Global Affairs Canada: Departmental Results Report 2022-23 - Supplementary Information Tables

Table of Contents

• Reporting on green procurement
  • Context
  • Commitments
  • Report on integrating sustainable development
• Details on transfer payment programs
  • Transfer payment programs with total planned spending 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
    • Global Arctic Leadership Initiative (Formerly known as Canadian International Arctic Fund)
    • 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 Institution
    • International Labour Organization
    • International Organization of La Francophonie
    • North Atlantic Treaty Organization Civil Administration
    • Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
    • Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
    • Organization for 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
    • United Nations Organization
    • United Nations Peacekeeping Operations
    • Weapons Threat Reduction Program
    • World Health Organization
    • World Trade Organization
  • Transfer payment programs with total planned spending of less than $5 million
    • 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 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 of the Law of the Sea
    • Non-proliferation, Arms Control and Disarmament
    • Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
    • OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation
    • Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Steel Committee (formerly called International Commodity Organizations)
    • Organization 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 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
  • Section 1: Institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity
  • Section 2: Gender and diversity impacts, by program
• Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
  • Response to parliamentary committees
  • 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)
  • Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
• United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals

Reporting on green procurement

This supplementary information table supports reporting on green procurement activities in accordance with the Policy on Green Procurement.

Context

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act but did not develop an optional 2022–23 DSDS Report. Instead, to comply with the reporting requirements under the Policy on Green Procurement for 2022 to 2023, the Reporting on Green Procurement supplementary information table was prepared and listed in the 2022–23 Departmental Results Report.

Commitments

Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, and green operations.

Report on integrating sustainable development

GAC applies the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program proposals to every proposal submitted to Cabinet.

GAC will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its strategic environmental assessment (SEA) process. A SEA for a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant FSDS goals and targets.

Public statements of the environmental effects determined from the detailed analysis of proposals that have been publically announced can be found here.

Details on transfer payment programs

Transfer payment programs with total planned spending of $5 million or more

Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program

Start date: December 9, 2009

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12 (amended); 2015-16 (amended); 2018-19 (amended); 2019-20 (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 Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP) provides assistance to enhance the capacity of key beneficiary states, government entities and other international and non-governmental organizations to prevent and respond to threats posed by international criminal activity in a manner consistent with international human rights obligations, norms and standards, with a global mandate and a focus on the Americas.

Results achieved:

• Continued the reduction of security threats to Canadians and affected populations, particularly women and girls in countries where Canada engages, from transnational organized crime;
• Enhanced the capacity of partner states to prevent and respond to criminal activities that could have threatened Canada, Canadians and Canadian interests at home and abroad;
• Through inclusive and gender-responsive prevention and response, improved the development and compliance of anti-crime legal instruments, controls and frameworks in countries where Global Affairs Canada (GAC) programs are located; and
• Improved inclusive and gender-responsive engagement and resilience of communities and civil societies in the areas of anti-crime in countries where GAC programs are located.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: One audit completed in 2022-23 on a project titled “Empowering Actors of Change against Human Trafficking and Exploitation, Particularly for Women and Girls in Honduras.” The findings are summarized as follows:

• Audit period from March 1, 2019, to March 31, 2021;
• The audit report was shared with the International Bureau for Children’s Rights; and
• The report identified several adjustments totalling $71,897 on expenses claimed totalling $1,287,382.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: The Evaluation Division (PRA) conducted the Evaluation of the Anti-crime Capacity Building Program and Counter-terrorism Capacity Building Program (ICC) covering the period 2015-16 to 2021-22. The Evaluation found that the Programs should:

• Clarify their role, purpose and mandate, and revise their organizational structure to meet the Government of Canada’s anti-crime and counter-terrorism capacity-building objectives;
• Improve use of existing specialized security expertise found within the Programs’ governance structures when coordinating and guiding programming strategic and investment decisions in support of Canada’s security priorities;
• Proactively engage and develop working relationships with the Department’s geographic divisions and missions, where there are sizeable investments, to ensure alignment with departmental priorities at the country and regional levels; and
• Review the existing funding framework and apply new streamlined instruments and processes for Vote 1 federal government partners as well as incorporate faster and more flexible processes for administering Vote 10 grants and contributions.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: All levels of government of affected states, community-based organizations and associations in recipient countries; multilateral, intergovernmental, international and regional organizations; non-profit and private sector organizations participating Canadian federal government departments and agencies; and other levels of government, as established under the approved terms and conditions of the ACCBP.

Canada Fund For Local Initiatives

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

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 22. Humanitarian Assistance

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 130 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, protecting and promoting human rights, and ensuring security and stability;
• To assist in the advocacy of Canadian values and interests and strengthening 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 are approved annually by a Program Management Board. For 2022-2023, they are:

• Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
• Inclusive governance, including diversity, democracy, LGBTQ2 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: Increased capacity of local organizations, institutions and governments to deliver projects that address local development challenges in a gender-sensitive manner:

• In 2022-23, the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) program was effectively managed by 69 Canadian missions abroad to support 692 new projects in 121 countries, and the West Bank and Gaza;
• The majority of CFLI funding is directed toward local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), which are best placed to understand and respond to a variety of development challenges within their local contexts. Given their small size and limited capacity and experience in implementing development projects, CFLI recipient organizations often do not qualify for funding from larger international donors. For many of these local organizations, the CFLI program provides them a rare opportunity to receive international funding and strengthen their capacity to respond to local needs. In 2022-23, local CSOs, academic institutions and local governments implemented 90% of CFLI projects;
• Capacity-building activities are crucial to supporting local CSOs in developing and strengthening their ability to plan and implement development projects. Of missions with CFLI programs, 91% supported local CSOs through both formal and informal capacity-building activities. Formal activities such as in-person and virtual training sessions focused on a range of topics including project monitoring and reporting, financial and budget management, completing project documents (such as Contribution Agreements), completing a Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus), online and social media advocacy, etc., while informal activities focused on providing individualized guidance and feedback to recipients through regular meetings and project site visits; and
• In alignment with the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the CFLI has continued to integrate and prioritize gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across all programming throughout 2022-23. Ensuring strong outcomes for women and girls was key for many projects, and was accomplished by addressing a variety of relevant issues. For example, CFLI projects promoted and protected women’s rights by addressing sexual and gender-based violence, including child, early and forced marriage, maternal and newborn health, and sexual and reproductive health rights (93 projects), and by advancing women’s economic rights and empowerment (75 projects). Overall, in 2022-23, 95% of CFLI projects involved consultation with women and girls prior to the implementation of project activities and nearly 96% of projects included gender-based analysis into their design. The CFLI program provided funding to 321 women’s rights organizations, representing an increase of 30 organizations compared to last year’s data, and funded 504 human rights organizations, which represents an increase of 22 organizations from 2021-22.

Increased access to, and influence with, key local decision-makers and change-makers to raise awareness and promote Canada’s values and interests:

• The CFLI program provides Embassies of Canada and High Commissions the opportunity to foster networks and relationships with local governments, local populations and local CSOs. In 2022-23, 97% of missions reported that their CFLI program created meaningful opportunities for interactions with local stakeholders, including CSOs and civic leaders. For example, in Kenya, the CFLI funded a project to enhance women’s participation in governance and decision-making through capacity development workshops with 100 women champions and leaders. As a result, 67 women members of parliament have the skills to engage with parliamentary mechanisms, allowing them to strengthen their advocacy for women’s rights and participate in governance and leadership processes; and
• The CFLI serves as an important advocacy tool for Canada and provides Canadian diplomats a platform to promote awareness and discussions with local decision-makers on a broad range of topics that are of importance to Canada. In 2022-23, 97% of Canadian diplomats managing the CFLI overseas indicated that the program meaningfully increased their mission’s level of influence in advancing Canada’s values and interests in their countries of accreditation. Examples of the themes include projects focused on environment and climate action (62 projects) such as climate change, agriculture, clean energy and water issues. In one CFLI funded project in Pakistan, a regional summit on climate change was organized with 50 youth to build knowledge on wildlife conservation, local climate change mitigation strategies and recycling. Projects focused on democracy (30 projects), fair and accessible elections (14 projects), freedom of speech/press (26 projects) and inclusive governance (23 projects) were also common themes among projects. Additionally, the promotion of human rights remained a priority with projects focusing on diversity and inclusion, disability rights, Indigenous rights, and 2SLGBTQI+ rights (170 projects). In one CFLI-funded project in the Dominican Republic, a project was implemented to promote greater participation and equal opportunities for 2SLGBTQI+ people to exercise leadership in political processes, to guarantee and uphold rights, and eliminate gaps, stigma, and discrimination in institutional spaces. This project helped build and strengthen institutional and individual capacities. The success of this project went beyond its implementation and encouraged 3 participants to register to participate in the 2024 elections.

Increased capacity of local organizations to deliver humanitarian assistance that responds to sudden-onset natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies in a gender-sensitive manner:

• The CFLI program is also an effective tool for responding to sudden natural disasters and humanitarian crises in developing countries. The CFLI humanitarian and emergency response reserve is intended to provide rapid, small-scale funding (maximum $50,000) to local organizations in complementarity with other Canadian support delivered through regular humanitarian channels. In 2022-23, $711,059.89 was disbursed to 17 projects in response to various crises around the world. For example, projects provided critical support to populations affected by natural disasters including flooding in Suriname, Philippines, Pakistan, and Mozambique, earthquakes in the Philippines and Turkey and Hurricane Ian in Cuba. Other projects included support and protection for new refugee arrivals in Uganda and internally displaced peoples in Haiti, along with cholera prevention, also in Haiti. Overall, the CFLI program provided direct humanitarian assistance to 58,136 individuals across 11 countries.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: Global Affairs Canada’s Evaluation Division conducted an evaluation of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) covering the period from 2015-16 to 2020-21. The evaluation aimed to generate insights and recommendations to inform decision-making at missions and headquarters on how best to deliver the CFLI effectively.

The key findings of this evaluation are as follow:

• The CFLI is an effective, decentralized, flexible program. Its design made it responsive to both mission and local needs while supporting departmental priorities;
• The CFLI is an effective tool for access to, and engagement with local stakeholders, while promoting Canada’s brand, visibility and values abroad;
• Human resources (dedicated CFLI staff) at both headquarters and missions were considered key obstacles to optimally deliver a resource-intensive program like the CFLI;
• The CFLI approach to risk management did not align with its willingness to be a risk-tolerant program. This often resulted in missions’ reluctance to partner with newer, less experienced local organizations;
• CFLI’s data and financial management systems and processes were inefficient and not sufficiently transparent. This exposed the CFLI to significant institutional risks; and
• The CFLI also contributed to a wide range of positive results at the local level. Results were commensurate with the small size and short duration of CFLI projects.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: 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 High Commissions and Embassies of Canada 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.

CanExport 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: 2018-19 (March 6, 2019 – Helping Canadian Businesses Diversify and Grow their Exports)

2008-2009 (updated 2013-2014 to add the Foreign Trade Zones Marketing Program [FTZ-MP], 2015-2016 to add the CanExport Program, 2017-2018 amendments to program terms and conditions including name change of program from Global Markets Support Program to Trade and Investment Support Program, 2018-2019 additional funding ($50 million over 5 years) in response to Budget 2018 to increase Trade Diversification, and 2019-2020 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). Approved October 21, 2020 changes to incorporate measures in accordance with Government of Canada’s COVID-19 response. Approved April 26, 2021, minor amendment to expand eligibility to Canadian for-profit co-operatives.

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 purposes and objective of the program is 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:

CanExport Community Investments

Enhanced the capability and effectiveness of Canadian communities to attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment (FDI), as measured by analysis of recipient performance reports and surveys:

• 1,801 leads generated from program-funded activities;
• 80% of respondents indicated that their knowledge of investment opportunities had improved;
• 97% of respondents indicated funded projects resulted directly or indirectly, in attracting serious investment prospects for their community (e.g., advanced information requests, site visits or actual investment proposals);
• 90% of respondents claimed the activities funded resulted directly or indirectly in FDI leads and 60 is the average number of estimated FDI leads generated from the relevant projects;
• 74% of respondents indicated that relevant projects contributed to retaining FDI, and 67% to the expansion of FDI among existing investors; and
• 93% of respondents claimed funded projects, which still generate FDI today, have created and/or retained jobs.

CanExport Associations

Stimulated the engagement of Canadian industry associations, their members and non-member firms in international markets, in order to expand commercial linkages and facilitate future successes abroad, as measured by analysis of recipient performance reports and surveys:

• 90% of respondents claimed there are more Canadian companies in their industry involved in international business as a direct or indirect result of the relevant projects;
• 87% of respondents stated that the relevant projects resulted in foreign sales or contracts;
• 100% of respondents indicated that their association’s knowledge of international business development opportunities improved; and
• 94% of respondents indicated that their Canadian participants’ international competitiveness and/or ability to conduct international business improved.

