fundamental principles and rights at work
• Targeted action against child labour, giving priority to the urgent elimination of its worst forms
• Contributions to poverty reduction through promotion of coherent economic and social policies that support employment creation
• Assistance to constituents in the development of skills and employability policies and programs for decent work
• Better instruments and tools for policy analysis and formulation that support good governance and the extension of social protections to vulnerable workers
• Strengthened social dialogue on labour and social policy issues at the national and international levels

The ILO’s Programme and Budget, which sets out the strategic objectives and expected outcomes for the organization’s work, is approved every two years by the International Labour Conference. For additional details on results and plans, please consult: ILO Programme and Budget 2020-2021.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $1,1 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the increased costs related to currency fluctuations.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Civil Administration

Name of transfer payment program: North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Civil Administration

Start date: January 1, 1989

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12 (amended)

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests.
• 1.2: Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened
• 3.4: Improved peace and security in countries and regions where Canada engages

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 11. International Security Policy and Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s annual assessed contribution to NATO flows from its membership in NATO under the 1949 North Atlantic Treaty. Canada’s contribution furthers its foreign policy goals by funding the administrative budget of NATO, an international organization vital to Canadian defence and security interests. NATO was founded to promote the stability of the Euro-Atlantic area and to safeguard the freedom and security of its people based on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and international law.

Results achieved:

• Effective decision-making by NATO in pursuit of its objectives to maintain stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic area in the context of a rapidly changing international security environment in Eastern Europe and the Middle East and North Africa region as measured by, for example, implementation of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence and Projecting Stability initiatives
• Linked to the above, direct support to prime ministerial and ministerial engagement in NATO decision-making processes (e.g. meetings of NATO leaders, foreign and defence ministerial meetings)
• Support to NATO operations as measured by progress with respect to ongoing NATO operations and activities, including in Eastern and Central Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, Kosovo, Afghanistan and elsewhere
• Enhanced relations with NATO partners as measured by the development and implementation of policies aimed at enhancing these relationships
• Appropriate response to current and emerging defence and security challenges, as measured by, for example, ongoing progress on NATO cyber defence and by ensuring that NATO is able to defend its own networks against cyber threats
• Proper management of the Alliance’s resources, as measured by ongoing reform and transformation initiatives, which include increasing NATO’s transparency and accountability and ensuring appropriate value for money

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $1.1 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development  

Name of transfer payment program: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Start date: March 20, 1975

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12 (amended)

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests
• 1.2: Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world
• 1.3: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 1. International Policy Coordination

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The mission of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is to develop and promote evidence-based policies and standards that will improve the economic and social well-being of its 37 member countries and people around the world. The OECD works primarily with governments to understand what drives economic, social and environmental change, measures productivity and global flows of trade and investment, analyzes and compares data to predict future trends, and sets international standards on a wide range of areas, from agriculture and tax to the safety of chemicals.

The OECD’s biennial planning and budgeting are governed by an outputs-based management framework, delivered through a Programme of Work and Budget, which is approved by members, based on their priorities. Outputs are tracked by the Secretariat and each of the OECD’s committees, whose members assess the activities’ quality and impact through the Programme Implementation Report, with a view to improving performance. Impact effectiveness and the efficiency of committees are also assessed through in-depth evaluations on a five-year basis. Financial operations and expenditures are externally audited annually and reported to members; external auditors also undertake performance audits.

Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

Find solutions to common economic and social problems by working cooperatively with members toward the development of evidence-based international policies, standards, models, guidelines and agreements

• Canada worked cooperatively with the OECD and Member countries to respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and foster a recovery that is sustainable, green and inclusive, and enables the international community to build back better from the crisis
• The OECD convened several ministerial and other high-level meetings to discuss the recovery and develop coherent positions, policies and guidelines on other global challenges that require collective action.
• The 2020 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) was held virtually (October 28-29, 2020) under the theme “The Path to Recovery: Strong, Resilient, Green and Inclusive,” bringing together Ministers from Member countries, Key Partners and other invited partner countries to discuss rebuilding and recovery efforts. The MCM was chaired by Spain, with Chile, Japan and New Zealand serving as Vice-Chairs
• Other major events included the launch of the Digital Content Hub on coronavirus: “Tackling coronavirus (COVID-19): Contributing to the global effort”; three Ministerial Council Roundtables focussing on the challenges of the pandemic and on the recovery; and country-specific sessions with member countries to explore different aspects of the crisis and to share best practices in policy responses
• The OECD contributed evidence and analysis to other global forums, including G7, G20 and APEC, and promoted stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable growth
• Canada worked with other members on setting standards and supporting policy reforms, advancing critical agreements on taxation and the digital economy, delivering on climate change commitments, supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, refining analysis on interconnected challenges, championing multilateralism, and advancing wellbeing, inclusive growth and gender and social equality

Implement OECD work programs and policy positions that reflect input from across the Canadian government and support domestic priorities

• The OECD implemented its programme of work, which involved up to 700 Canadian delegates representing Canada at some 300 OECD committees, experts and working groups. Canadian engagement in OECD committees reflected and supported domestic priorities, while participating in the 2020 MCM and other ministerial events provided an opportunity to advance Canadian views and interests at the political level

Influence the policy development of other members and of non-members to improve the functioning of the international economic environment

• Encouraged effective policy development by supporting evidence-based policy advice, analysis, comparable data and policy expertise to inform policy development, program management and governance
• Supported the accession of new members (Colombia joined in April 2020), which serves as a strong incentive for prospective members to enact the financial and social reforms that are required to become an OECD Member

Analyze new and emerging issues, both domestic and global, that affect Canada’s economy and standard of living

• The OECD performed analysis and produced reports on economic factors, trends and issues that may impact Canada’s economic and social fabric, including:
  • Behavioural Insights and Organisations - Fostering Safety Culture (April 2020)
  • Workforce Innovation to Foster Positive Learning Environments in Canada (April 2020)
  • Over the Rainbow? The Road to LGBTI Inclusion (June 2020)
  • Preparing for the Future of Work in Canada (July 2020)
  • OECD Employment Outlook 2020 - Key findings for Canada (July 2020)
  • Integrity Review of Public Procurement in Quebec, Canada (October 2020)
  • The Impact of COVID-19 on SME Financing (November 2020)
  • Revenue Statistics: Key Findings for Canada (2020)
  • Developing transit-oriented communities for better accessibility and affordability: The case of the Metro Vancouver Region (December 2020)
  • Northern and Arctic Air Connectivity in Canada (January 2021)
  • OECD Economic Surveys: Canada (March 2021)

Improve engagement with non-members, reflecting Canadian priorities to increase the long-term reach and global impact of the organization’s standards

• The OECD provided advice, data and standards to non-member countries to support recovery efforts and provide policy options on the reforms needed to eventually become OECD members
• On April 28, 2020, the OECD welcomed Colombia as its 37th member country, while Costa Rica worked to complete its accession in early 2021. It continued to encourage consensus among Members regarding prospective countries interested in becoming full OECD members
• The OECD also strengthened engagement with non-Member countries through country programmes, work with Key Partners (Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and South Africa) and consistent support for the membership enlargement process

Implement institutional reforms to improve the OECD’s ability to cope with new issues and power dynamics

• Canada continued to support an Independent External Evaluation of the OECD to conduct a thorough review of the Organisation’s governance framework
• Canada consistently supported transparent, effective governance and financial efficiency

Ensure sound management of the OECD

• Canada continually pushed for effective governance, sound management and organizational efficiency, notably through ongoing discussions in the Budget Committee on the OECD’s programme of work and budget, ensuring the member-driven nature of the organization
• Canada nominated a candidate for the Secretary-General position, demonstrating its commitment to the effective management of the OECD. Canada joined with other OECD Members to select the new Secretary-General, Mathias Cormann, by a unanimous decision on March 15, 2021.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: Financial audits are performed annually by external auditors, and the reports are reviewed by members through the Audit Committee, the Budget Committee and Council. Performance audits are performed annually by both internal and external auditors; the reports are reviewed by the Audit Committee and subsequently provided to members.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: Evaluations of OECD committees are performed annually, based on a five-year cycle, by internal evaluators, and the reports are reviewed by members through both the Evaluation Committee and the Executive Committee.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $1.8 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations and a decrease in the cost of membership.

Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie

Name of transfer payment program: Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)

Start date: March 9, 1972

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests.
• 1.2: Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s assessed contribution to the regular budget of OIF is a legally binding obligation of all members. Through its membership, the Government of Canada aims to promote Canadian values (including gender equality, cultural and linguistic diversity, democracy, human rights, and good governance) and interests, to promote its foreign policy objectives related to international peace, security, development and prosperity, and to strengthen relationships with the 87 other states and governments of La Francophonie. The OIF is not required to repay the funding received under this transfer payment program.

Canada is represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie and by the Prime Minister of Canada at La Francophonie summits. There are also a number of meetings throughout the year between agents and the Personal Representative of the Prime Minister for La Francophonie (Sherpa) within La Francophonie institutions, including the Permanent Council of La Francophonie (Sherpa level), during which reports on results are presented. 

Results achieved:

• Global Affairs Canada does not govern the OIF’s performance management strategy. However, the department does receive annual financial statements, annual reports from the OIF Comptroller and the external auditor, and a report from the Secretary General every 2 years.
• In 2019, the OIF reviewed its 4-year programming (2015 to 2018) in order to reduce the number of programs from 26 to 18 in the programming for 2019 to 2022. It is in this context that the following OIF results are presented for the period from July 2019 to December 2020. 

Increased respect for La Francophonie values and principles

• Through its 4-year programming (2019 to 2022), which has 18 separate programs, the OIF has supported its 4 main missions: to promote the French language, and cultural and linguistic diversity; to promote peace, democracy and human rights; to support education, training, higher education and research; and to support sustainable economic development and solidarity.
• The OIF continued to help strengthen the use of French in regional and international organizations, and helped international public servants and diplomats, as well as civil society stakeholders, to improve their French-language skills. For example, in 2021, the OIF launched 2 calls for expression of interest for international and regional organizations that wanted technical and financial support from the OIF to improve their French-language skills.
• The organization stepped up its activities to support peacekeeping, democracy and human rights, especially in Africa (for example, in Cameroon, Guinea, Niger, Togo and the Central African Republic) and in Haiti. These activities strengthened the democratic processes of states and governments, and supported inclusive, reliable and transparent elections. As part of this, the OIF set up a pilot project to support civil status in Niger. It also helped to strengthen the capacities of national and multilateral stakeholders in terms of preventing and managing crises and conflicts (in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea, the Central African Republic, Togo and Haiti), fighting terrorism and preventing violent radicalization, and increasing the multifaceted Francophone contribution to peacekeeping operations.
• The OIF continues to support and equip a number of member countries to modernize and improve their education systems. Between July 2019 and December 2020, the OIF helped 6 countries (Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Burundi and the DRC) to define their language education policies and to revise their curriculums to ensure they included a multilingual approach. It also helped 2 countries (Benin and Mali) to propose alternative systems for continuing education, and 8 countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Haiti, Niger, Mali, Madagascar and Senegal) to take emerging themes related to entrepreneurship, digital education, innovation, citizenship and gender equality issues into account when revising their curriculums.
• The OIF is also involved in several projects related to economics, employment and sustainable development through the Institut de la Francophonie pour le développement durable (IFDD).

More effective, efficient and equitable global governance

• Through the implementation of its programming in targeted Francophone countries and its active leadership in international organizations, the OIF has strengthened La Francophonie’s role and its place in global governance and multilateralism, especially in the context of international negotiations on sustainable development, the economy and the environment.

Gender equality

• In 2019, the OIF created a gender equality unit that received financial support from Canada. The gender equality unit’s mandate is to ensure that the organization takes action to become a gender equality leader in its internal operations and through its programming, including by creating projects specifically for women and girls. In July 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the OIF launched the Fonds “La Francophonie avec Elles,” which funds projects to help women in vulnerable situations by improving their access to economic development, education and health. In 2020, 59 civil society organization projects covering 20 Francophone countries benefited over 14,000 women and young girls.

Continuation of the OIF’s cooperation activities and programs, as measured against outcome indicators, and monitoring and reporting criteria established in approved conditions

• The OIF includes results-based management in all its programs. In its annual report on programming for 2019 to 2022, the OIF presents the results achieved in each of its 18 programs. The organization uses several indicators to measure the impact of its programs against their objectives.
• With the help and support of Canadian expertise, among others, the OIF has committed to strengthening results-based management within the organization to improve transparency and to assess the economy and effectiveness of management practices.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: When she took office in 2019, the Secretary General wanted to be able to rely on an organizational audit (conducted by KPMG). A report submitted in January 2020 led to the development of an organizational transformation plan to improve how the OIF operates, increase its credibility and build a more ambitious and effective action model in service of Francophone populations.

The transformation plan has 18 areas of action to achieve over 24 months (2020 to 2022). These areas of action relate not only to refocusing programs but also to internal processes, controlling risks, human resources, information systems and field units.

By December 2020, several of the recommendations in the transformation plan had been implemented or were in the process of being applied, and the administrative and financial commission noted the advances that had been made over the year.

The director of the OIF’s internal audit submitted a report in October 2020 in which he examined the implementation of the recommendations issued during the missions related to fiscal years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Of the 33 recommendations made for these 5 fiscal years, 11 were implemented, 18 were still being applied and 4 had not been implemented. Modernization efforts to establish a culture of results and efficiency in all of the organization’s activities is a challenge, but the level of risk associated with this challenge seems relatively low, as the process is already well underway, deliverables have been achieved and the process is monitored closely and transparently, notably through the Administrative and Financial Commission, in which Canada plays an active role.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: Canada continues to support the OIF’s actions, including the flagship project approach, which allows the organization to maintain large-scale actions in the context of the pandemic and to increase the effectiveness and improve the efficiency of programming actions. In terms of monitoring and evaluation, Canada supports the organization by providing monitoring and evaluation expertise and encourages the OIF to continue this work as a priority, including by creating a dashboard with standardized indicators to allow results achieved to be monitored in every area of activity.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.04 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Name of transfer payment program: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Start date: January 1, 1993

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012-2013

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests.
• 1.2: Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened
• 3.4: Improved peace and security in countries and regions where Canada engages

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 11. International Security Policy and Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s annual assessed contribution to the OSCE is an obligation arising from its membership in what has become the world’s largest regional security organization, with 57 participating states from North America, Europe and Eurasia. Canada’s contribution furthers its foreign policy goals related to human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratization, fragile states, conflict prevention, crisis management, mediation, post-conflict development, and arms control. This is achieved by funding OSCE operations; Permanent Council meetings and working groups; policy conferences and expert workshops; and on-the-ground mediation, social betterment, and capacity-building programs implemented by the OSCE Secretariat, autonomous institutions, and field missions.

