Section IV: Supplementary Information

The information in Section IV provides additional information in support of the 2016-17 Departmental Results Report and includes the following subsections:

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS)

1. Overview of the Federal Government's Approach to Sustainable Development

The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 2013–16 presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development activities, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Global Affairs Canada supports the implementation of the FSDS through the activities listed in this supplementary information table.

2. Our Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

This Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy describes Global Affairs Canada actions in support for Theme I – Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality, and Theme IV - Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government. The report for 2016–17 presents a high level overview of results and is the final report under the 2013–16 FSDS. Last year’s report is available on the departmental website.

3. Departmental Performance Highlight

Under Theme I, Global Affairs Canada contributed to the 2013-16 FSDS through 1.1.51 implementation strategy for Goal 1- Climate Change.

3. Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

3. Theme I - Implementation Strategies

• Link to Global Affairs Canada Program Alignment Architecture: Sub-Program 1.2.2 - Summitry and Multilateral Diplomacy and Advocacy.
• Implementation strategy: In support of Environment and Climate Change Canada, which is the department responsible for climate change negotiations for Canada, Global Affairs Canada will provide legal services and advice for the international negotiation meetings in which Canada participates, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties. Global Affairs Canada will also coordinate financial obligations related to climate change.
• Actual results 2016-17: Global Affairs Canada provided legal services and advice for international climate change negotiations, including at the 22^nd session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC in Marrakesh. Canada continued to effectively manage important financial obligations related to climate change, including Canada’s long-term financial commitment of $2.65 billion. As of June 1 2017, Canada announced $838.7 million in climate financing contributions to help developing countries transition to a low carbon, climate resilient economy. Key agreements now in place include: $300 million to the Green Climate Fund and $200 millionto establish a second phase of the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia, administered by the Asian Development Bank.

3. Theme IV: Targets and Implementation Strategies

Under Theme IV, Global Affairs Canada contributed to the 2013-16 FSDS through the following implementation strategies for Goal 7.

4. Report On Strategic Environmental Assessment

During the 2016-17 reporting cycle, Global Affairs Canada considered the environmental effects of initiatives subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, as part of its decision-making processes. Through the strategic environmental assessment process, departmental proposals were found to have neutral to positive effects on progress toward the 2013-16 FSDS goals and targets in Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality and the FSDS 2013-16 for Theme IV - Shrinking the Environmental Footprint - Beginning with Government. Additional information on the results of the strategic environmental assessments is available on the department's Sustainable Development and Environmental Assessment of Trade Negotiations webpages.

Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: December 9, 2009

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

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

Strategic Outcome: International Assistance and Poverty Alleviation - Poverty is reduced, and security and democracy are increased for those living in countries where Canada engages.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 3.1: International Security and Democratic Development / Sub-program 3.1.1: International Security and Threat Reduction

Description: The ACCBP provides assistance to enhance the capacity of beneficiary states to prevent and respond to threats posed by international criminal activity, with a global mandate and a focus on the Americas. The Human Smuggling Envelope (HSE) was created under the ACCBP to address the threats posed to Canadian interests by human smuggling operations destined for Canada. The ACCBP administers the annual voluntary contributions to address threats related to illicit drug trafficking and transnational organized crime; this programming is a component of Canada’s National Anti-Drug Strategy. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved: The ACCBP achieved its expected outcomes as demonstrated by the following results:

• In direct support of Canada’s renewed Migrant Smuggling Prevention Strategy, ACCBP/HSE supported the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to develop specialized software and equipment, known as the VERIFIER Travel Document and Bearer (TD&B) system, which assists border agents in targeted countries to identify fraudulent travel documentation as well as imposters. Canada, via the HSE, is the sole donor to the VERIFIER TD&B system and is providing ongoing funding to IOM to continue the roll-out of the system across South and Southeast Asia. As of October 2016, results from the VERIFIER TD&B system to date include:
  • Installation of the system at 21 border points across 14 countries
  • Scanning of nearly 4,960 travel documents
  • Identifying over 200 imposters
  • Uncovering over 930 fraudulent travel documents
• As of 2016, the HSE had also supported IOM to train over 7,000 immigration and law enforcement officers in Southeast Asia to detect and combat human smuggling operations in the region.
• ACCBP provided focused support to governments in Central America and the Caribbean to assist them in preventing and responding to human and drug trafficking, money laundering, corruption, and cybercrime, including the online exploitation of children. The rise of violent crime is often associated with drug trafficking, particularly in Central America. Projects funded through ACCBP have led to drug seizures in maritime ports in the Americas (of at least 42 tonnes of cocaine) and the training of border officials to intercept human trafficking and appropriately treat victims, typically women. Women comprised nearly 40% of participants in a recent regional training event in Central America and the Caribbean on cash smuggling by couriers. Canada has also successfully trained law enforcement personnel and prosecutors on crime scene management and prosecution; this has resulted in a strong national anti-money laundering strategy in Panama.
• The UNODC Container Control Project launched its Women’s Network to heighten awareness of gender issues at a global level to encourage equal participation of women in Port Control Units (PCUs). In Latin America, women comprise 17% of PCU staff. In the future, Cuba intends to staff its PCUs entirely with women. These efforts support the rule of law and enhance security, with associated positive impacts on women and children.

Comments on variances: Actual grants and contributions programming exceeded the plan by 3% due to stronger partner interest/demand as expressed through the 2016 Call for Concepts, as well as an improved recipient agreement management approach that was adopted partly in response to evaluation report recommendations.

Audits completed or planned: The ACCBP participates in the department’s recipient audit process for Grant and Contributions programs, which adopts a risk-based approach to auditing selected recipients.

Evaluations completed or planned: The ACCBP underwent a summative evaluation in 2014-15, which was approved in 2015-16 and the results were published in May 2016. Divisional management action plans are ongoing in response to report recommendations.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The program delivers programming via Government of Canada departments and agencies, plus selected multilateral institutions, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and private entities.

Canada Fund for Local Initiatives

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: April 1, 2012

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.1: Bilateral and Regional Diplomacy and Advocacy

Description: The CFLI is a contributions program with three objectives:

• Contribute to the achievement of Canada’s priorities for international assistance;
• Assist in the advocacy of Canada’s values and interests and the strengthening of Canada’s bilateral relations with foreign countries and their civil societies;
• Provide humanitarian assistance in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters and emergencies.

The program is delivered through Canada’s missions abroad in countries that are eligible for official development assistance. The CFLI provides monetary assistance, averaging $24,000, to cover all or a portion of the cost of projects that are conceived and designed by local authorities, institutions or organizations. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved: In 2016-17, the CFLI funded almost 600 projects in 118 countries and the West Bank, through 70 Canadian embassies and high commissions. A total of $14.5 million was disbursed to implementing partners.

The regional breakdown is as follows:^{Footnote 1}

1. Asia - 132 projects worth $3.6 million, accounting for 27% of CFLI funds;
2. Africa - 147 projects worth $3.4 million, accounting for 25% of CFLI funds;
3. Americas - 142 projects worth $3.4 million, accounting for 25% of CFLI funds;
4. Europe, Middle East and North Africa - 137 projects worth $3.1 million, accounting for 23% of CFLI funds.

Each thematic priority is broken down as follows:

1. Promoting gender equality and empowerment of women and girls: 195 projects worth $4.7 million;
2. Championing inclusive and accountable governance, peaceful pluralism, respect for diversity and human rights: 181 projects worth $4.2 million;
3. Addressing climate change and enhancing environmental sustainability: 86 projects worth $2 million;
4. Promoting stability and security: 43 projects worth $1.1 million;
5. Stimulating sustainable and green economic growth: 42 projects worth $1 million.

Project activities largely focused on increasing the capacity, knowledge and skills of beneficiaries through workshops, training and advocacy campaigns for local communities. Other project activities included the building or restoration of small-scale infrastructure, the provision of legal and psychosocial services, and research and reports.

Projects under the thematic priority of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls accounted for the largest number of CFLI projects and funding disbursed. Most of these projects were implemented in Africa (34%) and Europe, the Middle East and North Africa (26%), followed by Asia (23%) and the Americas (17%). These projects focused on a diverse range of issues such as: women’s economic empowerment and business skills development; raising awareness of reproductive rights, child rights, child and early forced marriage, and gender-based violence; promoting political participation; and gender-focused climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

In addition, the CFLI provided funding totalling $500,000 for 11 humanitarian projects in Bangladesh, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, and Mexico. This funding helped increase local capacity in responding to sudden-onset natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

Comments on variances: Since 2012, the CFLI program has had ongoing authority to disburse up to $14.7 million in Vote 10 funds per fiscal year. In addition, the Crisis Pool Quick Release Mechanism funds are included in CFLI’s planned spending. The variance between planned spending and actual spending is primarily attributable to the unused portion of funds related to the Crisis Pool Quick Release Mechanism ($19.6 million). The remaining variance ($222,236) was due to end-of-year adjustments to individual CFLI projects. Overall, 98.5% of CFLI funds were spent.

Audits completed or planned: The Office of the Chief Audit Executive undertook an internal audit of the CFLI for the fiscal year 2015-16.

Evaluations completed or planned: No evaluation was completed during the 2016-17 fiscal year. An evaluation of the CFLI covering the 2012-13 and 2013-14 fiscal years is reported.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: By program design, the CFLI is intended to respond to local needs and engage closely with recipients. Applicants are solicited through broad calls for proposals, which clearly identify a staff person who is responsible for responding to queries. Many Canadian high commissions and embassies 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. Additionally, recipients may be offered the opportunity to participate in group experience-sharing workshops or training, including on financial reporting and record keeping.

Commonwealth Secretariat

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Commonwealth Secretariat (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

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

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.2: Summitry and Multilateral Diplomacy and Advocacy / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

Description: Canada’s assessed contribution to the regular budget of the Commonwealth is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of Canada’s membership is to further the Government of Canada’s foreign policy goals related to international peace, security and development and, to this end, to enhance relationships among the 52 Commonwealth member countries. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved:

Democracy

• During this period, Commonwealth elections observation missions supported the democratic process and enhanced elections credibility in the Ghana, Nauru, Seychelles, and Zambia.
• The Secretariat’s Good Offices deployed a special advisor to facilitate high-level dialogue on election-related issues in Zambia, which contributed to a peaceful elections environment.

Financial

• Assessed contributions to the Commonwealth Secretariat were paid in full and on time.

Inclusive Growth

• An inaugural Commonwealth Trade Ministers’ Meeting in March 2017 provided Canada with an opportunity to promote a progressive trade agenda within the Commonwealth.

Public Institutions

• Seven countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Trinidad and Tobago) were supported to effectively engage the United Nation’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process and mechanism on human rights.

Social Development

• An inaugural Commonwealth Women’s Summit in July 2016 and Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers’ Meeting in September 2016 raised the profile of the Secretariat’s work on gender equality.
• The Secretariat, in partnership with UN Women, produced a judicial bench book about the legal procedure on Violence Against Women and Girls for Asia, following the success of a similar initiative for East Africa.

Small and Vulnerable States

• The Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, which assists climate-vulnerable small states to access pledged funds for climate action, was launched in Mauritius in September 2016.

Youth

• Launch of the innovative Commonwealth Youth Development Index to measure multi-dimensional progress on youth development in 183 countries, including 49 of the 52 Commonwealth countries.

Comments on variances: Variances between planned and actual amounts reflect changing exchange rates, as Commonwealth invoices are issued in pounds sterling.