CanExport Innovation

Increased Canadian science and technological innovation and commercialization opportunities, as measured by analysis of recipient performance reports and surveys:

• 23% of respondents claimed funded projects resulted in ongoing research and development (R&D) collaborative partnerships, and 19% of respondents indicated funded projects resulted in new R&D partnership agreements;
• Approximately $5 million in commercial sales was reported by recipients;
• 14% of respondents indicated signing letters of intent and 13% of respondents reported signing memorandums of understanding;
• 79% of respondents claimed development of one or more products or technologies with foreign partners;
• 98% of respondents indicated their organization’s knowledge of R&D opportunities increased as a result of this project;
• The majority of respondents (87%) indicated that CanExport Innovation played an important role in advancing their pursuit of R&D opportunities with foreign partners; and
• 66% of respondents claimed their CanExport Innovation-funded projects hired new employees, while 47% generated commercial sales.

CanExport SMEs

Provided direct financial assistance to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to develop new markets, especially in high-growth emerging markets:

• 54% of respondents reported an increase in international revenue;
• 74% of respondents exported to at least one target market; and
• 52% of respondents reported an increase in employees.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A (last program audit completed in 2017)

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A (the Evaluations planned for 2018-19 and 2019-20 have been rescheduled to take place in 2024-25)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: 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.

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): 1.3: 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 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 with the 55 other Commonwealth member countries. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• The most recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting occurred in June 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda. Canada was represented by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s term was extended for two years, and a package of reforms was approved to help streamline and modernize the work of the Commonwealth Secretariat (ComSec). Two new members, Gabon and Togo, officially joined the Commonwealth to bring the organization’s membership to 56 countries; and
• In the fall of 2022, Canada joined the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) for a 2-year term, where we engage with 8 other member countries to promote and protect the Commonwealth’s fundamental values of democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: The Commonwealth Secretariat’s financial statements for 2021-22 were audited by an independent firm and signed in December 2022. Auditors reported that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of ComSec’s affairs as of June 30, 2022 and of its surplus for the year then ended, and have been properly prepared in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the Financial Regulations as authorised by the Commonwealth Heads of Government.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: Canada engages in governance meetings as a member of the Commonwealth Secretariat's Board of Governors and Executive Committee, where it advocates for principles of greater strategic focus, transparency, accountability and results-based management.

Beyond Global Affairs Canada’s overall management of Canada’s relationship with the Commonwealth Secretariat, Canada also engages with the Secretariat through other government departments in areas of common interest, including at senior and ministerial-level meetings of Commonwealth counterparts.

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization

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 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), which is responsible for provisionally implementing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

Results achieved: Canada’s assessed contributions were paid in full and on time, enabling the continued functioning of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Preparatory Commission and the CTBTO’s International Monitoring System;

The International Monitoring System has proven capable of detecting not only all of North Korea’s nuclear test explosions since 2006, but also seismic activity signaling earthquakes and tsunamis for civil and scientific applications; and

Since June 2022, the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO, with support from States Signatories such as Canada, has secured 5 new ratifications for the Treaty, building momentum towards universalization.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: The External Auditor of the CTBTO carried out an audit for calendar year 2022. The Auditor issued an “unmodified” audit opinion, confirming that financial statements presented fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Organization.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program

Start date: September 2005

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12 (amended); 2015-16 (amended); 2018-19 (amended); 2019-20 (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 Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program (CTCBP) provides assistance to enhance the capacity of key beneficiary states, government entities and other international and non-governmental organizations to prevent and respond to terrorist activity in a manner consistent with international counter-terrorism and human rights obligations, norms and standards.

Results achieved:

• Continued the reduction of security threats from transnational terrorism for Canadians and affected populations, particularly women and girls, in countries where Canada engages;
• Enhanced the capacity of partner states to prevent and respond to terrorist activities that could have threatened Canada, Canadians and Canadian interests at home and abroad;
• Through inclusive and gender-responsive prevention and response, improved the development and compliance of counter-terrorism legal instruments, controls and frameworks in countries where Global Affairs Canada (GAC) programs are located; and
• Improved inclusive and gender-responsive engagement and resilience of communities and civil societies in counter-terrorism in countries where GAC programs are located.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: As part of GAC’s 2022-23 Annual Audit exercise, 3 Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program (CTCBP) projects were selected for audit including P006024 "Empowering Women and Families in Jordan for Digital Literacy," P008060 "Enhancing the Jordanian Gendarmerie's Critical Incident Response Capabilities through Gender Integration" and P008062 "Arsal Training and Advisory Team Project Phase 2." This audit covered the time period of October 1, 2017, to March 31, 2021. To date, this audit process has not yet been completed as the CTCBP is still waiting to receive final audit reports and recommendations for each of the three projects. The program remains ready to support the completion of this process alongside SGFF.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: The Evaluation Division (PRA) conducted an Evaluation of the Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Programs (ICC) covering the period 2015-16 to 2021-22. The Evaluation found that the Programs should:

• Clarify their role, purpose and mandate, and revise their organizational structure to meet the Government of Canada’s anti-crime and counter-terrorism capacity building objectives;
• Improve use of existing specialized security expertise found within the Programs’ governance structures when coordinating and guiding programming strategic and investment decisions in support of Canada’s security priorities;
• Proactively engage and develop working relationships with the department’s geographic divisions and missions where there are sizeable investments to ensure alignment with departmental priorities at the country and regional levels; and
• Review the existing funding framework and apply new streamlined instruments and processes for Vote 1 federal government partners as well as incorporate faster and more flexible processes for administering Vote 10 grants and contributions.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: All levels of government of affected states; community-based organizations and associations in recipient countries; multilateral, intergovernmental, international and regional organizations; non-profit and private sector organizations participating Canadian federal government departments and agencies; and other levels of government, as established under the approved terms and conditions of the CTCBP.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Start date: 1945

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 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of membership is to further the Government of Canada’s foreign policy and international development assistance goals related to agricultural development and food systems, and to provide Canada with a voice in the international community on global efforts to eradicate hunger and all forms of malnutrition. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Adopted integrated and inclusive approaches to sustainable agricultural development and food systems, particularly in relation to gender equality, climate action, innovation, emergency assistance and resilience to food crises;
• As a knowledge organization and neutral convener of inclusive and science-based dialogues on standards for food safety and plant health, and policy guidance on issues related to agriculture, fisheries and forestry, the organization ensured that its work in this area remained neutral, scientifically sound and evidence-based; and
• Promoted effective, transparent and accountable multilateral governance in the context of United Nations development system reform, including measures to prevent and address sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse.

FAO’s Programme of Work and Budget (PWB), which sets out the strategic objectives and expected outcomes for the organization’s work is approved every two years by the FAO Conference. The current FAO Strategic Framework (adopted in July 2021) will guide FAO operations for 10 years (2022 to 2031) to help the organization make a significant contribution to the achievement of its SDGs. The subsidiary Medium-Term Plan and Programme of Work and Budget was reviewed during the FAO Conference in July 2023.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Global Arctic Leadership Initiative (Formerly known as Canadian International Arctic Fund)

Start date: November 5, 2020

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-2021

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 institutions and respect for international law; and

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

Objectives:

• 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:

• Global Affairs Canada disbursed $6.15 million in grants and contributions to support over 20 initiatives in 2022-23, which promoted and protected Canada’s values and interests in the circumpolar Arctic. The Global Arctic Leadership Initiative (GALI) leveraged opportunities identified in the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework;
• GALI's contribution to the three northern Canadian Indigenous Permanent Participants organizations to the Arctic Council helped strengthen Indigenous voices in Arctic international matters and particularly in the Arctic Council. This made Indigenous Permanent Participants involvement possible through active participation in meetings and international forums, and through the facilitation of gatherings and consultations on specific issues such as extreme weather, as well as Indigenous knowledge and languages. The youth engagement pillar empowered 346 Arctic and northern Canadian young Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals through various learning experiences, mentorships and opportunities. For example, 103 circumpolar youth participated in various international Arctic forums, where their active participation allowed their voices to be heard, brought meaningful connections between and among each other and increased their knowledge on important Arctic issues, such as climate change, mental wellbeing, culture and Arctic policy;
• The support to the University of the Arctic’s (UArctic) activities in Canada’s Arctic region allowed increased Canadian participation in Arctic research and knowledge exchange related to Arctic human, social, economic development and environmental protection with the participation of 19 Canadian institutions, 152 individuals, including Indigenous peoples, and 4 communities. This was possible through initiatives such as the north2north mobility program, which provides opportunities to study in different parts of the circumpolar North, as well as the climate collective program, an initiative that empowers youth in small communities in the North to generate solutions to climate change;
• The support in 2022-23 also increased the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in UArctic’s network. This was done through 10 research projects that connected research institutions with Indigenous communities and knowledge holders, and also through the UArctic Vice President Indigenous, based in Canada, who helped increase the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in UArctic’s initiatives; and
• GALI's contributions to the work of the Arctic Council, while somewhat constrained due to the administrative pause instituted by Canada and other like-minded Arctic states during Russia’s Chairmanship, still contributed to an increase in Canada's leadership in 2023-24. This was possible through the funding of the Arctic Council Secretariat and the permanent Sustainable Development Working Group established in Quebec City (and with the appointment of a new Executive Secretary), as well as through project funding for the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group, and the Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response Working Group.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: An audit on one initiative funded by GALI was undertaken in 2022-23. The results of the audit are expected in 2023-24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

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 and professionals in Canada:

• 832 international students, researchers, professionals selected Canada as a study destination through program-funded activities; and
• At least one documented participant chose to return to a Canadian institution to pursue further study following program-funded activities. Based on participant surveys, 60 students reported an intention to return to Canada to undertake further studies or research.

Canadian students, researchers and professionals abroad:

• 125 Canadian students, researchers, academics and professionals funded 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:

• 26 collaborative linkages established between foreign and Canadian institutions; and
• 82 opportunities created via program-funded activities to publish academic articles, commercialize a product or collaborate with industry.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24:

• Engagement of applicants and recipients was achieved through: promoting the program and announcing competitions on the EduCanada website and social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram); by providing information and responding to requests directly via email; by leveraging the networks and promotional efforts of Canadian missions abroad; and by delivering tailored informational webinars to applicants and recipients; and
• Promotion and engagement were also done at international education conferences, including the annual Canadian Bureau for International Education Conference, Eurasia Higher Education Summit, Languages Canada Conference and Asia-Pacific International Education Association Conference. Further promotion and engagement took place via two annual events in support of the program: the Study Tour, themed “A Sustainable Canada,” for select scholarship recipients and the Collaboration Mission for institutional delegates from Latin America and the Caribbean. These activities allowed for direct interaction and engagement with prospective applicants and recipients.

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.1979-59, January 18, 1979). 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 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

International Atomic Energy Agency

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 International Atomic Energy Agency (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 IAEA 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 reflect Canadian interests and priorities; and
• Canada co-led two resolutions and two joint statements at the IAEA to strengthen nuclear security, safety and safeguards in Ukraine, in response to Russia’s seizure of, and attacks on, nuclear facilities.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A (no evaluation conducted based on a low-risk exemption)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

International Criminal Court

Start date: April 1, 2005

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-2022

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 International Criminal Court (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 ICC’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 International Criminal Court (ICC) continued to carry out preliminary investigations, investigations and prosecutions. To date, 31 cases have been brought before the Court and 17 different situations are under investigation. A further 3 preliminary examinations are underway;
• The Court continued to engage in outreach to promote accountability for serious international crimes and advance the interests of justice. It published a report for the United Nations General Assembly, which is available on the ICC website; and
• Internal controls were maintained by the ICC Registrar, as well as through the Office of Internal Audit. The Assembly of States Parties (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 2022-23: The most recent report of the Audit Committee (AC) was issued on June 22, 2023 (AC/17/5). The AC’s report included elements on ethics, oversight of internal and external audit matters, and risk management. On ethics, the AC noted that the Court-wide Ethics Charter is currently ongoing and is expected to be adopted in the second quarter of 2023, and that in addition to welcome progress on the Ombudsperson function, other key components of a robust internal justice system needed to be put in place. As part of its oversight of internal audit matters, the AC noted that by the end of 2022, the Office of Internal Audit (OIA) had completed 9 out of 10 audit assignments of the 2022 audit plan and, as of February 28, 2023, the OIA had finalized 2 out of 9 assignments of the 2023 audit plan. The AC suggested that more systematic and regular engagement between senior leadership and the Director of the OIA would be beneficial. The Committee also suggested that the OIA more clearly demonstrate where management would not implement its recommendation(s) as they accepted the risk, and where there was disagreement between the OIA and management on particular recommendations. On the topic of oversight of external audit matters, the AC observed that the implementation of the External Auditor’s recommendation on the administrative management of the Presidency and the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) is in progress and further noted that the Presidency and the OTP had acknowledged the need to formally recognize administrative cooperation with the Registry.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: In response to increasing challenges and calls for reforms, the ASP adopted a resolution that established the Independent Expert Review (IER) to identify ways to strengthen the Court and the Rome Statute System in December 2019. 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. Work to review and implement the IER recommendations continues.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: 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 6 other largest contributors to the ICC’s budget, continues to press for budget efficiencies.