Canada’s OSCE contributions also include payments made to administer and implement two legally binding conventional arms control regimes to which Canada is state party: the Treaty on Open Skies (for which Canada is a treaty co-depository, together with Hungary) and the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, as well as the politically binding Vienna Document. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Effective and timely implementation of the decisions of the OSCE Permanent Council and the Ministerial Council, as measured by the organization’s successful work and progress on issues of importance to Canada such as: human rights; election monitoring; democracy building; good governance; tolerance and non-discrimination; safeguarding fundamental freedoms; combatting human trafficking; counter-terrorism and extremism; and enhanced engagement with key OSCE Partners.
• Continuous monitoring of the security situation in Europe, as measured by the OSCE’s regular reporting and early warning function provided by the organization’s Conflict Prevention Centre, its specialized institutions and its Field Operations, including the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. In this regard, the OSCE’s work and engagement in the region’s conflicts (e.g. Ukraine, Nagorno-Karabakh, Moldova-Transnistria, and Georgia’s secessionist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia) contribute to promoting dialogue and lowering tensions.
• Concerted programming to actively contribute to conflict prevention, conflict resolution and post-conflict institution building, as measured by the successful implementation of the Permanent Council and the Ministerial Decisions that strengthen the OSCE’s conflict prevention toolkit, especially in the key areas of early warning and mediation. In addition, the Transnational Threats Unit consolidates and coordinates the OSCE’s work on counter-terrorism, border security, policing and anti-trafficking.
• Proper management of the organization’s resources, as measured by the audits on the OSCE’s financial statements and by the renewed efforts of the OSCE Secretary General to enhance the organization’s accountability and transparency.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: The OSCE Office of Internal Oversight conducts a number of internal audits and evaluations each year and provides a summary report to participating states. Canada did not participate in any evaluations in 2020-21.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.6 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the in-year transfer between programs and the increased costs related to currency fluctuations.

Organization of American States

Name of transfer payment program: Organization of American States (OAS) (funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start date: May 31, 1990

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada's interests.
• 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 6. Americas Policy & Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Assessed contributions are mandatory dues to fund the Organization’s core functions and are calculated according to Member States’ Gross National Income and relative size of their economy, in line with the scale of assessments used at the OAS. The assessment methodology is based on the UN model.

The OAS is the region’s premier multilateral forum for cooperation and dialogue on issues of importance to the hemisphere, including democracy, human rights, security and development. The OAS is an important partner for advancing Canada's foreign policy priorities and objectives in the Americas.

Through its membership, diplomatic engagement and financial support, Canada ensures the implementation of projects in areas of key Canadian interest, complementing and leveraging the impact of Canada’s bilateral interventions in the hemisphere.

Results achieved: In 2020-21, Canada continued to robustly advance its interests at the OAS, making constructive and often important contributions across all four of the Organization’s core areas of multilateral work in the hemisphere (i.e. democratic governance, human rights, security, integral development).

Canada continued to promote a strong agenda in support of human rights, gender equality, diversity and inclusion through its multilateral engagement in the OAS. This included steadfast advocacy and diplomacy to champion our values and interests, including through the promotion and sponsorship of progressive text in negotiated resolutions, the organization of thematic meetings and events, Canada’s leadership of and interventions before its various bodies, and our relations with other member states and secretariats.

Of particular note, Canada influenced the Inter-American agenda by serving as Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the Inter-American Commission of Women and Pro Tempore Chair of the OAS LGBTI Core Group during the period in question. Canada also influenced growing momentum in discussions of inclusion as a key principle of public policy at the OAS through its leadership in the organization’s informal Group of Friends of Inclusion and Diversity. In addition, Canada continued its constructive engagement with, and support to, the Inter-American Human Rights Commission (IACHR).

In line with its foreign policy, Canada consistently advocated for the integration of a human rights perspective and the prioritization of the needs of groups in the most vulnerable situations in the region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including women and girls, migrants and refugees, Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ2I communities, journalists and human rights defenders.

Canada played a leading role in the OAS’s response to various democratic crises in the region, notably assisting it to maintain pressure on the Maduro regime in Venezuela, co-chairing its Permanent Council Working Group on Nicaragua and contributing to several key OAS’ Electoral Observation Missions, including those in the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Brazil, El Salvador, and significant assistance in Ecuador. Canada also took on leadership roles and contributed constructively to multidimensional security and defence, including through its vice-chairmanship of the Committee on Hemispheric Security and significant voluntary contributions to key regional programs.

Canada assumed chairmanship of the Committee on Administration and Budgetary Affairs (CAAP) in January, 2021. As Chair, Canada has upheld its commitment to promote gender equality in leadership positions (by nominating five women out of eight positions, including for the CAAP Vice Chairmanship, and Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship of Working Groups).

In February 2021, Canada was instrumental in nominating a new OAS Secretary for Administration and Finance, a candidate whose record of accomplishment attests to being a well-respected, like-minded and trustworthy counterpart on administration and management issues. This appointment is a positive development for the OAS and for Canada’s institutional strengthening agenda and mandate as Chair of the CAAP.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: Canada maintains a Permanent Mission to the OAS, headed by an ambassador and permanent representative to the OAS, in Washington, D.C.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.3 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the increased costs related to currency fluctuations.

Pan American Health Organization  

Name of transfer payment program: Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) (Voted)

Start date: July 2008

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013-14

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada's interests.
• 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 6. Americas Policy & Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Assessed contributions are mandatory dues to fund the Organization’s core functions and are calculated according to Member States’ Gross National Income and relative size of their economy, in line with the scale of assessments used at the Organization of American States (OAS).

PAHO serves as the specialized Organization for health of the OAS in the Inter-American System. It also serves as the Regional Office of the World Health Organization for the Americas and enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system.

PAHO’s membership enables Canada to expand its multilateral and bilateral relations with its 34 other member countries and be an active hemispheric partner on health-related issues, including on sexual and reproductive health rights. Through its membership, Canada contributes to the Organization’s mission “to promote equity in health, to combat diseases, and to improve the quality of life and well-being of the peoples in the Americas.”

Results achieved: In 2020-21, PAHO remained an authoritative voice for health in the region, providing strategic and technical guidance in responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic at the highest levels of government, with non‐state actors, and with the UN and Inter‐ American systems. PAHO called for unity in addressing the impact of the pandemic and providing equitable access to COVID‐19 response tools, while simultaneously advocating for continuity of essential health services to save lives and mitigate the devastating effects of the pandemic on hard‐earned regional public health gains. Through its technical cooperation, and consistent with Canadian foreign policy and international assistance policy, PAHO continues to be a catalyst to improve the health and well‐being of the peoples of the Americas.

Throughout 2020-21, Canada has remained a strong supporter of PAHO as a trusted partner in the region of the Americas. In line with Canadian priorities and interests, Canada supported the Organization’s COVID-19 pandemic response by providing $7.5 million in voluntary contributions to slow the transmission of the virus and decrease the mortality rate in the region. The department’s contribution funded more than 4.5 million pieces of personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies, thereby building solidarity and goodwill with partner countries across the region.

In 2020, Canada chaired a member state Working Group and influenced urgent adjustments to PAHO’s strategic priorities and austerity measures, in light of the Organization’s difficult financial situation, which has since improved.

Canada remains committed to ensuring that the Organization promotes good governance, transparency, and accountability, and in 2020, Canada worked closely with the US to advance a Governance Reform initiative aimed at strengthening existing risk management and oversight systems and processes. Changes have already been successfully implemented by the Organization and are in line with Canada’s priorities and interests.

Canada was able to take on these leadership roles as part of a three-year term as an elected member on PAHO’s Executive Committee (2017-2020). Although Canada is not currently a member of the Executive Committee, it continues to actively participate in PAHO governing body meetings to advance Canada’s health and development priorities in the Americas. Furthermore, as a trusted member of the Organization, Canada is consulted on an ongoing basis by PAHO’s senior management and is able to influence strategic issues for the Organization.

In 2021, Canada served as a member of PAHO’s Sub-committee on Programming, Budget and Administration (SPBA), which is an auxiliary advisory body of the Executive Committee. The SPBA is responsible for reviewing matters of program, budget and administration for the Executive Committee. At the March 2021 SPBA meeting, Canada was able to successfully advance its positions on key program, budget and administrative issues, with the aim of further strengthening the Organization’s governance and accountability, which includes stressing the continued importance of gender parity within the Organization’s human resource management.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: As a PAHO member, Canada sits on the Directing Council as a voting member, thereby influencing the direction of PAHO’s work, as well as the use of its budgets. Although not currently a sitting member, Canada actively participates in PAHO’s Executive Committee meetings.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.2 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the currency gains.

Peace and Stabilization Operations Program   

Name of transfer payment program: Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs)

Start date: 2016

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 3.2: Enhanced empowerment and rights for women and girls in countries where Canada engages.
• 3.4: Improved peace and security in countries and regions where Canada engages.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

• Program 1. International policy coordination
• Program 21. Office of Human Rights, Freedom and Inclusion (OHRFI) Programming
• Program 25. Peace and Stabilization Operations

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: PSOPs is the Government of Canada’s platform for conflict prevention, stabilization and peacebuilding. It engages in fragile and conflict-affected states, leveraging resources of, and partnerships with, multilateral institutions and like-minded nations. Its work is carried out through policy expertise, support to multilateral institutions, programming and deployments.

PSOPs core responsibilities are:

1. to provide policy leadership on peace and stabilization, including strategic coordination of Government of Canada responses to complex political crises on an as-needed basis; and
2. to deliver gender-responsive conflict prevention, stabilization, and peacebuilding initiatives through both programming (in the form of grants and contributions) and deployments.

Per the PSOPs Terms and Conditions, contributions supported by PSOPs programming are not repayable.

Results achieved:

Improved inclusive and gender-responsive prevention of violent conflict, response to crisis, and peacebuilding in fragile and conflict-affected areas where PSOPs engages

PSOPs programming included county-specific stabilization initiatives in countries such as Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, Mali, Myanmar, South Sudan, and Ukraine. Programming also included targeted funding for cross-cutting thematic areas of intervention including: women, peace and security; the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations; support to peace operations, conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding. Key examples include:

• Responded quickly to emerging crises in Belarus, Ethiopia and Sudan by providing support to civil society organizations to promote peace and democracy as well as advance accountability for human rights violations.
• Supported the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Window, which launched in April 2020. This program helped to channel funding to local women’s organizations to prevent and respond to COVID-19 impacts in their communities and to support institutional core funding to safeguard their existence. In 2020, 42 projects in 18 countries were supported by the Fund: 53% of the projects focused on increasing women leadership in the COVID-19 prevention and response, 46% worked on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and 41% responded to the economic fallouts of COVID-19.
• Funded the Sentinel Project in South Sudan. This project is helping contribute to stability in South Sudan by countering misinformation, which exacerbates conflict and hinders responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project is establishing an interactive public communications network to enable subscribers, including citizens, civil society actors, and local media outlets, to benefit from improved access to neutral, accurate information.
• In South Sudan, supported HD Centre to create a platform where the government and opposition groups can commit to dialogue in order to improve the humanitarian operating environment in Central Equatoria. This platform has been considered useful by both parties in their efforts to establish a structured coordination mechanism that will improve the delivery of humanitarian assistance not only in Central Equatoria but in all of South Sudan. HD also facilitated 2 peace agreements between local communities.
• In the West Bank, supported “Talking Peace”, a project that holds workshops to bring together national leaders and influential women from settlements to engage in peace dialogue sessions. A total of 18 Israeli and 7 Palestinian facilitators have run groups to exchange on conceptions of peace and security, offering a platform for healthy debate on political disagreements, while exploring and understanding alternative viewpoints.

Enhanced inclusive and gender-responsive prevention of and response to national and transnational threats by security institutions in fragile and conflict-affected areas where PSOPs engages

PSOPs increased the capacity of security institutions to prevent and respond to national and transnational threats in a gender-responsive manner in multiple countries where PSOPs engages. For example:

• In Ukraine, the deployment of approximately 16 police officers through the International Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations Program supported their Ukrainian counterparts to enhance police training, investigation, and gender-based violence response, implement community policing models, and improve internal accountability and oversight mechanisms to increase public confidence in Ukraine’s police.
• In Mali, continued to support MINUSMA, including by contributing to the MINUSMA Trust Fund and by deploying up to 12 Canadian police officers to the mission through the International Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations Program. These officers supported the establishment of a specialized police team and training on community policing, as well as events aimed at improving the relationship between police forces and local communities.

Enhanced inclusive and gender-responsive multilateral prevention, mitigation and response to violent conflict, threats, insecurity and fragility in the world.

• Supported Justice Rapid Response to deploy 16 experts to 9 countries to enable justice and accountability in relation to international crimes and serious human rights violations. These experts provided technical support, legal and investigative expertise and capacity-building, in the fields of children’s rights, SGBV, and grave human rights violations. These global deployments are tangibly strengthening the international community’s capacity to investigate and prosecute conflict-related crimes, enabling credible justice and accountability.

• Funded the Peace Operations Training Institute (POTI) to train more than 22,000 individual students. Of these, more than 90% self-reported using the knowledge gained through POTI courses on deployments. Courses are delivered online in English, French and Spanish and in multiple formats, ensuring that the courses are as accessible as possible. This project supports 3 courses specifically related to the implementation of the UNSC resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: The PSOPs program audit was conducted in accordance with Global Affairs Canada’s approved  Risk-Based Audit Plan 2019-2020. The objective of the audit was “to determine whether an effective management control framework had been implemented for the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to support the achievement of the Program’s objectives.” This audit examined PSOPs’ management framework, including program planning and funding, project delivery, and monitoring and reporting activities.

• The audit findings were very positive – it was concluded that “An effective management control framework has been established” within PSOPs.
• The audit provides only four recommendations, which are limited in scope and will help to strengthen the program. In particular, the audit identified areas where PSOPs can improve compliance, and documentation of our compliance, with regard to the 1) PSOPs governance structure, 2) Risk Management Guide, 3) the PSOPs business process and 4) PSOPs monitoring and reporting processes.

In response to the audit, PSOPs developed a Management Response and Action Plan (MRAP), which was presented and approved at the Departmental Audit Committee in October 2020 and is currently being implemented.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: No evaluation was completed during the 2020-21 fiscal year. In accordance with the rolling five-year evaluation plan, an evaluation of PSOPs will be conducted in 2021-22.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: The PSOPs website is the key tool through which PSOPs communicates with the public and potential applicants. It includes key information on applying for funding, and applicants may submit concept papers, whether unsolicited or in response to a call for concepts, through the website.

PSOPs undertakes formal and informal discussions with partners to inform the PSOPs Strategy, to facilitate understanding of PSOPs priorities and the funding process, and to solicit feedback to improve how the program works. For example, an independent PSOPs Program Monitor gathered feedback from PSOPs project partners working in Ukraine through virtual meetings in the winter of 2020. PSOPs engages regularly with multilateral recipients including the UN system to identify funding gaps and opportunities, and to discuss global priorities on peace, stabilization and conflict prevention.

