Info Source

Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information 2012
Canadian International Development Agency

Table of Contents

General information

Foreword to Info Source

Role and responsibilities of the Canadian International Development Agency

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) was established by order-in-council in 1968 to administer the bulk of Canada's official development assistance (ODA) program. In 1995, CIDA took on the responsibility of administering Canada's ODA programs in transition countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union by supporting democratic development and economic liberalization.

CIDA continues to be the Government of Canada's principal organization responsible for development and humanitarian policy and programming. The Official Development Assistance Accountability Act, which came into force on June 28, 2008, states that expenditures to be reported to Parliament as ODA must contribute to poverty reduction, take into account the perspectives of the poor, and be consistent with international human rights standards. CIDA reports to Parliament through the Minister of International Cooperation.

CIDA's aim is to manage Canada's support and resources effectively and accountably to achieve meaningful, sustainable results and to engage in policy development in Canada and internationally, enabling Canada's effort to realize its development objectives.

Find out more:

Institutional Functions, Programs, and Activities

Fragile states and crisis-affected communities

Fragile states are defined as those that face particularly severe development challenges. They are characterized by complex national and regional contexts, weak institutional capacity, poor governance, political instability, and ongoing violence or a legacy of past conflict. Improving the situation in these countries is often a strategic foreign policy objective. CIDA's programming in these countries seeks to enhance long-term development by improving the effectiveness of public institutions, fostering stability and security, and supporting the delivery of basic services. This program activity also involves humanitarian assistance in response to man-made crises or natural disasters to ensure delivery and access of essential emergency services to crisis-affected populations.

Fragile states include Afghanistan, Haiti, Sudan and South Sudan, and West Bank and Gaza.

Humanitarian assistance

Humanitarian assistance involves assistance provided in response to man-made crises or natural disasters to ensure delivery and access of essential emergency services to crisis-affected populations.

Find out more about CIDA's International Humanitarian Assistance Program.

Food assistance

Description: Records related to the provision of food assistance to vulnerable populations who require food assistance as a result of war, civil conflict, or natural disasters, including droughts.

Document types: Reports, agendas, briefing notes, correspondence, minutes.

Record number: CIDA HA 1001

Non-food assistance

Description: Records related to the provision of non-food assistance, including essential emergency goods and services such as water and sanitation, shelter, medical care, protection, and basic household items.

Document types: Reports, agendas, briefing notes, correspondence, minutes.

Record number: CIDA HA 1002

Afghanistan

Description: Records related to Afghanistan-related issues, planning and programs, official development assistance projects, other donors, program support units, strategic planning, economic and political conditions, sustainable development, environmental sustainability, human rights, good governance, democratic development, social sustainability, human settlements, food assistance, human rights, multilateral assistance, World Bank Group, peace and security, emergency relief and rehabilitation, reconstruction, international conferences and meetings, visits and tours, conferences and meetings, contracts, projects, and international institutions.

Note: Previously called Afghanistan and Pakistan Task Force

Document types: Policies, strategies, agreements, reports and statistics, briefings notes, correspondence, contracts, speeches.

Record number: CIDA APTF 0007

Inventory of individuals interested in contracting with CIDA as cooperants in a developing country

Description: The databank consists of personal data, academic qualifications, and experience of individuals who have registered for assignments as cooperants in a developing country. This data bank is used to select candidates having the appropriate skills and experience to work on CIDA projects as cooperants. It may also be used to assist international development organizations in identifying suitable candidates. The registration forms and files of these individuals are updated annually and are kept for 10 years after the last correspondence.

Class of individuals: Cooperants

Purpose: Used as a current inventory to respond to needs of developing countries.

Consistent uses: Used for the selection of cooperants for assignments in developing countries.

Retention and disposal standards: The forms and the files are kept for 10 years, after which, with the authorization of the archivist, they are destroyed. Inscriptions are updated on request.

RDA number: 2000/008

Related record number: CIDA APTF 0007, CIDA GPB 0008, CIDA MGPB 0006

TBS registration: 003421

Bank number: CIDA PPU 0015

Low-income countries

Programming in low-income countries addresses pervasive poverty in countries that have an annual gross national income per capita equivalent to US$935 or less (2007 data). CIDA's support, which aims to help these countries achieve their priority development goals, reduce poverty, and increase economic opportunities, focuses on basic health and education, agriculture and food security, income generation, and the foundations for good governance.

