Management Response and Action Plan (MRAP): Evaluation and Audit of the Global Arctic Leadership Initiative, 2020-21 to 2023-24
Evaluation recommendation 1
It is recommended that the program address gaps in key communication materials to ensure accessibility of program information and improve program awareness and reach both within and outside of GAC.
Management response and commitment
The Office of the Senior Arctic Official and DG of Arctic, Eurasian and European Affairs (ECD) and the Nordic and Polar Relations Division (ECA) agree with this recommendation.
Over the last few years, ECA has explored the possibilities of developing a public webpage to formalize GALI’s internal and external communications. However, human resource constraints have made it challenging to prioritize webpage development and maintenance. Additionally, the web design team within the Strategy, Policy and Public Affairs Branch (RFM) initially indicated that such a website might not be possible, but has recently been more open to realize this objective, in order to present GALI, its priorities, accomplishments and upcoming partnership opportunities with a view to increase the transparency of the program. ECA acknowledges that other departments may take the lead on Arctic-related communications, and ECA will strive to streamline these communications.
| Actions | Expected Deliverables / Outcomes | Responsibility Centre (Bureau / Division) | Target Date |
|---|---|---|---|
1.1 Develop a SharePoint page dedicated to Arctic policy and GALI. This page will provide detailed information about GALI and its Mission Fund and provide advocacy, and communications resources for missions to effectively advance Canada’s international Arctic objectives. Following the initial development of a first iteration, the page will be updated and improved based on user feed-back. The page will subsequently be maintained as an evergreen resource. | 1.1 Internal stakeholders can easily access information regarding Canada’s international Arctic policy and GALI funding. Guidelines and toolkits on GALI processes are accessible for more transparent access to the Mission Fund. | 1.1 ECA with the consultation of GPA | 1.1 November 2025 |
1.2 A. Explore the development of a newsletter and the use of social media platforms to ensure that actors working in Canada’s Arctic and North are better informed about ECA’s work, including GALI. B. Assess the impact and added value of the newsletter and the use of social media platforms, analyze lessons learned, and decide on necessary adjustments. | 1.2 External Canadian partners, including Provincial and Territorial governments, municipalities, Indigenous rightsholders, organizations, and individuals working in the Arctic, are informed about events, Canada’s international Arctic priorities, and GALI projects in the region. Opportunities for youth are also shared to improve the dissemination of information. | 1.2 ECA with the consultation of communications teams at GAC: RDW and RDS | 1.2 A January 2026 B. June 2026 |
1.3 Develop a public webpage dedicated to the Nordic and Polar Relations Division, including GALI. | 1.3 External stakeholders can easily access program-related information, including general details, which will contribute to improved program transparency and accessibility. | ECA with the support/input of RDW and other relevant stakeholders | 1.3 December 2025 |
Evaluation recommendation 2
It is recommended that the program maintain and build in more flexibility in implementation, notably in key policy and funding instruments such as the Treasury Board submission or terms and conditions, to improve delivery and take into account the unique context of the Arctic.
Management response and commitment
ECD and ECA agree with this recommendation.
In March 2025, ECA amended its terms and conditions, thereby gaining more flexibility in its funding agreements and the ability to include more eligible partners. This recommendation will support ECA in its advocacy within the department, ensuring that GALI remains flexible and assisting the programming team in prioritizing concrete next steps to build in more flexibility. Participating in Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative (GCTI) would allow GALI to maintain the flexibility it has acquired. GALI will also explore the possibility of working with pan-geographic teams to ensure the program keeps and increases its flexibility.