PSOPs relies on Canadian representatives abroad to engage regularly with potential recipients and partners. As projects are being implemented, PSOPs officers regularly monitor PSOPs-funded projects, including through regular contact with implementing partners and monitoring visits. These visits not only allow PSOPs to monitor project progress and results, but also allow officers to engage directly with beneficiaries and local implementing partners, including women’s groups, to understand the gender dynamics in the target country and ensure that programming addresses the needs of women and girls. 

PSOPs has substantial funding invested in police reform programming in Ukraine. In 2020-21, PSOPs, working closely with KYIV, convened video-conference meetings every 4-6 weeks of PSOPs police reform programming partners as well as the Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine. These meetings provided space for each partner to update on latest activities and facilitate greater coherence and complementarity in their engagement, thereby helping to increase impact in PSOPs’ programming in this area.

Through PSOPs support to the International Crisis Group, online discussions and workshops enabled rapid analysis of emerging crises such as the conflict in Ethiopia and the coup in Myanmar, as well as strategic analysis of protracted conflicts in Ukraine, Afghanistan and South Sudan.mThese forums brought together international researchers, human rights experts and diplomats to share information and recommendations.

PSOPs also engages with potential applicants as part of the Canadian Integrated Conflict Analysis Process (CICAP) and PSOPs rapid assessments. In 2020-21, PSOPs engaged international and local civil society actors in Belarus, Myanmar and Mozambique to provide perspectives on perceived drivers of conflict and possible entry points for future peace efforts

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $61.9 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the in-year transfer between programs (Afghanistan National Army Trust Fund to Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan) and the Internal reallocation of resources from Grants in support of the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program ($32.5 million) and contributions ($67.5 million) to Grants from the International Development Assistance for Multilateral Programming.

Projects and Development Activities Resulting from La Francophonie Summits 

Name of transfer payment program: Projects and development activities resulting from La Francophonie summits

Start date: March 9, 1979

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests.
• 1.2: Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 24. Multilateral International Assistance

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: This program provides funding to cooperation programs and activities undertaken by the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). It also provides financial support to the Government of New Brunswick to foster its participation in summits, ministerial conferences and other related La Francophonie activities. This program promotes Canadian interests and is consistent with Canada’s development, political and economic objectives for La Francophonie.

Results achieved: Canada has a strong, ongoing commitment to the OIF, its actions and the implementation of its programming.

Canada has encouraged the organization to include gender equality considerations in its programs and to make gender equality a priority in all actions taken by La Francophonie institutions and partners. Canada actively helped to develop the La Francophonie strategy to promote gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls, and supported the creation of the gender equality unit in 2019, the mandate of which is to ensure that all programming takes gender equality into account.

In 2019, a review was conducted to refocus programming on the added value of La Francophonie and to increase its efforts with regard to youth, women and girls. Canada continues to work closely with the OIF and the organization’s other members to ensure the relevance and consistency of its programs based on tangible results.

Canada continues to play a leading role in the OIF’s transparency consolidation policy. At all levels of the organization and within the OIF’s various bodies, Canada calls for strengthened governance and transparency measures in order to keep consolidating the organization’s best practices in terms of administrative and financial governance. For a number of years, Canada has supported reforms to strengthen the OIF’s culture based on results and effectiveness, and its programming.

In 2020, the OIF started implementing 18 priority areas of action over 2 years (2020 to 2022) that will allow the organization to strengthen its governance, leverage its human resources, exercise greater control over risks, and develop tools and processes to improve its expertise and increase results, in the areas of information management and programming monitoring and evaluation, for example. Global Affairs Canada will continue working with the OIF to support the organization as it continues its transformation plan, including streamlining its programming and modernizing its administrative and financial methods.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: The 2020 programming achievements were to be presented at the La Francophonie summit in November 2021, as part of the 2020 progress report on OIF programming

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.3 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the fact that invoices payments were postponed to next fiscal year.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Name of transfer payment program: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Start date: UNESCO was founded in 1945, and Canada has been a member since inception.

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3 Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s annual assessed contribution to UNESCO is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of membership is to further the Government of Canada’s foreign policy goals related to culture, science and education and provide it with a voice in the international community. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Progress in the implementation of the Education 2030 Agenda by focusing on sector-wide policy and planning, literacy, teachers and skills development for the world of work
• Reduction of gender disparities in primary and secondary education in Member States, and strengthening of global commitment to education for girls and women, including for refugees and displaced persons
• Strengthening of education system responses to contemporary challenges with emphasis on universal values based on peace, mutual understanding and respect for human dignity, education for sustainable development, including education for disaster preparedness
• Implementation of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions
• Implementation of the International Convention against Doping in Sport
• Protection of cultural and natural heritage through the implementation of UNESCO’s culture conventions, in particular the World Heritage Convention and the 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Propert
• Establishment of effective early warning systems for tsunamis and strengthening scientific knowledge in support of sustainable ocean management 
• Improvement in management of the planet’s water resources through increased scientific cooperation
• Development of free, independent and pluralistic media, and civic participation
• Freedom of expression, freedom of the press, safety of journalists, and access to information more broadly integrated into policies in member states
• Protection and digitalization of the world’s documentary heritage
• Protection of Indigenous languages

UNESCO’s program and budget, which set out the strategic objectives and expected outcomes for the organization’s work, are approved every two years by the UNESCO General Conference. For further information, visit the UNESCO website.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.2 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to internal transfer of excess funding due to currency fluctuations to other programs.

UN Peacekeeping Operations

Name of transfer payment program: UN Peacekeeping Operations

Start date: The UN was established in 1945, and Canada has been a member since inception.

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-2012

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3 Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: United Nations Peacekeeping Operations help countries torn by conflict create the conditions for lasting peace. In addition to maintaining peace and security, peacekeepers are increasingly charged with assisting in political processes, reforming judicial systems, training law enforcement and policy forces, disarming and reintegrating former combatants, and supporting the return of internally displaced persons and refugees. Canada`s assessed contribution to UN Peacekeeping Operations is a legally binding obligation of membership.

Results achieved:

• Enhanced peace and security for the countries and regions concerned.
• Contributed to increased levels of security, protection of civilians, support to humanitarian activities, basic services and governance provided in affected areas, promoting advanced prospects for peace as well as enabling reconstruction and development activities.
• Maintained multilateral relationships with key UN organizations and bilateral relationships with key allies and other troop-contributing countries.
• Ensured alignment of UN assessed contributions with peacekeeping priorities, enhanced efficiency and sound resource management and supported the UN as a cornerstone of the rules-based international order.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: For more information, please see the UN Board of Auditors Report (A/75/5 (Vol II).

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $8.5 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency gains and to the variance in the cost of some United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.

United Nations Organization

Name of transfer payment program: United Nations Organization (UN)

Start date: The UN was established in 1945, and Canada has been a member since inception.

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3 Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s annual assessed contribution to the United Nations is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of membership is to further the Government of Canada`s foreign policy goals related to international peace, security and development and provide it with a voice in the international community. Assessed contributions are used to finance the organization`s programs toward attainment of the UN`s objectives, as set out in its Charter. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Promotion of peace and security
• Progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Promotion and protection of human rights
• Effective coordination of humanitarian assistance efforts
• Promotion of justice and international law
• Progress toward disarmament
• International cooperation for drug control and crime prevention
• International cooperation to combat terrorism

For more information on results, please refer to the 2020 Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization.

The UN’s program and budget, which set out the strategic objectives and expected outcomes for the organization’s work, are approved each year by the UN General Assembly. For more information, please visit the UN website.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: The United Nations Board of Auditors (UNBOA) was established in 1946. For more than 70 years the heads of the supreme audit institutions from the UN Member States have provided independent, professional and quality audit services. The current UNBOA members are Chile, China, and Germany For more information, please refer to the Reports of the UN Board of Auditors

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $5.1 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency gains and to the variance in the cost of membership.

Weapons Threat Reduction Program

Name of transfer payment program: Weapons Threat Reduction Program (WTRP)

Start date: June 7, 2018

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18 (amended from previous)

Link to departmental result(s): 3.4: Improved peace and security in countries and regions where Canada engages.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 27. Weapons Threat Reduction

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The WTRP implements Canada’s commitments to the G7-led, 31-member Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (the Global Partnership). In 2018, the WTRP was renewed on an ongoing basis at reference levels of $73.4 million per annum to address ongoing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation threats globally, corresponding with the G7’s decision to expand the Global Partnership’s geographic focus. The WTRP implements cooperative threat reduction projects in the following areas: nuclear and radiological security; biological security; chemical security; and support for the implementation of nine UN Security Council Resolutions (to counter WMD proliferation). The WTRP also provides support for the universalization and effective national implementation of conventional arms control regimes, such as the Arms Trade Treaty and the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty.

Results achieved:

In 2020-21 the Weapons Threat Reduction Program achieved the following results:

• Reduced threats to Canadians and the global population from WMDs and related materials as well as conventional weapons
• Strengthened detection, prevention and response capacities of partner states, and regional and international organizations to the proliferation of weapons and related materials
• Reduced access to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-related materials by non-state actors and states of proliferation concern
• Improved legal and policy instruments and frameworks of partner states that meet international security and threat reduction standards and best practices

Below are illustrative examples of high-level results and/or success stories, which the WTRP achieved during fiscal year 2020-21:

• Canada helped address the threat of Iran’s nuclear programme by supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency’s monitoring activities of Iranian compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. This included funding the acquisition of satellite imagery and training inspectors
• Canada collaborated with a wide array of partners to address the threat posed by North Koreas proliferation activities. This included strengthening the implementation of nine UN Security Council Resolutions sanctions in key countries and leveraging open-source information to expose North Korea sanctions evasion networks
• Canada continued its support the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to investigate and monitor chemical weapons use in Syria, to strengthen investigative and analytical capabilities, and to enhance security against cyber attacks
• Canada continued to invest in efforts to strengthen global mechanisms to investigate and respond to the deliberate use of biological agents through supporting the establishment of a Health-Security Interface Secretariat (integrated into the World Health Organization’s Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness Department) to facilitate better coordination, rapid access to data and science on novel infections and emerging events, and leverage technical/scientific synergies for bio-risk and deliberate event preparedness
• Canada continued to advocate for a more inclusive international nuclear security sector, promoting the meaningful participation of women particularly at the decision-making level. Canada’s seed funding to the International Atomic Energy Agency helped establish the new Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, which is providing scholarship or internship opportunities to women from priority regions to pursue graduate degrees in nuclear security and non-proliferation

The WTRP mobilized to provide additional support to partner countries in their response to COVID-19, supporting the departmental response for the delivery of personal protective equipment, as well as global vaccine research and development. This included:

• Provision of $90 million to the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) as the global lead for the research, development and licensure of COVID-19 vaccines
• Provision of in-kind personal protective equipment to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (i.e. 3.3 million N95 masks, which were distributed to African member states), six ASEAN member countries (i.e. 600,000 N95 masks for Brunei, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines and Vietnam) and the ASEAN Secretariat (90,000 surgical masks)
• Acquisition, installation and certification of the laboratory components for twenty mobile diagnostic units in South Africa
• Funding for the ASEAN Emergency Operations Center Network for Public Health, which has played a key role in the region’s response to COVID-19, and provided a platform for member states to share information and lessons learned

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: No formal program level audits were completed in FY 2020-21.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: In fiscal year 2017-18 the WTRP was evaluated, and a management response and action plan (MRAP) was developed to respond to the recommendations. As of July 2020, Global Affairs Canada’s evaluation bureaus have confirmed that all MRAP commitments have been officially met – with the understanding that several of the response actions are ongoing for the program. The next program evaluation is scheduled for January 2023 – pending delays caused by COVID-19.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: In addition to leveraging Global Affairs Canada's global network of missions to identify potential project initiatives, the WTRP undertakes targeted outreach and assessment missions to countries identified in its annual strategic consultations exercise. The WTRP also engages with relevant multilateral institutions (e.g. International Atomic Energy Agency, World Health Organization, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) and within international forums (e.g. the Global Partnership Working Group and the Global Health Security Agenda) to engage potential partners and exchange information on important potential recipients.

Explanation of variances:  Actual spending was $0.08 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to internal transfers of excess funding to other programs.

World Health Organization

Name of transfer payment program: World Health Organization (WHO)

Start date: The WHO was founded in 1948, and Canada has been a member since inception.

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2016-17

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3 Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s annual assessed contribution to the WHO is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of membership is to further the Government of Canada’s foreign policy goals related to health and provide it with a voice in the international community. For further information, please visit the WHO website. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Enhanced global health security through: operationalization of a unified WHO emergency program, including implementation of lessons learned from COVID-19; establishment of a Global Health Emergency Network; contribution toward core capacities of International Health Regulations (2005) (IHRs) and improvements to the IHRs, and support for the implementation of the Contingency Fund for Emergencies
• Accelerated progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by: reducing maternal mortality; improving child survival; addressing the global burden of non-communicable diseases and their main risk factors; promoting healthy environments; and increasing access to essential medicines
• Promotion of health equity by strengthening health systems to reach the poorest and most vulnerable
• Strengthened global norms and standards in health by: developing, implementing and monitoring global norms and standards; and promoting safety of food, water, and medical products and devices
• Continued progress to implement WHO institutional reform by supporting ongoing efforts to enhance organizational efficiency, effectiveness and transparency

The WHO’s General Programme of Work sets out the organization’s high-level plan of work for a four year period. In 2018, the 71st World Health Assembly approved the WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work (GPW13) for the years 2019 to 2023. In addition, the WHO has biennial programme budgets that set out the strategic objectives and expected outcomes for the organization’s work, and are approved every two years by the World Health Assembly. For additional details on results and plans, please consult the WHO programme budget.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.17 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to increased costs related to currency fluctuations.

World Trade Organization 

Name of transfer payment program: World Trade Organization (WTO)

Start date: January 1, 1995

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 2.1: Canada helps to build and safeguard an open and inclusive rules-based global trading system.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 12. Trade Policy, Agreements, Negotiations, Agreements and Disputes

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s contribution to the WTO budget reflects Canada’s commitment to safeguarding the multilateral trading system. It is based on our share of world trade and determined on an annual basis. The WTO is a cornerstone of Canada’s trade policy, providing a common set of rules, rights and obligations for the trade policies of its 164 members and a forum for Canada to advance its trade interests on the broadest possible basis. The WTO provides Canada with the opportunity to build alliances, influence rules and secure concessions on issues where it may otherwise have less leverage. Issues such as agriculture subsidies and regulatory concerns (e.g. sanitary and phytosanitary measures) are more effectively addressed multilaterally. The WTO also has a dispute settlement system, which continues to provide Canada with an important vehicle for asserting its rights, despite an ongoing impasse in appointments to its Appellate Body. Through the ongoing work of its many committees, the WTO provides a forum for Canada to raise and resolve a range of trade irritants and market access issues. Finally, the WTO is also an active forum for trade policy monitoring and surveillance.