Low-income countries include Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Pakistan, Senegal, Tanzania, and Vietnam.

Pakistan

Description: Records related to Pakistan-related issues, planning and programs, official development assistance projects, other donors, program support units, strategic planning, economic and political conditions, sustainable development, environmental sustainability, human rights, good governance, democratic development, social sustainability, human settlements, food assistance, human rights, multilateral assistance, World Bank Group, peace and security, emergency relief and rehabilitation, reconstruction, international conferences and meetings, visits and tours, conferences and meetings, contracts, projects, and international institutions.

Note: Previously called Afghanistan and Pakistan Task Force

Document types: Policies, strategies, agreements, reports and statistics, briefings notes, correspondence, contracts, speeches.

Record number: CIDA APTF 0007

Inventory of individuals interested in contracting with CIDA as cooperants in a developing country

Description: The databank consists of personal data, academic qualifications, and experience of individuals who have registered for assignments as cooperants in a developing country. This data bank is used to select candidates having the appropriate skills and experience to work on CIDA projects as cooperants. It may also be used to assist international development organizations in identifying suitable candidates. The registration forms and files of these individuals are updated annually and are kept for 10 years after the last correspondence.

Class of individuals: Cooperants

Purpose: Used as a current inventory to respond to needs of developing countries.

Consistent uses: Used for the selection of cooperants for assignments in developing countries.

Retention and disposal standards: The forms and the files are kept for 10 years, after which, with the authorization of the archivist, they are destroyed. Inscriptions are updated on request.

RDA number: 2000/008

Related record number: CIDA APTF 0007, CIDA GPB 0008, CIDA MGPB 0006

TBS registration: 003421

Bank number: CIDA PPU 0015

Middle-income countries

Programming in middle-income countries addresses challenges in attaining self-reliance for countries with an annual gross national income per capita equivalent to more than US$935 but less than US$11,455 (2007 data). It provides targeted assistance in selected middle-income countries, as well as programming for regional institutions to address transboundary issues. Assistance mainly addresses the national priorities of middle-income countries to strengthen sustainable economic growth; build capacity to deliver social services; and establish accountable, democratic institutions.

Middle-income countries include Bolivia, the Caribbean region, Columbia, Honduras, Indonesia, Peru, and Ukraine,

Global engagement and strategic policy

Global engagement and strategic policy programming involves international development policy in Canada and globally in support of CIDA's strategic direction, as well as Canada's broader international assistance objectives and commitments. It also engages with multilateral and global organizations to contribute to the achievement of development results and to influence its partners' policies, planning, strategic directions, and organizational governance.

International development policy

This activity leads the formulation of Canada's policies on international development issues, including aid effectiveness, poverty reduction, gender equality, environmental sustainability, health and education, economic growth, peace and security, and democratic governance and human rights. It represents and promotes Canada's positions on those issues in international fora, such as at the United Nations and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC).

Multilateral strategic relationships

This activity involves CIDA's strategic relationships with multilateral and global organizations through long-term institutional support.

International financial institutions

Description: Records related to the provision of long-term institutional support to international financial institutions, which is governed by the International Development (Financial Institutions) Assistance Act.

Document types: Reports, statistics, agreements, audits, contracts, correspondences, memorandums, studies, briefing notes, agreements.

Record number: CIDA MSR 1003

International development institutions

Description: Records related to the provision of long-term institutional support to international development institutions, including United Nations development funds and programs such as the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNAIDS and sector-focused global organizations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.

Document types:  Reports, statistics, agreements, audits, contracts, correspondences, memorandums, studies, briefing notes, agreements.

Record number: CIDA MSR 1004

Political organizations

Description: Records related to the provision of ong-term institutional support to political organizations as a member of both the Commonwealth and La Francophonie.

Document types:  Reports, statistics, agreements, audits, contracts, correspondences, memorandums, studies, briefing notes, and agreements.

Record number: CIDA MSR 1005

Humanitarian assistance organizations

Description: Records related to the provision of long-term institutional support to humanitarian assistance organizations, including the World Food Programme, Canadian Foodgrains Bank,  the International Committee for the Red Cross, UNHCR, the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs,   and the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund.

Document types:  Reports, statistics, agreements, audits, contracts, correspondences, memorandums, studies, briefing notes, and agreements.

