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Minister of International Development appearance before the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) on Main Estimates 2020-2021 – Briefing material

2020-11-17

Table of contents

A) Committee overview

Scenario Note

Meeting scenario

Committee membership & interests

Committee work

FAAE Committee bios

Sven Spengemann, LPC (Mississauga-Lakeshore, ON), Chair

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary roles

Mr. Spengemann has been a member of numerous Parliamentary Associations and Interparliamentary Groups since his election in 2015. He became the Co-Chair of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF) in February 2020. He has been a member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA) since 2016, the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU) since 2015, and was a member of the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) from November 2016 to March 2017.

Notable committee memberships
Background

Mr. Spengemann complete his law degreed at Osgoode Hall and was called to the Bar of Ontario in June 2000. He pursued graduate degrees at the College of Europe in Belgium and Harvard Law School. Mr. Spengemann’s academic work earned him numerous awards and distinctions, including a Canada-US Fulbright Scholarship.

Mr. Spengemann worked in the Government of Canada’s Privy Council as a Senior Policy Analyst, where he led federal interdepartmental policy processes in the areas of risk management, international cooperation and national security. He also served as a UN official in Baghdad with the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). In Iraq, Mr. Spengemann negotiated operational protocols with the US Coalition Forces to ensure operational, security and medical support for the UN Mission.

Mr. Spengemann is a frequent speaker in the community on international affairs, diplomacy and peacekeeping and has been hosted by the NATO Association to discuss his work with UNAMI and Iraq’s ongoing transition. He continues to work closely at the local level with communities from the Middle East and North Africa, including Iraq, the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Egypt, Somalia and Syria.

Issues-specific background/statements

On March 9, 2020, Mr. Spengemann asked about the violence in Delhi during Question Period. He noted that at least 50 people lost their lives and hundreds more were injured. Mr. Spengemann stated that one of the elements that caused dissension was the Citizenship Amendment Act that was recently adopted by the Indian government.

On February 6, 2020, Mr. Spengemann rose in the House of Commons to speak about his visit to the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. He and Cheryl Hardcastle were scheduled to appear before SDIR on March 24, but the meeting was cancelled.

During the 42nd Parliament, Mr. Spengemann spoke about what the government had done to promote peace, human rights, and democracy internationally. He also spoke about his trip to Senegal and Mali with the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence.

Hon. Michael D. Chong, CPC (Wellington – Halton Hills, ON), Vice-Chair, Critic for Foreign Affairs

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary roles

Mr. Chong is currently serving as the Official Opposition’s Critic for Foreign Affairs. MP Chong served as the President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Minister for Sport from February to November 2006. He has been a member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA), the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN), the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS), among others.

Notable committee memberships
Background

Mr. Chong was first elected to Parliament in 2004 and has been Chair of several House of Commons Standing Committees. He is a co-founder and member of the All Party Climate Caucus since it was formed in 2011. In the 42nd Parliament, MP Chong served as the Official Opposition’s Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Shadow Minister for Science. In 2015, Chong’s Reform Act passed Parliament and became law.

Prior to his election, Mr. Chong acted as Chief Information Officer for the National Hockey League Players’ Association and as a Senior Technology Consultant to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority for the redevelopment of Pearson International Airport. MP Chong also co-founded the Dominion Institute, now known as Historica Canada, an organization committed to raising Canadians’ awareness of history and civics. He currently sits on its Board of Governors. Mr. Chong attended Trinity College in the University of Toronto where he obtained a degree in philosophy.

Issue specific background

On October 7, 2020, MP Chong spoke about Iran during Question Period. He asked the Prime Minister when the government would list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Crops as a terrorist organization.

On October 6, 2020, during debate on the Speech from the Throne, MP Chong declared that the “government needs to uphold its obligations under domestic law, under the law concerning export and import permits for military exports and imports, and it needs to uphold its international obligations under the arms treaty” saying the government has been inconsistent in upholding those obligations. He also gave the example of Turkey saying that “A year ago, the government halted exports of military equipment to Turkey out of concern that it was failing to uphold its obligations as a NATO member. Last April/May, it reinstated the approvals for those permits, and exports have allegedly gone to Turkey. These are being used in Azerbaijan in the conflict currently unfolding in the Caucasus. Then several days ago it reversed course yet again and put another halt to the export of permits. It seems to me that the government is not upholding its obligations under domestic and international law.”