In 2020-21, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada led discussions on the role of the WTO in addressing the trade-related impacts of the pandemic, laying the groundwork for global economic recovery, and prompting forward-looking thinking on how the WTO can best be prepared to respond to similar future crises.

Results achieved:

• As a trade-dependent country, Canada was actively involved in all areas of the WTO negotiations, including:
  • focusing on protecting the integrity of the WTO agreements and institutions; pursuing a number of remaining Doha-Round (also known as the Doha Development Agenda) issues, particularly disciplines on domestic support for agriculture;
  • advancing negotiations on eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies; and
  • ensuring that the WTO remains relevant to the realities of 21st century economies, including for example, by delivering outcomes in negotiations on contemporary economic issues such as electronic commerce, trade and gender, and trade and environmental sustainability
• Given the challenges in the WTO’s multilateral negotiations, Canada participated in open-ended plurilateral discussions with a subset of WTO members in a number of areas, such as investment facilitation, e-commerce, services domestic regulation, and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises
• Canada advanced its leadership on WTO reform: As an active member of the organization and in keeping with its traditional multilateral trade leadership, Canada convened a representative group of WTO members (the “Ottawa Group”) committed to supporting and modernizing the multilateral trading system, focusing on three main themes: immediate actions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the WTO; safeguarding and strengthening the dispute-settlement system; and reinvigorating the WTO’s negotiating function
• The Ottawa Group Ministers met five times virtually since March 2020. On June 15, 2020, Ottawa Group Ministers endorsed a Joint Statement on COVID-19 Action, outlining six key areas where the group can demonstrate leadership in supporting an inclusive and sustainable global recovery, preparing for future crises, and prioritizing targeted WTO reform efforts.  It includes action items organized along six key themes: 1) Transparency and Withdrawal of Trade-Restrictive Measures; 2) Keeping Open and Predictable Trade in Agricultural and Agri-Food Products; 3) E-commerce; 4) Trade Facilitation – Use of Information Technology and Streamlined Procedures; 5) Initiative on Medical Supplies; and 6) Deepen Engagement with Stakeholders.
• Canada participated in the accession negotiations for all countries seeking to join the WTO. Canada also participated in the review of the trade policies of each WTO member, as well as preparing for its own review (every five years)
• Canada was one of the most active participants in the WTO dispute settlement system, as measured by the number of disputes in which Canada is a participant as either a direct or intervening party. The WTO’s dispute settlement system is the world’s preeminent body for discussing and resolving international trade disputes. Canada was also an active participant in efforts to review the Dispute Settlement Understanding
• Canada continued to work with like-minded WTO members to find interim and long-term solutions to the impasse in new appointments to the WTO Appellate Body, which resulted in it no longer being able to hear new appeals

The governance mechanisms of international organizations include oversight services. Global Affairs Canada relies upon these oversight regimes to assist in monitoring the WTO’s accountability for achieving objectives agreed to by its members and for stewardship of its funds, which are contributed by member states, including Canada.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: The WTO is subject to an audit by external auditors every calendar year. As a member of the WTO, Canada has access to all audits, evaluations and performance reviews completed by or on behalf of the WTO. In its performance audit report released on June 28, 2021, the external auditor certified that the WTO’s financial statements fairly present the financial situation of the WTO as of December 31, 2020, and placed an unqualified opinion on these statements.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: The WTO’s external auditors conduct a performance audit of the WTO, which is based on standards set by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions. The 2020 performance audit was released on June 28, 2021.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.2 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the increased costs related to currency fluctuations.

Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 million or less

Annual Voluntary Contributions to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and to the Organization of American States' Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission

Name of transfer payment program: Annual Voluntary Contributions to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and to the Organization of American States' (OAS) Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission

Start date: December 1999

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12 (amended); 2015-16 (amended); 2018-19 (amended)

Link to departmental result(s): 3.4 Improved peace and security in countries and regions where Canada engages.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 26. Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To manage the Annual Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to the Organization of American States Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (OAS-CICAD) and to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). With an annual amount of $3.45 million, governed by three Treasury Board authorities, the AVCs have three primary objectives:

1. to financially assist UNODC to fulfill its mandate in the fight against drugs and international crime at global levels;
2. to financially assist OAS to fulfill its mandate in the fight against drugs at hemispheric levels; and
3. to help enable Canada to maintain a visible and influential role in UNODC and OAS

Results achieved:

• Financially assisted UNODC in fulfilling its mandate in the fight against drugs and international crime at global levels.
• Financially assisted OAS in fulfilling its mandate in the fight against drugs at hemispheric levels.
• Enabled Canada in maintaining a visible and influential role in UNODC and OAS.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: An evaluation of ACCBP is currently taking place and therefore no results are currently available.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: While the bulk of AVCs target drug supply reduction, a fraction of the support provided to UNODC contributes to its anti-corruption programming and to the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNAC). Projects funded through AVCs primarily contribute to stemming the flow of drugs to Canada by improving the capacity to investigate drug-related crimes of OAS members, and by strengthening their coordination and improving their communication, among themselves and with international agencies.

Explanation of variances: No variance.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat

Name of transfer payment program: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat

Start date: 1989

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: N/A

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests.
• 1.2: Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 18. Asia Pacific Trade

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s assessed contribution to the APEC Secretariat serves to sustain our influence on economic integration and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region (e.g. trade liberalization and facilitation, economic development, human security). Active engagement in APEC ensures that Canada maintains the necessary visibility and credibility to be a valued Asia-Pacific partner and provides Canada with a valuable platform to promote Canadian priorities and interests in the region. APEC is the only Asia-Pacific regional body of which Canada is a member that meets at the Leader-level.

Results achieved: In 2020-21 Canada participated as an active member of APEC during the conclusion of Malaysia’s APEC host year and the beginning of New Zealand’s host year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, APEC meetings were initially halted in early 2020, but actively resumed by the end of the summer, albeit virtually. Despite the challenges of virtual participation, Canada actively worked to advance inclusive trade, sustainable growth, and green pandemic recovery  through participation in the various APEC working groups, Senior Officials’ Meetings, sectoral Ministerial meetings and a Leaders’ Meeting. Canada views APEC as an important forum to advocate for rules-based trade, the multilateral trading system, open supply chains, safe and stable food supply, and economic policies that benefit all citizens across all APEC economies. Within APEC, Canada led or co-led on the APEC Economic Policy Report, the APEC Structural Reform agenda, APEC governance review, the Health Working Group, the Investment Experts’ Group, and the Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation. Canada actively supported APEC hosts through the provision of expert speakers and data, in particular APEC host New Zealand with respect to its priority area of focus on valuing Indigenous economies. Canada hosted an SME working group meeting as well as an APEC Business Advisory Council Digital symposium.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.03 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal

Name of transfer payment program: Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal

Start date: 1992

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution under the Basel Convention to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes. The scope of application of the Convention covers a wide range of wastes defined as “hazardous wastes” based on their origin and/or composition and their characteristics, as well as three types of wastes defined as “other wastes” – household waste, incinerator ash, and, as of January 1, 2021, plastic waste. Canada’s assessed contribution to the Basel Convention is a legally binding obligation of membership. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Development of technical guidelines related to environmentally sound management) practices;
• Effectiveness evaluation of the Basel Convention;
• Partnership on plastic waste;
• Review of some annexes to the Convention, including those pertaining to disposal operations, waste types and constituents and hazard characteristics;
• Implementation and compliance guidance documents.

For more information about Canada`s involvement, visit: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.003 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Canada’s annual host country grant to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Name of transfer payment program: Canada’s annual host country grant to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Start date: November 6, 1992

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.1 Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 24. Multilateral International Assistance

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: It is expected that the annual grant to the CBD Secretariat will achieve the following results:

• demonstrate the importance that Canada attaches to the objectives of the CBD, and highlight the sustainable development agenda of the Government of Canada
• generate economic benefits in proportion to the investment made by Canada in the CBD Secretariat
• strengthen Montréal's and Canada’s position as a highly desirable location for international organizations

Results achieved: Canada showed ongoing support for the advancement of the objectives of the CBD in the difficult context of a pandemic, participating in the virtual Informal rounds of the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation and 24th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice where Canadian delegations comprised 49 and 63 members respectively. Canada participated actively in the Budget Committee, which negotiated an interim budget for 2020-21 ahead of EXCOP-2.

The location of the CBD Secretariat in Montréal makes an important direct contribution to the city’s economy, and that of Quebec and Canada, through direct employment of approximately 110 staff and the hosting of multilateral conferences. The renewed grant arrangement supports the office accommodation costs of the recipient and contributes to the renovation of the video conference.

Hosting the CBD underscores the importance that Canada places on the substantive issues covered by the CBD and reflects the amount of confidence by the UN and the wider membership in the stability of and relationship with Canada.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: No Variance

Canadian International Arctic Fund and Global Arctic Leadership Initiative

Name of transfer payment program: Canadian International Arctic Fund (CIAF) and Global Arctic Leadership Initiative (GALI) (approved on November 5th 2020)

Start date: 2013 (CIAF) and 2020 (GALI)

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012-13

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 5. Europe, Arctic, Middle East and Maghreb Policy and Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: CIAF: To implement Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy (2010) to exercise sovereignty in the Arctic. To strengthen the Arctic Council as the key forum for Arctic cooperation and advance Canada’s leadership role in international Arctic affairs.

GALI: To strengthen Canada’s global leadership in the Arctic. It supports the achievement of key objectives of the International Chapter of Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (2019):

• Bolster Canadian leadership in multilateral forums where polar issues are discussed and decided upon
• Enhance representation and participation of Arctic and northern Canadians in relevant international forums and negotiations

Results achieved:

• Greater understanding and collaboration by Arctic Council members on policy and scientific issues.
• Increased capacity and effectiveness of Permanent Participants of the Arctic Council in circumpolar policy discussion and development.
• Increased awareness of Canada’s Arctic foreign policy in target countries abroad.
• Enhanced awareness among Arctic and Northern youth in Canada on key international Arctic issues through thematic webinars and related web content developed by and for youth.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: The new transfer payment program, GALI, was approved by Treasury Board in November 2020 which resulted in limited time to spend the allocated program funds for 2020-21

Canadian International Innovation Program

Name of transfer payment program: Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) (formerly International Science and Technology Partnership Program)

Start date: April 1, 2006

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Amended 2017-18

Link to departmental result(s): 2.2: Canadian exporters and innovators are successful in their international business development efforts.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 15. International Innovation and Investment

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The CIIP fosters and supports collaborative industrial research and development projects with high potential for commercialization between Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and international partners in Brazil, China, India, Israel, and South Korea. The program also stimulates bilateral science and technology networking and matchmaking activities to further new partnerships and accelerate the commercialization of research and development with partners in the targeted CIIP countries, France, Germany, and the U.K.

Results achieved:

• 56% increase in knowledge of international partnerships and global markets was reported by CIIP recipients
• CIIP recipients reported a 27% increase in their innovation capacity
• 47% of the recipients reported an increase in sales of products and/or services in the years following their R&D projects
• CIIP recipients reported a 71% increase in technical personnel and total personnel in the years following their project
• A 27% increase in sales of products and/or service in international markets was reported by CIIP recipients

Note that CIIP has not fully completed its data collection for 2020-21. Therefore, numbers provided for R&D projects are based on 45% of the completed projects (15 of the 33 completed projects).

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: Program management has done significant follow-ups with every Partnership Development Activities recipient in terms of results and program delivery in 2020-21.  Information gathered from the follow-ups are included in the program results and are considered for implementation in program delivery. CIIP R&D project recipients provide annual project results that are required up to five years after project completion in order to track long-term results.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $1.3 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the in-year transfer to the National Research Council of Canada for Eureka Network COVID-19 and internal transfers.

Commonwealth Foundation

Name of transfer payment program: Commonwealth Foundation

Start date: 1966

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2006-07

Link to departmental result(s): 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s assessed contribution to the regular budget of the Commonwealth Foundation demonstrates Canada’s commitment to inclusive governance, by promoting transparency and the active participation of civil society in Commonwealth countries. Engagement also reinforces Canada’s relationships with other Commonwealth members.

Results achieved:

• Policy, law and government institutions are more effective contributors to development through the influence of civic voices: The Gender Analysis Guidance Tool developed by Caribbean civil society practitioners as part of the Gender and Climate Change project has informed the secondary school curriculum in Trinidad and Tobago as well as a draft ‘National Bush and Forest Fire Policy’.
• Civic voices are more effective in holding institutions to account. For example, a grant from the Commonwealth Foundation empowered Women In Informal Employment Globalizing and Organizing to strengthen the capacity of waste picker organizations in Johannesburg and Tshwane in South Africa to advocate for improved working conditions. As a result of the Advocating for Gender Equality in West Africa project, there was a measurable increase in the number of women engaging with district assembly structures and traditional and religious leaders to promote the rights and interests of women and girls in rural districts in Ghana and Sierra Leone. Women’s rights and women-led organizations were supported to advocate for UN Member State action on the Commonwealth’s Four Priorities on Gender Equality in light of the Covid-19 pandemic at the 65th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Guidance and support was provided to the Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana and the Advocacy Movement Network in Sierra Leone, to strengthen the capacity of rural women and girls to engage more effectively in local policy processes.
• Public discourse is shaped by less-heard narratives. For example, through adda, the Commonwealth Foundation’s online magazine, new stories and narratives were shared with readers around the Commonwealth. Olive Senior, a Jamaican Canadian, was featured in the publication in 2020-21. Kritika Pandey from India won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2020 for her story, The Great Indian Tee and Snakes. Two multi-stakeholder events in the Critical Conversations online series, ‘Equality and Justice in Covid-19 Responses’ and ‘Reimagining Women, Peace and Security’, attracted 2,237 live participants.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: No audits have been conducted or are planned by Global Affairs Canada.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: No evaluation has been conducted by Global Affairs Canada. The Commonwealth Foundation commissioned the organization Collaborative Impact to do a Review of its Strategic Plan 2017 to 2021. The review, undertaken from August to December 2020, highlighted opportunities for growth during the next period of the Foundation’s Strategy and provided recommendations to be considered while developing the next Strategic Plan.