Audits completed or planned: No audits have been conducted or are planned by Global Affairs Canada. The Commonwealth Secretariat’s Board of Governors, comprising representatives from member states, including Canada, receives an external annual audit report and acts on any opinions therein.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Commonwealth Secretariat commissioned the Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT) of the University of Wolverhampton to evaluate the Secretariat’s Strategic Plan for 2013-14 to 2016-17. The evaluation was completed in January 2017.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Engagement is ongoing. For more details, visit The Commonwealth.

Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program (CTCBP) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: September 2005

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-2012 (amended); 2015-16 (amendment)

Strategic Outcome: International Assistance and Poverty Alleviation - Poverty is reduced, and security and democracy are increased for those living in countries where Canada engages.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 3.1: International Security and Democratic Development / Sub-program 3.1.1: International Security and Threat Reduction

Description: The CTCBP provides training, equipment, infrastructure, and technical and legal assistance to enhance the capacity of key beneficiary states to prevent and respond to threats posed by terrorist activity. Specific funding is available until 2018-19 to enable increased programming in support of Canada’s strategy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the Sahel. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved: The CTCBP achieved its expected outcome as demonstrated by the following examples of results:

• CTCBP supported the implementation of Canada’s MENA strategy. At the end of 2016-2017, Jordan was the largest recipient country of the CTCBP operational programming in law enforcement, military and intelligence cooperation, border and transportation security, countering violent extremism and foreign terrorist fighters, and legislative assistance. Since April 2016, CTCBP has increased its funding of initiatives throughout MENA to continue significant capacity building of beneficiary countries, including development of critical skills and effective use of equipment and technology, for example:
  • Establishment of real-time operational communication between international airports in the Middle East and North Africa of the Airport Communication Programme (AIRCOP);
  • Training of Iraqi advocates to produce and disseminate strategically effective counter Daesh communications;
  • Delivery of 26 utility vehicles to the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) of the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) as part of a joint contribution with the United Kingdom to enhance JAF’s ability to respond quickly to security incidents;
  • Provision of bomb suits and remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) to the Gendarmerie Forces (GF) and the Public Security Directorate (PSD) to be used to detect, handle and disable explosives and enhance the ability of state border control authorities to monitor and search passenger luggage, vehicle traffic and people crossing borders; and
  • Provided training to improve the skills of law enforcement and security officials to carry out their counter-terrorism duties while upholding their human rights obligations.
• CTCBP continued to support efforts within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to limit the unencumbered movement of known terrorists, criminals and individuals under United Nations (UN) sanctions through funding of INTERPOL’s Operation Sunbird I, which ran for 10 days at 15 border checkpoints. During the operation, more than 700,000 searches were conducted against INTERPOL databases resulting in two Red Notice “hits” and the identification of 16 stolen or lost travel documents. Further, the Operation resulted in five arrests. During Sunbird II, which ran over 10 days and involved 30 international checkpoints, more than five million checks were conducted against INTERPOL databases resulting in almost 100 INTERPOL database “hits” and seven arrests.
• During the recent Sunbird III, enhanced cooperation between law enforcement agencies was emphasized by involving police, immigration and maritime authorities from all 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam). The operation facilitated secure information sharing on foreign terrorist fighters believed to be traveling in Southeast Asia and prioritized ensuring that police have the necessary policing capabilities, competencies and mechanisms to effectively prevent and investigate crime. Accordingly, passports were screened at 35 land, air and sea border points against INTERPOL’s global databases; eight million searches were conducted during the operation, resulting in 17 arrests—including a suspected foreign terrorist fighter—and 110 “hits” on passports recorded in INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database.
• CTCBP increased support for efforts that counter violent extremism, including support to projects in Mali and Nigeria through the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF). Since 2011, Canada and Algeria have co-chaired the Sahel Regional Capacity Building Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCF). The Working Group promotes regional and international cooperation and provides a venue for experts to discuss civilian counter-terrorism capacity building gaps and identify solutions, where Canada continues to focus on conducting training and workshops that are action-oriented and outcome-driven. In November 2016, Canada and Algeria supported a workshop with the United Nations Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) for national-level practitioners from the working group member states to raise awareness and to share best practices in developing national plans of action.

Comments on variances: Program spending was higher by $37,708,649 to reflect a higher volume of projects and increased total authorities. Actual programming and authorities were in direct response to commitments in support of Canada’s strategy on the Middle East and North Africa as well as the Sahel.

Audits completed or planned: The CTCBP participates in the department’s recipient audit process for Grant and Contributions programs, which adopts a risk-based approach to auditing selected recipients.

Evaluations completed or planned: The CTCBP underwent a summative evaluation in 2014-15, which was approved in 2015-16; the results were published in May 2016. Divisional management action plans are ongoing in response to report recommendations.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The CTCBP delivers programming via Government of Canada departments and agencies, selected multilateral institutions, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and private entities.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: 1945

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

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

Results Achieved:

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

For further details, please refer to FAO’s latest available Programme Implementation Report 2014-15, which informs member states about the work carried out and the results achieved by the organization during the 2014-15 biennium.

Comments on variances: Assessed budgets of international organizations are negotiated outcomes, and member states, including Canada, are legally bound by the final outcome of these negotiations. Currency fluctuations are also a factor.

Audits completed or planned: The FAO has an external auditor and provides regular audited financial statements.

Evaluations completed or planned: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

Global Markets Support Program

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Global Markets Support Program (GMSP) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: December 11, 2008

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2015-16

Strategic Outcome: International Commercial and Consular Services for Canadians - Canadians are satisfied with commercial and consular services.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 2.1: International Commerce / Sub-Program 2.1.1: International Business Development through Promotion of Exports and Trade in Canada and Abroad / Sub-program 2.1.2: Foreign Direct Investment in Canada / Sub-program 2.1.3: International Innovation, Science and Technology

Description: The GMSP harmonizes previously existing programs, a five-year foreign trade zone component and a five-year exports and trade component under one umbrella mechanism:

• Invest Canada-Community Initiatives;
• Global Opportunities for Associations;
• Going Global Innovation (GGI);
• Foreign Trade Zones Marketing Program; and
• CanExport

The objective of the program is to build a stronger and more competitive Canadian capacity to compete in the global economy. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved:

Overall, the global finding is that the results achieved from GMSP-funded activities are contributing to a stronger Canadian capacity to compete in the global economy, as evidenced by questionnaire responses that 97% of communities reported having improved ability to better service prospective investors; all associations reported that there are more Canadian companies involved in international business as a result of funded projects; and 69% of associations reported that the funded projects resulted in foreign sales or contracts. Additionally, questionnaire responses revealed further evidence of ongoing research and development collaboration with foreign partners, ongoing generation of foreign direct investment, and creation or retention of jobs.

CanExport final reports for projects completed in 2016-17 show that over 50% of recipients had achieved an intermediate outcome at the time of completion and as a direct result of their project, while approximately another 30% had achieved export sales in a new market—for an initial plan total of close to $40,000,000 to date, distributed among 44 recipients.

Comments on variances: Projects funded by GMSP pillars are approved based on estimates; however, actual expenditures were lower in some cases. Actual spending for 2016-17 also included outstanding payable year-end payments; as such, total spending for 2016-17 may be lower than reported in the above table.

Audits completed or planned: CanExport Program 2017-18

Evaluations completed or planned: An evaluation was completed in February 2015. It concluded that the results of all sub-programs of the GMSP contributed to Canadian economic growth and prosperity, which can be calculated in the millions of dollars, far in excess of program costs. Note: the new foreign trade zones – marketing program (FTZ-MP) and CanExport pillars were beyond the scope of the evaluation, and GGI was inactive at the time of the evaluation.

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

Global Partnership Program

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Global Partnership Program (GPP) 2013-2018 (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: April 1, 2013

End Date: March 31, 2018

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013-14 (amended)

Strategic Outcome: International Assistance and Poverty Alleviation - Poverty is reduced, and security and democracy are increased for those living in countries where Canada engages.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 3.1: International Security and Democratic Development / Sub-program 3.1.1: International Security and Threat Reduction

Description: The GPP is responsible for the implementation of Canada’s participation in the 31-member Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (the Global Partnership). The GPP was renewed for an additional $367 million over five years (2013-2018) to address emerging weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation threats globally, corresponding with the G7 decision to expand the Global Partnership’s geographic focus from the former Soviet Union to global. The GPP implements cooperative WMD threat reduction projects in the following priority areas: nuclear and radiological security; biological security; support for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540; and chemical weapons.

Results Achieved:

The GPP is on track to achieving its expected outcomes. The GPP contributed to reducing threats to Canadians and the global population from WMDs and/or chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN)-related materials. Highlights from 2016-17 include the implementation of a $42-million commitment announced by the Prime Minister at the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit. This includes funding projects to combat illicit trafficking ($26.5 million); improve physical protection of nuclear facilities ($5.7 million); promote safe management and disposal of radioactive sources ($2.3 million); improve transportation security ($1 million); and fund relevant international organizations and initiatives. The GPP also fulfilled a $20-million commitment made by the Prime Minister in Washington, D.C. in March 2016 to assist up to 15 countries to fulfill commitments under the U.S.-led Global Health Security Agenda. This included projects to mitigate biological threats posed by Ebola in West Africa ($3 million); to strengthen ASEAN biological surveillance capacities through the establishment of an early warning and disease surveillance system across ASEAN member states ($2.5 million); and support through the Implementation Support Unit of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) to advance universalization and the full and effective implementation of the Convention.

GPP programming continued to build the capacity of partner states, organizations, and global networks to prevent and/or respond to the proliferation of WMD. For example, GPP facilitated the training of Malaysian law enforcement officers by the RCMP’s National CBRNE Response Team. Officers trained through this initiative were involved in the response to the VX nerve gas attack in the Kuala Lumpur airport on February 13, 2017, and in the response to the discovery of stolen radioactive materials. GPP programming also supported key international organizations and enabled them to deliver on their mandate, including contribution to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)–United Nations Joint Investigation Mechanism (JIM), which is responsible for attributing responsibility for chemical attacks in Syria, and to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for monitoring and verification of Iran’s compliance with its nuclear obligations under the P5+1 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

GPP programming contributed to reducing access to CBRN-related materials by non-state actors and states of proliferation concern, notably through a $700,000-contribution to OPCW to remove and destroy Libya’s remaining stockpile of chemical weapons precursors. During 2016, GPP programming also contributed to securing or recycling 45 disused radioactive sources in Latin America and to locating, assessing, destroying and/or consolidating samples of deadly Ebola virus in Sierra Leone.

Through its programming, the GPP continued to support improvement of legal and policy instruments and frameworks of partner states that meet international security and threat reduction standards and best practices. For example, a GPP-funded project in Latin America resulted in the endorsement by 25 countries of a plan of action to strengthen the implementation of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. Two countries have already passed legislation to this effect.

Comments on variances: The GPP transferred $2.2 million to other divisions that were experiencing funding gaps. The breakdown of the variance is as follows: $1.2 million as a voluntary assessed contribution to the IAEA Technical Cooperation Fund, and $1 million to meet an increased programming need related to enhanced engagement by Canada in the Arms Trade Treaty. A number of GPP projects were re-profiled to fiscal year 2017-18 to support this corporate request. The GPP ended the year with a small lapse of $58,000 out of $63,400,000. The GPP plans to fully spend its programming fund based on a model of authorizations as defined by the Delegation of Authorities and is on track to fully commit and expend 2017-18 funding.

Audits completed or planned: The GPP participates in the department’s recipient audit process for grants and contributions programs, which adopts a risk-based approach to auditing selected recipients.