On September 30, 2020, MP Chong commended the government for re-imposing sanctions on Belarus. He then stated that China was violating human rights and international treaties in its treatment of Michael Spavor, Michael Kovrig, the Uyghurs, and the people of Hong Kong. He asked if the government would impose sanctions on those responsible in China.

On December 10, 2019, MP Chong rose in the House of Commons to speak about Canada’s relationship with China. He stated, “I would say this in response to the economic concerns that have been voiced by many about our relationship with China. More important than economic concerns are the principles and values on which this country is founded, principles such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Those are the very principles we risk undermining and doing away with if we continue to focus on the economic consequences of taking a reset and decoupling in our China relationship”. He went on to speak about how China has increasingly used economic blackmail, including attacks on Canadian farmers with regards to pork, beef and canola. MP Chong also raised concerns about Uyghurs in concentration camps and Beijing’s systemic campaign to wipe out this population in a genocidal manner. Finally, he asked if the government would take a firmer, stronger, and clearer position on Hong Kong.

Stephane Bergeron, BQ (Montarville, QC), Vice-Chair, Critic for Foreign Affairs

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary roles

Mr. Bergeron is currently the Bloc Québécois’ (BQ) Critic for Foreign Affairs. He is a member of numerous parliamentary associations and interparliamentary groups, particularly the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA). He also served as the Whip for the BQ from 1997 to 2001.

Notable committee membership
Background

Mr. Bergeron served as a BQ member of the House of Commons from 1993 to 2005 and a member of Quebec’s National Assembly from 2005 to 2018. In 2019, he returned to the House of Commons as a BQ member.  Mr. Bergeron has bachelors and master’s degrees in Political Science. After first leaving the House of Commons and serving in Quebec’s National Assembly for 13 years, he was Registrar of Rimouski’s CEGEP. He was previously a political advisor and a teaching assistant at Université Laval within the Political Science department. From 1984 to 1993 he served in the Canadian Forces as a naval Cadet Instructor Cadre officer.

Issues-specific background/statements

The majority of Mr. Bergeron’s statements have been regarding China, including the eight-month vacancy of the Ambassador position and the effect on the bilateral relationship.

He has raised human rights in Question Period, asking “What will it take for the government to take action and finally get Riaf Badawi released?” Then following up his question by stating, “it is scandalous that Raif Badawi is languishing in prison after seven years without having committed any crime. If the government can sit down with Saudi Arabia at the G20 , if it can sit down with Saudi Arabia to do business and sell the country weapons, then it can certainly sit down with Saudi Arabia to demand the release of Raif Badawi.”

Upon the announce that Canada is lifting its ban on export of military goods to Saudi Arabia, MP Bergeron tweeted: Aurait-on profité de la crise (COVID-19) pour aller de l’avant en catimini avec cette décision controversée, en espérant qu’elle passe sous le radar?

On COVID-19, on social media, MP Bergeron criticized the government for not closing its borders with the US. He also commented on repatriation of Canadians saying that Minister Champagne needed to keep his promise to offer consular and financial support to Canadians abroad. BQ leader Yves-François Blanchet also expressed early on his concerns about the Canada-US border staying open, insisting that all non-essential entries should be prohibited. On the repatriation of Canadians, he stressed that no Canadian should be left alone and declared that the government must do its job. He criticized the government in light of closures of consulates and missions. He asked his caucus members to help in any way possible with repatriation efforts of Quebecers. On April 9 though, he thanked GAC and consular officials for having done a Titans’ job.

Jack Harris, NDP (St. John’s East, NL), Critic for Foreign Affairs

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary roles

Mr. Harris is currently the NDP’s Critic for Foreign Affairs, Public Safety, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. He is also the Deputy Critic for Defence.