Key findings from the report include:

• There is an opportunity for the Foundation to draw on its unique position in the international development field more consciously going forward to support and advance civil society
• The Foundation has had significant success integrating gender into its work, however, gender and inclusion could be more effectively embedded as a cross-cutting theme in the Foundation’s vision
• Efforts from the Foundation to increase collaboration with its sister Commonwealth organizations are seen very positively by stakeholders
• During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Foundation demonstrated the practical value of having a flexible and creative approach to programming drawing on digital approaches to expand its outreach, and many stakeholders expressed the opinion that this strategy should be continued
• The Foundation’s ongoing support to creative expression is widely recognized as a powerful yet indirect way to bring more voices into discussion around issues that matter to the people of the Commonwealth, especially those that may be difficult to address via more conventional routes
• The Foundation’s capacity development role is widely recognized and valued and it is also potentially an area that can be expanded to help support civil society partners in smaller, less engaged Member States that are relatively more fragile and can derive great benefit from capacity development efforts

There is wide recognition that the Foundation’s budget is severely limited when measured against the potential scope of its mandate. Seeking Extra-budgetary resources for specific projects, as the Foundation did with Canada, and building strategic partnerships that can leverage resources for specific programs or projects are considered to be a potentially useful option to expand its reach and impact.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: The Commonwealth Foundation continued its ongoing engagement and consultation with its 48 member countries and its Commonwealth partners.

Canada sat on the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Foundation, during which the organization provided updates to member states on its activities, results and planning.

The Commonwealth Foundations Projects and Grants pages on its website features a repository of all projects that have received grants from the Foundation in all governance areas. Since the COVID-19 pandemic commenced in March 2020, there has been a notable increase in online virtual events and initiatives.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.1 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Commonwealth Youth Programme

Name of transfer payment programme (CYP): Commonwealth Youth Program

Start date: 1973

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2006-07

Link to departmental result(s): 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s support to the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) promotes and contributes to youth development in the Commonwealth, and to enhancing Canada’s relationships with other Commonwealth countries on youth issues. CYP advocates for the effective participation of young women and men in the development process and for social transformation and values their full engagement at all levels of decision-making.

Results achieved:

• Young people were engaged and empowered to meaningfully participate in political and development processes: Commonwealth Youth team has launched a new webinar series, ‘Taking Charge of Our Future’, to take place from July to December 2020, to amplify the voices of youth regarding policies affecting their future
• Women, girls and other vulnerable groups were empowered and protected against violence and harmful practices: New legislation outlining tougher action against domestic abuse, better protection for victims and penalties for perpetrators as well as rehabilitation (Domestic Violence Act 2020) was adopted in Seychelles

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: There were no audits of the Commonwealth Youth Program conducted in 2020-21 (only audited financial statements).

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: The final review of the Commonwealth Secretariat Strategic Plan 2017/18-2020/21 will have covered the CYP. The report is not yet available.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Commonwealth Youth Forum by extension, were postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Commonwealth youth were kept engaged through various initiatives, including the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Awards, the Commonwealth Youth Human Rights and Democracy Network, the Youth Work Week, and the Commonwealth Action Series, with its episode on youth leadership in decision-making.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.06 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Convention on Biological Diversity

Name of transfer payment program: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Start date: 1992

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3  Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in support of its three objectives: the conservation of biological diversity; the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity; and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. Canada’s assessed contribution to the CBD is a legally binding obligation of membership. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Continued efforts to meet the three objectives of the Convention: to conserve biodiversity, sustainably use biodiversity, and to share the benefits from the utilization of genetic resources.
• Parties developed national and regional targets, using the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and the Aichi Targets as a flexible framework, thus providing information on measures that they have taken to meet the objectives of the Convention.
• Monitoring and review of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan implementation in accordance with the Strategic Plan and national targets, making use of the set of indicators developed for the Strategic Plan as a flexible framework.
• Parties reported on progress achieved towards implementation of the Strategic Plan and Aichi Biodiversity Targets through their national reports.
• For more information about Canada`s involvement, please visit Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.15 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Diplomatic Supplement Retirement Benefit

Name of transfer payment program: Diplomatic Supplement Retirement Benefit

Start date: 1985

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory Authority: Diplomatic Service (Special) Superannuation Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. D-2)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013-14

Link to departmental result(s): 5.1: Sound management and delivery of resources, infrastructure and services enables Canada’s presence abroad.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 48. Financial Management

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To provide superannuation benefits for senior appointees of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Global Affairs Canada) serving outside Canada.

Results achieved: Continued payment of superannuation benefits for senior appointees of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Global Affairs Canada) serving outside Canada.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A Statutory Authority

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.1 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is due to the in-year adjustment in the actual spendi.

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Name of transfer payment program: Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)

Start date: 1972 (Canada is a member of IICA since 1972)

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010-11

Link to departmental result(s): 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada's interests.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 6. Americas Policy & Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Assessed contributions are mandatory dues to fund the Organization’s core functions and are calculated according to Member States’ Gross National Income and relative size of their economy, in line with the scale of assessments used at the Organization of American States (OAS).

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is the specialized agency for agriculture in the OAS. It focuses on designing and delivering agricultural projects to improve food security, trade and prosperity in the hemisphere.

Canada’s membership in the IICA allows for participation in the work of the Organization in the areas of trade development, food safety and sustainable production. IICA is a forum to promote Canadian expertise and agri-business, and to improve and build new linkages for Canada in the Americas.

Results achieved: In 2020-21, Canada participated in two IICA Hemispheric meetings of Ministers and Secretaries of Agriculture, which provided the opportunity to have a dialogue with IICA and exchange views on how to respond to the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and changes in demographics, among other topics. During the meetings, Canada shared its view of the vital role of agricultural trade in the food security, health and well-being of citizens in the Americas, in particular women and youth, and populations in situations of vulnerability. Canada also stressed the importance of a well-functioning, predictable global trading system; encouraged others to resist trade restrictions and promoted transparency on measures adopted to address the pandemic. The Joint Position Paper adopted by member states during the Second Hemispheric meeting reflected Canada’s response to the agriculture and food challenges caused by COVID-19. It called for increased international cooperation; reaffirmed the importance of World Trade Organization rules on sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade; recognized the value of international standard setting bodies, such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission; and affirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting farmers through the crisis.

Canada is one of six permanent members of the Special Advisory Committee on Management Issues (SACMI), whose mandate is to propose sound management and operations of the Institute. During the SACMI meetings in 2020-21, Canada advocated for the good governance and management of IICA, encouraging it to consider strategic options to ensure its financial sustainability.

Under the auspices of IICA, the Cooperative Program in Research and Technology for the Northern Region (PROCINORTE) Board of Directors met in October 2020 with partner countries including Canada, the US and Mexico, and approved a revised five-year strategic plan and a new business model, which outlines a lighter and more nimble way of operating. In addition, the Board of Directors established the Soil, Water and Climate Change Task Force, and Canada participated in the first workshop among the three countries providing an opportunity to advocate for Canada’s position and explore opportunities for scientific cooperation on these issues.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: Canada maintains engagement with IICA through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Global Affairs Canada’s Inter-American Affairs Division.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.16 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

International Agency for Research on Cancer

Name of transfer payment program: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

Start date: IARC was established in 1965 and Canada joined in 1981

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2016-17

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3  Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada`s assessed contribution to the IARC, the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization. Its mission is to conduct and promote international collaboration in cancer research with the objective of improving health through a reduction in the incidence of and mortality from cancer throughout the world. Canada`s assessed contribution to the IARC is a legally binding obligation of membership. Assessed contributions are used to finance the organization’s research program toward attainment of IARC’s objectives, as set out in its Statute. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Continued to elucidate the causes of cancer and studied approaches for early detection and prevention
• Reported on the burden of cancer worldwide and continued to monitor geographical variations and trends over time
• Contributed evidence to be translated effectively into timely policies for cancer control
• Coordinated a biobank (+6 million samples) to study the causes, early detection and prevention of cancer
• Continued to contribute to the education and training of cancer researchers worldwide
• Continued to disseminate findings to the widest possible audience

For further information, visit IARC.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.08 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to increased costs related to currency fluctuations.

International Civil Aviation Organization

Name of transfer payment program: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Start date: 1946

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3  Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution to the ICAO, a specialized agency of the UN composed of 193 member states that works with the Convention on International Civil Aviation and industry groups to reach consensus on international standards and recommended practices and policies, which States use when developing their legally enforceable national regulations. Canada`s assessed contribution to ICAO is a legally binding obligation of membership. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved: The ICAO Assembly approves the Budget every three years.  The budget sets out the priorities to guide the activities of the Organization to enable States to attain safe, secure, efficient, economically viable and environmentally responsible air transport.  For additional details on the budget of the Organization for 2020, 2021, and 2022, please consult ICAO Budget

For more information, please see the Annual Reports of the ICAO Council.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.04 million lower than the planned spending.

International Energy Agency

Name of transfer payment program: International Energy Agency (IAE)

Start date: Not applicable. Assessed contributions to international organizations.

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable. Assessed contributions to international organizations.

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests.
• 1.2: Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 1. International Policy Coordination 

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution as a member of the IEA, the leading global authority on energy policy, market analysis and cleaner technologies. The IEA is an autonomous organization that works to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 30 member countries and beyond. The IEA has four main areas of focus: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness and engagement worldwide.

Results achieved:

• Assessed contributions to international organizations
• Effective and efficient implementation of the IEA’s major programs, as reflected in the Agency’s biennial program of work and budget, and effective participation for Canada in the Agency’s activities
• IEA actions and decisions consistent with Canadian foreign policy priorities

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.1 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission

Name of transfer payment program: International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission (IHFFC)

Start date: November 20, 1990

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3 Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 3. International Law 

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution to the IHFFC, which is the only permanent international fact-finding body mandated to investigate violations of international humanitarian law. 76 of the States Members of the Geneva Convention’s First Additional Protocol (as well as the Palestinian Authority) have recognized the competence of the Commission. IHFFC conducted its first investigation in 2017 by finalizing an Independent Forensic Investigation in Ukraine in 2017 at the request of the OSCE. Canada has been a state party since 1990.

Results achieved: IHFFC promoted compliance with International Humanitarian Law through enquiries of potential grave breaches or other violations of the Geneva Conventions or Protocols.  In 2020-21, IHFCC proposed its services to assist relevant governments with regard to the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Tigray region of Ethiopia, and Yemen.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.003 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

International Maritime Organization

Name of transfer payment program: International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Start date: 1948

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3  Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy 

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada`s assessed contribution to the IMO, a specialized agency of the UN that is responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships. It is also involved in legal matters, including liability and compensation issues and the facilitation of international maritime traffic. Canada’s assessed contribution to the IMO is a legally binding obligation of membership. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Promotion of safe, secure, and environmentally responsible international shipping
• Progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

For more information, visit International Maritime Organization

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.03 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

International Renewable Energy Agency

Name of transfer payment program: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Start date: Not applicable. Assessed contributions to international organizations.

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable. Assessed contributions to international organizations.

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests.
• 1.2: Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 1. International Policy Coordination  

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution as a member of IRENA. IRENA’s mandate is to promote and support the widespread deployment and sustainable use of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

Results achieved:

• Assessed contributions to international organizations
• Effective and efficient implementation of IRENA’s major programs, as reflected in the Agency’s biennial program of work and budget, and effective participation for Canada in the Agency’s activities
• IRENA’s actions and decisions consistent with Canadian foreign policy priorities

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.07 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

International Seabed Authority

Name of transfer payment program: International Seabed Authority (ISA)

Start date: November 7, 2003

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution (annual, assessed)

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: N/A

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada's interests.
• 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 3. International Law

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s annual assessed contribution under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for the operation of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for budget years 2021, 2022, 2023.

Results achieved: Canada’s annual contributions to this organization for the year 2021 was paid in full and on time, meeting Canada’s obligations.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: The audit function for the utilisation of those resources is carried out by the UN system. The audit report for the year 2020 was not available.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.02 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Canada’s contribution toward the International Seabed Authority varies from year to year in light of the actual budget adopted at the UN. The actual 2020 contribution was lower than the planned levels, in part due to a revised scale of assessment for the contribution of each ISA’s members (with China, notably, inheriting a greater share).

International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

Name of transfer payment program: International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

Start date: 1996

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution (annual, assessed)

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: N/A

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada's interests.
• 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 3. International Law

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s annual assessed contribution under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for the operation of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for budget years 2021, 2022, 2023.

Results achieved: Canada’s annual contributions to this organisation for the year 2021 was paid in full and on time, meeting Canada’s obligations.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: The audit function for the utilisation of those resources is carried out by the U.N. system. The audit report for the year 2020 was not available. An advance unedited version of the “Report of the external auditor for the financial period 2019-2020, with financial statements of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea as at 31 December 2020”, can be found on the Website of the Secretariat of the UNCLOS.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.10 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Canada’s contribution toward the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea varies from year to year in light of the actual budget adopted at the UN.

Non-proliferation, Arms Control and Disarmament

Name of transfer payment program: Non-proliferation, Arms Control and Disarmament

Start date: Ongoing

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Varies

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada's interests.
• 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 11. International Security Policy and Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contributions as a state party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, the Arms Trade Treaty, and the Seabed Arms Control Treaty

Results achieved: Canada’s assessed contributions to these Treaties were paid, as per obligations.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.25 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Name of transfer payment program: Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Start date: 1975

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests.
• 1.2: Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 11. International Security Policy and Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution to the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in order to meet its financial obligations as an NEA member. Membership in the NEA furthers the Government of Canada’s domestic nuclear policy goals and provides Canada with access to an international forum to discuss the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Results achieved:

• Effective and efficient implementation of the OECD NEA’s program of work
• Direct and indirect technical and commercial dividends to the Canadian nuclear industry
• OECD NEA actions and decisions take into account Canadian interests and priorities

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.09 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Centre for Educational Research and Innovation

Name of transfer payment program: OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI)

Start date: 1968

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012

Link to departmental result(s): 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 1. International Policy Coordination

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay the assessed contribution for Canada’s participation in CERI, which is led by the Provinces and Territories through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC). Canada participates in this organization to further the development, analysis and understanding of activities, policies and innovations in the area of education and learning.

Results achieved:

• Contributed to supporting participating OECD members and partners to achieve high-quality lifelong learning for all, which contributes to personal development, sustainable economic growth and social cohesion;
• provided and promoted international comparative research, innovation and key indicators on international education;
• explored forward-looking and innovative approaches to education and learning;
• facilitated bridges between educational research, innovation and policy development.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: Canada engages with CERI’s Governing Board through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.009 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Steel Committee

Name of transfer payment program: OECD Steel Committee (formerly called International Commodity Organizations)

Start date: 1978

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Annual

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result(s): 2.1: Canada helps to build and safeguard an open and inclusive rules-based global trading system.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 12. Trade Policy, Agreements, Negotiations, and Disputes

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Support the activities of the OECD Steel Committee that provides participants with a forum to exchange views on commercial and policy developments in their domestic and global steel markets. The Committee also provides participants with regular statistical and analytical reports on such developments.