Evaluations completed or planned: The GPP underwent a formative evaluation in 2014-15, for which a report was approved in 2015-16. The results were published in 2016. The evaluation found a continuing need for the program to address significant ongoing threats from WMD proliferation in the areas of CBRN security.

A summative evaluation is already under way for fiscal year 2017-18.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The GPP engages continuously with the 31-member Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction to identify global needs and conducts matchmaking to link potential donors with recipients. The GPP also engages with relevant multilateral institutions (e.g. IAEA, WHO, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, INTERPOL, UN) to identify and engage potential partners. In addition, the GPP uses the Government of Canada’s global network of missions to identify potential project initiatives and also undertakes targeted outreach and assessment missions to countries identified through its regular priority-setting exercise.

Grants and Contributions in Aid of Academic Relations

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Grants and Contributions in Aid of Academic Relations (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

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 (amended)

Strategic Outcome: International Commercial and Consular Services for Canadians - Canadians are satisfied with commercial and consular services.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 2.1: International Commerce / Sub-program 2.1.1: International Business Development through Promotion of Exports and Trade in Canada and Abroad

Description: These grants and contributions expand international education programs to more effectively and efficiently advance departmental priorities, which include contributing to Canada’s competitiveness in the education sector and promoting democracy, the rule of law and human rights. Recipients are not required to repay grant funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved:

Raised awareness of Canada among future leaders, decision makers and the general public in foreign countries, as demonstrated by:

• 1,379 applications received and 699 scholarship recipients studied in Canada and have experienced Canada’s models of democratic governance (an increase of close to 9% from last fiscal year); and
• 16 senior institutional leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean visited Canadian universities and colleges and met Canadian academic officials with whom they can create linkages.

Canada’s knowledge advantage is recognized worldwide and serves to strengthen Canadian interests and economic prosperity, as demonstrated in 2016-17 by:

• 475 collaborative linkages established between foreign and Canadian institutions. Out of these 475 linkages, 289 partnerships agreements are from undergraduates and colleges. There may be additional partnership agreements as the Canadian institutions do not necessarily inform Global Affairs Canada of all new partnership agreements;
• 785 foreign scholarship recipients experienced Canada’s academic excellence. Through their studies and research in Canada, they contributed to “brain circulation” among Canadian industry and academic institutions while in Canada. Scholarship programs include the Student Exchange Program, the Canada-CARICOM Virtual University Scholarship Program, the Canada-Brazil Awards - Joint Research Projects and the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program. New scholarships being added are the Ireland Canada James M. Flaherty Program (9), Fulbright Program (60), and the Canada-Israel Innovation Initiative for Student Mobility (6); and
• 92 Canadians have participated in scholarships programs administered under the international scholarships program (ISP): the Canada-Brazil Awards - Joint Research Projects (8); the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program (16); the Commonwealth Scholarship Plan – New Zealand (2); and the Foreign Government Awards – Mexico (3). New scholarships being added are the Ireland Canada James M. Flaherty Program (9), and the Fulbright Program (54), which is supervised by the ISP team.

Comments on variances: The variance between planned and actual spending in 2016-17 was related to the identification of additional funding from elsewhere in the department that was provided to support approved but unfunded academic relations activities. Most of the funding was originally provided as grants, but since the majority of activities were more applicable to the characteristics of contributions, some grants were converted to contributions.

Audits completed or planned: An internal departmental audit of the International Education Strategy that includes some aspects of the Grants and Contributions in Aid of Academic Relations was completed in 2016-17, and corrective measures have already been applied on the findings. There were also six recipient audits in 2016-17; at least seven are planned in 2017-18.

Evaluations completed or planned: The program has been continued based on the results of the last completed evaluation in fiscal year 2009-10. The planned completion of the next evaluation is fiscal year 2018-19.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The following took place in 2016-17: promotion of programs by 53 missions; weekly collaborations with non-governmental organizations; and participation in six education conferences and forums, one study tour, and one collaboration mission involving leaders of international academic institutional from the Americas coming to Canada.

International scholarships news releases - RSS Feeds: 52
Alumni newsletters published in 2016-17: two

International scholarships website statistics:

• Visits: 1,322,662
• Visitors: 1,139,308
• Total pages viewed: 2,675,990 (86% international)
• Direct traffic: 240,186
• Average duration per visit: 2 min 25 seconds
• Average number of pages viewed per visit: 2.02

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

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Grants in lieu of taxes on diplomatic, consular and international organizations’ property in Canada ( program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: January 18, 1979

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 1978-79

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.1: Bilateral and Regional Diplomacy and Advocacy

Description: The Diplomatic, Consular and International Organizations’ Property Grants Order (P.C.1979-59, January 18, 1979), the Municipal Grants Act, and successor orders and acts form the statutory basis of this program. The transfer program is also designed to fulfill obligations under the Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act. The related memorandum of understanding between Global Affairs Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada establishes responsibilities and procedures governing 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 property. These procedures are designed to ensure fiscal and operational accountability while promoting efficient program delivery.

Results Achieved:

Canada’s international commitments are met, as demonstrated by:

• Timely and accurate administration of payments to taxing authorities in Canada with respect to exempt properties owned by foreign states; and
• Maintenance and expansion of the most favourable property tax exemption opportunities for Canadian missions abroad.

Comments on variances: The variance between the planned and actual spending is due to lower than anticipated municipal realty taxes. Changes in the volume and entitlement of grants are other factors in the year-end variance.

Audits completed or planned: N/A

Evaluations completed or planned: An evaluation is currently under way, as part of the overall evaluation of the Diplomatic Corps Services Program (DCSP), and will be completed during the 2017-18 fiscal year.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

International Atomic Energy Agency

Name of Transfer Payment Program: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

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

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

Description: Canada’s annual assessed contribution to the IAEA is a legally binding obligation of membership. Payment is made to ensure that membership is in good standing and to maintain influence and credibility in a key international body, the aims of which Canada supports. The IAEA is the world’s centre of cooperation in the nuclear field and it works to further the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology, in particular by verifying that states adhere to their commitments to use nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved:

• Sustained oversight by Canada to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the IAEA’s major programs, as reflected in the Agency’s biennial program and budget;
• Effective participation for Canada in the Agency’s activities, through Canada’s leadership as a permanent member on the IAEA Board of Governors and the ongoing participation of Canadian technical experts in IAEA activities;
• Direct and indirect technical and commercial dividends to the Canadian nuclear industry; and
• IAEA actions and decisions consistent with Canadian foreign policy priorities.

Comments on variances: Assessed budgets of international organizations are negotiated outcomes, and Canada is legally bound by the final outcome of these negotiations. Regular currency fluctuations, for which Canada assumes any loss, can cause a variance in the planned and actual spending.

Audits completed or planned: The IAEA’s Office of Internal Oversight Services provides functions such as internal audit, program monitoring, program evaluation, inspections, consulting and investigations on an ongoing basis. The IAEA also appoints an external auditor to audit the IAEA’s accounts. The current external auditor is the Chairman of the Supreme Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia.

Canada’s representatives to the IAEA have access to all audit and financial reports produced by the various oversight bodies and presented to the Board of Governors or General Conference. Global Affairs Canada officials are able to review these reports and advocate Canadian issues as required.

Evaluations completed or planned: The IAEA’s Office of Internal Oversight Services conducts ongoing evaluations of IAEA programs and projects. Annual evaluation reports are made available to the Board of Governors each May.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

International Criminal Court

Name of Transfer Payment Program: International Criminal Court (ICC) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: April 1, 2005

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

Description: The ICC is 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. Although the Court’s operating expenses are funded primarily by states parties, it also receives contributions from governments, international organizations, individuals, corporations and other entities. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved:

• Enable the ICC to carry out investigations and prosecutions—to date, 24 cases in ten situations have been brought before the Court. A further 10 situations are under preliminary investigation. For more information, please visit the ICC’s Situations under investigation web page.
• Engage in outreach to promote accountability for serious international crimes and advance the interests of justice; the Court has created an outreach strategy and published a report for the General Assembly. The Court also reports on its outreach activities annually to the Assembly of States Parties (ASP). Reports to the 2016 ASP are available on the Court’s website.
• Carry on all other activities required and expected of a judicial body functioning in accordance with international standards.
• Carry on all activities in accordance with the Court’s internal and external oversight mechanisms. Internal controls are being maintained by the Court’s Registrar, including through the Office of Internal Audit. The ASP also appointed an external auditor and created the Committee on Budget and Finance for the budgetary and financial review and monitoring of the resources of the Court. 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.

Comments on variances: The ICC’s annual program budget is approved by the ASP in November of the preceding year. For financial planning purposes, Canada is required to estimate the ICC program budget well in advance of its adoption. Unanticipated events, such as the arrest of an individual on a long-outstanding warrant, can result in significant increases to the Court’s budget. As a result, there is always some variance between the anticipated contribution and the assessed contribution.

Audits completed or planned: N/A

Evaluations completed or planned: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Canada is an active participant in the annual ASP of the ICC and on the Committee on Budget and Finance. 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 Court. Canada, together with the six other largest contributors to the ICC’ s budget, is pressing for further budget efficiencies.

International Development Assistance

Name of Transfer Payment Program: International Development Assistance

Start Date: 2001-02

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012-13

Strategic Outcome: International Assistance and Poverty Alleviation - Poverty is reduced, and security and democracy are increased for those living in countries where Canada engages.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 3.1: International Security and Democratic Development / Sub-program 3.1.2: Advancing Democracy, Human Rights, Freedom, and the Rule of Law;

Program 3.2: International Development / Sub-programs 3.2.1: Sustainable Economic Growth / 3.2.2: Children and Youth, including Maternal, Newborn and Child Health / 3.2.3: Food Security / 3.2.4: Multisector Assistance, Social Development, and Development Engagement; Program 3.3: International Humanitarian Assistance / Sub-programs 3.3.1: Humanitarian Programming / 3.3.2: Partners for Humanitarian Assistance

Description: 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 to alleviate the effects of a natural or man-made disaster or other emergency occurring outside Canada. Global Affairs Canada 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. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved: In 2016-17, Global Affairs Canada continued to support Canada’s engagement in developing countries. Canadian development projects focused on achieving results within four thematic sub-programs: Sustainable Economic Growth; Children and Youth, including Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH); Food Security; and Multisector Assistance, Social Development and Development Engagement. Please consult Strategic Outcome 3 of the Departmental Results Report for more information on Global Affairs Canada’s international development programs and performance results.

Comments on variances:

3.1 International Security and Democratic Development

Actual spending was $227.3 million higher than planned spending. The variance (95.6%) is the result of funding received through Supplementary Estimates for the PSOPs, as well as funding received to provide humanitarian assistance to address the needs of people affected by ongoing conflicts, such as in South Sudan, Syria and Iraq.

3.2 International Development

Actual spending was $218.8 million higher than planned spending. The variance (9.4%) is related to funding received through Supplementary Estimates to support developing countries in addressing the impact of climate change, funding received to forgive debts relating to a loan made to Cuba, as well as funding received to provide humanitarian assistance to address the needs of people affected by ongoing conflicts, such as in South Sudan, Syria and Iraq.

3.3 International Humanitarian Assistance

Actual spending was $290.1 million higher than planned spending. The variance (51.6%) is attributable to funding received through Supplementary Estimates for a portion of the funding received to provide humanitarian assistance for people affected by El Niño, conflicts (South Sudan, Syria and Iraq) or disasters.