International Development Assistance

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: 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) while recognizing that promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is the most effective approach to eradicating poverty and achieving the 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 (GAC) is the lead department responsible for Canada’s ODA. The majority of the department’s international assistance activities meet the requirements of the Act. However, Global Affairs Canada’s transfer payment program does not preclude activities falling outside the scope of the Act. Most of recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved: In 2022-23, GAC continued to advance international assistance priorities and commitments, and make progress toward expected results.

The program contributed to the achievement of the departmental outcome of “Improved physical, social and economic well being for the poorest, most marginalized and most vulnerable, particularly for women and girls, in countries where GAC engages” under the core responsibility “Development, peace and security programming” via programming that is aligned to the expected outcomes identified in Feminist International Assistance Policy Action Area Results Frameworks, namely:

• 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;
• 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;
• Improved health and well-being for the poorest, the most marginalized and the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls;
• Reduced suffering and increased human dignity in communities experiencing humanitarian crises;
• 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 GAC engages; and
• Improved peace and security.

In addition, 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 GAC’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 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: In 2022-23, GAC completed program evaluations of the following programs and portfolios:

• Evaluation of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) 2015-16 to 2020-21
• Evaluation of International Assistance Programming in Middle-Income Countries – 2014-15 to 2020-21
• Evaluation of Women’s Voice and Leadership Program

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: Consult the core responsibility Development, peace and security programming of the Departmental Results Report 2022-23.

International Financial Institution

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 strong international institutions and respect for international law; and

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; and

3.2 Enhanced empowerment and rights for women and girls in countries where Canada engages

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: International financial institutions 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 and infrastructure development, and supported inclusive, sustainable economic growth in developing countries;
• Increased provision of climate finance for climate change adaptation and mitigation results;
• Recognized 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 evolution of multilateral development banks to better respond to global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity, and public health, and to increase their lending capacity while maintaining their high credit ratings; and
  • The strengthening of International Financial Institutions’ (IFIs) operational efficiency and effectiveness, including improving their results-based management and evaluation systems.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: IFIs regularly conduct audits of their programming that are shared with GAC in its capacity as shareholder and member of the governing body of these institutions.

There was no internal audit conducted by GAC for any IFIs in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: All IFIs have independent evaluation units that conduct systematic project and program evaluations, which are published on their websites.

External assessments by Multilateral Organization Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN) are also carried out from time to time. In 2021, MOPAN initiated assessments of the African Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), including its private sector arm, IDB Invest, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the World Bank (IDA-IBRD). In 2022, MOPAN also launched an assessment of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Assessments are expected to be published in 2023. Canada has taken the role of a co-lead of several of the assessments along with other MOPAN members.

In 2023, MOPAN will initiate the assessment of the Asian Development Bank.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: Recipients of IFI programming are mostly governments of developing countries that must request the programming. Multilateral development banks (MDBs) work closely with governments to ensure that their programming is in line with each government’s development priorities and that project beneficiaries are consulted in project design.

Canada sits on the board of some of the MDBs and engages regularly with them, including through participation in annual conferences, bilateral meetings and donors’ meetings, and the provision of input on important issues such as general capital increases and replenishment discussions.

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

International Labour Organization

Start date: The International Labour Organization (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 of 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;
• Implementation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Strategy to facilitate ratification and effective application of Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the world of work; and
• Policy guidance on addressing labour exploitation in global supply chains.
• The ILO’s Programme and Budget, which sets out the strategic objectives and expected outcomes for the organization’s work, is approved every 2 years by the International Labour Conference. For additional details on results and plans, please consult the Programme and Budget Proposals for 2022-23.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

International Organization of La Francophonie

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 contribution to the regular budget of the International Organization of la Francophonie (IOF) is a legally binding obligation for all members. Through its participation in la Francophonie, Canada aims to advance its foreign policy objectives and promote Canadian priorities (including gender equality, cultural and linguistic diversity, democracy, human rights, and good governance) and to strengthen its relations with the 88 other member and observer states and governments of la Francophonie. The IOF is not required to repay funds received under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved: In 2022-2023, IOF continued its transformation efforts to make it more transparent, resilient and efficient, while embodying a renewed multilateralism that benefits French-speaking populations. These efforts have resulted in a cross-cutting commitment to the French language, gender equality, democracy and human rights, as well as good governance and results-based management.

The XVIIIe Sommet de la Francophonie, held in Djerba, Tunisia, on November 19 and 20, 2022, was an opportunity for the IOF to present its results and achievements in various sectors, and to establish its priorities and strategic orientations for the coming years. This high-level event, which brought together the Heads of State and Government of the 88 Member and Observer countries of the Francophonie, saw the adoption of numerous normative texts in support of the IOF's values and positioning:

• The Strategic Framework 2023-2030, which sets out the major strategic orientations and objectives of the IOF until 2030;
• The Déclaration sur la langue française dans la diversité linguistique de la Francophonie, which aims to promote the use of French throughout the world;
• The Regulations relating to the accession procedure or modification of the status of a State or Government to the IOF;
• The Djerba Declaration;
• The Resolution on crisis, post-crisis and peace-building situations in the French-speaking world.

2022 was also the first implementation year of the Digital Francophonie Strategy 2022-2026. An implementation plan for the Strategy, which will include monitoring indicators to measure its impact, is currently being drafted. The D-CLIC, formez-vous au numérique avec l'OIF program was a successful example of the IOF's commitment in this sector. In 2022, 1,300 young people (51% of them women) from 10 countries were trained in digital professions with a view to their professional integration.

The IOF has also been active in Francophonie économique, particularly in the area of women's economic empowerment. Economic missions to Gabon and Rwanda (July 6-13, 2022), as well as to Egypt and Morocco (February 6-9, 2023), mobilized more than 600 French-speaking companies and led to the signing of 40 trade agreements. The Pionnières de l’entrepreneuriat francophone project has also helped 32 women-led businesses in 13 countries to grow and raise funds.

In terms of sustainable development, the Ensemble pour l'atteinte des ODD project enabled the deployment of capacity-building actions (with youth and women as priority target audiences) for the planning, implementation and monitoring of the SDGs. The Accès aux services énergétiques modernes en Francophonie project has also provided training in energy planning, electricity pricing services, and energy transition for the urban planning and construction sectors.

On the organizational front, the network of external IOF representations was strengthened with the opening of the Representation for the Americas, based in Quebec City, and the Representation for the Middle East, located in Beirut. In addition, in January 2022, the Centre régional francophone pour l’Afrique (CREFA) was inaugurated in Djibouti and began its operations the same year.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: As a member of the Audit Committee, Canada continues to support IOF in strengthening its risk management and internal control systems, making them a driving force for continuous improvement within the Organization. In 2022, the first steps were taken towards an internal control directive, a strategic risk management framework and a policy to counter fraud.

However, the annual closing report for the 2022 financial year revealed that a delay in the preparation of the 2022 financial statements prevented the final external audit mission from being carried out within the timeframe stipulated by the Financial Regulations. The final external audit engagement for 2022 has therefore been postponed to a later date.

Canada will follow up closely to ensure that the audit report for 2022 is submitted, and to measure the results of the IOF's commitment more generally.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: By December 31, 2022, most key performance indicators were in the green, with 8 out of 11 missions finalized and a 92% expenditure commitment rate.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

North Atlantic Treaty Organization 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 the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (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, the Middle East and North Africa region, as measured by, for example, the implementation of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence and Projecting Stability initiatives, as well as the stable and predictable increase in the funding trajectory in the context of the NATO Leaders meeting in Madrid in 2022;
• Direct support to prime ministerial and ministerial engagement in NATO decision-making processes including engagements such as summits, foreign and defence ministerial meetings (see links above);
• 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 and elsewhere;
• Enhanced relations with NATO partners as measured by the development and implementation of policies aimed at strengthening 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; and
• 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 2022-23: NATO works on a calendar fiscal year. The audited financial statements for 2022 will not be available before August 31, 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

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 Organization 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 36 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 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:

• Canada worked cooperatively with Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries to reinforce and project the OECD’s core values, which include democracy, rule of law, human rights, gender equality and commitment to open and transparent market-economy principles;
• The OECD convened several ministerial and other high-level meetings to advance emerging geopolitical issues, and develop coherent positions, policies and guidelines on other global challenges that require collective action, including climate change, international taxation, ensuring a sustainable economic recovery and addressing generational inequalities;
• Canada engaged with other OECD Members and the broader international community at the 2022 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting under the theme “The Future We Want: Better Policies for the Next Generation and a Sustainable Transition”;
• Canada worked with other members on setting standards and supporting policy reforms; advancing critical agreements on international taxation and the digital economy; delivering on climate change commitments, including launching the Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches (IFCMA); supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals; championing multilateralism; and advancing inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and gender and social equality;
• Canada engaged constructively with other Members to support the OECD’s global engagement in the Indo-Pacific and Africa, and the accession processes of Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Peru and Romania, as a means of increasing the OECD’s reach, relevance and impact; and
• Global Affairs Canada (GAC) coordinated the payment of Canada’s assessed contributions to the OECD (approximately $17 million), and ensured that payments were made in full, on time and without condition.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Start date: January 1, 1993

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): 1.1: 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 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (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:

• With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has continued to be a critical multilateral forum for Canada to advocate for Ukraine's sovereignty and hold Russia to account for its invasion of Ukraine;
• Canada worked with allies and partners to ensure that the OSCE’s work in 2022-23 was focused on the war in Ukraine and engaged actively in meetings and initiatives to that end, including on the military side within the Forum for Security Cooperation;
• Canada continued to work within the OSCE to advance priorities on human rights; election monitoring; democracy building; good governance; tolerance and non-discrimination; safeguarding fundamental freedoms; combatting human trafficking; counterterrorism and extremism, with a particular focus on the impact of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine;
• The OSCE’s regular budget supports field missions in Eastern and Southeast Europe, the Caucuses, and Central Asia, which have made tangible contributions to strengthening democratic institutions, improving human rights protections, and improving regional security. Canada worked to ensure that the mandates of these missions were renewed in 2022;
• Canada chaired the OSCE Security Committee in 2022 and used the opportunity to support Ukraine on non-military and political aspects of security issues; focus attention on Russia’s war and its consequences; and shape the agenda on non-military security issues (counter-terrorism, human trafficking, transnational organized crime, border management, critical infrastructure protection) within the OSCE. Early planning had to be adapted due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine;
• Through the OSCE Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Canada provided short- and long-term election observers to elections in the OSCE region;
• The OSCE Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights was the first international body to begin monitoring for violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law resulting from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine; and
• Canada, alongside other OSCE participating states, invoked the Moscow Mechanism (a human rights reporting tool of the OSCE) three times:
  • On July 28, 2022, Canada and 37 other OSCE participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism to examine alleged human rights violations and abuses in Russia;
  • On March 23, 2023, Canada and 37 other OSCE participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism to examined alleged human rights violations and abuses in Belarus; and
  • On March 30, 2023, following consultation with Ukraine, Canada and 44 other OSCE participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism to build on previous OSCE work related to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Organization for American States

Start date: 1990 (Canada is a member of the OAS since 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 Organization of American States (OAS). 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 forum and partner for advancing Canada's foreign policy priorities and objectives in the Americas. Through its membership, diplomatic engagement and financial support, Canada encourages the implementation of policies and projects in the region in areas of key Canadian interest, complementing and leveraging the impact of Canada’s bilateral interventions in the hemisphere.

Results achieved:

• In 2022-23, Canada made significant multilateral contributions across the four pillars of the Organization of American States (OAS): democracy, human rights, security and integral development. This included strategic advocacy and support to the key priority areas of human rights, gender equality, and diversity and inclusion through the promotion and sponsorship of progressive text in negotiated resolutions, the organization of thematic meetings and events, leadership of and interventions before its various bodies, and in its relations with other member states and secretariats;
• Canada influenced the Inter-American agenda by serving since January 2023 as Chair of the Committee of Juridical and Political Affairs, continuing to serve as a member of the Executive Committee of the Inter-American Commission of Women, and leading other member states in defending gains on inclusion and diversity through leadership and engagement in the informal Group of Friends of Inclusion and at the OAS General Assembly;
• On human rights, Canada continued to support and engage with the Inter-American Human Rights Commission, and consistently advocated for the integration of a human rights perspective and the prioritization of the needs of groups in the most vulnerable situations, including women and girls, migrants and refugees, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and journalists and human rights defenders; and
• Canada played a leading role in the OAS’s response to various democratic crises in the region, notably co-chairing the Permanent Council Working Group on Nicaragua, helping to maintain pressure on the Maduro regime in Venezuela, and contributing to several OAS electoral observation missions in Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Dominica, Grenada, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru. Canada also took on leadership roles and contributed constructively to multidimensional security and defence, including through its extensive engagement in the Committee on Hemispheric Security and its various commissions on drug control policy, public security, transparency of conventional weapons acquisition and other key themes, as well as its significant voluntary contributions to key regional programs on cybersecurity, terrorism and transnational organized crime.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: The 2022 Annual Audit of Accounts and Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 were presented to the Permanent Council by the Audit Committee of the OAS, chaired by Canadian Martin Rubenstein. The financial statements for fiscal year 2021 to 2022 were audited by independent firms and the OAS received unmodified opinions on their financial statements for 2021 and 2022. During the course of the audit, external auditors did report a material weakness on the Inter‐American Defense Board’s Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment and cybersecurity control process, and a significant deficiency on the Trust for the America’s revenue recognition process. The external auditors also reported three deficiencies/observations in the OAS’ internal controls regarding: OAS liquidity, information technology infrastructure, and cybersecurity procedures. These issues have been communicated to appropriate officials within OAS and the Board suggested that actions be taken to address these issues.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: As a member state of the OAS, Canada participates in the OAS General Assembly and in meetings of the Permanent Council and other committees, including the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs, thereby influencing the direction of the OAS’s work, priorities and use of its budgets.