Results achieved: Global Affairs Canada advanced Canada’s interests and priorities regarding the steel sector by actively participating in the work of the OECD Steel Committee. Engagement with other major steel producing countries allowed issues of importance like support to the industry and other trade policies and their effect on the excess capacity facing the sector remain at the forefront of committee discussions. Global Affairs Canada utilized OECD issue papers and statistical reports to provide additional background information on the global steel industry to senior management and other stakeholders.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: The Department participated in meetings of the OECD Steel Committee in September 2020 and March 2021.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.001 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Name of transfer payment program: Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

Start date: April 29, 1997

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Annual

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: N/A

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada's interests.
• 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 11. International Security Policy and Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution under the Chemical Weapons Convention. The OPCW comprises more than 190 member states that share the collective goal of preventing chemistry from ever again being used for warfare, thereby strengthening international security. To this end, the Convention contains four key objectives: destroying all existing chemical weapons under international verification by the OPCW; monitoring the chemical industry to prevent new weapons from re-emerging; providing assistance and protection to States Parties against chemical threats; and fostering international cooperation to strengthen implementation of the Convention and promote the peaceful use of chemistry.

Results achieved: Canada’s contributions to the OPCW were paid, as per obligations.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.07 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to the inc reased costs related to currency fluctuations.

Payments under the Diplomatic Service Superannuation Act

Name of transfer payment program: Payments under the Diplomatic Service Superannuation Act

Start date: 1985

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory Authority - Diplomatic Service (Special) Superannuation Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. D-2)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013-14

Link to departmental result(s): 5.1: Sound management and delivery of resources, infrastructure and services enables Canada’s presence abroad.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 48. Financial Management

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To provide superannuation benefits for senior appointees of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Global Affairs Canada) serving outside Canada.

Results achieved: Continued payment of superannuation benefits for senior appointees of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Global Affairs Canada) serving outside Canada.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A, Statutory Authority

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.4 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is due to new funding received during the year to cover the costs.

Peace Implementation Council

Name of transfer payment program: Peace Implementation Council (PIC)

Start date: July 1, 1996

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012-13

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 5. Europe, Arctic, Middle East and Maghreb Policy and Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution to support the PIC and its Steering Board, of which Canada is a member. The PIC Steering Board advises the OHR for Bosnia and Herzegovina  on political, economic and security matters. The Steering Board members share the cost of OHR operations.

Results achieved:

• Discussions held among the PIC Steering Board members about the appointment of a new High Representative
• Continued progress on the “Agenda 5+2” conditions that would allow for the closure of the OHR

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: The PIC Steering Board meets at the level of political directors twice a year. The High Representative reports periodically on progress in the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.01 million higher than the planned spending. Payment completed in euros. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Permanent Court of Arbitration

Name of transfer payment program: Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)

Start date: 1994

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 3. International Law

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To support the key role that the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) plays in resolving international disputes in a peaceful manner and in the successful resolution of both public and private disputes between states. Canada’s support for the PCA is directly related to article 10(2)(j) of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, according to which the Minister of Foreign Affairs is required to “foster the development of international law and its application in Canada’s external relations.”

Results achieved:

• Enabled the PCA to carry out its role of facilitating arbitration, conciliation, fact-finding, and other dispute resolution proceedings among various combinations of States, State entities, intergovernmental organizations, and private parties. The PCA’s International Bureau administered seven interstate disputes, 107 investor-State arbitrations, and 69 cases arising under contracts involving a State or other public entity. For more information, please visit PCA 
• Engaged in outreach to promote better understanding and greater use of arbitration and conciliation procedures to resolve international disputes. For more information, please see the PCA Annual Report, which includes information on its outreach activities to the arbitral community
• Carried on all other activities required and expected of a judicial body functioning in accordance with international standards
• Activities in accordance with the PCA’s oversight mechanisms were carried out via the PCA’s Administrative Council, composed of diplomatic representatives of the Contracting Parties accredited to The Hague, and its Financial Committee and Budget Committee

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: Canada was an active participant in the annual discussions of the Budget Committee via the Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands. In addition, Global Affairs Canada and Justice Canada collaborated to ensure that the Canadian National Group, comprised of the four members of the PCA which each Contracting Party is entitled to nominate as potential arbitrators, was staffed with one member from the Supreme Court of Canada, one member of the private bar, one legal academic, and a Legal Adviser to Global Affairs Canada. These members were selected to reflect the geographic and linguistic realties of Canada, for a term of six years.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.003 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission

Name of transfer payment program: Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission (RCIPC)

Start date: 1964

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2016-17

Link to departmental result(s): 1.1 Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 6. Americas Policy & Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: As required by the 1964 agreement between Canada and the United States, the two nations share equally in the costs of development, operation, and maintenance of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, site of the summer home of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The park is located on Campobello Island, New Brunswick (in the Bay of Fundy), and is a lasting symbol of the close relationship between Canada and the United States.

Results achieved: In 2020-21, the RCIPC accomplished many initiatives of its five-year Strategic Plan, such as new interpretive experiences, wayfinding and signage upgrades, and a new website.

The RCIPC continued to offer exceptional outdoor experiences and programming for the public, and many RCIPC projects forged ahead, despite the international border closure.

An open, transparent, and merit based process was completed for the selection of two new Canadian members of the RCIPC.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: As part of its annual report for 2020, posted on the park’s website, an independent auditor confirmed that the financial statements presented fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of the RCIPC.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: Global Affairs Canada is in frequent contact with the RCIPC and the park superintendent and engaged the park on the recent Open, Transparent, and Merit Based process for the selection of two new Canadian members for the RCIPC to ensure that the opportunity was posted on the organization’s website.

Explanation of variances: N/A

Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade

Name of transfer payment program: Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (the Rotterdam Convention)

Start date: Canada ratified the Rotterdam Convention in 2002. The Convention came into force in 2004.

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3  Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution under the Rotterdam Convention, which promotes shared responsibility and cooperative efforts among parties in the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals in order to protect human health and the environment from potential harm. It also contributes to the environmentally sound use of those hazardous chemicals by facilitating information exchange about their characteristics, providing for a national decision-making process on their import and export and disseminating these decisions to parties. Canada`s assessed contribution is a legally binding obligation of membership. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Scientific support, technical assistance and capacity development to facilitate implementation and compliance with the Convention
• Support to the Chemical Review Committee responsible for reviewing notifications of Final Regulatory Actions and recommendations to the Conference of the Parties on candidate substances to be subject to the Prior Informed Consent Procedure (PIC)
• Parties shared decisions to refuse imports of industrial chemicals or pesticides they have banned domestically when those substances are subject to the PIC procedure
• Information was shared on the risks and hazards of substances subject to the PIC procedure.
• Information was shared with the importing Party on the risks and hazards of industrial chemicals and pesticides not subject to the PIC procedure, but banned or severely restricted by the exporting Party.

For more information about Canada`s involvement, visit Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.002 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Secrétariat technique permanent des conférences ministérielles de l’éducation, de la jeunesse et des sports des pays d’expression française

Name of transfer payment program: Secrétariat technique permanent des conférences ministérielles de l’éducation, de la jeunesse et des sports des pays d’expression française

Start date: N/A

End date: Canada’s voluntary contributions ended on December 31, 2012. Assessed contributions continue.

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Canada’s voluntary contributions ended on December 31, 2012. Assessed contributions continue.

Link to departmental result(s):

• 1.1: Canada builds and maintains constructive relationships that advance Canada’s interests.
• 1.2: Canada’s leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.
• 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 1.4: Canada’s global influence is expanded and strengthened.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution to the Conference des ministres de la jeunesse et des sports des pays d’expression française (CONFEJES), whose goal is to promote youth and sport among La Francophonie member states, and to the Conférence des ministres de l’Éducation de la Francophonie (CONFEMEN), whose mandate is to promote education, and professional and technical training.

Results achieved: The results for CONFEJES are as follows:

• CONFEJES continued to support its member states and governments in improving their national policies and strategies for teaching physical education and sports in order to promote the inclusive development of sports as a means of promoting the French language, peace, solidarity and people’s health (through various virtual workshops, webinars, official visits and meetings). From an inclusive development perspective, CONFEJES was especially active in 2020 in terms of developing sports for people with disabilities in Africa and promoting women’s participation in sports. During the period in question, women were trained in athletics and volleyball in 5 countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon and Senegal. Over the past year, CONFEJES also supported other projects that promoted women’s participation in sports, including the Action Sports Santé project launched in Côte d’Ivoire in January 2020.
• CONFEJES has worked actively to develop partnerships and collaborations in the international La Francophonie community, including with the OIF, CONFEMEN, the Conference of INGOs, the Association internationale des maires francophones (AIMF) and the Comité international des Jeux de la Francophonie (CIJF). It has also developed its bilateral ties with various member countries. CONFEJES and WADA also renewed their cooperation by signing a new agreement on May 21, 2020.

The results for CONFEMEN are as follows:

• To improve governance of CONFEMEN’s educational systems analysis program (PASEC) and the scientific quality of its products, a new technical adviser took office in January 2020. There was a program steering committee meeting in January 2020 to allow members to discuss the organization’s financial situation. The scientific committee also therefore met on January 22 and 23, 2020. This committee also recommended developing secondary analyses to support the analyses in the international report.
• In 2020, an evaluation was published on the quality of education systems in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa in 2019, the “PASEC2019,” in which the number of countries increased from 10 in the 2014 report to 14, with the addition of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Guinea and Madagascar. The findings from this report are submitted in order to help develop targeted initial training and continuing education programs for primary school educators to ultimately improve the quality of educational backgrounds.
• In 2020, CONFEMEN began implementing the Rosetta Stone Project to increase educational knowledge in 3 countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Senegal, Burundi and Guinea.
• In 2020, CONFEMEN sought to maintain and strengthen its partnerships with La Francophonie’s other bodies. The Secretary General therefore attended 3 meetings of the OIF’s cooperation and programming commission and sessions of the Permanent Council of La Francophonie and the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie. CONFEMEN was also very present in discussions about the project to create a Francophone education alliance. CONFEMEN took part in a number of meetings with the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), notably in the context of the APPRENDRE program. CONFEMEN also works with CONFEJES to promote the inclusion of physical education and sports in schools.

Please note that Global Affairs Canada does not govern the performance management strategy for CONFEJES or CONFEMEN. However, the department does receive narrative reports every 2 years describing the activities implemented.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.007 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Name of transfer payment program: Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (the Stockholm Convention)

Start date: 2004

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3 Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada`s assessed contribution under the Stockholm Convention to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants. Canada’s assessed contribution is a legally binding obligation of membership. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved: Under the Stockholm Convention, results achieved include:

• Reduced levels of POPs entering the environment as a result of controls to eliminate or restrict releases;
• Assessment of candidate POPs for addition to the Convention through a technical committee
• Continued global monitoring of POPs to evaluate the effectiveness of the Convention

The Programme and Budget are approved biennially by the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention.

For more information about Canada’s involvement, visit Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.005 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Name of transfer payment program: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Start date: Canada ratified the UNFCCC on December 4, 1992, and it entered into force on March 21, 1994.

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3 Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada`s assessed contribution under the UNFCC Convention, which promotes shared responsibility and cooperative efforts among parties to help stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous human-induced interference with the climate system. Canada`s assessed contribution to the UNFCCC is a legally binding obligation of membership. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved: Under the UNFCCC, key results achieved include:

• Canada continued to play an active and constructive role in the UNFCCC negotiations and was a strong voice in the negotiations towards the establishment of the Paris Agreement
• Canada’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is to reduce its economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030
• Canada continued to work with its international partners both under the UNFCCC and in other forums to implement its commitments

For more information, visit Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.04 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

United Nations Trust Fund on Indigenous Issues

Name of transfer payment program: United Nations Trust Fund on Indigenous Issues

Start date: 1987

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to departmental result(s): 1.2: Canada's leadership on global issues contributes to a just and inclusive world.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 11. International Security Policy and Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To advance Indigenous issues and enable the participation of Indigenous peoples’ discussions in the areas of economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights, through the provision of expert advice and recommendations, integration of Indigenous issues in the UN system, dissemination of information on Indigenous issues, and promotion of respect for and full application of the provisions of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Results achieved: More than 2,400 representatives of Indigenous peoples from 90 countries around the globe have benefited from the Fund since its establishment in 1985. This active participation in key United Nations decision-making processes by Indigenous peoples has had a positive impact for the recognition of their human rights. (Status of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples: Report of the Secretary-General – July 2020)

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: This UN fund has its own engagement strategy.

Explanation of variances: No variance.

United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture

Name of transfer payment program: United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture

Start date: 1983

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result(s): 3.1: Improved physical, social and economic well-being for the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly for women and girls, in countries where Canada engages.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 11. International Security Policy and Diplomacy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To provide financial assistance to non-governmental organizations that deliver medical, psychological, legal and social assistance to victims of torture and their families.

Results achieved: Built capacity of grantees through regular communication and on-site visits, including pre-screening visit to first-time applicant. An estimated 40,000 victims and their families in 78 countries around the world ultimately benefited from the Fund.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: This UN fund has its own engagement strategy.

Explanation of variances: No variance.

Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and its Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

Name of transfer payment program: Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (the Vienna Convention) and its Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (the Montreal Protocol)

Start date: 1988

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Assessed Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s): 1.3  Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 2. Multilateral Policy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution under (1) the Vienna Convention, which promotes cooperation between parties by means of systematic observations; exchange research and information on the effects of human activities on the ozone layer, and adopts legislative or administrative measures against activities likely to have adverse effects on the ozone layer; and (2) the Montreal Protocol, which mandates the phase-out or phase-down of the consumption and production of ozone-depleting substances and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Canada’s assessed contribution is a legally binding obligation of membership. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program

Results achieved: Under the Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol, results achieved include:

• Elimination of the production and consumption of the majority of ozone-depleting substances, resulting in a reduction in their abundance in the atmosphere
• The state of the ozone layer and the effects of ozone depletion are continually assessed, monitored and communicated
• The ozone layer is on a path to recovery and expected to fully recover by the middle of the 21^st century

For more information about Canada’s involvement, please visit the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.09 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Wassenaar Arrangement

Name of transfer payment program: Wassenaar Arrangement

Start date: 2012

End date: Ongoing, under Ministerial authorization

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012

Link to departmental result(s): 2.1 Canada helps to build and safeguard an open and inclusive rules-based global trading system.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 13. Trade Controls

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay assessed contributions demanded of all nations that are Wassenaar Arrangement participating states. This organization contributes to regional and international security and stability by promoting transparency and greater responsibility in the transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technology. Canada’s participation in the Wassenaar Arrangement furthers both its security and commercial trade interests.

Results achieved: Canada’s continued participation in the Wassenaar Arrangement by:

• Ensuring full compliance with reporting obligations in a timely manner
• Contributing to the review and amendment of control lists established under Wassenaar to ensure it reflect current levels of technology
• Contributing to information exchange on export control policies and practices related to munitions and dual-use items, including outreach and engagement, licensing and enforcement practices.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: There were no program audits held in 2020-21.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: There were no program evaluations held in 2020-21.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: Due to restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, all in-person meetings were cancelled in 2020-21. Given the highly sensitive nature of export controls issues, only limited interactions between participating states using videoconference tools were allowed by the Wassenaar Arrangement Secretariat. 