Notable committee memberships
Background

Jack Harris is a lawyer and politician from Newfoundland and Labrador. He has represented St John’s East several times: from 1987-1988, from 2008 to 2015, and winning his seat again in 2019. He was the leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party from 1992 to 2006.

Issues-specific background/statements

On December 10, 2019, Mr. Harris rose in the House of Commons to voice his support for the creation of a special committee on Canada and China relations. He stated, “Madam Speaker, clearly, the relationship would deteriorate. We have seen in the past year or so how quick and easy it is for China, in this case, to take actions that hurt people. We have to move on this and we should move quickly”. On the same day, Mr. Harris also spoke about the importance of Canada engaging in multilateralism as a solution to ongoing tensions between Canada and China.

Robert Oliphant, LPC (Don Valley West, ON), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary roles

Rob Oliphant was made the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in May 2019 and retained this role in the 43rd Parliament.

He is actively involved in parliamentary associations. In particular, he has been a member of the Canada-China Legislative Association since December 2015.

Notable committee memberships
Background

Mr. Oliphant was first elected to the House of Commons in October 2008. He was defeated in the 2011 federal election but was re-elected in 2015 and 2019.

Mr. Oliphant graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto in 1978. During his time at U of T, he was active in the University of Toronto Liberal Club, as well as the Ontario (New) Young Liberals.  After obtaining a Master of Divinity from the Vancouver School of Theology, he was ordained as a United Church Minister in 1984.  His official title is The Reverend Doctor Robert Oliphant, MP.

Mr. Oliphant worked in Premier David Peterson’s office in 1989. He later worked for two provincial ministers, Christine Hart, Minister of Culture and Communications, and Mavis Wilson, Minister Responsible for Women’s issues. 

Issues-specific background/statements

Mr. Oliphant frequently defends Canada’s foreign policy model, stating it “is based on renewing a rules-based international order that Canadians have built together, protecting universal human rights, supporting democracies,” and noting, “We are a leader in the world on critical issues, whether it is in Venezuela, or in the Middle East or in China, all around the world. We will continue to stand with our allies, with NATO partners, as we continue to ensure Canada's leadership is strong and heard in our world with allies and like-minded who work with us.”

Mr. Oliphant raises Canadian consular services abroad in a number of contexts, including committee, social media, and House debate. He has stated a number of times that the return of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are the top priority of the Government.

Peter Fonseca, LPC (Mississauga East – Cooksville, ON)

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary roles

Peter Fonseca was a member of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM) from December 2018 to March 2019. He was also a member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA) from September 2018 to March 2019, and the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) from December 2016 to March 2017.

Notable committee memberships
Background

Mr. Fonseca was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015. Prior to entering federal politics, he was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and served in Premier McGuinty’s cabinet. Mr. Fonseca was born in Lisbon, Portugal and immigrated to Toronto with his family in 1968. He graduated from St. Michael's College School and attended the University of Oregon, gaining a Bachelor of Arts on an athletic scholarship. He also holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Windsor. He worked as a senior performance management consultant for the Coach Corporation, and has run an importing and distributing company in Portugal.

Issues-specific background/statements

MP Fonseca has spoken about China at various parliamentary committees including the Subcommittee on International Human Rights. As a previous member of CIIT, Mr. Fonseca focused his commentary on GAC-related files on international trade during House debate and committee. Most recently, he rose in the House to speak on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act.

Hon. Hedy Fry, LPC (Vancouver Centre, BC) 

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary roles

Dr. Fry served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and the Minister of Human Resources and Skill Development (Internationally Trained Workers Initiative) from July 2004 to November 2005. She also served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration from December 2003 to June 2004. Fry has been a member of many Parliamentary Committees, Associations, and Interparliamentary Groups since 2002. She currently serves as head of Canada’s delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (OSCEPA), and is the OSCEPA’s Special Representative for Gender Issues. She also Chairs the Canadian Association of Parliamentarians for Population Development.