Pan American Health Organization

Start date: 1971 (Canada is a member of PAHO since 1971)

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).

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

Membership in PAHO enables Canada to expand its multilateral and bilateral relations with its 34 member countries and be an active hemispheric partner on health-related issues, including on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). 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:

• During the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) remained an authoritative voice in the Americas, providing strategic and technical guidance at the highest levels of government, within the United Nations (UN) and Inter-American systems, and at the global level, while leveraging its position to influence policy decisions:
  • PAHO continued to lead the fight in the region against the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the Americas, and 70.7% of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) immunized by the end of December 2022. Through the Regional Platform to Advance the Manufacturing of COVID-19 Vaccines and other Health Technologies in the Americas, mRNA vaccine development was initiated in Brazil and Argentina during 2022;
  • PAHO also contributed to studies on value chains across medicines, vaccines and diagnostics; evaluations of technology transfer for the production of health technologies; and strengthening of reference quality control labs for personal protective equipment; and
  • PAHO provided technical assistance to support countries in the region on genome sequencing, Mpox outbreak and response to poliovirus. PAHO continued to support countries via its regional elimination initiative on HIV and syphilis, malaria, cholera, and other transmittable diseases. The PAHO Regional Revolving Fund for Strategic Public Health Supplies (Strategic Fund) supported diagnosis, prevention, and treatment for over 20 million people in 2022, including 5.3 million people in priority programs on HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. PAHO also provided technical assistance on national health policies and their implementations on antenatal care, integrated health delivery networks, climate change and national health adaptations, and on the Smart Hospitals initiative.
• In the area of information systems, evidence and knowledge, and research and innovation, PAHO supported Member States in the implementation of data analysis and evidence-based tools and guidelines. Throughout 2022-23, Canada remained a leading supporter of PAHO, as a trusted partner in the Americas region. In line with Canadian priorities and interests, Canada supported the organization’s COVID-19 pandemic response by providing $50 million in voluntary contributions to provide access to COVID-19 vaccines for vulnerable populations in the Americas. In addition, in 2022-23 Canada provided support to PAHO through a 4-year, $15 million project to improve the health of vulnerable women and adolescent girls in 6 countries in the region (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras and Peru). In 2022-2023, Canada also provided 15 million dollars to PAHO’s COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Manufacturing Platform to strengthen vaccine production capacities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Canada is also providing support to COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery (45 million dollars 2022-2024) with the support of PAHO;
• In 2022, Canada signed a grant arrangement to support PAHO through a 5-year, 15 million dollar project to accelerate efforts toward the elimination of trachoma from the Americas. Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease endemic in remote areas of five countries in the region, and is one of the most common and frequent infectious cause of preventable blindness;
• Global Affairs Canada (GAC) works in close collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Health Portfolio in its relationship with PAHO, and Canada remains committed to ensuring that PAHO promotes good governance, transparency and accountability, and gender equality and health equity; and
  • Though not a member, Canada attended and actively participated in meetings of PAHO’s Executive Committee in 2022-23, providing policy positions and recommendations on draft policy documents, including stressing the importance of health equity, gender equality, good governance, transparency and accountability, and highlighting key domestic initiatives.
• Throughout the 2022-23 Governing Body Meetings, Canada was also able to successfully advance its positions on key program, budget and administrative issues, with the aim of further strengthening PAHO’s governance and accountability, which includes stressing the continued importance of gender equality and health equity and sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights (SRHR).

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: In June 2023, PAHO’s auditor, the National Audit Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, provided an unqualified audit opinion for 2022, which means that PAHO’s financial statements are considered fairly and appropriately presented. The external audit report noted the absence of “unsatisfactory” ratings for any of the internal audits for the fifth consecutive year, as well as for the PAHO-WHO Representative Country Offices for the sixth consecutive year. This reflects continued maintenance of adequate internal controls across the Organization, with the understanding that there is still room for improvement.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: In 2022-23, PAHO published the final report on the external evaluation of its response to COVID-19 from 2020 to 2022, which was partially funded by Canada. This first WHO-regional external evaluation of the pandemic response highlights PAHO’s successes and challenges throughout the pandemic, and identifies key recommendations at the strategic, operational and organizational levels. The Organization emphasized an "all-of-PAHO" commitment to execute these recommendations and presented a roadmap for full implementation and systematization by June 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: As a PAHO Member State, Canada participates in 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 also actively participates in PAHO’s Executive Committee and Subcommittee on Planning, Budget and Administration meetings.

Peace and Stabilization Operations Program

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 25. Peace and Stabilization Operations

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) is the Government of Canada’s principal platform for conflict prevention, stabilization and peacebuilding. It engages in fragile and conflict-affected settings leveraging resources of, and partnerships with, multilateral institutions and like-minded nations. It carries out its mandate 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 settings (FCAS) where Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) engage.

PSOPs includes country-specific stabilization initiatives in a number of FCAS, including Ukraine, Iraq, Myanmar, Syria, Colombia, Mali, Sudan and Haiti. Programming also includes targeted funding for cross-cutting thematic areas of intervention including women, peace and security; the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations; and support to peace operations, justice and accountability, conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding. Key examples include:

• In Colombia, Canada has effectively contributed to efforts to reduce landmines planted by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). An emergency mine risk education team was deployed through the emergency mine risk education program to municipalities in high-risk areas, where demining activities had not been underway;
• In Ukraine, Canada supported over $32 million in security and stabilization programming to enhance Ukrainian resilience and resistance in the face of Russian aggression during the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year. This programming provided support for Ukrainian security sector institutions, addressing Ukrainian Women Peace and Security priorities, enhancing Ukrainian capacity to counter disinformation and for strategic communications, mine action, and advancing accountability for violations of international law; and
• In Haiti, public awareness of political rights and the impact of gender-based violence was raised to increase civil society's capacity to detect violence against women during electoral processes. It is also intended to encourage the institutions involved in elections, and the population in general, to adopt positive language and a constructive, violence-free attitude towards women's exercise of their political rights.

Enhanced inclusive and gender-responsive prevention of and response to national and transnational threats by security institutions in fragile and conflict-affected settings 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:

• Between July 2019 and February 2023, the Canada-Ukraine Police Development Project (CUPDP) was expanded to enhance the police reform support that Canada has provided to Ukraine since 2016. This was done through professional development, building trust in police and advancing the role of women in law enforcement. This project has continued operation and expansion of the training programs at 3 police academies, including on distance learning, scenario-based training and integration of gender strategies into practical operations; supported advocacy of gender equality throughout policing operation and promotion of women leaders through the sustainability of the Ukrainian Association of Women in Law Enforcement (UAWLE) as a professional network with hundreds of members; creation of a national psychological health strategy and network of police psychological health peer practitioners who continue to provide support to front line officers; and expanded understanding and role of police in their response to heightened incidents of domestic violence, including the development of learning resources and the increased capacity of police to work with local stakeholders (shelters, social services, legal advisors, etc.) in addressing domestic violence; and
• In Iraq, from January 2018 and February 2023, Canada, with the partnership of the International Organization for Migration, successfully funded the implementation of a range of activities aimed at achieving the project's objective of enhancing peace and security in Anbar, Diyala, and Ninewa governorates by rebuilding trust between law enforcement officials and communities. This project improved the ability of law enforcement officials (police, judiciary) to work in partnership with communities to address security issues, Including in the areas of gender sensitive policing, counter-trafficking and integrated border management.

Enhanced inclusive and gender-responsive prevention of and response to national and transnational threats by security institutions in fragile and conflict-affected settings 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:

• Through a number of initiatives and deployments, including the Independent International Mechanism for Myanmar, Canada helped to enhance accountability for International Criminal and Humanitarian Law (ICHL) violations by strengthening international responses to impunity and support to gender-sensitive justice and accountability processes. Furthermore, by increasing capacity of local and national Burmese actors to collect and analyze evidence of ICHL violations including sexual gender-based violence. Thus, Canada supports international and national efforts to investigate and prosecute crimes committed in Myanmar, including crimes involving sexual and gender-based violence;
• Canada continued to implement the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations. Troop and police contributing countries that have undergone the Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations barrier assessment are using these findings to make substantive changes to their institutions to promote the meaningful participation of women;
• As a result of funding from Canada, the PeaceFIELD Impact Evaluation of Peacebuilding Fund projects in Darfur was able to complete its fieldwork along with the majority of its data collection work which included household surveys and qualitative interviews. This aimed to improve peacebuilding programming supported by United Nations Peacebuilding Fund and other organizations based on evidence-informed decision-making; and
• Canada continued to contribute to enhancing the training of uniformed medical personnel deployed to UN Peace Operations in the four most high-threat UN missions in Africa through the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, which improves the safety and security of male and female uniformed peacekeepers. The project is on track and by providing pre-deployment training to uniformed medical and para-medical personnel who are deploying along with their contingents, to the top four most hazardous UN peacekeeping missions it will enhance the physical and mental well-being of male and female uniformed personnel deployed to UN peace operations.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed in 2022-23. An audit with positive findings was conducted in 2019-2020 in accordance with Global Affairs Canada’s approved Risk-based Audit Plan. In response to the audit, PSOPs developed the Management Response and Action Plan, which was presented and approved at the Departmental Audit Committee in October 2020 and is being implemented.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluation was completed during the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year. In accordance with the rolling 5-year evaluation plan, an evaluation of PSOPs will be conducted in 2024-25.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: The PSOPs’ website is the key tool through which PSOPs communicate 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 undertake formal and informal discussions with partners to inform the Program’s strategy, to facilitate understanding of PSOPs’ priorities and the funding process, and to solicit feedback to improve how the program works. PSOPs engage regularly with multilateral recipients including those in the UN system to identify funding gaps and opportunities, and to discuss global priorities on peace, stabilization and conflict prevention.

PSOPs rely 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.

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: 2010-2011

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 Organization of La Francophonie (IOF). 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: In 2022, over 2.8 million people (832,043 direct beneficiaries and over 2 million indirect beneficiaries) benefited from the actions deployed by the IOF as part of its 30 flagship projects. These actions have made a significant contribution to the empowerment of French-speaking youth and women.

More than 1,116 partners (institutional players, academics and civil society organizations) received financial support from the IOF (representing €41.7 million) to implement initiatives in the field.

More than 136,000 people (mainly young people, women, parliamentarians, teachers and international civil servants) have seen their skills enhanced in the use of the French language, digital technologies, development issues and conflict prevention by attending online and in-person training courses offered by IOF.

Nearly 650,000 people benefited from awareness-raising and advocacy activities, as well as by webinars and events organized by IOF.

107 tools were developed and shared to facilitate the mainstreaming of capacity development.

In terms of results-based management, a new monitoring and reporting tool was designed and will be deployed in 2022. This tool enables the operational monitoring of each project's achievements and the input of related indicators and results.

Canada was also an active participant in the XVIIIe Francophonie Summit, held in Djerba on November 19-20, 2022. This participation enabled Canada to strengthen its relations with important partners in the Francophonie, and to advance its foreign policy priorities, such as the promotion of the French language, democracy and human rights. At the Summit, Canada also announced a contribution of $10 million for a new Democracy initiative in the Francophonie, $16.5 million in support of the Haitian crisis, and $20.8 million to enable the IOF to pursue its mandate and programs.

Canada's financial contribution also supported New Brunswick's participation in the Summit.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: At December 31, 2022, most key performance indicators were in the green, with 8 out of 11 engagements finalized and a 92% expenditure commitment rate. The audit plan for 2023 calls for 10 engagements, divided into 8 assurance engagements and 2 advisory engagements.

The XVIIIth Francophonie Summit, held in Djerba on November 19-20, 2022, was an opportunity for the IOF's Internal Audit Department to analyze procedures and understand the organization's challenges.

As a member of the IOF Audit Committee, Canada has supported the organization in strengthening its risk management and internal control systems, making them a driving force for continuous improvement within the organization. As a result, the first steps have been taken towards an internal control directive, a strategic risk management framework and a policy to counter fraud.

Canada will closely monitor the results of these initiatives.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: In January 2023, the IOF began a review of the results from the 2019-2022 programming to measure the results of the four-year programming and provide analysis of the lessons learned.