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.003 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

World Customs Organization

Name of transfer payment program: World Customs Organization (WCO)

Start date: 1971

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: N/A

Link to departmental result(s): 2.1: Canada helps to build and safeguard an open and inclusive rules-based global trading system.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 12. Trade Policy, Agreements, Negotiations and Disputes

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution to the WCO, an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations. As a member of the WCO, Canada has taken a key role in areas such as trade facilitation, revisions to the Harmonized System, capacity building, combatting counterfeiting and the development and implementation of the Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade. As a member of the WCO, Canada is able to help set the international customs cooperation agenda through high-level participation at key WCO committees. Attendance helps the Government of Canada stay abreast of current and emerging customs issues, which helps to define Canada’s international footprint. Membership in the WCO advances Canada’s interests internationally, particularly given the importance of international trade for the Canadian economy.

Results achieved:

• As the only customs focused multilateral organization, the World Customs Organisation (WCO), brought together 183 member countries to discuss relevant issues such as nomenclature and classification of goods, valuation of goods, border enforcement and compliance, and trade.
• In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WCO shifted its focus in 2020-21 to its COVID-19 Action Plan as a temporary and overarching priority for the organization, which included the facilitation of vaccines and related medical supplies across borders.
• Canada remained an active member of various working bodies and committees dedicated to key areas of Customs, such as Harmonized Systems, Revised Kyoto Convention, Advanced Passenger Information, and Capacity Building.
• As Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Finance Committee, Canada helped ensure effective financial management of the organization, noting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on activities and operations.
• Through Canada’s active participation in the Policy Commission, Canada proposed revisions to WCO’s governance, focused on electoral reform, to ensure greater transparency and improved equity.  

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: N/A

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.04 million lower than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

World Intellectual Property Organization

Name of transfer payment program: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Start date: 1970

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20

Link to departmental result(s): 2.1: Canada helps to build and safeguard an open and inclusive rules-based global trading system.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Program 12. Trade Policy, Agreements, Negotiations and Disputes

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution to WIPO to ensure Canada’s interests are represented, and to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world through cooperation among Member States and, where appropriate, in collaboration with any other international organization.

Results achieved: Canada supported the maintenance of the multilateral intellectual property framework including the development of international norms that are necessary, balanced, flexible, and evidence-based and encouraged international cooperation on emerging intellectual property issues. Specifically, Canada:

• promoted and defended Canada’s domestic law and policy, administration and approaches
• advocated for WIPO as the premier international intellectual property forum and encouraged consensus-based decision-making, good governance and financial stewardship
• advanced and encouraged cooperation between intellectual property offices

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21: Not applicable. Assessed contribution to an international organization.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21: Not applicable. Assessed contribution to an international organization.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21: Canada maintained its permanent mission to the WTO in Geneva, Switzerland to ensure that Canada’s interests are represented effectively, including at WIPO where officers engage regularly in WIPO affairs. Capital-based officials continued to participate actively virtually in the audit and oversight of WIPO’s program and budget, including through regular reporting. Capital-based officials also continued to participate actively virtually in norm-setting discussions and negotiations.

Explanation of variances: Actual spending was $0.05 million higher than the planned spending. The variance is attributable to currency fluctuations.

Gender-based analysis plus

Institutional gender-based analysis plus capacity

Global Affairs Canada’s gender-based analysis plus (GBA Plus) is a contextual and intersectional gender-based analysis that shapes project and policy design by identifying gender inequalities and their root causes. It outlines gender power relationships, identifies key gender dimensions of human rights, decision-making, and access and control over resources, and seeks to place strategic focus on transformational change, notably by working to dismantle systemic barriers and discriminatory norms. This includes accounting for sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex characteristics or any other intersectional aspects of unique lived experiences as well as the multiple, intersecting and overlapping human identities such as race, ethnicity, religion, language, (dis)ability, migration status, age or socioeconomic status. A human rights stakeholder analysis complements GBA Plus and is central to the human rights-based approach to project design and management, supported by human rights specialists. It seeks to identify and include the most marginalized and vulnerable rights-holders, who are diverse and often face intersecting inequalities.

Global Affairs Canada has a complex and diverse mandate as it manages Canada’s diplomatic and consular relations, promotes the country’s international trade and leads Canada’s international assistance. Across these portfolios, GBA Plus is required for all Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board submissions and Budget Proposals, and more recently, regulatory instruments. Before these proposals can be considered complete, proposal leads submit their GBA Plus assessments to the Corporate Secretariat for a final review to confirm that the mandatory requirements of the central agencies have been met.

The department continues to strengthen its overall institutional capacity to integrate GBA Plus across all its policies, programs and initiatives. Since the announcement of the feminist foreign policy in 2017, GBA Plus is being used and applied to an increasing number of initiatives across the department. In this context, Global Affairs Canada continues to explore opportunities to enhance its leadership, capacity, training and tools for the implementation of GBA Plus throughout the department, including its network of missions abroad.  It also seeks to ensure that the principles of Canada’s feminist foreign policy approach are considered and incorporated into all policy and program development and implementation.

Some of the approaches the department uses to increase the profile and practice of GBA Plus and overall respect for diversity and inclusion in policy and program development include the following:

• Gender focal points and GBA Plus Champions appointed at the branch level;
• Intra-departmental networks dedicated to GBA Plus;
• Annual GBA Plus challenges to mark GBA Plus Awareness Week;
• Corporate Secretariat representation at the annual Breakfast of GBA Plus Champions, a venue to highlight the department’s successes, hosted by the Department for Women and Gender Equality;
• Discussion of GBA Plus at senior management committees, such as the Performance Measurement and Evaluation Committee (PMEC);
• Resources dedicated to the development, delivery or promotion of GBA Plus training for employees; and,
• Tools and resources to assist employees in applying GBA Plus to their work and implementing Canada’s feminist policies (e.g. checklists, guides, templates, toolkits, wiki sites).

The department applies a GBA Plus approach and an intersectional lens across its engagement abroad, including in its diplomatic and advocacy efforts, as a means to continuously improve its work, obtain better results for Canadians, and achieve international objectives by being more responsive to specific needs and circumstances, and avoiding unintentional harm. The department has prioritized inclusive language and approaches in multilateral forums as well as in bilateral engagements through its mission networks, expanding the reach of its efforts to ensure more diverse voices are heard and more inclusive partnerships are formed.

Within the trade policy and negotiations portfolio, recognizing that the effects of trade are not gender neutral, gender and inclusivity considerations are integrated by conducting GBA Plus on free trade agreement (FTA) chapters, assessing the effects and opportunities of provisions, on an ex ante and ex post basis, and on population groups in Canada – namely workers, business owners and, where possible, consumers. This informs ongoing negotiations by seeking to address effects through the development of new gender-responsive and inclusive trade policy provisions in free trade agreements where possible.  The GBA Plus process is providing a richer understanding of the impacts and effects of free trade agreements in Canada; supporting continuous strengthening and innovating of free trade agreement chapters; helping identify opportunities for mainstreaming new inclusive and gender-responsive provisions in free trade agreements; and, identifying gaps in knowledge and areas for more strategic data collection and analysis going forward.  In 2020-21, a Gender and Trade Advisory Group was established, composed of external experts and stakeholders on trade and gender issues.  A GBA Plus sub-committee was also established, composed of experts on gender impact assessments and trade policy.  Their mandate is to provide expert feedback on GBA Plus analysis of trade agreements to inform trade negotiations.   

GBA Plus is also required for all international assistance projects submitted for ministerial approval. The department’s feminist approach guidance note emphasizes intersectionality, recognizing that overlapping inequalities are based on a variety of identity factors. It also requires all initiatives to be guided by two distinct but complementary analyses, a GBA Plus and a human rights analysis.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Affairs Canada adapted its international assistance programming processes to ensure rapid responses to COVID-19. This included providing continued analysis on the gendered and intersectional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to inform policy and programming and supporting the capacity of staff and partners to address gender equality and intersectionality in COVID-19 programming through provision of guidance, tools and webinars.

Governance and human resources

The department has taken a decentralized approach to the practice of GBA Plus for its more than 10,000 employees. In lieu of a central responsibility center, the department continues to expand a more horizontal approach to the application of GBA Plus, emphasizing the responsibility of proposal leads’ responsibility for their GBA Plus. There is well-established and dedicated GBA Plus expertise within the department to provide support, such as the Gender Equality Division within the Global Issues and Development Branch and expertise within the Trade Policy and Negotiations Branch. Global Affairs Canada is also increasing GBA Plus competencies of subject matter experts in other branches working in such diverse areas as peace and security, and investment and trade.

Currently, the department has approximately 16 full-time equivalent staff dedicated to supporting gender equality analysis specifically for development assistance policies and programming, and an additional six full time equivalent staff who provide support as human rights advisors and specialists on the implementation of the human rights approach for Canada’s feminist approach in international assistance. Recognizing the significance of the application of GBA Plus to trade agreements, there are three full-time equivalent staff dedicated to this issue. An additional six to 10 individuals play various support roles associated with GBA Plus as gender focal points, educators and managers across the department, including in areas such as peace and security, trade and investment, promotion, trade policy and negotiations and GBA Plus process oversight of submissions to Cabinet and ministers.

Both GBA Plus specialists and subject matter experts from across the department contribute to GBA Plus through participation on internal and external committees as well as in governance bodies:

• Development specialists and policy analysts on gender equality and human rights and governance meet regularly to discuss gender equality policy directions, implementation of the feminist approach for international assistance and intersectionality considerations
• Analysts working on Peace and Security programming coordinate the whole-of-government implementation of Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, in which GBA Plus is included
• The Gender Focal Point in the Trade Policy and Negotiations Branch, with the support of the GBA Plus Champion, leads a branch-wide network of GBA Plus advisors to ensure the effective application of GBA Plus to trade policy development and free trade negotiations
• Departmental representatives attending the Department for Women and Gender Equality’s inter-departmental meetings
• Inter-departmental working groups assist with  proposals being prepared for submission to Cabinet or Treasury Board

The Canadian Foreign Service Institute (CFSI) contributes to GBA Plus capacity building for Global Affairs Canada employees and federal public servants across the Government of Canada. In 2020-21, CFSI delivered GBA Plus training to 253 department employees (240 Canada-based staff and 13 locally-engaged staff). Through ongoing and formal collaboration with Women and Gender Equality Canada and the Canada School of Public Service, CFSI also delivers GBA Plus training to other Canadian public servants and has worked directly with multiple departments to build and strengthen GBA Plus competencies, thereby fostering a whole-of-government approach. In 2020-21, CFSI delivered GBA Plus training to 292 other government department employees.

Several branches at Global Affairs Canada also developed and implemented a GBA Plus training course specific to their needs, such as GBA Plus for policy officers and GBA Plus for trade officers. The latter was in a new online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued to provide GBA Plus of Free Trade Agreement coaching to trade policy officers at headquarters, Canadian missions abroad, and other government departments on a division or one-on-one basis. In addition, the branch renewed and implemented its annual GBA Plus action plan.  The Gender Focal Points around the department continue to provide presentations for departmental and international colleagues. 

Global Affairs Canada also helps its Canadian and international partners strengthen their own capacities to integrate GBA Plus into their policies, programs and practices. In 2020-21, CFSI delivered GBA Plus training to foreign governments and international organizations in Indonesia, Mexico, Chile, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Saint Kitts and Nevis as well as to members of the Organization of American States in Washington, DC.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Global Affairs Canada has embedded gender equality requirements in its results-based management approach to monitor and track outcomes for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in international assistance programming. This involves the identification of gender-specific indicators in performance measurement frameworks as well as the use of disaggregated data by sex, age and other identity factors as relevant.

Due diligence is conducted by Gender Equality Specialists on all initiatives as part of the approval process. This is done using the Gender Equality Assessment Form which assesses whether a quality GBA Plus was conducted and informed the design of the project, as well as whether there are explicit gender equality results identified in the project results’ framework, which will be measured by relevant indicators. It also considers whether appropriate technical and financial resources will support the achievement of the gender equality results. Based on this assessment, a gender equality policy marker is assigned in relation to a project’s intended contribution to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Using this policy marker, Global Affairs Canada can track the percentage of initiatives that have carried out GBA Plus given that it is an embedded requirement to obtain a mark above 0. Through the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the commitment was made to ensure that no fewer than 95% of Canada’s bilateral international development assistance initiatives will target or integrate gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls by 2021-22.

Canada also launched its sub-action area policy on gender-responsive humanitarian action: ‘A Feminist Approach: Gender Equality in Humanitarian Action’ in April 2019. This policy outlines how Canada’s humanitarian assistance responds to the specific and intersectional needs and priorities of vulnerable and marginalized individuals, particularly women and girls. It also recognizes their knowledge and abilities, and ensures that they are consulted and are able to equally participate in making and implementing decisions. Practically, Canada requires the submission of a GBA Plus analysis as part of its non-governmental organization humanitarian funding mechanism. Potential partners are required to submit a gender analysis that focuses on the specific gender considerations in the humanitarian context and the specific obstacles/opportunities that women, men, girls and boys face, accounting for intersectional factors.

Highlights of gender-based analysis plus  results by program

Program 12. Trade Policy, Agreements, Negotiations, and Disputes

In 2020-21, examples from the Trade Policy and Negotiations Branch included:

• Conducting GBA Plus of trade negotiations continues to change the way Canada does trade policy.  It is also helping deliver on Canada’s inclusive approach to trade, which seeks to ensure that the benefits and opportunities resulting from FTAs are more widely shared, including among under-represented groups in Canada’s economy and trade, such as women, small and medium-sized enterprises, and Indigenous peoples. 
• Global Affairs Canada, with the support of other government departments, conducted a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative chapter-by-chapter GBA Plus on possible or ongoing FTA negotiations. The GBA Plus is contributing to a better understanding of the potential effects and opportunities of a trade agreements for all people in Canada—workers, producers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and, where possible, consumers. In this regard, the GBA Plus will inform potential and ongoing negotiations, helping to identify opportunities for Canada to pursue new gender-responsive and inclusive trade provisions across trade agreements, as well as relevant potential domestic policy responses if an effect or opportunity cannot be addressed through a potential agreement.
• GBA of FTAs is complementary to and advances Canada’s Feminist Foreign Policy and Feminist International Assistance Policy. It also helps further progress on Goal 6 of the government’s Gender Results Framework—gender equality around the world—in order to achieve a more peaceful, inclusive, rules-based and prosperous world by pursuing a feminist international approach to all policies and programs, including trade.
• The comprehensive chapter-by-chapter GBA Plus process developed to inform the ongoing trade negotiations builds on and expands the mandatory GBA Plus process that is required to seek Cabinet authority to engage in FTA negotiations, which Global Affairs Canada has implemented consistently since 2016.
• The GBA Plus of FTA negotiations provides important benefits to trade policy officials, including: providing a richer understanding of the effects of FTAs in Canada; supporting continuous strengthening and innovating of FTA chapters; helping identify opportunities for mainstreaming new inclusive and gender responsive provisions in FTAs; helping  identify areas where domestic flanking measures may be required or where FTA committees can undertake activities to address findings; and, identifying gaps in knowledge and areas for more strategic data collection and analysis going forward. 