Audits completed or planned:

The following audits were completed during the 2016-17 fiscal year:

• Review of the Decentralization of Development Programs
• Audit of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

Evaluations completed or planned:

The following evaluations were initiated or completed during the 2016-17 fiscal year:

• Evaluation of the Anti-Crime & Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Programs: Completed
• Evaluation of the Global Partnership Program: Completed
• Evaluation of the Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Sahel Envelope: Completed
• Evaluation of the Canadian Police Arrangement / International Police Peacekeeping Program: In Progress
• Evaluation of START and the Global Peace and Security Program: In Progress
• Partners for Development Program Evaluation: Completed
• South Sudan Country Program Evaluation: Completed
• Formative Evaluation of Canada’s Development Assistance on Extractives and Sustainable Development: In Progress
• Vietnam Country Program Evaluation: In Progress
• Humanitarian Assistance Evaluation: In Progress
• Development Partner Countries (formerly Countries of Modest Presence Evaluation [Africa]): In Progress
• Caribbean Regional Development Program Evaluation: In Progress
• Honduras Country Program Evaluation: In Progress
• Organisation international de la Francophonie (OIF) Review: In Progress
• GAVI Alliance Review: Completed
• Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) Review: Completed
• Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Review: Completed
• United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Review: Completed
• World Bank Review: Completed
• United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Review: Completed
• African Development Bank (AfDB) Review: Completed
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Review: Completed

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Please refer to Strategic Outcome 3 of the Departmental Results Report 2016-17.

International Financial Institutions

Name of Transfer Payment Program: International Financial Institutions (IFIs) as per the International Development (Financial Institutions) Assistance Act

Start Date: N/A

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: N/A

Strategic Outcome: International Assistance and Poverty Alleviation - Poverty is reduced, and security and democracy are increased for those living in countries where Canada engages.

Links to the organisation’s programs: Program 3.1: International Security and Democratic Development / Sub-program 3.1.2: Advancing Democracy, Human Rights, Freedom, and the Rule of Law

Program 3.2: International Development / Sub-programs 3.2.1: Sustainable Economic Growth ; 3.2.2: Children and Youth, including Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; 3.2.3: Food Security; 3.2.4: Multisector Assistance, Social Development, and Development Engagement

Program 3.3: International Humanitarian Assistance / Sub-programs 3.3.1: Humanitarian Programming; 3.3.2: Partners for Humanitarian Assistance

Description: Under this program, Global Affairs Canada provides long-term institutional support to four Regional Development Banks (RDBs): the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank. These institutions provide comprehensive development programming via loans and grants with a focus on country-specific development solutions. Payments to RDBs 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 funding windows for assistance to the poorest developing countries and the purchase of shares of the institution. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer 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, as measured by:

• Progress in global food security, health, education, and sustainable economic growth in developing countries.

The multilateral development banks play an important role in advancing sustainable economic growth and fighting poverty. For example, in 2016, Canada’s contributions to RDBs helped build or upgrade 6,400 km of roads in Asia and the Pacific, increasing mobility and connectivity for millions of people in the region’s developing member countries. Canada’s contribution to the Asian Development Bank also helped provide new or improved water supply to 1,886,000 households, supported 2,009,000 people (of which 1,516,000 were women) to open individuals’ microfinance loan account, and reduce greenhouse gas emission in the region by 1,954,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

In Africa, interventions in agriculture have benefited 5.6 million people. This includes assisting 597,900 people to increase their use of technology, training around 17,000 research and extension staff, and benefiting an estimated 698,000 farmers. In addition, new or improved access to water and sanitation services was provided to over 3.73 million people. Education projects benefited 477,200 people, of whom 269,600 were women.

In the Caribbean, 30,573 people benefited from safer, more rapid transit on account of the 32 km of roads built or upgraded in five Borrowing Member Countries. In Belize, 10,000 people also received road safety training, further ensuring secure travel. At the same time, water-related projects enabled 7,091 households to access improved water and sanitation services.

In the Americas more broadly, 362,383 MWh of renewable energy has been produced through different projects, and 260,340 tons of carbon dioxide has been cumulatively abated as of year-end 2016 through the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in the Americas with the Inter-American Development Bank Group.

Comments on variances: The variance can be explained because a previously planned payment to an IFI did not occur as scheduled.

Audits completed or planned: The RDBs regularly conduct audits on their programming that are shared with Global Affairs Canada in its capacity as shareholder and member of the governing body of these institutions.

Evaluations completed or planned: No internal evaluations were carried out by IFIs during the subject year.

External evaluations by Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN) were carried out in the period covering up to mid-2016 for the Inter-American Development Bank and the African Development Bank.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The recipients of RDB programming are mostly developing country governments, which must request the programming. The RDBs work closely with the governments to ensure their programming is in line with each government’s development priorities and that project beneficiaries are consulted in the design of the project. All RDBs have in place environment and social safeguard policies to reduce and mitigate negative environmental and social consequences of the projects.

International Labour Organization

Name of Transfer Payment Program: International Labour Organization (ILO) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

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

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

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

Results Achieved:

• Development and effective supervision of international labour standards and realization of fundamental principles and rights at work;
• Targeted action against child labour, giving priority to the urgent elimination of its worst forms;
• Contributions to poverty reduction through promotion of coherent economic and social policies that support the creation of jobs;
• 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; and
• Strengthened social dialogue on labour and social-policy issues at the national and international levels.

Comments on variances: Assessed budgets of international organizations are negotiated outcomes, and member states, including Canada, are legally bound by the final outcome of these negotiations. Currency fluctuations are also a factor.

Audits completed or planned: The ILO has an external auditor and provides regular audited financial statements.

Evaluations completed or planned: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Civil Administration

Name of Transfer Payment Program: North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Civil Administration (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

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)

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-programs 1.2.2: Summitry and Multilateral Diplomacy and Advocacy; 1.2.3 Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

Description: Canada’s annual assessed contributions to NATO flow from its membership in the organization 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 international security interests. NATO was designed to promote the stability of the North Atlantic area and to safeguard the freedom and security of its people by political and military means, based on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. NATO accounts are subject to annual audit by the International Board of Auditors (IBAN) for NATO. Since September 1, 2014, and through a voluntary national contribution, Canada has a representative on the IBAN for a four-year period. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved:

• Effective decision making by the Alliance in pursuit of NATO’s objectives of stability and security in the North Atlantic region in the context of a rapidly changing international security environment in eastern Europe and the Middle East and North Africa region, as measured by, for example, implementation of NATO’s strengthened deterrence and defence postures agreed to at the NATO Summit in Warsaw, 2016, including the enhanced Forward Presence and Project Stability initiatives;
• Linked to above, direct support to prime ministerial and ministerial engagement in NATO decision-making processes (e.g. summits, ministerial meetings);
• Political direction and guidance for NATO operations and missions, including in Kosovo, Afghanistan, the Central Mediterranean, and elsewhere;
• Appropriate response to current and emerging defence and security challenges as measured by, for example, ongoing progress on NATO cyber defence, and ensuring that NATO is able to defend its own networks against cyberattack;
• Enhanced relations with NATO partners and cooperation with other international organizations as measured by political and practical cooperation with partners and the implementation of policies aimed at enhancing these relationships;
• 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; and
• Construction of the new NATO headquarters building;
• Coordinating Canada’s approval of Montenegro’s accession to NATO.

Comments on variances: Exchange rate fluctuations continue to have a significant impact on the actual spending versus the planned spending. Also, the 2016-17 actual spending was lower than expected due to changes in the NATO Civil Budget.

Audits completed or planned: Audits Completed in 2016-17: The following elements are funded in whole or in part by the NATO Civil Budget and were completed in 2016-17.

Financial and Compliance Audits:

• NATO Provident Fund
• NATO Staff Centre
• Retirees Medical Claims Fund

Audits Planned in 2017-18: The following elements are funded in whole or in part by the NATO Civil Budget and have been completed or are expected to be completed in 2017-18.

Financial and Compliance Audits:

• International Staff
• NATO Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
• NATO Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
• NATO Provident Fund
• NATO Staff Centre
• New NATO HQ
• Retirees Medical Claims Fund

Evaluations completed or planned: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
(program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

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)

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

Description: The mission of the OECD is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The OECD works 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 planning, budgeting and management are all organized on a results-based system. Results are tracked by the Secretariat and are assessed for quality and impact by member countries in the Programme Implementation Report (PIR). The member country assessments in the PIR are further considered by national delegates to OECD committees and by the Secretariat with a view to improving performance in delivering results in the subsequent program of work. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved: The OECD continued to develop, advance and ensure members’ and non-members’ adherence to policies, guidelines and standards to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

• The OECD concluded work on the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, amending more than 1,000 international tax treaties thus allowing for the transparency of private sector companies’ profit earnings and tax payments and the sharing of relevant tax information among countries.
• The OECD released its biennial economic review of Canada, which largely supported the Canadian government’s fiscal and structural policies, and undertook an environmental review of Canada.
• The OECD work programs and policy positions that were developed reflected Canadian input from across the Canadian government and supported priorities in areas such as progressive trade; productivity and inclusive growth; innovation; skills and jobs; migration; digitalization; foreign investment; anti-corruption; climate change policies and climate financing; gender; and development assistance and innovation in development financing.
• Canada continued to influence policy development among OECD members and non-members to improve the functioning of the international economic system, including work in support of the G7 and G20 in addressing protectionism and barriers to trade (including the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity), inclusive growth, tax evasion and profit shifting, tax resilience and consistency, and structural reforms. Canada rejoined the OECD Sahel and West Africa Club, focusing on food self-sustainability for the region and was instrumental in completing the evaluation of the Development Assistance Committee.
• The OECD continued to identify and analyze new and emerging issues, both domestic and global, that affect Canada’s economy and standard of living, including digitalization, clean energy and energy efficiency, innovation, productivity, trade in services, and global value chains.
• OECD members established a working group, chaired by Canada, to develop criteria and a process to guide the enlargement of the organization. OECD members welcomed Latvia as a new member, continued to support Colombia, Costa Rica and Lithuania in their accession processes, launched the OECD Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Programme as a central reference for the future work on productivity, inclusion and governance in the region, concluded country programs with Peru, Morocco and Kazakhstan, intensified cooperation with Southeast Asia, while maintaining engagement with Ukraine.
• Members adopted a process to select future secretaries general and continued to advocate for the improvement of the organization’s internal governance processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of decision making, as well as better representation of women in senior positions.

Comments on variances: Planned amounts are based on the previous year’s assessed contribution, increased by a small amount to reflect inflation in France (the OECD is based in Paris), and are calculated in euros. Canada’s share of the OECD’s budget changes annually, as it is based on a formula that takes into account a country’s three-year average GDP and population statistics. Variances also occur due to exchange rate fluctuations with the euro and because the end of the fiscal year differs from the due date for the assessed contributions.