Canada will closely monitor the expected deliverables and recommendations of this evaluation in order to measure the impact of 2019-2022 programming and the achievement of its objectives in order to ensure transparency and responsible management.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: Canada participates in meetings of the various IOF bodies, and sits on the Board of Directors of several IOF operators, such as the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), Senghor University and the Observatoire francophone pour le Développement inclusif par le genre (OFDIG), where it promotes and ensure transparency, good governance and results-based management.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Start date: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 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 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 and gender disparities in primary and secondary education in Member States, and strengthening of global commitment to education for girls and women;
• Strengthening of education system responses to contemporary challenges, with an emphasis on universal values based on peace, mutual understanding and respect for human dignity, and 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 1972 World Heritage Convention; the 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property; and the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two Protocols;
• Establishment of effective early warning systems for tsunamis and improved management of the planet’s water resources through increased scientific cooperation;
• Development of free, independent and pluralistic media, and civic participation;
• Broad integration of freedom of expression, freedom of information and freedom of the press into policies in Member States; and
• Protection and digitalization of the world’s documentary heritage.

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.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

United Nations Organization

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: Continued progress toward:

• Promotion of sustained economic growth and sustainable development;
• Maintenance of international peace and security;
• Development in Africa;
• Promotion and protection of human rights;
• Effective coordination of humanitarian assistance;
• Promotion of justice and international law;
• Disarmament; and
• Drug control, crime prevention and combating terrorism.

For more information, please visit the UN Website and the Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization for 2022. These results are based on strategic objectives and expected outcomes for the organization’s work, set out in the UN’s program and budget which are approved annually by the UN General Assembly.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

United Nations 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: 2011-12

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: 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 the protection of civilians, supported governance and the provision of basic services, advanced prospects for peace and enabled humanitarian, reconstruction and development activities in the affected areas; and
• Maintained multilateral relationships with key UN organizations and bilateral relationships with key allies and other troop- and police-contributing countries.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Weapons Threat Reduction Program

Start date: August 7, 2002

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

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 Weapons Threat Reduction Program (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 priority areas: nuclear and radiological security; biological security; support for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (to counter WMD proliferation); chemical security; and, as part of the WTRP’s newly expanded mandate, providing institutional support to international legal regimes dealing with conventional weapons.

Results achieved: Programming by the Weapons Threat Reduction Program (WTRP) is intended to result in reduced threats to Canadians and the global population from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) (including related materials) and conventional weapons. In order to realize that objective, in 2022-23 the WTRP achieved the following three key results through a broad range of project activities:

• Strengthened detection, prevention and response 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; and
• Improved legal and policy instruments and frameworks of partner states that meet international security and threat reduction standards and best practices.

Specific highlights:

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) helped strengthen nuclear security, safety and safeguards in Ukraine in response to Russia’s occupation of, and attacks on, nuclear facilities. WTRP support funded short-term IAEA expert missions to the Chornobyl nuclear site and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant; the provision of technical equipment; and long-term on-site deployment of IAEA staff at nuclear facilities;
• INTERPOL organized its inaugural Global Geiger Conference in Istanbul, bringing together over 120 participants from law enforcement and security agencies from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Black Sea Region and the Caucasus, as well as international subject matter experts, to share best practices, discuss emerging threats and exchange information on cases of nuclear smuggling;
• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a total of 146 COVID-19 Risk Assessment Reports on the WTRP-funded ASEAN Portal for Public Health Emergencies;
• The Global Health Security Conference in Singapore convened dedicated sessions on current and future challenges, and collaborative responses related to deliberate biological threats. Interdisciplinary participation from the health security community encompassed 850 delegates from 78 countries, including almost 100 delegates from low-income countries as a result of Canada’s support;
• The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) responded to, assessed and provided definitive information on chemical weapons incidents, including supporting technical experts in the OPCW’s Syria-focused Declaration Assessment Team, Fact-Finding Mission, and Investigation and Identification Team. The U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global delivered 44 workshops, briefings and training sessions to strengthen the capacity of states in Africa, Central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia to implement UN Security Council Resolution sanctions to address North Korea’s proliferation activities. Engaging over 500 experts from both the government and private sectors, these workshops focused on counter-proliferation financing, cybersecurity and illicit shipping with the aim of strengthening international capacity to identify, investigate and respond to illicit North Korean activities that support its WMD programs;
• The IAEA strengthened the security of high-activity radioactive sources to prevent their loss, theft or acquisition by terrorist groups for use in a radiation dispersion or emission device (a “dirty bomb”). National, regional and international training courses on nuclear security for over 120 experts from Africa and Latin America were held, as well as expert missions to 8 states in Africa and Latin America to provide technical assistance to build regulatory capacity to sustainably manage radioactive sources throughout their lifespans;
• The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the IAEA and Parliamentarians for Global Action promoted accession to, and national implementation of, key nuclear security instruments (the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism; the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment). As a result, Brazil, Malawi, Mozambique, Oman, Laos and Tajikistan became party to one or more of these conventions during the year;
• The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining assisted 7 countries (Angola, Armenia, Cambodia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal and Thailand) in assessing, reviewing and developing their National Mine Action Standards, which underpin national demining activities; and
• The World Health Organization (WHO) published the landmark “Global guidance framework for the responsible use of the life sciences: mitigating biorisks and governing dual-use research,” providing a comprehensive set of values and principles, tools and mechanisms to support Member States and key stakeholders in mitigating threats posed by dual-use research.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A (no program-level audits were completed in 2022-23)

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A (no program evaluations were conducted in 2022-2023; a program evaluation is planned for 2023-24)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: In line with the Departmental Plan, the WTRP engaged with regional and international organizations with relevant chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-related security expertise and capacities (for example IAEA, WHO and OPCW); partner foreign states and entities thereof, including those states whose counter-proliferation regimes were deemed to be vulnerable; other legal entities, including civil society and individuals, who met the eligibility requirements under the program’s terms and conditions; and Crown corporations and other government departments and agencies with competence in CBRN-related matters. This included targeted outreach and assessment missions to countries and organizations identified in the program’s interdepartmental strategic programming consultations. The WTRP also leveraged Canada's global network of missions, as well as its leading role within the Global Partnership (and related groupings and initiatives), to identify and coordinate cooperative threat reduction projects with potential partners and recipients.

World Health Organization

Start date: The World Health Organization (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. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results achieved:

• Enhanced global health security by implementing lessons learned from the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
  • Operationalization of the unified World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme;
  • Contribution toward International Health Regulations’ (2005) (IHRs) core capacities 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 and transparency, as well as implementation of measures to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment.

The WHO’s Programme Budget, which sets out the strategic objectives and expected outcomes for the organization’s work is approved every two years by the World Health Assembly. For additional details on results and plans, please consult the World Health Organization.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

World Trade Organization

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, and Disputes

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Canada’s contribution to the World Trade Organization (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, of which Canada is a regular user. The Appellate Body lost quorum in December 2019, but other proceedings continue, and Canada has access to an interim appeal arrangement with certain partners. 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.

Results achieved: As a trade-dependent country, Canada has been actively involved in all areas of the WTO negotiations:

• Canada’s key interests are protecting the integrity of the WTO agreements and institutions; pursuing 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:
  • At the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June 2022, Canada worked with likeminded partners, including the Ottawa Group, to achieve a number of outcomes that strengthen the multilateral trading system. These include an extension of the Moratorium on Custom Duties on Electronic Transmissions until MC13; an outcome on the fisheries subsidies negotiations; a WTO Response to the Pandemic that includes a consensus Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver proposal; and an agreement on the World Food Programme proposal and a statement on trade and food security;
  • Other progress is measured by WTO reports (including committee reports) and developments in WTO negotiations. Given the challenges in the WTO’s multilateral negotiations, Canada has been participating in open-ended plurilateral discussions with a subset of WTO members in a number of areas (such as investment facilitation, e-commerce, and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises); and
  • Negotiations on the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation (JSIDR) concluded in December 2021. The JSI DR proposes trade rules that provide greater transparency and predictability in the regulatory environment for services. For example, it would provide micro, small and medium-sized Canadian enterprises with expected requirement procedures where no free trade agreement exists.
• Continued work with WTO members to advance discussions on issues facing the global trading system:
  • Canada has promoted forward-thinking at the WTO to better position the organization’s response to future pandemics, environmental crises and global trade disruptions.
• Continued leadership on WTO reform:
  • Canada convenes a representative group of WTO members (the Ottawa Group) committed to supporting and modernizing the rules-based multilateral trading system. Ottawa Group discussions are intended to complement reform efforts by other WTO members. Discussions focus 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;
  • In 2022, the Ottawa Group also focussed on how to advance work towards ambitious outcomes at MC12. The Ottawa Group published a statement advocating for forward momentum on WTO reform after MC12, setting the stage for meaningful progress towards reforming the three pillars of the WTO by the next Ministerial Conference (MC13); and
  • Ottawa Group ministers met several times in 2022-23.
• Continued participation in accession negotiations for all countries seeking to join the WTO; the review of the trade policies of each WTO member; and preparing for its own review (every 5 years).
• Continued participation in the WTO dispute settlement system:
  • Canada is 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 pre-eminent body for discussing and resolving international trade disputes. Canada continued to work with all WTO members to find interim and long-term solutions to the impasse in new appointments to the WTO Appellate Body, which has been unable to hear new appeals since December 2019.

Canada helped to lead the establishment of the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA). The MPIA ensures that participating members continue to have access to an effective dispute settlement system that provides appellate review of panel decisions in disputes between them upon demand, and which leads to binding, enforceable decisions:

• The governance mechanisms of international organizations include oversight services. Global Affairs Canada will rely 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 2022-23: WTO external auditors conduct an annual performance audit of the WTO that is based on standards set by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions. The 2022 performance audit is expected to be released in the summer of 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A (findings for the 2022 performance audit were not available at time of publication)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Transfer payment programs with total planned spending of less than $5 million

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

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); 2019-20 (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 Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP) provides assistance to enhance the capacity of key beneficiary states, government entities and other international and non-governmental organizations to prevent and respond to threats posed by international criminal activity in a manner consistent with international human rights obligations, norms and standards, with a global mandate and a focus on the Americas.

The ACCBP manages 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). 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: Notable results achieved include:

• Empowering female law officers across Latin America and the Caribbean through policy development and capacity-building training by supporting 7 OAS Member States in drafting action plans to strengthen gender equality within their respective counterdrug agencies;
• Exploring and expanding alternatives to incarceration programs, including Drug Treatment Courts (DTCs) in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as streamlining best practices applied in Canadian DTCs, such as monitoring and evaluation, human rights and a gender perspective; and
• Reducing health- and security-threats from trafficking of illicit goods in the containerized trade supply chain in Latin American and the Caribbean.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: The Office of Audit and Evaluation conducted an evaluation covering the period of 2017 to 2022. Overall, the evaluation found that the strategy supports several federal drug law enforcement activities that contribute to addressing organized drug crime. While there have been many successful investigations and seizures reported by enforcement partners, enhanced criminal sophistication has made it more challenging to detect drug-related criminal activity and prosecute files. The evaluation also noted challenges with the federal government’s capacity to target the proceeds of drug crime.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: International organizations (UNODC & OAS-CICAD)

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat

Start date: 1989

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

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 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (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 that meets at the Leader-level of which Canada is a member.

Results achieved: In light of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Asia-Pacific region remains a priority for Canada as an active and engaged partner. In 2022-2023, Canada was active in all areas of APEC during the conclusion of Thailand’s APEC host year and the beginning of the U.S.’ host year, including priority areas such as:

• Advancing inclusivity across APEC forums by:
  • Successfully advocating for strong language on inclusivity in APEC statements, including advocacy that led to consensus to capitalize “Indigenous Peoples” in all three APEC 2022 Statements.
  • Leading an APEC Policy Dialogue in 2023 on Indigenous economic inclusion.
  • During the SOM3 meetings in 2023 participating in 125 meetings and drafting sessions, including sectoral Ministerials.
• Ensuring meaningful language on the environment and Canada’s sustainability priorities were incorporated in the Bangkok Goals on Bio-Circular-Green Economy, APEC’s framework for integrating environmental sustainability, into APEC workstreams.
• Actively engaging across dozens of APEC sub-forums, with Canada sharing its experiences during dozens of presentations by expert speakers to advance key Canadian priorities and with Canadian officials and APEC members chairing several working groups.
• Advocating alongside like-minded members for language condemning Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine in the 2022 Ministerial Statement and Leaders’ Declaration.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

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

Start date: Canada ratified the Basel Convention in 1992. The Convention came into force in 1992.

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 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 1 January 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 on environmentally sound management (ESM) practices for many types of waste, to provide direction to Parties and others;
• Clarification of the scope of the Basel Convention (disposal operations, waste constituents and hazardous characteristics preparations of manuals and guidance to improve legal clarity and implementation of provisions); and
• National reporting.
• For more information about Canada’s involvement, visit: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

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

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): 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law.

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To support activities related to the permanent establishment in Canada of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD).