Program 21. Office of Human Rights, Freedom and Inclusion (OHRFI) Programming

• The Office of Human Rights, Freedom and Inclusion Programming addresses inequalities through mainstreaming gender equality in all projects and activities, as well as by specifically targeting particular inequalities in countries where it engages and through its global initiatives. Programming integrates gender-sensitive conflict analysis in each step of the project life-cycle. Each project proposal is reviewed for compliance with GBA Plus guidelines, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada's National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, and Global Affairs Canada’s Gender Equality policy. A gender equality advisor is consulted prior to approval of projects. OHRFI Programming also specifically targets gender inequalities. This is done through projects to address particular inequalities in target countries as well as through global investments; 3 out of 32 projects specifically target gender equality (GE-03), 24 out of 32 projects fully integrate gender equality (GE-02), and 5 out of 32 projects have limited gender equality integration (GE-01).
• Programming support to Article-19’s Feminist Approach to the Safety of Journalists Project contributed to a safer and more inclusive environment for women journalists by challenging unequal power relations and systemic discrimination that undermine the safety of women journalists. The project applies a feminist approach to research, monitoring and documenting violence, and capacity building for journalists to protect themselves physically, psychologically, digitally and economically. The UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Expression incorporated inputs from this project in their report on Gender Justice and Freedom of Expression.
• A project with the Parliamentary Centre began building the capacity of a new cohort of parliamentarians in Armenia to implement an inclusive and accountable internal governance strategy that incorporates a focus on gender equality as well as the inclusion of youth and persons living with disability throughout the administration. The project plans to facilitate an exchange between Armenian civil society groups and the parliamentary administration to establish mechanisms through which civil society support and inputs can be provided going forward.

Program 22. Humanitarian Assistance

• In 2020, Canada conducted an internal Gender Equality Institutional Assessment for its humanitarian contributions to multilateral partners. The assessment aims to track multilateral partners’ institutional progress on the implementation of their gender policies on a yearly basis at a corporate and operational level for humanitarian initiatives. By tracking this progress, Canada ensures its assessment of gender equality coding for UN partners remains relevant and up to date as it considers its annual core support to these organizations. These assessments have also been helpful in prioritizing advocacy efforts to advance gender-responsive humanitarian action with multilateral partners.
• Canada is providing humanitarian support to CARE and Oxfam's Gender in Emergencies project in Bangladesh, Somalia and South Sudan, which seeks to increase the participation of women in decision-making groups and platforms in the humanitarian program cycle, and increase access to best and emerging practice on gender in emergencies. The project's design in all country locations is conducted with local women's groups, and specific project activities are chosen through needs assessments, gender analysis and operational context assessment that is inclusive of the perspective of local women's groups.

Program 25. Peace and Stabilization Operations

• Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) GBA Plus, now integrated into the 2019-22 Strategy, identifies 4 key groups that PSOPs engages with (sex and gender, children and youth, refugees and internally displaced persons, and Groups Marginalized Based on Identity or Other Factors), and outlines strategies to ensure their perspectives are taken into account.
• Data collected on PSOPs program indicators are disaggregated by gender, which allows PSOPs to tell a more nuanced performance story.
• PSOPs requires partners applying for funding to conduct a gender and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) analysis to ensure that planned interventions are taking relevant identity factors into account, and asks all partners to report specifically on gender considerations.
• As Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, Canada facilitated negotiations and agreement for an action plan to support implementation of the PBC's gender strategy.
• In Cameroon and parts of the Central African Republic, PSOPs funded the Central Africa Human Rights Defenders network [Réseau des Défenseurs des Droits Humains en Afrique Centrale]  (REDHAC) to strengthen the capacities of young girls and women human rights defenders in their roles as effective leaders and actors in peace and security.

Program 26. Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building 

• With funding and support provided by Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program, the Organization of American States (OAS) worked to strengthen gender equality within counter-drug Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in targeted OAS member states and improve the effectiveness of drug-related investigations from a gender equality perspective. The “GENLEA Handbook: Strategies and Good Practices for Strengthening Gender Equality in Counterdrug Law Enforcement Agencies” was launched and distributed among the law enforcement agencies of 34 OAS member states and multiple European countries such as the UK, France, and Greece. Its focus is to enhance women’s empowerment, reduce gender gaps, and provide concrete tools and examples to assist in the design and implementation of gender equality processes, with an emphasis on clear metrics and measurable results. The successful launch of the GENLEA Handbook was attended by more than 4000 people from the Americas and Europe, including from ten international organizations, with 70% of attendees being women law enforcement officers.
• Through the Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program, Canada supported a UN Office of Counter-Terrorism project to develop a gender and counter-terrorism online platform, which aims to increase the integration of gender and intersectional identity factors into the design, planning, delivery and assessment of global, regional, national and local level efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism and terrorism (PCVE/CT). The ‘Gender and Identities Platform,’ will provide policy-makers, practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders with practical guidance on how to apply an evidence-based, bias sensitive and intersectional approach to all aspects of PCVE/CT work.  The Platform was on track to launch in September of 2021.
• In partnership with UNODC, Canada supported the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) in its efforts to integrate gender considerations throughout the operations and training provided by the institution. Because of Canada’s efforts, JCLEC officials recently released a formal Statement of Intent, making JCLEC the first Indonesian security institution to adopt this type of gender instrument in efforts to mainstream gender considerations and perspectives for all participants, which includes officials responsible for counter-terrorism, combatting transnational organized crime, and day to day policing across the ASEAN region.

Program 27. Weapons Threat Reduction

• The Weapons Threat Reduction Program supported mentorship opportunities through CRDF Global’s Women Advance Program. This project helped equip women in Iraq with the knowledge, tools, and experience required to be successful leading chemical security and nonproliferation experts within their respective fields.
• Canada continued to advocate for a more inclusive international nuclear security sector (women currently comprise only 20% of the sector), promoting the meaningful participation of women, particularly at the decision-making level. Canada’s seed funding to the International Atomic Energy Agency helped establish the new Marie S. Curie Fellowship Program, which is providing scholarship or internship opportunities to women from priority regions to pursue graduate degrees in nuclear security and non-proliferation.

Program 30. Americas International Assistance

• The Leading for Peace in Colombia initiative strengthened its gender-transformative activities in 2020-21. For example, new training was provided for victims of armed conflict and public servants to respond to the increased rates of gender-based violence in the context of the pandemic. Institutional working groups were created, and care pathways were either created or updated. The project demonstrated positive changes in behaviours that contribute to a more equal distribution on unpaid care activities in the participants’ households.
• In 2020 and through GBA Plus training provided in 2019, Canada helped community authorities from a Haitian city of 289,000 people in their process to develop a gender-responsive budget.
• The gender-specific digitization system for land titles in Haiti, funded by Canada, allows women landowners to be identified; this is an important step toward more equitable control of their resources and toward more effective social and economic equality.

Program 43. Information Technology

• The Information Technology program piloted a GBA Plus training course that was geared toward the IM/IT environment through tits inclusion of use-cases specific to IM/IT.  This was a pathfinder pilot for Government of Canada IM/IT organizations. Global Affairs Canada IM/IT now has a GBA Plus course that can be used in 2021-22 to address unconscious bias within IM/IT. 
• In partnership with the Canadian Foreign Services Institute, IM/IT did a GBA Plus assessment of its CS-02, CS-03, and CS-04 2020 competitions.  This was a Global Affairs Canada pathfinder effort for IM/IT Government of Canada organizations.  The results found that IM/IT  can recruit more women to IM/IT if it puts resources towards developing a network of key provincial employment organizations; that IM/IT should include more women on its competition assessment committees to model inclusivity; and that GBA Plus mandatory training is required to address unconscious bias.  IM/IT is following up on these recommendations for 2021-22.

Response to Parliamentary Committees and External Audits

Response to parliamentary committees

• There were no parliamentary committee reports requiring a response in 2020-21.

Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)

• There were no audits in 2020–21 requiring a response.

Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages

Audit of Employment Equity Representation in Recruitment – report tabled in January 2021.  Global Affairs Canada was one of the 30 federal departments and agencies that participated in the audit. The audit had 2 objectives:

1. to determine whether the 4 designated employment equity groups remain proportionately represented throughout recruitment processes
2. to identify potential factors that may influence employment equity group representation

There were 3 recommendations in the report, with Global Affairs Canada only responding to one:

• “Deputy Heads should review their staffing framework and practices to ensure barrier-free appointment processes for all employment equity groups, including visible minority sub-groups.”

Global Affairs Canada’s internal audit is following up on this recommendation.

Up-Front Multi-Year Funding

General Information on up-front multi-year funding to the Centre for International Governance Innovation

Name of Recipient: Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)

Start date: January 30, 2003

End date: Ongoing

Link to Departmental results:

• 1.3 Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.
• 2.1 Canada helps to build and safeguard an open and inclusive rules-based global trading system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Program 1. International Policy Coordination

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment: CIGI supports world-leading research in global governance, particularly global economic and financial governance, international security and international law. CIGI furthers Canada’s interest in having a stable and well-governed global system by bringing academics, policy experts and researchers together from around the world to generate policy recommendations on pressing international developments.

In 2003, the Government of Canada contributed $30 million, which was matched by CIGI and subsequently added to by other public and private donors to establish an endowment fund. The Centre continues to be funded by the proceeds of this endowment.

CIGI’s current 5-year Strategic Plan 2020-2025 considerably narrows the focus of its research to the intersection of technology and global governance, consisting of three thematic pillars: (1) the data-driven economy; (2) threats to democracy and security, and (3) the need for global institutions to adapt to the digital era.

A future evaluation of CIGI’s programming will be based on the results of this set of activities. 

Audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year, and future plan: CIGI publishes an annual report of its activities that includes financial statements.

Evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year, and future plan: As required by the funding agreement between CIGI and the Government of Canada, every five years, CIGI conducts an independent third-party evaluation. The last evaluation took place in 2018, and the next one will be in 2023. 

The 2018 evaluation measured the Centre’s overall performance in achieving expected results. The evaluation is organized under six evaluation standards: relevance, effectiveness, impact, planning, management and efficiency, and comparative analysis. The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach to collect and triangulate data from different sources, using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. This approach supported the development of robust, evidence-based findings, which in turn allowed for the development of insightful, validated conclusions and recommendations, such as:

• Relevance: CIGI’s objectives, strategies and programming are clearly aligned with the funding agreement reached with the federal government. The stated purposes in the federal funding agreement are to:
  • support world-leading research in the area of global governance, particularly in the area of global economic and financial governance; and
  • to further Canada’s interest in having a stable and well-governed global economic system in order to enhance the standard of living and quality of life of its population.
• Effectiveness: CIGI is using its convening power to successfully achieve its immediate outcomes by co-constructing relevant research products that are consistently being used by its national and international stakeholders. CIGI is regularly and increasingly mentioned in leading international media outlets from all around the world and the think tank has a strong presence in Canadian media, with regular mentions in all major outlets.
• Impact: Assessing longer-term, sustainable and transformational change requires substantial longitudinal evidence. Evidence to date indicates that CIGI is making progress toward achieving ultimate outcomes, but definitive achievement is not identifiable yet. Key informant interviews indicate that CIGI’s efforts directed toward multilateral actors, like the programs on the G20, Internet governance or the World Refugee Council, have been the most visible and have had the highest potential in terms of impact.
• Planning: The evaluation observed that CIGI has implemented the recommendations made by the last independent evaluation of CIGI conducted in 2013, most notably those related to the development of its innovation, communication and use of infrastructure strategies.
• Management and efficiency: CIGI activities are sufficiently funded and have been implemented within budget. CIGI has taken significant measures to foster an evaluation culture for learning and accountability purposes, creating an Evaluation and Planning unit in 2012. CIGI has applied results-based management principles centrally and within programs and projects. An organizational logic model was adopted and performance data is being collected from all departments to track progress across the organization. It is accessible via a central dashboard. The new amalgamated Board of Directors is effective and functioning according to its governance mandate, overseeing CIGI and the proper implementation of the funding agreement. A move toward a more gender-balanced and diverse composition of its members should be considered to enrich its nature. 
• Comparative analysis: CIGI compares very favourably to comparable think tanks. External rankings (Global Go To Think Tank Index Report, Transparify) generally rank CIGI in the top two or three when compared with other Canadian institutions, and often quite favourably when compared internationally. These rankings provide a positive external validation of CIGI’s work. The review of basic data from comparable think tanks in Canada (Fraser Institute, C.D. Howe Institute and Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada) demonstrates that CIGI, although a relatively young institution, is a leading think tank in Canada.

Summary of results achieved by the recipient: CIGI’s objectives, strategies and programming remain aligned with the Government of Canada funding agreement. CIGI’s work in the areas of global economy, global politics and security, and international law are considered highly relevant within the current national and international context. CIGI has understood that in a globalized world, domestic and international issues are increasingly intertwined and that governance gaps must be addressed through this lens.

CIGI has been effective in reaching its immediate and intermediate outcomes by co-constructing relevant research products (outputs) that are consistently being used by its national and international stakeholders.

For instance, in 2019-20, the final year before CIGI embarks on its new 2020-2025 plans and priorities, CIGI delivered several policy-relevant research papers and high-level events on priority topics, leading to important results, including:

• CIGI continued to focus on institutions as they address new challenges and changing realities as well as significant gaps in digital governance via an essay series on reforming the World Trade Organization.
• As part of its focus on technology’s impact on society, CIGI launched a project on gender-based violence online with support from the International Development Research Centre. 
• Through a new partnership with the Canada School of Public Service, CIGI is providing expertise on the digital economy to thousands of civil servants and policy makers.
• CIGI also continued to inform Canada-India relations with a meeting in Mumbai hosted by partner Gateway House, as India prepares to host the Group of Twenty (G20) economic forum in 2022.
• Finally, with regard to Covid-19, CIGI responded quickly with analysis from world-renowned experts on the impacts of the pandemic. They also looked at how governance can — and perhaps must — change in a post-pandemic world.

CIGI has evolved as a valuable institution that is respected by its peers, conducting world-leading research and analysis, influencing policy-makers, and innovating to solve governance gaps.

Total funding approved (dollars): N/A

Total funding received (dollars): N/A

Explanation of variance: N/A