| Actions | Expected Deliverables / Outcomes | Responsibility Centre (Bureau / Division) | Target Date |
|---|---|---|---|
2.1 A. Amend GALI's terms and conditions to include more flexibility in funding agreements and to include more eligible partners. ECA will continue to amend GALI's terms and conditions and its working instruments whenever additional flexibilities can be added. | 2.1 A. GALI continues to formalize its flexibility through its terms and conditions and to integrate flexibility in the funding instruments when feasible and appropriate. | 2.1 ECA with the support/input from SGPC | 2.1 A. March 2025 |
| B. Explore the possibility to amend GALI’s terms and conditions to seek an exemption from Section 6.4.4 of the Treasury Board Directive on Transfer Payments. Accordingly, the program may make advance payments of contributions covering GAC’s share of expected eligible expenditures to be incurred by the recipient beyond the month of April of the following fiscal year. | B. If approved by Treasury Board, the small-scale Northern organizations funded by GALI would have less pressure and greater flexibility in budgeting for a given period since they are operating in an often unpredictable and changing environment. | B. March 2026 | |
2.2 Engage in Global Affairs Canada exercises to harmonize the transfer payments processes and tools by: A. engaging with the Risk Management Component by participating in the Risk Management Advisory Group (RMAG). GALI involvement will continue until the tool is finalised. B. reviewing the contribution agreements’ terms and conditions. GALI will adjust its contribution agreement templates to align with the recommendations for harmonization. | 2.2 The new harmonized GAC processes and tools simplify and enhance the flexibility and ease of the GALI projects implementation. | 2.2 ECA with the consultation from YOS, GFD, GPD, SGPC, SXB and S-branch in general as appropriate. | 2.2 A. December 2027 B. March 2026 The timelines are dependent on the harmonization process and the Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative. |
2.3 Attend five meetings of the community of practice on transfer payment policy. | 2.3 GALI learns from other programs and has a greater network of programs similar to GALI with whom to exchange on best practices. | 2.3 ECA with consultation and support from SGPC | March 2026 |
Evaluation and Audit Recommendation 3
It is recommended that the program address gaps in engagement with Indigenous organizations and rights holders, including with respect to the distinction-based approach, and enhance access to relevant Arctic and Indigenous resources to align with Reconciliation priorities and best practices.
Management response and commitment
ECD and ECA agree with this recommendation.
This recommendation will ensure ECA and missions apply best practices when working with and funding Indigenous Peoples, organizations and rightsholders and will assist the programming team in prioritizing concrete next steps to formalize the implementation of a distinction-based approach. This recommendation is well aligned with ECA’s mandate. The actions listed below will be done, as appropriate, in collaboration and consultation with federal departments such as CIRNAC, and with Indigenous Peoples, rightsholders, organisations and partners.
| Actions | Expected Deliverables / Outcomes | Responsibility Centre (Bureau / Division) | Target Date |
|---|---|---|---|
3.1 Develop comprehensive guidelines aimed at identifying and addressing potential challenges that may impede the Global Affairs Canada's efforts to fully engage and collaborate with Indigenous Peoples, including youth and elders, from Canada’s Arctic and North and the broader circumpolar region. These guidelines will serve as a framework for ECA and missions to effectively involve Indigenous Peoples in various initiatives, such as inviting them as speakers at events. This guideline will also explore ways to reduce the barriers that Indigenous Peoples may face when working with Global Affairs Canada. The guidelines will cover a range of considerations, including but not limited to:
| 3.1 GAC has adequate tools for anticipating and finding solutions to engage with Indigenous Peoples. | 3.1 ECA with the consultation from IIR | 3.1 November 2025 – first draft; March 2026 – final guidelines |
3.2 Develop a GALI specific internal strategic document to guide and support engagement with Arctic and Northern Indigenous partners and other organisations involving Indigenous Peoples. This document will include a checklist of key considerations, such as whether the initiative was developed in consultation with Indigenous Peoples. This document will be specific to GALI needs and linking GAC Arctic priorities. | 3.2 GALI is better equipped to evaluate project proposals involving Arctic and Northern Indigenous Peoples and to fund Indigenous organizations and Indigenous governments. The strategic document will be used to review all GALI projects. Indigenous representation is essential across the GALI program. | 3.2 ECA with the consultation from IIR | 3.2 March 2026 |
3.3 Explore opportunities to add a distinction-based approach and to adopt a more Indigenous-sensitive and flexible approach, particularly within GALI’s funding agreements. For example, the recently amended terms and conditions of GALI acknowledge that cultural gifts can play a significant role in engaging elders in projects (this action is connected to Recommendation 2). | 3.3 GALI formalises its Indigenous-sensitive, flexible approach and includes, when possible, a distinction-based approach in policy and programming documents to ensure a meaningful engagement with Indigenous partners and in the projects that involve Indigenous Peoples. | 3.3 ECA with consultation and support from SGPC | 3.3 May 2026 |
Audit recommendation 4
It is recommended that the program document processes related to project management to support consistent practices and knowledge retention.
Management response and commitment
ECD and ECA agree with this recommendation.
ECA began working on a roadmap, however, due to competing priorities and human resource constraints, it was not completed. The new position meant to join the GALI team in the coming months will lead all process-related activities and formalize the program’s approach to project management. This recommendation aligns with the team's needs.
| Actions | Expected Deliverables / Outcomes | Responsibility Centre (Bureau / Division) | Target Date |
|---|---|---|---|
4.1 Formalize GALI’s roadmap with every step (including templates and processes) and associated resources. | 4.1 Decisions and processes are more formalized and documented in appropriate files. There is a standardized approach in place for all steps of a project. This allows for better institutional memory and to record knowledge of GALI`s processes. | 4.1 ECA | 4.1 May 2026 |
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