Audits completed or planned: Financial audits are performed annually by external auditors, and the reports are reviewed by members through the Audit Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Council. Performance audits are performed annually by both internal and external auditors; the reports are reviewed by members through the Audit Committee, and executive summaries are provided to members. For more information, see OECD Internal Audit and Evaluation.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluations of OECD committees are performed annually, based on a five-year cycle, by internal evaluators, and the reports are reviewed by members through both the Evaluation Committee and the Executive Committee. For more information, see OECD Internal Audit and Evaluation.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

Organisation internationale de la Francophonie

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

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

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy and International Agreements; Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

Description: Canada’s assessed contribution to the regular budget of the OIF is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of Canada’s membership is to promote Canadian values (cultural and linguistic diversity, gender equality, democracy, human rights, good governance, etc.) and interests; to further the Government of Canada’s foreign policy objectives related to international peace, security, development and prosperity; and to enhance relationships among the 83 other La Francophonie states and governments. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved:

• Greater adherence to La Francophonie values and principles—a declaration statement and several resolutions supporting La Francophonie values were adopted in November 2016 by the Heads of States and governments of the OIF during the Francophonie Summit in Madagascar.
• More effective, efficient and equitable global governance—through its 2015-18 quadrennial programming, the OIF implements more than seven programs involving global governance.
• Women and youth more integrated and valued in political and development processes—through its 2015-18 quadrennial programming, the OIF has continued its efforts to better target and integrate women and young people in its activities. The Youth Vocational Training and Inclusion program has enabled 10,000 young people to follow competency approach programs developed by eight member countries. Nearly 300 young people and 35 youth organizations have benefited from the support of the OIF for the participation and/or organization of youth activities, and more than 10,000 young people participated in the consultation and exchange of best practices project entitled “I care for my planet”. As one of La Francophonie’s three transversal themes, gender equality considerations are integrated in several of the OIF’s programs. The Heads of States and governments adopted a resolution at the Madagascar Summit for the creation of an OIF body dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
• More inclusive economic growth and sustainable development—through its 2015-18 quadrennial programming, the OIF implements more than nine programs involving sustainable development components. At least two programs are addressing inclusive economic growth. Through the Francophonie Institute for Sustainable Development, Institute de la Francophonie pour le développement durable (IFDD), the OIF works with 40 francophone countries and assists them in their preparation for international negotiations related to climate change and sustainable development.
• Continuation of cooperation programs and activities undertaken by the organization—current OIF programming will be implemented until 2018. In its annual implementation report, the OIF uses performance measures and performance indicators for monitoring and reporting.

Global Affairs Canada does not govern OIF’s performance management strategy; however, the department receives reports from the OIF Comptroller and the external auditor, annual financial statements from the OIF, and a report from the Secretary General every two years (report in French from the Secretary General). For additional information on results achieved by the OIF, please refer to the following OIF report.

Comments on variances: Spending’s for 2016-17 represents part of the amount anticipated to be paid to the OIF in 2016 and part of the amount to be paid in 2017. The actual spending amount represents the payments made in 2016-17, which consist of the second and final portion of Canada’s statutory payment to the OIF for 2016 and the first portion of the statutory payment to the OIF for 2017. Another factor explaining the difference between planned and actual spending is the difference in the exchange rate at the time the planned amount in euros was calculated in Canadian dollars and the time payments were actually made. In addition, between 2015 and 2018, assessed contributions will rise annually by 1.5 percent. The section of the 2015-16 Report on Plans and Priorities pertaining to La Francophonie did not factor in these annual increases.

Audits completed or planned: No audits have been conducted or are planned by Global Affairs Canada in 2016-17. The OIF has an external auditor that presents the audit reports every year. The report for 2016 has been released. In 2014-15, Canada assisted the OIF in strengthening the internal audit function.

Evaluations completed or planned: As part of Global Affairs Canada’s multilateral review exercise, an evaluation specific to the results achieved by the OIF between 2009 and 2015 is being conducted. Its results are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2018. This evaluation is consistent with the 2009 Treasury Board Policy on Evaluation and with the Financial Administration Act.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In addition to carrying out its programming, the OIF completed in 2016 the simplification of its organizational structure by decreasing the number of its divisions from 13 to 9, with the aim of increasing the impact of its action and reducing spending.

Every year, the administrator of the OIF presents to the OIF’s members a review of the organization and of its programming activities. Programming achievements for 2016-17 will be presented in fall 2017as part of the OIF’s annual report on progress for its 2015-18 programming.

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: January 1, 1993

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

Description: Canada’s annual assessed contributions to the OSCE is an obligation arising from its membership in what is the world’s largest regional security organization, with 57 participating states from North America, Europe, and Eurasia. Canada’s contribution furthers its own foreign policy goals related to human rights, fundamental freedoms, fragile states, democratization, conflict prevention, mediation, crisis management, arms control, and post-conflict development. This is achieved in part through the capacity-building programs implemented by the OSCE’s field operations.

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

Results Achieved:

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

Comments on variances: The OSCE budget is assessed in euros and per calendar year. The variance of $350,935 is due to the early payment of a portion of the expected assessed contributions for the following fiscal year. Fluctuations in the exchange rate also contributed to the variance.

Audits completed or planned: The OSCE’s accounts are subject to an annual report by external auditors, as well as an internal oversight annual report, both of which are made available to participating states. An independent audit committee also provides additional assessment by overseeing the work of both internal and external auditors. The OSCE financial report and financial statements for the 2016 calendar year, as reviewed by the external auditor, will be available on the OSCE website when completed.

Evaluations completed or planned: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

Organization of American States

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Organization of American States (OAS) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: May 31, 1990

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

Description: The OAS was established to achieve among its member states an order of peace and justice, to promote their solidarity, to strengthen their collaboration and to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity and their independence. The OAS is composed of 35 member states of the Americas and constitutes the main political, juridical and social governmental forum in the hemisphere. In addition, it has granted permanent observer status to 69 states, as well as to the European Union. The OAS effectively implements its purposes using an approach based on the following four pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved:

• Strengthening of the OAS as the key political forum through which Canada promotes its hemispheric interests as measured by the relevance of resolutions and initiatives adopted; the level of support for Canadian initiatives and proposals; the degree of alignment of OAS resolutions and initiatives with the goals of Canada’s engagement in the Americas; and the opportunity to influence key partners in the Americas;
• Promotion and consolidation of democracy, and strengthening of human rights, governance and the rule of law as measured by the relevance of resolutions and initiatives with respect to domestic policies, resource level and cooperation (i.e. capacity building, best practices and legal matters) as well as reports and statistics on implementation by the OAS;
• Enhanced regional multilateral cooperation on security issues in the Americas as measured by the relevance of resolutions and initiatives with respect to domestic policies, resource level and cooperation (i.e. capacity building, best practices and legal matters) as well as reports and statistics on implementation by the OAS including on Canadian-funded projects executed in partnership with the OAS; and
• Increased effectiveness and efficiency of the OAS through increased accountability and transparency as measured by the degree of implementation of the reform agenda mandated by resolutions and decisions by OAS member states as presented in reports.

The Terms and Conditions governing this transfer payment do not specify the performance measures and indicators. The OAS’s Office of the Inspector General and Board of External Auditors monitor the OAS’s financial, operational and administrative operations and ensure observance and compliance with policies, rules and practices established by the General Secretariat. Reports are produced and approved annually.

Comments on variances: The variance is attributed to Canada’s regular fund quota assessment for the year and to USD exchange rates at the time of payment. Canada’s regular fund quota assessment is 10.58% of the OAS regular budget for the 2016 and 2017 calendar years.

Audits completed or planned: N/A

Evaluations completed or planned: N/A

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

Pan-American Health Organization

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: July 2008

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013-14

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

Description: Canada’s annual assessed contribution to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is a legally binding obligation of membership. PAHO advance its public health work in the Americas. The program also allows Canada to advance global health and foreign policy priorities and contribute to the security of the Americas region to protect the health of Canadians. As a member of PAHO, Canada is able to protect the health of Canadians and advance Canada’s health priorities through:

• Effective and timely management of health emergencies and outbreaks in the Americas region;
• Collaboration on the production and sharing of health information and public health intelligence;
• Building capacity in the Americas region to uphold international norms and standards through comparative policy analysis and sharing of best practices.
• Payment of Canada’s annual membership fees to PAHO.

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

Results Achieved:

• Protected the health of Canadians by contributing to the security of the Region of the Americas;
• Expanded Canada’s influenced and interests in the Americas region – with respect to policies, good governance, transparency, and accountability – are advanced; and
• Promoted Canadian-based values related to health, as well as successes on key policies such as universal health coverage were disseminated.

Comments on variances: Canada’s annual assessed contribution for PAHO is calculated in US dollars and disbursed in Canadian funds. Variances from planned versus actual spending is related to the currency exchange rate between the US dollar and the Canadian dollar.

Audits completed or planned: N/A

Evaluations completed or planned: Last completed evaluation: 2013–14
Next planned evaluation: 2018–19

Engagement of applicants and recipients: As a member of PAHO, Canada sits on the Directing Council as a voting member, thereby influencing the direction of the PAHO’s work as well as the use of its budgets.

Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) formerly Global Peace and Security Fund

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: September 18, 2006

End Date: March 31, 2016

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-15

Strategic Outcomes: International Assistance and Poverty Alleviation - Poverty is reduced, and security and democracy are increased for those living in countries where Canada engages.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 3.1: International Security and Democratic Development / Sub-program 3.1.1: International Security and Threat Reduction

Description: The Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) seeks to prevent and respond to conflict and crises abroad. PSOPs has three lines of work: 1) Provide policy leadership and advocacy to contribute a strong Canadian voice that can shape dialogue and collective action among allies and partners, particularly at the UN, in areas of Canadian interests and enhance collective action on conflict and state fragility; 2) Deliver effective, whole-of-government coordination and policy coherence to ensure responses are rapid and mutually reinforcing when addressing political crises and natural disasters abroad; and, 3) Provide targeted programming, deployment of Canadian police (in partnership with Public Safety Canada and the RCMP) and civilian personnel, and direct support to UN and multilateral peace operations, conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding efforts.

Results Achieved: PSOPs reduced threats to Canadians, affected populations where Canada engages, and globally from instability, state fragility, international crime, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and/or chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear-related materials.

• In 2016-17, 9 countries out of 27 where the Global Affairs Canada’s PSOPs is active showed an improvement in their scores in related and relevant indices (Fragile State Index, Global Peace Index, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and World Bank World Governance Index). The analysis of the Global Peace Index and the Fragile States Index finds that the global level of peace has slightly improved 2016 by 0.28%, with 93 countries improving, while 68 countries deteriorated. The ten-year trend has been one largely of deterioration. It is in this context that 9 of the 27 countries that benefit from PSOPs programming have seen improvement in key indicators, though conflict persists in others. However, Canada does not work alone on the achievement of results and the accountability for expected results is shared by partners and other stakeholders. PSOPs did not use the UNODC and World Governance Indicators to calculate this result due to the lack of current data.

PSOPs improved prevention of, mitigation and/or response to, violent conflict, fragility, instability, terrorism and transnational organized crime and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) by partner states, organizations and global networks.

• In 2016-17, 93% of total surveyed capacity building recipients identified using the skills learned or assets provided in their work related to preventing, mitigating, and/or responding to violent conflict, fragility, instability, terrorism and transnational organized crime and the proliferation of WMDs and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN)-related materials over the past year.

Comments on variances: The variance between planned and actual spending in 2016-17 is due to the PSOPs renewal timeline: PSOPs was renewed in late spring 2016 and received funding authorities in September 2016. At the time of the Report on Plans and Priorities 2016-17, no authorities were assigned and therefore could not be reflected in planned spending 2016-17. Despite this, PSOPs programmed and disbursed its transfer payment funding allotment.

Audits completed or planned: N/A

Evaluations completed or planned: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In addition to routine liaison with applicants and recipients, PSOPs engaged in 12 scoping and fact-finding missions in 2016-17 to the Middle East, Africa and at the UN headquarters in New York. PSOPs also participated in 13 outreach events with key recipients, academic institutions and other stakeholders. These activities resulted in more targeted and informed programming in PSOPs’ priority regions.