Record number: CIDA MSR 1006

Multilateral and global programming

Description: Information on multilateral development institutions, global initiatives, international humanitarian assistance, international organizations, Commonwealth programs, Commonwealth institutions, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Nations, the General Assembly of the United Nations, UNHCR, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Trade Organization, and the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Health Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNFPA, UNICEF, official development assistance, HIV/AIDS, antipersonnel mines, grants and contributions, private sector development, evaluation of multilateral assistance, food assistance, transportation and procurement, the International Fund for Agriculture Development, the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Multilateral Investment Fund, the World Bank Group, international humanitarian assistance, peace and security, disaster preparedness, emergency relief and rehabilitation, bilateral and multilateral technical cooperation projects, La Francophonie programs, population and health, renewable natural resources, and the Global Environment Facility.

Document types: Policies and programs, priorities and objectives, strategies, reports, and statistics, communications, visits and tours, conferences and meetings, briefing notes, correspondence, and projects.

Record number: CIDA MGPB 0006

Inventory of individuals interested in contracting with CIDA as cooperants in a developing country

Description: The databank consists of personal data, academic qualifications, and experience of individuals who have registered for assignments as cooperants in a developing country. This data bank is used to select candidates having the appropriate skills and experience to work on CIDA projects as cooperants. It may also be used to assist international development organizations in identifying suitable candidates. The registration forms and files of these individuals are updated annually and are kept for 10 years after the last correspondence.

Class of individuals: Cooperants

Purpose: Used as a current inventory to respond to needs of developing countries.

Consistent uses: Used for the selection of cooperants for assignments in developing countries.

Retention and disposal standards: The forms and the files are kept for 10 years, after which, with the authorization of the archivist, they are destroyed. Inscriptions are updated on request.

RDA number: 2000/008

Related record number: CIDA APTF 0007, CIDA GPB 0008, CIDA MGPB 0006

TBS registration: 003421

Bank number: CIDA PPU 0015

Geographic programs

Description: Information on geographic programs, sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and Middle East, Americas, Asia, Eastern Europe, strategic planning results and specialists, operations and field support, international organizations, international humanitarian assistance, peace and security, emergency relief and rehabilitation, Canada Fund For Africa Secretariat, population and health, education, governance, natural resources, economic growth, environment, gender equality, democratic development, social sustainability, social development priorities, poverty reduction, human settlements, food assistance, human rights, reconstruction, refugee relief, official development assistance, antipersonnel landmines, country development programming framework, trade and development, cooperants.

Document types: Policies and programs, priorities and objectives, strategies, reports and statistics, security, communications, organizations, conferences and meetings, project assistance, selection files, contracts, briefing notes, work plans, financial, committees and councils, studies, research and impact, consultations, visits, and correspondence.

Record number: CIDA GPB 0008

Inventory of individuals interested in contracting with CIDA as cooperants in a developing country

Description: The databank consists of personal data, academic qualifications, and experience of individuals who have registered for assignments as cooperants in a developing country. This data bank is used to select candidates having the appropriate skills and experience to work on CIDA projects as cooperants. It may also be used to assist international development organizations in identifying suitable candidates. The registration forms and files of these individuals are updated annually and are kept for 10 years after the last correspondence.

Class of individuals: Cooperants

Purpose: Used as a current inventory to respond to needs of developing countries.

Consistent uses: Used for the selection of cooperants for assignments in developing countries.

Retention and disposal standards: The forms and the files are kept for 10 years, after which, with the authorization of the archivist, they are destroyed. Inscriptions are updated on request.

RDA number: 2000/008

Related record number: CIDA APTF 0007, CIDA GPB 0008, CIDA MGPB 0006

TBS registration: 003421

Bank number: CIDA PPU 0015

Health programming

Description: Records related to the provision of funding to multilateral and global organizations for health programming focusing on reducing death rates and achieving the Millennium Development Goals related to health; on preventing and treating major diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria; and on addressing maternal and child health with such programming as micronutrient programming, immunization programming, and community health outreach.

Document types:  Reports, statistics, agreements, audits, contracts, correspondences, memorandums, studies, briefing notes, and agreements.

Record number: CIDA MGP 1007

Sectors and themes other than health

Description: Records related to the provision of funding to multilateral and global organizations for programming in sectors and themes other than health contributing to specific initiatives that are effective and in line with Canadian development and foreign policy. Sectoral and thematic priorities evolve or shift over time. They may include economic growth, the environment, education, governance, and specific Canadian initiatives.

Document types:  Reports, statistics, agreements, audits, contracts, correspondences, memorandums, studies, briefing notes, and agreements.