Results achieved: It is expected that the annual grant to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) will achieve the following results:

• Demonstrate the importance that Canada attaches to the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and highlight the sustainable development agenda of the Government of Canada;
• Generate economic benefits in proportion to the investment in the SCBD made by Canada; and
• Strengthen Montreal’s and Canada’s position as a highly desirable location for international organizations.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Canadian International Innovation 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 Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) fosters and supports collaborative industrial research and development projects with high potential for commercialization between Canada and partner countries. It also stimulates bilateral science and technology networking and matchmaking activities to further new partnerships and accelerate the commercialization of research and development. Although CIIP has authority to deliver the program in all countries with which Canada has a bilateral STI agreement, in practical terms, the small amount of funding dedicated to the program is made equally available for engagement with five priority partners: Brazil, China, India, Israel, and South Korea.

Results achieved:

• 90% increase in knowledge of international partnerships and global markets were reported by Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) recipients;
• CIIP recipients reported a 90% increase in their innovation capacity;
• 47% of the recipients reported increase in sales of products and/or services in the years following their R&D projects;
• CIIP recipients reported 71% increase in technical personnel and total personnel in the years following their project; and
• 27% increase in sales of products and/or service in international markets were reported by CIIP recipients.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: PDA recipients are provided webinars prior to the PDAs, and Program management follows up with PDA participants after the PDA. Follow-ups are based on final reports submitted by the PDA recipient. Information gathered from the follow-ups is included in the program results and is 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.

Commonwealth Foundation

Start date: 1966

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2006-07

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

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 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:

• The most recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) occurred in June 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda. The Commonwealth Foundation convened civil society activists at the People’s Forum, an important side-event to CHOGM.
• In 2022-23, the Commonwealth Foundation completed the implementation of 26 projects, including 10 projects funded with a $550,000 voluntary extra-budgetary contribution from Canada, to strengthen the response and increase resiliency to future health-related shocks such as COVID-19. These projects contributed to impressive gains at the policy level, including legislative changes surrounding access to government social protection mechanisms and recognition of marginalized groups in vaccination policy, and to securing commitments to policy change through sustained engagement with government agencies and relevant stakeholders at multiple levels;
• Strengthening gender equality across all programming work was a focus of the Foundation in 2022-23. In particular, the COVID-19 grants sought to improve the integration of gender considerations within local and national responses and to address the gendered impacts of the pandemic. The grantees of the open call also had to demonstrate how gender equality was integrated into their projects; and;
• The Foundation made sustained efforts to engage with civil society organizations in new Commonwealth countries and in countries that have not traditionally engaged with their work. In 2022-23, that translated to the Foundation’s support of projects in 44 member states, with a specific focus on Africa, under both the small creative grants and the capacity strengthening grants.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: The Commonwealth Foundation’s financial statements for 2021-22 were audited by an independent firm in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and signed in November 2022. Auditors reported that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Foundation’s affairs as of June 30, 2022, and its result for the year then ended, and that they had been properly prepared in accordance with the United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: The Commonwealth Foundation engages directly with civil society organizations in its three focus areas: environment and climate change, freedom of expression and health.

In 2022-23, the Foundation continued to engage with civil society organizations to support the implementation of COVID-19 special grants, open calls for civil society organizations, creative grants and capacity strengthening grants.

Canada sits on the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Foundation. In 2022-23, Canada was also a member of the Executive Committee and of the Grants Committee. As a member of the Grants Committee, Canada approved and oversaw the administration of grants by the Commonwealth Foundation to civil society organizations on topics of priority for the Foundation.

Commonwealth Youth Programme

Start date: 1973

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): 1.3: Canada helps build strong international institutions and respect for international law

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: 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 member 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: The Youth Forum took place during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) in June 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda. Convened by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Youth Council, youth delegates, including one Canadian, addressed a series of youth themes including climate change, countering violent extremism and youth employment and entrepreneurship.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: The Commonwealth Secretariat’s financial statements for the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) for 2021-22 were audited by an independent firm and signed in December 2022. Auditors report that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of CYP’s affairs as of June 30, 2022, and of its surplus for the year then ended, and that they had been properly prepared in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the Financial Regulations as authorized by the Commonwealth Heads of Government.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: While direct engagement with youth through civil society organizations is undertaken by the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth Youth Program aims to support member countries with youth development work through events, activities and capacity strengthening. In June 2022, Heritage Canada funded the attendance of one Canadian at the Youth Summit during CHOGM in Rwanda.

Convention on Biological Diversity

Start date: 1992

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 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:

• Parties agreed to increase efforts to meet the three objectives of the Convention: to conserve biodiversity, to sustainably use biodiversity and to share the benefits from the utilization of genetic resources;
• Parties developed national biodiversity strategies and an action plan to implement the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, thus providing information on measures that they have taken to meet the objectives of the Convention. The Convention monitors and reviews of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan implementation in accordance with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, making use of the monitoring framework and its set of indicators as a flexible framework; and Parties reported on progress achieved toward the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through their national reports.
• For more information about Canada’s involvement, visit: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Convention on Biological Diversity

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

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.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

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). The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is the specialized agency for agriculture in the Inter-American system. It focuses on designing and delivering agricultural projects to improve food security, trade and prosperity in the hemisphere. Canada’s membership in IICA permits it to participate in the work of the Organization in the areas of trade development, food safety and sustainable production. IICA is a forum through which Canada works to promote Canadian expertise and agri-business, and to improve and build new linkages for Canada in the Americas.

Results achieved:

• In 2022-23, as the specialized agency for agriculture in the Western Hemisphere, IICA remained an authoritative voice for agriculture cooperation in the region, supporting states in the Americas to achieve agricultural development and rural well-being through strategic and technical guidance and training. The institution is also promoting public-private partnerships to effectively respond to growing agricultural challenges, advocate for science-based policies and propose innovative solutions.
• In May 2022, Canada participated in the Special Advisory Committee on Management Issues (SACMI) meeting and discussed the management and operations of IICA;
• In July 2022, Canada participated in the Second Forum of Female Ministers and Other Senior Female Officials of Agriculture in the Americas to highlight the important role of women in science for keeping Canadian agriculture strong and sustainable. Also in July, Canada participated in the Forty-second Regular Meeting of the Executive Committee and IICA’s Special Advisory Committee on Management Issues meeting where the Institute’s Medium-term Plan for the period 2022-2026 was approved;
• In September 2022, Canada participated in the ministerial meeting “Overcoming the climate crisis through innovation and leadership in the agriculture sector of the Americas,” to discuss climate-related issues and endorse the messages sent from farmers from the region to COP27 that agriculture is a part of the solution to climate challenges.
• In November 2022, Canada participated in the event jointly organized by IICA and the University of Laval to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Canada’s membership in the IICA and the 80th anniversary of the founding of IICA;
• In October 2022 and February 2023, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) officials participated in the meetings of IICA’s Advisory Committee to discuss IICA Canada’s work plan and share Canada’s priorities and interests for future collaborations with IICA;
• During 2022, IICA, in collaboration with Canada (represented by AAFC), the United States and the Codex Alimentarius Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean (CCLAC), held three strategic meetings prior to the meetings of the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Committee); and
• Canada also participated in several other events, including the Central American Coffee Fair, and webinars on sustainable production and consumption, livestock and others. Throughout the year, Canada has been actively engaged in the Cooperative Program in Research and Technology for the Northern Region (PROCINORTE) and Living Soils, IICA’s initiatives, to promote cooperation in research and technology through exchanges and partnerships for competitive and sustainable agricultural development by incorporating science, technology, innovation and knowledge-sharing in relevant areas. IICA provided a number of technical cooperation projects in bio-economy and innovation; risk management; trade; gender equality; sustainability; and food safety, across the Americas.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: The accounts, financial transactions and financial statements of the funds of IICA for which the Audit Review Committee has audit responsibility were audited by External Auditors and the 2022 Financial Statements of IICA and Report of the External Auditors were submitted in June 2023. The External Auditors concluded that the financial statements presented fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of IICA as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flow for the years then ended, in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: As a Member State of IICA, Canada via AAFC participates in meetings of IICA’s Executive Council.

International Agency for Research on Cancer

Start date: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (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: The IARC is 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: Through collaboration with international partners:

• Elucidated the causes of cancer and studied approaches for early detection and prevention;
• Reported on the burden of cancer worldwide and monitored 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;
• Contributed to education and training of cancer researchers worldwide; and
• Disseminated findings to the widest possible audience.

For further information, visit the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

International Civil Aviation Organization

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 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the UN that works with the Convention on International Civil Aviation’s 193 Member States 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 Assembly approves the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Budget every 3 years. The budget set 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: International Civil Aviation Organization.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

International Energy Agency

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 the International Energy Agency (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, sustainable economic development, environmental awareness and climate action, and engagement worldwide.

Results achieved: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission

Start date: 20 Nov 1990

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-2022

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. Canada is a state party to the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission (IHFFC) and promotion of the IHFFC reflects Canada’s role in the international rules-based order, particularly related to international humanitarian law. Seventy-six 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.

Results achieved: The International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission (IHFFC) conducted activities to try to increase the number of countries accepting its jurisdiction, and offered its services to conduct inquiries and provide good offices in the context of conflict. The Commission was not mandated to conduct inquiries or to perform its good offices in 2022.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: The Embassy of Canada to Switzerland in Bern is the point of contact with the IHFFC.

International Maritime Organization

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 International Maritime Organization (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; and
• Progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

For more information, visit the International Maritime Organization.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

International Renewable Energy Agency

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 International Renewable Energy Agency (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: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

International Seabed Authority

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:

• Exercised a leadership role at the ISA to fulfill Canada’s obligation as a party to UNCLOS and the 1994 Implementation Agreement, which is to participate in the development of regulations for activity related to the non-living resources in the “Area,” and related mechanisms for the equitable sharing of benefits derived from such activities;
• Extended Canada's influence and expertise to ensure that the regulation of these activities is consistent with Canadian interests, including the ISA’s duty to also preserve and protect the marine environment; and
• Preserved and advanced Canada’s interests in hydrocarbon-related activities on the extended continental shelf in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore area, where such activities are subject to UNCLOS Article 82, which stipulates payments to the ISA.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea

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 is supporting a rules-based international order through key law of the sea institutions such as ITLOS. Canada is also able to contribute to the progressive development of the law of the sea through processes such as advisory opinions. For example, in June 2023, Canada submitted written comments in response to a request from the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change for an advisory opinion.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: In its report, BDO AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft (the Auditor for ITLOS) noted that “on the basis of the knowledge obtained in the audit, the accompanying financial statements gave a true and fair view of the Tribunal’s assets, liabilities and financial position as at 31 December 2022 and of its financial performance for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2022 in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting (IPSA) Standards.”

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

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 Convention on Anti-Personnel Landmines, the Arms Trade Treaty, and the Seabed Arms Control Treaty.

Results achieved: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

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

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 Organization 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 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Nuclear Energy Agency’s (NEA) program of work;
• Direct and indirect technical and commercial dividends to the Canadian nuclear industry; and
• OECD NEA actions and decisions reflected Canadian interests and priorities.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A (no evaluation conducted based on a low-risk exemption)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation

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: 1. International Policy Coordination

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay the assessed contribution for Canada’s participation in CERI to further the provincial/territorial and federal government’s development, analysis and understanding of activities, policies and innovations in the area of education and learning.

Results achieved: Contributed to supporting participating Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) members and partners to achieve high-quality lifelong learning for all, and set a forward-looking and innovative agenda for an evolving education landscape;

Provided and promoted international comparative research and analysis that emphasized accumulating statistical evidence and developing key indicators to solidify the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation’s (CERI) research work and international benchmarking;

Explored forward-looking and innovative approaches to education and learning through data-driven studies and analytical reports; and

Facilitated linkages between educational research, innovation and policy development.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 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:

• Deepened international cooperation with major steel producing economies (such as the United States, the European Union and Japan) and industry organizations (such as the Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) on factors impacting the global steel sector, such as new capacity editions, decarbonization efforts and trade policy developments;
• Furthered understanding of impacts of the Russian aggression in Ukraine on the Ukrainian steel sector, Europe, and repercussions on global value chains; and
• Advanced departmental engagement with key international interlocutors responsible for the steel trade policy (such as the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Department of Commerce and Directorate-General for Trade (DG TRADE).

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Start date: 29 April 1997

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

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: 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 over 190 member states that share the collective goal of preventing chemistry from ever again being used for warfare, thereby strengthening international security.