As part of the International Assistance Review, PSOP’s effort included:

• 16 consultations in Canada;
• 30 consultations conducted by Canada’s missions abroad;
• Collection and analysis of 654 written submissions, comprising 39% of total submissions received by the review;
• Review of research and analysis from 26 reputable organizations.

To improve access to programming funding, PSOPs is in the process of updating its website with new program information and templates.

Projects and Development Activities Resulting from La Francophonie Summits

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Projects and development activities resulting from La Francophonie summits (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: March 9, 1979

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

Description: This program provides voluntary funding to cooperation programs and activities undertaken by the Organisation international de la Francophonie (OIF) and its operating agencies. 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 political and economic objectives for La Francophonie. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Results Achieved:

• The OIF is active in all the areas identified in the contribution agreement. Financial reports have been submitted to Global Affairs Canada before settlements to the OIF are initiated. Reports have also been presented at the annual La Conference ministérielle de la Francophonie as well as to the Administration and Finance Commission and the Permanent Council of La Francophonie, which are held as preparatory meetings in advance of La Conference ministérielle de la Francophonie. For additional information on results achieved by the OIF, please refer to the following OIF 2015-2018 progress report.
• The Government of New Brunswick has played an active role in all significant OIF activities as described in the protocol of agreement on Canada’s financial contribution for the participation of New Brunswick at La Francophonie. New Brunswick submitted to Canada within six months following the end of the protocol a narrative report as well as a certified financial report on expenses made by New Brunswick during fiscal year 2016-17, as agreed in an amendment signed on May 1, 2017.

Comments on variances: Since fiscal year 2012-13, this program provides voluntary funding of $7.5 million to the OIF and its institutions and financial support of $0.8 million to the Government of New Brunswick, for a total of $8.3 million. Since the funding for this program is fixed at $8 million, it receives annually $0.3 million in supplementary funding from other Global Affairs Canada funds, as illustrated in the “actual spending” columns for 2014-15 and 2015-16.

In 2016-17, this supplementary funding of $0.3 million was not required since the OIF and its institutions only received part of their funding ($7.03 million of Canada’s planned $7.5-million voluntary contribution). The voluntary contribution the OIF and its institutions receive is based on their implementation rate over the fiscal year. Due to these circumstances, the actual spending for 2016-17 amounted to $7.83 million instead of $8.3 million.

Modifications to the 2017-18 contribution agreement with the OIF are being considered to ensure that the full amount of this voluntary contribution may be used.

Audits completed or planned: No audits have been conducted or are planned by Global Affairs Canada in 2016-17. The OIF has an external auditor that presents audit reports every year. The report for 2016 has been released. In 2014-15, Canada assisted the OIF in strengthening the internal audit function.

Evaluations completed or planned: As part of Global Affairs Canada’s multilateral review exercise, an evaluation specific to the results achieved by the OIF between 2009 and 2015 is being conducted. Its results are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2018. This evaluation is consistent with the 2009 Treasury Board Policy on Evaluation and with the Financial Administration Act.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Every year, the Administrator of the OIF presents to its members a review of the organization and of its programming activities. Programming achievements for 2016-17 will be presented in fall 2017 as part of the OIF’s 2017 Progress Report on programming. The 2016 Progress Report on programming is available.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Name of Transfer Payment Program: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
(program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

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

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

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

Results Achieved:

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

Detailed information can be found in UNESCO’s 2016 annual report.

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

Comments on variances: Assessed budgets of international organizations are negotiated outcomes, and member states, including Canada, are legally bound by the final outcome of these negotiations. Currency fluctuations are also a factor.

Audits completed or planned: UNESCO has an external auditor and provides regular audited financial statements. For more information, visit UNESCO’s audit and evaluation reports.

Evaluations completed or planned: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

United Nations Organization

Name of Transfer Payment Program: United Nations Organization (UN) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

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

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

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

Results Achieved:

• Promotion of peace and security;
• Progress in development, including progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals;
• Promotion and protection of human rights;
• Effective coordination of humanitarian assistance efforts;
• Promotion of justice and international law;
• Progress toward disarmament;
• International cooperation for drug control and crime prevention; and
• International cooperation to combat terrorism.

The UN’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 UN General Assembly. For further information, please visit the UN website.

Comments on variances: Assessed budgets of international organizations are negotiated outcomes and member states, including Canada, are legally bound by the final outcome of these negotiations. Currency fluctuations are also a factor.

Audits completed or planned: The United Nations Board of Auditors (UNBOA) was established in 1946. For more than 70 years, the heads of the Supreme Audit Institutions from the UN member states have provided independent, professional and quality audit services. The current UNBOA members are Germany, India, and Tanzania. For more information, please see the UN Board of Auditors’ Reports.

Evaluations completed or planned: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

Name of Transfer Payment Program: United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

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

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

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

Results Achieved:

• As the ninth-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, Canada directly supported the deployment of over 120,000 personnel serving in 15 UN peacekeeping missions around the world;
• Supported the protection of civilians at imminent risk (e.g. South Sudan, Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of the Congo); and
• Increased levels of security, basic services and governance provided in affected areas, promoting prospects for peace as well as enabling reconstruction and development activities.

Comments on variances: The assessed budgets for UN peacekeeping operations are negotiated outcomes of the UN Fifth Committee, and member states, including Canada, are legally bound by the final outcome of these negotiations. The creation of new missions and unexpected crisis situations can significantly alter the budgets. Currency fluctuations are also a factor.

Audits completed or planned: The audit examination conducted by the UN Board of Auditors included UN Headquarters, 15 active field missions, 31 completed missions, and the five special-purpose accounts, namely, the peacekeeping reserve fund, the support account for peacekeeping operations, the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy, including the Global Service Centre, the peacekeeping cost recovery fund and the employee benefits funds. For more information, please see the UN Board of Auditors’ Reports.

Evaluations completed or planned: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

World Health Organization

Name of Transfer Payment Program: World Health Organization (WHO) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: WHO was established in 1948, and Canada has been a member since inception.

End Date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

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

Results Achieved:

• Enhanced global health security through:
  • establishment of the unified WHO Health Emergencies Programme;
  • establishment of the Global Health Emergency Network;
  • contribution toward International Health Regulations (2005) (IHRs) core capacities and improvements to the IHRs; and
  • creation of the Contingency Fund for Emergencies.
• Accelerated progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals:
  • 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.
• Promoted equity in health:
  • strengthening health systems to reach the poor and disadvantaged
• Strengthened global norms and standards in health:
  • developed, implemented and monitor global norms and standards; and
  • promoted safety of food, water, and medical products and devices.
• Continued progress to implement WHO institutional reform.

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

WHO Mid-term Programmatic and Financial Report for 2016-2017 including audited financial statements for 2016

WHO Programme Budget 2018-2019

Comments on variances: Assessed budgets of international organizations are negotiated outcomes, and member states, including Canada, are legally bound by the final outcome of these negotiations. Currency fluctuations are also a factor.

Audits completed or planned: The WHO has an external auditor and provides regular audited financial reports.

Evaluations completed or planned: N/A

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

World Trade Organization

Name of Transfer Payment Program: World Trade Organization (WTO) (program funding approved by vote in Parliament)

Start Date: January 1, 1995

End Date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Links to the organization’s programs: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy, and International Agreements / Sub-program 1.2.3: Assessed Contributions to International Organizations

Description: The WTO provides 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 also provides Canada with the opportunity to build alliances, influence rules and secure concessions on issues where it would otherwise have less leverage. Several such issues, including agriculture subsidies and various regulatory issues (e.g. sanitary and phytosanitary measures) are more effectively addressed multilaterally. The WTO has a robust dispute settlement system, of which Canada is a regular user. 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, WTO is also an active forum for trade policy monitoring and surveillance.

The Doha Development Agenda (DDA) was launched in 2001 but has been stalled since 2008. The DDA was an attempt to comprehensively negotiate trade liberalization across a broad range of issues, including agriculture, market access for non-agricultural goods and services, as well as issues such as development, trade facilitation, intellectual property, rules (trade remedies and subsidy disciplines), trade and the environment, and dispute settlement. For a variety of reasons, including its single-undertaking approach (i.e. that nothing is done until everything is done), many WTO members, including Canada, believe that there is no longer a viable path forward to successfully conclude the DDA. Instead, Canada and its like-minded partners believe the WTO needs to consider alternative approaches to negotiations such as addressing individual issues when they are ready and/or negotiating plurilateral agreements among a subset of the WTO membership. Canada also believes that the WTO has to examine and develop rules on current issues that are more relevant today than when the DDA was launched in 2001, such as e-commerce and investment facilitation.

A confluence of factors (including a lack of trust between key WTO members) suggests there are no realistic prospects for significant progress in WTO negotiations in the near term. Canada’s key interests, therefore, are in protecting the integrity of the WTO agreements and institutions; pursuing key existing Doha issues, particularly domestic support for agriculture; and advancing progressive proposals ahead of the WTO’s 11th Ministerial Conference in December 2017. To do so, Canada will need to reach out to non-traditional partners (e.g. developing countries) and consider creative approaches such as plurilateral agreements.

Results Achieved:

• WTO negotiations:
  • Notwithstanding challenges in the WTO negotiations in which Members do not currently agree on an overall path forward, Canada continued to actively work with other WTO members to find constructive ways to advance multilateral discussions among WTO members on contemporary issues facing the global trading system, both former Doha issues and newer issues, as measured by reports on WTO negotiations; and ongoing progress in WTO negotiations (for example, outcomes of the WTO’s Tenth Ministerial Conference (MC10), including results on export competition and the conclusion of an expanded Information Technology Agreement).
  • Canada collaborated with other WTO members to advance discussions on issues facing the global trading system, such as ensuring gender neutrality in domestic regulation of services and working with non-traditional partners (e.g. developing countries) on exploring ways of better integrating micro, small and medium-sized companies into the global trading system.
  • Canada continued to play a constructive role in advancing negotiations to protect fisheries, both multilaterally and plurilaterally, as participant and Chair of the negotiations toward a fisheries subsidies agreement.
• Implementation:
  • Canada has devoted attention to advancing implementation of the outcomes of the 9th and 10th WTO Ministerial Conferences.
  • The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), for example, entered into force on February 22, 2017, following its ratification by 119 WTO members. Canada ratified this agreement in December 2016. The full implementation of the TFA will contribute to building confidence among WTO members and form a constructive basis for advancing future negotiations.
• Continued work to advance discussions on issues facing the global trading system:
  • WTO members remain deadlocked about the best way to advance negotiations at the WTO. Most developed countries believe the WTO must consider alternatives to the DDA’s single-undertaking approach to negotiations and that the organization must consider issues relevant to 21st century economies and stakeholders. Some developing countries, however, remain firm in their view that the WTO cannot consider any issues that were not included in the Doha round mandates and that alternative negotiating formats (e.g. plurilateral) risk undermining the WTO. Despite this challenging situation, Canada continues to work with like-minded WTO members to advance proposals it believes respond to the needs of modern stakeholders and which will cement the credibility of the WTO. These proposals include, for example, ensuring gender neutrality in domestic regulation of services and working with like-minded partners to explore ways of better integrating micro, small and medium-sized companies into the global trading system.
  • To build a credible agenda for the multilateral trading system, Canada will need to support a coherent trade and development agenda, including leveraging the analysis and input of the broader trade and development communities.
• Accession negotiations and reviews on WTO members:
  • Canada participated in the accession negotiations for all countries seeking to join the WTO to ensure that Canadian interests were fully taken into account in the final terms of accession.
  • During the review period, Canada actively contributed to the continued oversight and transparency of WTO members’ trade policies, including regional and bilateral trade agreements, through regular committee work, trade policy reviews (the review for Canada, last done in 2015, takes place every four years), and the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements.
• WTO dispute settlement system:
  • Canada continued to be 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.
  • The WTO supported ongoing resolution of disputes among WTO members relating to the interpretation and application of WTO-covered multilateral trade agreements. In 2016-17, Canada was involved in three disputes as a party (two as complainant, one as defendant). None of these disputes have reached a final resolution. In addition, Canada was a third party in approximately 25 unresolved disputes. Notable outcomes included a panel report finding that aspects of Canada’s anti-dumping measures on certain steel products from Chinese Taipei are inconsistent with Canada’s WTO obligations.
  • Canada actively participated in the ongoing Review of the Dispute Settlement Understanding, which seeks to improve the operation of the WTO’s dispute settlement system;
  • Canada led an informal initiative to develop, document, and share practices and procedures in the conduct of WTO disputes. As a result of this initiative, several Members endorsed practices related to written notifications, transparency in dispute settlement proceedings, third party participation in disputes, and streamlining procedures.
• Other WTO activities:
  • Economic research and the collection and dissemination of trade data in areas related to Canada’s trade policy agenda continued.
  • The raising of public awareness by the WTO of its mission and activities, including through the dissemination of its research and data, continued.
  • The WTO’s technical assistance and training for developing countries was ongoing and continues to build capacity among developing country officials to better participate in trade policy discussions at the WTO and in their home countries.