Record number: CIDA MGP 1008

Canadian engagement

CIDA achieves development results by focusing on purpose-driven, cost-effective initiatives that further the sustainability of Canada's efforts by drawing on the expertise, networks, and opportunities available to Canadian organizations and by broadening Canadian engagement in international development though outreach and education activities. Programming under this program involves co-investment in the most meritorious development proposals that align with Canada's priorities. Through calls for proposals, CIDA draws on the Canadian organizations-civil society, academic, and professional-that are best suited to help achieve Canada's development objectives. Canadian organizations then work with their partner country counterparts to deliver development results on the ground.

Canadian engagement includes Partners for development and Global citizens.

Global citizens

Description: Information on Canadian partnerships, human development, economic growth, environmental sustainability, governance, engaging Canadians, tied and untied aid, international organizations, official development assistance, bilateral projects, institutional evaluations of Canadian partnerships, Agency services and Canadian relations, voluntary sector, policy coordination, World Bank Group, public participation programs, youth programs, non-governmental organizations, and trainees and awards.

Document types: Organizations, programs and projects, strategic planning and policy, briefing notes, visits and tours, internal audits, financial documents, committees and councils, conferences and meetings, contracts, studies, research and impact, evaluation of CIDA programs, trainees and awards, reports, and correspondence.

Record number: CIDA CPB 0005

Files and records of foreign student scholarship holders

Description: The personal information record contains the files of foreign students and of professionals who have applied for or received a scholarship under the Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program. CIDA fully funds all scholarships designed to build the institutional capacity of countries of La Francophonie eligible for official development assistance. The record contains information about the terms and conditions imposed by Canada (CIDA) and the student's acceptance of these terms and conditions, which are very clearly explained in the guide prepared for the student. The record may include the student's name, the student's address in the student's country of origin and in Canada, and the student's proposed and approved program of studies, as well as the student's professional references and career plan. The record may also include official transcripts, invoices for training costs, and any correspondence related to the program of study.

Class of individuals: Foreign students and professionals who have applied for or received a scholarship.

Purpose: To preserve the files of foreign students and professionals who have applied for or received a scholarship.

Consistent uses: Information may be shared with the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the university or educational institution concerned, and the authorities of the country of origin to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions to which the student has agreed, especially upon returning to the country of origin when training is completed. Failure to honour these commitments could cause CIDA to withdraw the scholarship and to exercise its right to recover the financial assistance provided.

Retention and disposal standards: When scholarship applications are rejected, files are kept for seven years following the examination of the application. When scholarship applications are accepted, files are kept for the duration of the scholarship, and then another seven years after the scholarship and the training have ended. Once these periods have ended, files are destroyed with the authorization of the archivist.

RDA number: 2000/008

Related record number: CIDA CPB 0005

TBS registration: 003418

Bank number: CIDA PPU 0016

Internal services

Internal services are groups of related activities and resources that support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These services include:

  • Acquisitions services
  • Communications services
  • Financial management services
  • Human resources management services
  • Information management services
  • Information technology services
  • Legal services
  • Management and oversight services
  • Material Services
  • Real property services
  • Travel and other administrative services

Note: Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

A description and links to the standard class of record and the standard personal information banks for each of the services are available centrally on the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Info Source website.

Manuals

Additional information

The Government of Canada encourages the release of information through informal requests. You may wish to consult CIDA's summaries of completed access to information requests and visit its Open Data subsite.

To make an informal request, email us at:

aiprp.atip@acdi-cida.gc.ca

or write to us at:

Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator
Canadian International Development Agency
200 Promenade du Portage, Room 2-621
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0G4

To make a formal request, follow the procedures outlined in the foreword to Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information on the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat website. Send your letter or appropriate request form and any necessary documents and application fees to:

Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator
Canadian International Development Agency
200 Promenade du Portage, Room 2-621
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0G4

Note: A cheque or money order in the amount of $5 made out to the Receiver General for Canada must accompany any request made to CIDA under the Access to Information Act.
For additional information about CIDA's programs and activities, please contact:

Public Enquiries Service
Communications Branch
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0G4

Telephone: 819-997-5456
Toll free: 1-800-230-6349
Fax: 819-953-6088

Email: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca

For the hearing and speech impaired only (TDD/TTY): 819-953-5023
Toll free for the hearing and speech impaired only: 1-800-331-5018

Reading room

In accordance with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, an area on the premises will be made available should you wish to review materials on site.