Results achieved: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A (assessed contributions to international organizations)

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 serving outside Canada.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A (statutory Authority)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Peace Implementation Council

Start date: July 1st, 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 & Diplomacy

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

Results achieved:

• Provided the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina with guidance and advice on political, economic and security matters;
• Contributed to facilitating the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina into a functioning state; and
• Contributed to further implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Permanent Court of Arbitration

Start date: 1994

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-2022

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 Permanent Court of Arbitration (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 is currently administering 4 interstate disputes, 111 arbitrations, and 86 cases arising under contracts involving a state or other public entity. Details can be found on the PCA’s website;
• Engaged in outreach to promote better understanding and greater use of arbitration and conciliation procedures to resolve international disputes. The PCA publishes a report on its activities each year, which includes a section on its outreach activities to the arbitral community. The PCA’s annual reports can be downloaded from its website here;
• Carried on all other activities required and expected of a judicial body functioning in accordance with international standards; and
• Activities in accordance with the PCA’s oversight mechanisms were carried out. The PCA’s Administrative Council, composed of diplomatic representatives of the Contracting Parties accredited to The Hague, is responsible for the general governance and oversight of the PCA. To do this, it has established two specialized committees. The first is the Financial Committee, which is composed of three independent financial experts, who work pro bono for a renewable term of 3 years, and advise on financial documents submitted to the Administrative Council. The second is the Budget Committee, where all Contracting Parties may participate to review the financial or budgetary documents prior to consideration by the Administrative Council.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: Canada is an active participant in the annual discussions in the Budget Committee via the Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands. In addition, Global Affairs Canada and Justice Canada collaborate to ensure that the Canadian National Group—comprised of the four members of the Court which each Contracting Party is entitled to nominate as potential arbitrators—is staffed with one member from the Supreme Court of Canada, one member of the private bar, one legal academic and the Legal Adviser to Global Affairs Canada. These members are selected to reflect the geographic and linguistic realties of Canada, for a term of 6 years.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission

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:

• The management team and Commission continued to make sound decisions to maintain the financial health of the park throughout 2022, which was the first year the park was fully operational since the COVID-19 pandemic. During continued border restrictions and health requirements for cross-border travel, the park gradually returned to normal operations, although still experienced a reduction of visitors until early fall 2022;
• Many new initiatives were implemented in 2022, including the park’s “Eleanor’s Tea” program. Most sessions of the daily free tea presentations were fully booked. The park has been working on building stronger relationships with the local communities through hosting multiple events throughout the seasons. Several cruise ships hosted trips to the park this year with the park extending its open season to late-October to accommodate demand. Upgrades to the park’s visitor center are underway and should be completed for the start of the 2023 season; and
• A new Executive Director/Superintendent, Jonathan F. Southern, was hired and began his tenure at the park on April 1, 2022.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: As part of the annual report for 2022 (which is 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 Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission (RCIPC).

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: Global Affairs Canada was in frequent contact with the RCIPC and the park’s Superintendent, particularly throughout the year-end reporting requirements.

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

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: Under the Rotterdam Convention, results achieved include:

• 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 making 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 is shared on the risks and hazards of substances subject to the PIC procedure; and
• Information is 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, Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

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: 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: 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: 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, official visits and meetings). 2022 marked the end of CONFEJES' 2019-2022 four-year programming. This programming has allowed for the promotion of youth, improved the access, quality and management of sport, and promoted the inclusive development of sport in French-speaking world.

In accordance with its various missions, CONFEMEN continued to support member countries in improving the quality of their education systems through the Programme d’analyse des systèmes éducatifs de la CONFEMEN (PASEC) [CONFEMEN’s educational systems analysis program] and the Observatoire de la Qualité de l’Education (OQE) [education quality observatory]. The year 2022 corresponds to the first year of implementation of the CONFEMEN 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, adopted by the 59^thMinisterial Conference held in Rabat (Morocco) in February 2022. Of the 123 activities planned for 2022, 78 have been fully implemented and 23 partially implemented, for a total of 81%.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: CONFEMEN benefits from an annual audit plan, which enables it to monitor and follow up the recommendations of audit reports on an ongoing basis. In 2022, two projects were submitted to an external audit. The reports have been transmitted to the audited partners (UIS and UNESCO).

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: An evaluation of the 2019-2022 programming was conducted in 2022 by the firm ICECA Impact to measure the results and assess the quality of the program execution. Among the recommendations, the strengthening of CONFEJES' reputation and visibility, the increase in funding opportunities, the introduction of a result-based management culture and a greater harmonization of programs and actions with the IOF were raised.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Start date: Canada ratified the Stockholm Convention in 2001. 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 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 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) entering the environment through controls to eliminate or restrict use, manufacturing, trade and releases of POPs;
• Support to the POPs Review Committee, which is responsible for assessing candidate POPs for addition to the Convention; and
• 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, Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Start date: Canada ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on 4 December 1992, and it entered into force on 21 March 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 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), key results achieved include:

• Canada played an active and constructive role in the UNFCCC discussions that supported the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement;
• Canada implemented its commitments under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, including putting forward and regularly strengthening its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), submitting an Adaptation Communications, reporting on its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and progress toward its target, and supporting the mitigation and adaptation efforts of developing countries; and
• Canada will continue to work with its international partners both under the UNFCCC and in other forums to implement our commitments and promote ambitious climate action by all major emitters.

For more information, visit: Environment and Climate Change Canada, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

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 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Results achieved: Over 2,400 Indigenous representatives 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 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: This UN fund has its own engagement strategy.

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: 2019/2020

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 for first time applicants. An estimated 46,000 victims and their families in 92 countries around the world ultimately benefited from the Fund.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: This UN fund has its own engagement strategy.

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

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 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. 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:

• Protection of the ozone layer through the adoption of legislative or administrative measures;
• Phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in order to reduce their abundance in the atmosphere; and
• Ensured the state of the ozone layer and the effects of ozone depletion were continually assessed, monitored and communicated.

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

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

Wassenaar Arrangement

Start date: 2012

End date: Ongoing, under Ministerial authorization

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

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 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 (WA) by:

• Actively contributing to the review and amendment of control lists established under the WA to ensure they reflect current levels of technology;
• Updating Canada’s Export Control List to include items on the control lists established under the WA;
• Ensuring full compliance with reporting obligations in a timely manner;
• Supporting the overall functioning of the WA; and
• Promoting information-sharing on export control policies and practices related to the transfer of conventional arms and dual-use and military technologies.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: There were no program audits held in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: There were no program evaluations held in 2022-23.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: The end of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a higher number of in-person meetings in 2022-23. The number of overall interactions between participating states remained at a similar level in comparison with the pre-pandemic years, with three meetings of the experts group, two meetings of the general working group and a plenary meeting. Canada also participated in one Licensing Enforcement Officer Meeting (LEOM). In addition, the WA Secretariat communicates with participating states on an on-going basis, mainly through its web-based portal.

World Customs Organization

Start date: 1971

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

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 World Customs Organization (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 at 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 Organization (WCO) brings together 185 member countries to discuss relevant issues such as capacity-building, performance measurement, nomenclature and classification of goods, valuation of goods, border enforcement and compliance and trade:

• In 2022-23 the WCO shifted its focus to resuming work as usual following the completion of the COVID-19 Action Plan and the exiting of the pandemic. Priorities shifted to deliberations on the first Implementation Plan 2023-24 of the WCO Strategic Plan 2022-25; and;
• Additionally, throughout 2022-23, Canada’s active membership of the Policy Commission provided an opportunity to share input on the WCO Modernization Plan and Green Customs Action Plan, both of which are to become guiding documents for the work and governance of the WCO in the coming years.

Canada remains 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:

• In line with the Government of Canada’s domestic and international priorities, Canada has been an active participant in the WCO Working Group on Gender, Equality, & Diversity, and is also an active member in the Americas & Caribbean region actively promoting women’s involvement in customs;
• Throughout 2022-23, Canada chaired the Working Group on Performance Measurement and has led the group to complete a number of performance measurement deliverables that were approved by the WCO Policy Commission and Council in June 2023;
• As a member of the WCO Finance Committee for the year 2022-23, Canada helped to ensure effective financial management of the organization, and alongside the United States and the United Kingdom, helped to influence the Finance Committee to lower the proposed increase in member contributions from 8-12% to 6%; and
• Canada has stepped aside from seeking re-election to the Finance Committee (FC) for 2023-24 in order that another interested regional member might have the opportunity to sit on the FC.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: N/A

World Intellectual Property Organization

Start date: 1970

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-2023

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To pay Canada’s assessed contribution to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to ensure Canada’s interests are represented, and to promote the protection of intellectual property (IP) 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 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) as the premier international intellectual property forum and encouraged consensus-based decision-making, good governance and financial stewardship; and
• Advanced and encouraged cooperation between intellectual property offices.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: N/A (assessed contribution to an international organization)

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: N/A (assessed contribution to an international organization)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-24: Canada maintained its permanent mission to the World Trade Organization 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.

Gender-based analysis plus

Section 1: Institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity

GAC has a complex and diverse mandate as it manages Canada’s foreign affairs, diplomatic and consular relations, promotes Canadian businesses and exporters, international trade and investment priorities, and leads international development and humanitarian assistance to address global issues. In 2022-23, GAC continued to explore opportunities to enhance its leadership, capacity, training and necessary tools for the implementation of Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) across all its policies, programs and initiatives, throughout the department and its network of missions abroad. GAC also played a leadership role in the whole-of-government implementation of the feminist foreign policy, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, and Canada’s inclusive trade and export diversification strategies, for which GBA Plus is an integral part.

Governance

The following key actions were taken to advance the implementation of GBA Plus governance at GAC:

• Maintained intra-departmental networks of gender equality focal points and GBA Plus champions were appointed across most branches;
• Representatives for the department participated in Women and Gender Equality’s inter-departmental meetings on GBA Plus;
• Discussions of GBA Plus were held at senior management committees;
• GBA Plus action plans were developed or maintained for several branches;
• A GBA Plus was carried out for all Memorandums to Cabinet, Treasury Board submissions and Budget Proposals, and were submitted to the Corporate Secretariat for confirmation that all mandatory central agency requirements for GBA Plus were met; and
• GAC continued to require all international assistance initiatives be informed by GBA Plus, including supporting the capacity of staff and partners to address gender equality and intersectionality in programming through the provision of guidance, tools and webinars.

Capacity

The department continued to expand its horizontal approach to the application of GBA Plus and has adopted a decentralized approach in that regard. There is well-established and dedicated GBA Plus expertise within the department to provide support, including the Gender Equality Division within the Global Issues and Development Branch and expertise within the Trade Policy and Negotiations Branch. GAC is also increasing GBA Plus competencies of subject matter experts in branches working in such diverse areas as peace and security, and investment and trade.

The following initiatives were undertaken in 2022-23 to advance the department’s GBA Plus capacity:

• Subject matter experts had access to advice from colleagues with specialized competencies as well as dedicated GBA Plus resource centres serving the department’s main specific streams and corporate functions;
• GAC-specific tools and resources were developed, and tools developed by Women and Gender Equality Canada were disseminated to assist employees in applying GBA Plus to their work (e.g. checklists, guides, templates, toolkits);
• Canadian Foreign Service Institute (CFSI) delivered GBA Plus training to Canada-based staff and locally engaged staff. Through ongoing and formal collaboration with Women and Gender Equality Canada and the Canada School of Public Service, CFSI also delivered GBA Plus training to other federal government department and agency employees on a cost-recovery basis;
• Several branches at GAC also developed and implemented a GBA Plus training course specific to their needs, including to support staff delivering international assistance programming; and
• GAC helped its Canadian and international partners strengthen their own capacities to integrate GBA Plus into their policies, programs and practices with the delivery of CFSI training to foreign governments, local civil society abroad and international organizations.

In addition to developing capacity and governance for the application of GBA Plus, the department explored ways in which it can measure the impact of its programs on targeted populations, given the complexity of its international mandate and increasing reporting requirements.

Section 2: Gender and diversity impacts, by program

Core Responsibility: International advocacy and diplomacy

Core Responsibility: Trade and investment

Core Responsibility: Development, peace and security programming

Core Responsibility: Help for Canadians abroad

Core Responsibility: Support for Canada’s presence abroad

Response to parliamentary committees and external audits

Response to parliamentary committees

House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) – Second Report: Resumption of Sino-Tibetan Dialogue – Tabled in the House of Commons on December 14, 2022.

In May 2022, FAAE convened a meeting with the Central Tibetan Administration to have a better understanding of the current dynamics between China and Tibet.

The committee proceeded to table a report that included a single motion that was voted on unanimously by all committee members, which called for dialogue between representatives of the Tibetan people (his Holiness the Dalai Lama or his representatives and/or the Central Tibetan Administration) and the government of the People's Republic of China with a view to enabling Tibet to exercise genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese constitution, report this motion to the House, and request the government table a response to the report.

The Government Response agreed with FAAE’s report, highlighting Canada's emphasis on the promotion and protection of human rights as an essential aspect of its foreign policy, including in its relations with China. The Government Response also signaled Canada’s support for meaningful dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or Tibetan representatives for a resolution acceptable to both sides, and that Canada remains committed to advocating for dialogue and closely monitors the human rights situation in Tibet.

Committee Report and Government Response Links: Report 2: Resumption of Sino-Tibetan Dialogue and the Government Response.

House of Commons Special Committee on Afghanistan (AFGH) – First Report: Honouring Canada’s Legacy in Afghanistan: Responding to the Humanitarian Crisis and Helping People Reach Safety – Tabled in the House of Commons on June 6, 2022.