The WTO’s governance mechanisms 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. Canada actively participates in the WTO’s Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration and also has access to all audits, evaluations and performance reviews completed by or on behalf of the WTO.

Comments on variances: Canada’s contribution to the WTO budget is based on its share of world trade and is calculated and paid in Swiss francs. Planned spending was based on the best information available at the time. The actual spending represents the precise amount of the contribution that was calculated in late 2015 and converted into Canadian dollars at the time payment was made. The variance can be accounted for by the fluctuations of the exchange rate between the period when the estimate is prepared and the payment is disbursed.

Audits completed or planned: The WTO is subject to an audit by external auditors every calendar year. As a member of the WTO, Canada also has access to all audits, evaluations and performance reviews completed by or on behalf of the WTO. In its performance audit report released on June 12, 2017, the external auditor certified that the WTO’s financial statements present fairly the financial situation of the WTO as of December 31, 2016, and placed an unqualified opinion on these statements.

Evaluations completed or planned: The WTO’s external auditors conduct a performance audit of the WTO, which is based on audits as defined by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions. The 2016 performance audit was released on June 12, 2017.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: N/A

Internal Audits

To read the available reports, please consult Internal Audits.

Internal Evaluations

To read the full reports, please consult Evaluation Reports.

Response to Parliamentary Committees and External Audits

Response to Parliamentary Committees

1. House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT): Second Report: “Softwood Lumber Agreement between Canada and the United States” (Adopted by the CIIT on June 14, 2016; Report presented to the House of Commons on June 15, 2016; Government Response presented to the House of Commons on October 7, 2016).
   • This report, which draws from a study on the Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) between Canada and the United States, makes five recommendations based on available data on the value of Canadian softwood lumber exports and the committee’s hearings with stakeholders. The report recommends that the government: establish the parameters of a new softwood lumber agreement with its U.S. counterpart; ensure that its consultations regarding the negotiations for a new softwood lumber agreement include stakeholders that may have been overlooked in the past; insist that provinces with market-based stumpage systems be excluded from any border measures in a future softwood lumber agreement if such measures limit softwood lumber exports from these provinces; insist that a future softwood lumber agreement be flexible and provide options regarding export duties or volume restraints; evaluate the options in relation to a long-term solution with respect to Canadian softwood lumber trade with the United States.
   • The Canadian government’s response supports the report’s recommendations, noting that the government shares the committee’s commitment to ensuring that any future softwood lumber agreement reflects the best interests of regions, stakeholders, and interlocutors across Canada.
   • To read the full report and the Government of Canada response, please consult: Report Two – Softwood Lumber Agreement between Canada and the United States and Government Response.
2. House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE): First Report: “Sentenced to a Slow Demise: The Plight of Myanmar’s Rohingya Minority” (Adopted by the FAAE on June 16, 2016; Report presented to the House of Commons on June 17, 2016; Government Response presented to the House of Commons on October 17, 2016).
   • The report draws from a study regarding the human rights situation of the minority Rohingya population, concentrated primarily on the west coast of Myanmar. It makes 13 recommendations on subjects falling into seven categories: the situation in Northern Rakhine; Myanmar’s cooperation with humanitarian and human rights organizations; the Rohingya migrant crisis in 2012-15; exclusion of and lack of citizenship for these people ; the role of radical monks; the role of the Rakhine state government; and development assistance. The report acknowledges that Myanmar has changed significantly in recent years and that Myanmar continues to face significant political, social, humanitarian, and economic challenges.
   • The government response agrees with all of the committee’s recommendations. It points out the nuance in their agreement in the case of recommendation 12 for reasons related to the nature of the Special Economic Measures Act and highlights the importance of Canada’s continued support to the country during its democratic transition.
   • To read the full report and the Government of Canada response, please consult: Report One - Sentenced to a Slow Demise: The Plight of Myanmar's Rohingya Minority and the Government Response.
3. Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (RIDR): Fourth Report: “The Forgotten Many: Human Rights and North Korean Defectors” (Report presented to the Senate on June 20, 2016; Government Response presented to the Senate on November 15, 2016).
   
   The report, which draws on a study regarding the state of human rights in North Korea with a focus on the plight of North Korean defectors, contains four recommendations. The first two recommendations, which fall under the purview of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, call for facilitating the entry and resettlement of North Korean defectors into Canada and amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow North Korean defectors to qualify for refugee status in Canada. The other two recommendations, which fall under the purview of Global Affairs Canada, call for Canada to take the lead in advocating for human rights in North Korea and secondly, largely represent work already being undertaken by Global Affairs Canada.
   • The government response identifies challenges to implementing the first two recommendations, highlights Canada’s grave concerns about North Korea’s human rights violations, and reinforces Canada’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, noting that Canada has regularly called on North Korea to address issues of human rights.
   • To read the full report and the Government of Canada response, please consult: Report Four – The Forgotten Many: Human Rights and North Korean Defectors and the Government Response.
4. House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE): Third Report: “An Opportunity for Global Leadership: Canada and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda” (Adopted by the FAAE on September 28, 2016; Report presented to the House of Commons on October 6, 2016; Government Response presented to the House of Commons on February 2, 2017).
   • The report, which draws from a study regarding Canada’s role in supporting the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), focuses on addressing the gap between the resolution’s commitments and actual political and financial support. The report also identifies the progress realized to date through Canada’s Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (C-NAP) and future challenges. It makes 17 recommendations across three broad areas: the promotion of aspects of the WPS agenda that are internal to the government; actions within the United Nations; and fragile and conflict-affected areas.
   • The government response agrees in part with several aspects of the recommendations, noting that the recommendations are complementary to related processes being undertaken by the government and broadly align with current policies and initiatives.
   • To read the full report and the Government of Canada response, please consult: Report Three - An Opportunity for Global Leadership: Canada and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and the Government Response.
5. House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE): Fourth Report: “Development Cooperation for a More Stable, Inclusive and Prosperous World: A Collective Ambition” (Adopted by the FAAE on October 24, 2016; Report presented to the House of Commons on November 3, 2016; Government Response presented to the House of Commons on February 24, 2017).
   • The report draws from a study regarding the Government of Canada’s policy to concentrate bilateral development assistance in what are known as “countries of focus,” which undertook to test the long-held belief that the effectiveness of Canada’s bilateral development assistance is enhanced when the government allocates a significant proportion of available resources to projects in a limited number of countries. It makes seven recommendations across four broad categories, one of which falls under the purview of Global Affairs Canada. Global Affairs Canada-led items include ensuring that a single branch is dedicated solely to development policy and evaluating personnel recruitment and rotation policies used by the department to ensure that there is substantive regional and sector-based development expertise within the department. Other recommendations include: establishing long-term strategic objectives and long-term engagement strategies at the national and regional levels and with development partners; carrying out a transparent evaluation of the countries of focus approach; aspiring to a plan that would see Canada spending 0.70% of its gross national income on official development assistance by 2030.
   • The government response supports the majority of the committee’s recommendations, noting that Canada’s international assistance is an essential component of Canada’s broader international engagement and that the report is timely and helpful as the government prepares to introduce a new policy framework that will guide Canada’s international assistance going forward.
   • To read the full report and the Government of Canada response, please consult: Report Four - Development Cooperation for a More Stable, Inclusive and Prosperous World: A Collective Ambition and the Government Response.
6. House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE): Fifth Report: “Supporting Peace and Development in Guatemala and Colombia for the Long Term” (Adopted by the FAAE on November 24, 2016; Report presented to the House of Commons on December 1, 2016; Government Response presented to the House of Commons on March 24, 2017).
   • The report is the result of the committee’s fact-finding mission to Guatemala and Colombia, which set out to examine the results of Canada’s development cooperation programs in Colombia and Guatemala. The report recommends that the government: continue to support the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala; provide direct support to local civil society organizations working to fight impunity and advance human rights in Guatemala; pursue opportunities to engage with the Guatemalan government and civil society organizations on the women, peace and security agenda; explore opportunities to support the National Police of Colombia in its efforts to strengthen rural policing; provide targeted support to programs that are focused on the reintegration of former combatants; provide on-the-ground support for the efforts of women’s organizations and women’s rights activists in Colombia.
   • The government response agrees with all six recommendations, noting that the committee’s recommendations are consistent with the government’s existing programming and approach, and with Canada’s overall engagement in Guatemala and Colombia.
   • To read the full report and the Government of Canada response, please consult: Report Five – Supporting Peace and Development in Guatemala and Colombia for the Long-Term and the Government Response.
7. House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE): Sixth Report: “Division and Human Rights Violations in Burundi” (Adopted by the FAAE on February 9, 2017; Report presented to the House of Commons on February 15, 2017; Government Response presented to the House of Commons on June 14, 2017).
   • The report draws from a study undertaken on the subject of the human rights situation in Burundi indicating that the regime has systematically targeted voices of dissent, committed gross violations of human rights and sowed social division through ethnically charged language. It makes 18 recommendations that can be grouped into four categories: Canada’s contributions to human rights monitoring; Canada’s bilateral engagement with the Government of Burundi; responses dealing principally with advocacy efforts within multilateral organizations but also with bilateral engagement vis-à-vis third states; and support for refugees, asylum-seekers, and other projects.
   • The government response agrees in principle with the study’s recommendations, which were determined to align broadly with the government’s approach to Burundi, and confirms that the government will continue to use the tools at its disposal to achieve a peaceful political solution to the crisis.
   • To read the full report and the Government of Canada response, please consult: Report Six – Division and Human Rights Violations in Burundi and the Government Response.
8. Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (AEFA): Seventh Report: “Free Trade Agreements: A Tool for Economic Prosperity” (Report presented to Senate on February 7, 2017; Government Response is pending).
   • The report draws from a study undertaken on the subject of free trade agreements and the benefits and challenges for Canada that result from various aspects of these agreements. It makes nine recommendations across four broad areas: increased engagement by the Government of Canada in activities aimed at increasing consultations with Canadians; coordinated policies and strategies in relation to international and internal trade across the whole of government; the establishment of independent evaluation processes, formal consultations, and reporting mechanisms related to international and internal trade; and expediting research initiatives led by Statistics Canada.
   • The government response is pending. To read the full report, please consult: Report Seven – Free Trade Agreements: A Tool for Economic Prosperity.
9. House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PACP): Twenty-First Report: “Special Examination Report – International Development Research Centre, of the Fall 2016 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada” (Adopted by the PACP on February 13, 2017; Report presented to the House of Commons on February 22, 2017; Government Response presented to the House of Commons on June 20, 2017).
   • The report draws on the findings of a special examination of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) conducted by the Office of the Auditor General, which found that overall there were no significant deficiencies in the IDRC’s systems and practices examined for corporate management and the management of research projects and donor agreements. It makes two recommendations: that Global Affairs Canada consider making legislative changes to allow the members of the International Development Research Centre’s Board of Governors to serve until a replacement is found and that the IDRC move to staggered terms going forward, and that IDRC provide the PACP with a progress report explaining how the IDRC has put in place a systematic approach to integrate its strategic direction, risk management, and performance measurement and reporting with its planning and monitoring systems.
   • The government agrees with the second recommendation and will take the first recommendation under advisement, recognizing that IDRC is a key strategic partner in advancing Canada’s development and foreign policy priorities and in supporting research and innovation in developing countries.
   • To read the full report and the Government of Canada response, please consult: Report Twenty-One - Special Examination Report – International Development Research Centre, of the Fall 2016 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada and Government Response.

Response to the Auditor General (including to the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)

1. 2017 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada: Report 1 – Managing the Risk of Fraud
   This audit examined whether selected organizations (including Global Affairs Canada) had mechanisms in place to appropriately manage the risk of fraud as well as whether the Treasury Board of Canada provided support to federal organizations to manage these risks. Global Affairs Canada received six recommendations. To read Global Affairs Canada’s responses, please consult Report 1 – Managing the Risk of Fraud.
2. 2017 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada: Report 2 – Customs Duties
   This audit focused on whether the Department of Finance Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency adequately managed customs duties according to their roles and responsibilities. Global Affairs Canada received one recommendation. To read Global Affairs Canada’s response, please consult Report 2 – Customs Duties.
3. 2017 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada: Report 3 – Preventing Corruption in Immigration and Border Services
   This audit focused on whether Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency implemented selected controls—meaning policies, procedures, processes, and activities—to address the risk that immigration and border services staff could be corrupted. The audit also examined aspects of Global Affairs Canada’s mandatory training on values and ethics as well as security screening for locally engaged staff at missions. Global Affairs Canada received one recommendation. To read Global Affairs Canada’s response, please consult Report 3 – Preventing Corruption in Immigration and Border Services.

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

N/A

Up Front Multi-year Funding - CIGI

Name of recipient: Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)

Start date: January 30, 2003

End date: Ongoing

Strategic Outcome: Canada’s International Agenda - The international agenda is shaped to advance Canadian security, prosperity, interests and values.

Link to department’s PAA: Program 1.2: Diplomacy, Advocacy and International Agreements

Description: CIGI supports world-leading research in the area of global governance, particularly global economic and financial governance. CIGI brings together academics, policy analysts and researchers from around the world to discuss and carry out research on current and emerging topics and trends, thereby contributing to advancing Canada’s interests by informing its foreign, trade and development policies. In 2003, the Government of Canada contributed $30 million, which was matched by CIGI and subsequently added to by other public and private donors to establish an endowment fund. The Centre continues to be primarily funded by the proceeds of this endowment.

Comments on variances: N/A

Significant audit findings by the recipient during the reporting year, and future plan: CIGI publishes an annual report of its activities that includes financial statements.

Significant evaluation findings by the recipient during the reporting year, and future plan: CIGI continued its work responding to the recommendations made in the 2013 Federal Evaluation. This included exploring ways to increase research capacity through better utilization of existing resources and the addition of new positions.

CIGI senior managers continue to improve collaboration among staff by holding regular program meetings with members from the research, communications and event divisions. The program team also held an annual retreat for both resident and non-resident Fellows to meet and discuss a wide range of CIGI programming areas.

A list of projects is now developed and reviewed annually by CIGI senior management with a view to ensuring adherence to its mandate and ensuring that program priorities reflect both emerging trends in global governance as well as policy areas where research can have an impact. As a result of these discussions, a complete list of projects is prepared each year (referred to internally as the Program of Work & Budget or “PWB”). The PWB contains details on projects, work plans and their associated budgets for each department within CIGI (research, public affairs, human resources and operations). This document is then brought to the CIGI Board of Directors for approval.

CIGI remains committed to conducting periodic internal reviews of major activities, as emphasized in the CIGI Strategic Plan (2015-20). While CIGI works to respond to the recommendations provided in the report, the approach used for this particular evaluation will be used for future monitoring and evaluation exercises.

CIGI continues to ensure that its facilities are optimally used. Initiatives include (i) providing students from the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) with access to CIGI’s library and research assistance, as well as hosting (ii) the CIGI Speaker Series and (iii) the CIGI Cinema Series. The CIGI Speaker Series takes place every year between September and May and features 16 to 20 lectures. Open to the general public, these lectures deal with a range of important international topics in an effort to raise public awareness and understanding on a variety of current global issues. The Speaker Series features some of the most prominent and acclaimed figures in their respective areas of global governance. The CIGI Cinema Series is delivered free of charge and is open to the public. Each year, films (cinematic and documentary) are selected that touch upon key areas of policy discussion and research relevant to CIGI’s mandate. Occasionally these screenings are paired with relevant lectures or commentary from CIGI experts or individuals involved in making the film.

CIGI continues to support young scholars and ideas with respect to the global governance agenda. For instance, the CIGI Graduate Fellowship, a for-credit program run in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, supported some 40 BSIA master’s-level and doctoral students who identified and assessed the implications of emerging global trends of potential significance to Global Affairs Canada and Canadian foreign policy. Students presented the policy briefs they developed to Global Affairs Canada officials on June 23, 2017. Additionally, CIGI has provided 26 students with scholarships for advanced studies in international law at the master of laws and doctor of juridical science level for the 2017-18 period. Each scholarship included a period of residency at the CIGI campus. The international law research program (ILRP) also has five post-doctoral fellows who have completed their PhD studies and are continuing their research in such areas as economic, environmental and intellectual property law. CIGI students also participated in Global Affairs Canada’s International Policy Ideas Challenge; two of the ten finalists were chosen from CIGI.

The next independent audit is due in 2018, with a request for proposals to be sent out in January 2018 so that the report can be completed by the end of the year.

Summary of results achieved by the recipient: CIGI research continued to focus on the following topics by research area:

Global Economy: macroeconomic coordination through forums such as the G20, international financial regulation, international monetary reform, and sovereign debt restructuring;

Global Security and Politics: global security, conflict management and governance, including Arctic governance, regional security and Internet governance;

International Law Research Program: intellectual property law, environmental law, and economic law, including innovation and intellectual property, climate change, and investor-state arbitration.

CIGI experts delivered a range of briefings to ministers, deputy ministers, ADMs, directors and other senior staff at Global Affairs Canada; Environment and Climate Change Canada; National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Transport Canada; and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. In addition, a number of former Canadian prime ministers and ambassadors also received briefings.

User Fees - Access to Information

Fee name: Access to Information Act (ATIA) fees

Fee type: Other products and services (O)

Fee-setting authority: Section 11 of the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and section 7 of the Access to Information Regulations

Year introduced: 1983

Year last amended: 1992

Performance standards: Response provided within 30 days following receipt of a request; the response time may be extended under section 9 of the Access to Information Act.

Performance results: Statutory deadlines were met 71% of the time, and 32% of requests were completed within a 30-day period in 2016-17.

Other information: Estimated full cost is based on projected staffing of up to 63 full-time employees.

User Fees - Consular Services

Fee name: Consular Services Fee

Fee type: Other products and services (O)

Fee-setting authority: Consular Services Fees Regulations pursuant to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Act

Year introduced: 1995

Year last amended: 1995

Performance standard: Consular Services performance standards are grouped under the following service standards categories:

1. Protection and Assistance
2. Contact with Prisoners
3. Passports and Citizenship
4. Information—Canada/Third Countries
5. Information—Local
6. Legal and Notary

For more information, please consult Consular Services: Service Standards.

Consular services are provided to Canadians 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at approximately 260 points of service around the world. Outside regular business hours, calls are forwarded to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. Emergency situations are dealt with immediately.

Consular services provided to Canadians are detailed in the Canadian Consular Services Charter and assessed based on written service standards (established in 1995) with qualitative and quantitative indicators. The service standards are available at Consular Services: Service Standards as well as at all missions abroad, where they are either in public view or can be provided by employees.

Every effort is made to obtain solutions for specific problems and to provide the required service. However, the department’s ability to do so and its success are conditioned, in many instances, by the laws and regulations of other countries as well as the quality and level of cooperation offered by persons and organizations outside the Government of Canada.

Performance results: Of the 5,411 Canadians who completed a Client Feedback Form in 2016-17, 92% reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the services received. The department also reports on performance against passport, citizenship and arrest/detention service standards. This information for 2016-17 is noted below.

Canada’s missions abroad are asked to make regular contact with long-term Canadian detainees. The frequency of contact reflects local conditions: once every three months (e.g. in much of Latin America, Africa and Asia), once every six months (e.g. in much of Western Europe) or once every 12 months (e.g. in the United States, where approximately two thirds of detainees are located). These standards serve as guidelines for our consular officers and can be modified as required depending on needs and conditions. As of March 31, 2017, more than 85% of detainee cases met their regional standard.

Missions are asked to report on their ability to accept, review and forward citizenship applications to Canada within the 10-day service standard. During 2016-17, they did so successfully with 86% of the applications. Missions are monitored for their ability to meet the 20-day service standard for passport issuance. They met this standard over 90% of the time.

Other information: N/A

Export/Import Permit Fees

Fee name: Fees for the issuance of export and import certificates and permits

Fee type: Other products and services (O)

Fee-setting authority: Export and Import Permits Act and Export and Import Permits and Certificates Fees Order

Year introduced: 1995

Year last amended: 1995

Performance standard: Deliver non-strategic, non-routed import and export permits within 15 minutes of the time of application; process within four business hours permit applications that are automatically redirected (routed) to departmental officers or that have been flagged for an officer’s review by the applicant when no additional information or documentation is required; process within three business days permit applications for B.C. Logs that are automatically redirected (routed) to departmental officers; process within five business days permit applications for firearms that are automatically redirected (routed) to departmental officers; process applications for permits to export-controlled military and strategic goods and technology from eligible exporters who have provided all required supporting documentation within 10 working days where consultation outside the Bureau is not required and 40 business days where consultation is required.

Performance results: A greater than 97% success rate on the processing of 355,594 permit applications, surpassing the service standard of 95% in 2016-17

Other information: N/A

User Fees - Specialized Consular Services

Fee name: Specialized Consular Services Fee

Fee type: Other products and services (O)

Fee-setting authority: Consular Fees (Specialized Services) Regulations, pursuant to paragraph 19 (1)(a) of the Financial Administration Act

Year introduced: N/A

Year last amended: 2010

Performance standard: Specialized Consular Services performance standards are grouped under the following service standards categories:

1. Protection and Assistance
2. Legal and Notary

The complete list of service standards is available at Consular Services: Service Standards and at all Canadian missions abroad. Clients are invited to comment if they did not receive the level of service they expected or if they wish to make suggestions.

Performance results: 86% of 311 clients reported overall satisfaction with the legal and notary services they received.

Other information: N/A