In December 2021, the Special Committee on Afghanistan (AFGH) was created to conduct hearings to examine and review the events related to the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, including, but not limited to: the government’s contingency planning for that event and the subsequent efforts to evacuate, or otherwise authorize entry to Canada of, Canadian citizens, and interpreters, contractors and other Afghans who had assisted the Canadian Armed Forces or other Canadian organizations; and that the special committee conduct its work with the primary objective of assessing the humanitarian assistance to be put in place by Canada to assist the Afghan people.

To accomplish this task, AFGH received testimony and briefs from a range of individuals and organizations, including those involved with the provision of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. The Special Committee heard impactful stories and appeals from people with family and colleagues who had been unable to leave Afghanistan or were living in precarious situations in neighbouring countries, as well as from people trying to assist Afghans seeking refuge. AFGH was also briefed on the government’s response to the crisis by GAC, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces.

The report is structured in two parts. The first is retrospective, examining the August 2021 evacuation from Kabul and the events that led up to it, including the assessments and decisions that were made. The second part is forward-looking, detailing the humanitarian situation inside Afghanistan and the efforts to bring at risk Afghan nationals to safety, as well as assessing the impediments encountered.

AFGH made 37 recommendations, 17 of which were directed toward GAC. The recommendations related to GAC cover various aspects, including the government's performance, crisis management, resource allocation, humanitarian assistance, engagement with international partners, women's rights, safe passage for Afghan nationals, and refugee crises.

The Government Response agreed with all of the 17 recommendations related to GAC, and noted the numerous actions that the government had undertaken in response to events related to the fall of Afghanistan including: various internal reviews and lessons learned exercises over the course of the past year; mechanisms to reallocate resources when an emergency or critical incident affecting Canadians or Canadian interests abroad occurs; the allocation of $143 million in humanitarian assistance to the crisis in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries; Canada's work in partnership with UN agencies, international organizations, allies, and like-minded donors who provide support to the Afghan people; the support of Canada to coordinated efforts by the international community to hold Taliban authorities accountable for continuous violations of Afghans’ rights and to advocate for the removal of all restrictions on women and girls’ fundamental rights; and the collaboration of different departments to ensure that government objectives relating to its commitment to welcome at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by 2024 are met in a timely and well-coordinated fashion.

Committee Report and Government Response Links: Report 1: Honouring Canada’s Legacy in Afghanistan: Responding to the Humanitarian Crisis and Helping People Reach Safety and the Government Response.

House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) – Third Report: The Situation in the Taiwan Strait - Taiwan’s Participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization –Tabled in the House of Commons on June 13, 2022.

In January 2022, FAAE undertook a study on the escalating situation in the Taiwan Strait that risks peace and security in the region. The committee held three meetings on the study, at which time FAAE heard testimony from researchers and academics, as well as from GAC officials. FAAE’s report included a single motion: that the committee supports the full participation of Taiwan in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), while respecting the membership requirements of the organization, and its 41st Triennial Assembly held from September 27, 2022 to October 14, 2022; that this be reported to the House as soon as possible; and that the committee request a government response.

The Government Response agreed with FAAE’s report and reiterated that Canada supports Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), where Taiwan's absence would be detrimental to global interests. The Government Response explained that while UN membership is required for full participation at ICAO, Canada remains supportive of alternative options for Taiwan's meaningful involvement within the organization. It also noted that Canada, as Chair of the Safer Skies Consultative Committee, has invited Taiwan to participate in the Safer Skies Forum and has accepted Taiwan's application to join as an observer under the name Taiwan Civil Aeronautics Administration. The Government Response concluded by mentioning that while maintaining consistency with its One China Policy, the Canadian government intends to continue engaging with Taiwan on various issues, including trade, technology, health, democratic governance, countering disinformation, and promoting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Committee Report and Government Response Links: Report 3: The Situation in the Taiwan Strait - Taiwan’s Participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Government Response.

House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) – Fifth Report: Overcoming the Barriers to Global Vaccine Equity and Ending the Pandemic –Tabled in the House of Commons on October 24, 2022.

In the fall of 2020, FAAE undertook a multi-part study on the vulnerabilities that the COVID-19 pandemic was creating and exacerbating. The report made wide-ranging observations and recommendations, including regarding the need to provide developing countries with COVID-19 vaccine doses. In the winter and spring of 2022, the committee revisited the subject of vaccine equity to better understand the persistent discrepancy in vaccination rates, and to scrutinize the efforts the Canadian government had taken to help meet the WHO goal of vaccinating 70% of the population of every country by June 2022.

With a particular focus on the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator and the impacts of intellectual property rights on global vaccine equity, FAAE heard from Government of Canada officials, international organizations, civil society representatives, academics, medical professionals, and pharmaceutical companies.

The report included 10 recommendations, which focused on various aspects of humanitarian assistance, gender-based violence, local capacity building, funding mechanisms, and international development. Key recommendations include increasing funding for international humanitarian appeals, addressing gender-based violence during COVID-19 lockdowns, supporting local humanitarian responders, ensuring diverse Canadian civil society organizations can access funding, addressing problems with the current direction and control regime in international development, considering increasing Official Development Assistance spending, and supporting vaccine distribution efforts in developing countries.

The Government Response agreed with six of FAAE’s recommendations and took note of those remaining. In particular, it highlighted Canada’s leadership role responding to the pandemic, in addition to the provision of timely, principled, and needs-based support to address the most acute needs, exacerbated by the pandemic, in crisis and conflict-affected areas. The Government Response also touched on how Canada utilized its Feminist International Assistance Policy and its gender-responsive humanitarian actions in addressing the pandemic. It noted that Canada remains committed to a robust global effort to stop COVID-19 and address its devastating health, social, economic and security impacts on people around the world.

Committee Report and Government Response Links: Report 5: Overcoming the Barriers to Global Vaccine Equity and Ending the Pandemic and the Government Response.

House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT) – Second Report: Canada–United States Relationship and Its Impacts on the Electric Vehicle, and Softwood Lumber and Other Sectors –Tabled in the House of Commons on October 27, 2022

In January 2022, CIIT adopted a motion to study the Canada–U.S. relationship, and its impacts on electric vehicles, softwood lumber and other sectors in Canada. During its study, the committee held five public meetings where CIIT members heard from Government of Canada officials, civil society representatives, and academics.

The report was divided into three chapters. Chapter 1, Introduction, provides an overview of the relationship between Canada and United States in the electric vehicle and softwood lumber sectors. The second and third chapters of the report summarize the witnesses’ views about the electric vehicle and softwood lumber sectors in Canada, respectively. In general, CIIT had two areas of focus: impacts on the Canada–U.S. relationship on the sector, and Government of Canada’s actions.

The report contained 11 recommendations which address two main areas: electrifying transportation in Canada and resolving the softwood lumber trade dispute with the United States. The recommendations included: developing policies and collaborating with stakeholders to promote electric transportation; enhancing the charging infrastructure; and consulting with various groups involved in the production and supply chains of electric vehicles. CIIT recommended that the government appoint an advisor, ensure high production and reliable supply chains for electric vehicless and related components, and advocate for fair treatment in the United States. In addition, it was recommended that efforts be made to align incentives with the U.S., prioritize resolving the softwood lumber trade dispute, and invest in infrastructure to support transportation and meet global demand efficiently.

The Government Response supported nine of CIIT’s recommendations and agreed on the two remaining. Overall, it reiterated the Government of Canada’s commitment to reduce emissions from the transportation sector through greater uptake of electrified and zero emission transport options, while ensuring that the automotive sector and the emerging battery ecosystem, are both competitive and positioned for success. The Government Response also reiterated the government of Canada’s commitment to resolve the softwood lumber trade dispute with the U.S. to ensure the access to the U.S. market for Canadian softwood lumber products, while developing new export markets and transforming markets to introduce new end-uses for products.

Committee Report and Government Response Links: Report 2:Canada–United States Relationship and Its Impacts on the Electric Vehicle, and Softwood Lumber and Other Sectors and the Government Response.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development – Seventh Report: The Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Journalists and Media Organizations – Tabled in the House of Commons on November 14, 2022.

In February 2022, members of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights (SDIR) agreed to conduct a study on human rights defenders (HRDs), in particular journalists and media organizations, under attack, and how Canada can support their efforts. The study also focused on human rights in repressive states and that the findings collected be reported to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE).

Following its study, the subcommittee concluded that given the essential role that journalists and other HRDs play, they and their work must be protected from human rights violations and abuses. Governments, whether authoritarian or democratic, must not be allowed to violate human rights with impunity. The subcommittee strongly maintained that Canada has a role to play in this regard. The report contained 12 recommendations that call on the Government of Canada to: implement a number of measures to prevent human rights violations and abuses of journalists and HRDs; to help those being unjustly and unfairly prosecuted; and to hold governments to account.

The Government Response agreed with seven of SDIR’s recommendations and took note of those remaining. In particular, it highlighted that Canada will continue to advocate for the advancement of human rights and the protection of those most vulnerable individuals through a variety of different mechanisms, including quiet diplomacy.

Committee Report and Government Response Links: Report 7:The Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Journalists and Media Organizations and the Government Response.

House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT) – Third Report: Canada’s Environmental and Clean Technology Goods and Services: Selected International Trade Considerations – Tabled in the House of Commons on November 17, 2022

In January 2022, CIIT adopted a motion to undertake a study of the Canadian exportation of green, clean and low-carbon technologies, and that the evidence and documentation received by the committee during the 2nd session of the 43rd Parliament on this subject also be taken into consideration by the committee in the current session.

During five meetings on this study held from May 2021 to March 2022, the committee’s witnesses comprised officials from four federal departments and two federal Crown corporations, as well as representatives from: eight firms; five sector‑specific business trade associations; and one organized labour group. CIIT also received one written brief.

The report was divided into two chapters. The first provided the witnesses views about opportunities in certain international markets for the export of specific Canadian environmental and clean technology (ECT) goods and services. The second chapter outlined observations about some existing and desired federal supports that affect the international competitiveness of Canada’s ECT exporters and their goods and services.

CIIT made 12 recommendations for the Government of Canada to consider, including several actions to boost market access for Canadian exports of ECT goods and services. These included: negotiating trade agreements to eliminate or reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers; supporting global diversification efforts in key markets; providing resources to aid exporters; promoting awareness of federal financing and support programs; engaging with stakeholders in the sector; assessing border carbon adjustments and their impact; implementing a "low-carbon footprint" policy; offering rebates for firms using low-carbon energy sources; harmonizing codes and standards with trading partners; advocating for favorable policies in the United States and Mexico; collaborating with relevant stakeholders; and considering the creation of a framework to increase global demand for Canadian carbon capture technologies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Government Response supported 10 recommendations and recognized the other two. It reiterated that the Government of Canada is firmly committed to the principle that trade liberalization and environmental protection can be mutually supportive and to ensure that Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy is achieved in a way that is fair and predictable for its businesses. The Government Response recognized the potential of ECT goods and services for advancing Canada’s environmental and economic goals. It also noted the need to support ECT companies as they seek to enhance their competitiveness as Canada transitions to a low-carbon economy and mentioned that additional resources provided to GAC’s Trade Commissioner Service have led to increased support for Canadian exporters.

Committee Report and Government Response Links: Report 3: Canada’s Environmental and Clean Technology Goods and Services: Selected International Trade Considerations and the Government Response.

House of Commons Special Committee on the Canada-People’s Republic of China Relationship (CACN) – First Report: Canada–People’s Republic of China Relations – Tabled in the House of Commons on December 1, 2022.

On November 29, 2022, CACN tabled its first report. The report included a short statement that expressed “the support of the committee for the Chinese protestors who are fighting for their fundamental human rights and freedoms of association and expression, and call on Beijing to respect the right to peaceful assembly and avoid a repeat of the Tiananmen Square massacre of 5 June 1989.”

In the Government Response (GR) to the report, the Government of Canada acknowledged concerns over human rights violations during protests against China's Zero-COVID policies and mentioned that it would persistently call on China to respect human rights and seek the release of individuals detained for exercising their rights. The GR reiterated that promoting human rights is a core aspect of Canadian foreign policy, including in its relationship with China, and that Canada firmly supports the freedom of peaceful assembly and vows to advocate for human rights through various channels, including diplomatic dialogue, bilateral and multilateral engagements, and coordination with like-minded countries.

Committee Report and Government Response Links: Report 1: Canada–People’s Republic of China Relations and the Government Response.

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)

2023 Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) – Report 4: International Assistance in Support of Gender Equality - Global Affairs Canada. Tabled at the House of Commons on March 27, 2023.

The audit focused on whether GAC implemented Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy by funding projects that supported gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in low- and middle-income countries and by demonstrating that the projects were generating expected outcomes.

The OAG made three recommendations in the report, relating to the department’s information management systems and practices; its performance indicators for international assistance projects; and its project-level gender equality assessments.

GAC agreed with all three recommendations and developed a management action plan. Notably, the department’s response highlighted the department’s ongoing Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative, which will include an information management solution and a renewed framework and system for outcomes-specific data collection.

Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages

There were no audits in 2022–23 requiring a response.

United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals

Global Affairs Canada