Notable committee memberships
Background

Ms. Fry is a Trinidadian-Canadian politician and physician. She completed her medical training at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She is currently the longest-serving female Member of Parliament, winning nine consecutive elections in the constituency of Vancouver Centre. Ms. Fry worked at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver for 23 years. She served as president of the British Columbia Federation of Medical Women in 1977. She was president of the Vancouver Medical Association in 1988 to 1989, the BC Medical Association in 1990-1991, and chaired the Canadian Medical Association's Multiculturalism Committee in 1992-9.

Issues-specific background/statements

In January of this year, Ms. Fry spoke about the Canada-United States Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Ms. Fry rose in the House to speak on female genital mutilation (FGM), noting, “In 1997 the Liberal government criminalized FGM in Canada. Now we are engaging with other nations, donors, UN organizations and civil society to take action to eliminate FGM globally… More needs to be done. Ending FGM requires governments to act with legislation to protect the human rights of women and girls, with policies that empower them and, most importantly, in this year of Beijing+25, to remember that women's rights are human rights.”

In 2017, Ms. Fry rose in the House to speak on refugee and migrant women and girls worldwide, “Of the 65 million people displaced by conflict, 55% are women and children. Displaced women and girls often experience rape, forced marriages, and sexual slavery… As we laud our own progress, let us remember that women's rights are human rights, and we cannot celebrate fully until all women enjoy those rights.”

Ruby Sahota, LPC (Brampton North, ON)

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary roles

Since becoming an MP in 2015, Ms. Sahota has been a member of numerous Parliamentary Associations and Interparliamentary Groups. She was involved with the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM) from January 2016 to February 2018, the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association from September 2018 to March 2019, the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS) from January 2016 to April 2018, and the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) from December 2015 to 2016.

Notable committee memberships
Background

Before entering politics, Ms. Sahota worked as a lawyer, practicing for five years in the areas of criminal law, civil litigation, and dispute resolution in both the public and private sectors. She holds a combined Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Peace Studies from McMaster University and a J.D. with a concentration in Litigation from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Issues-specific background/statements

Ms.Sahota rose in the House of Commons on the 10-year anniversary of the end of the war in Sri Lanka, asking the Minister of Foreign Affairs how the government is holding those responsible for the atrocities to account.

Ms. Sahota is a proponent of the improvements made to the Canadian immigration system under the Liberal government, “we have an effective immigration system that Canadians and those wishing to become Canadians and members of our society can rely on.”

Ms. Sahota has spoken out about racism in the House, noting that the “Sikh community has been a victim to racism, discrimination, and violence.”

Julie Dabrusin, LPC (Toronto-Danforth, ON)

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary roles

Ms. Dabrusin currently serves as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Since becoming an MP in 2015, Ms. Dabrusin has been a member of numerous Parliamentary Associations and Interparliamentary Groups. She has been involved with the Canada-Israel Parliamentary Group (CAIL), the Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN), the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIPU), the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, and the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (CAPF).

Notable committee memberships
Background

Ms. Dabrusin grew up in Montréal and completed her undergraduate degree in Middle East Studies at McGill University, before attending law school at the University of Toronto. She practiced litigation, including serving for a time as commission counsel to the Toronto External Contracts Inquiry, which reviewed municipal government procurement.

Ms. Dabrusin was an active volunteer in her community. She founded Friends of Withrow Park, served on the Board of Directors of Park People, and started initiatives such as the local Second Harvest Hunger Squad.  In 2012, she was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for her community service. Ms. Dabrusin has been a strong advocate for her community on issues of gun control, healthy eating and banning single-use plastics.

Issues-specific background/statements

Ms.Dabrusin often speaks about topics related to Canadian Heritage in the House of Commons. MP Dabrusin has not made comments related to foreign affairs in the House of Commons during the 43rd Parliament to date.

Garnett Genuis, CPC (Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan, AB), Critic for International Development and Human Rights

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary Roles

Garnett Genuis is currently the Conservative Critic for International Development and Human Rights. He previously served as the Conservative Critic for Canada-China Relations and Multiculturalism. He was a member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA) from September 2018 to March 2019 and a member of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS) from February to March 2017. In September 2017 he triggered an emergency debate in the House of Commons concerning the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, and he has presented a private member’s bill and numerous petitions over the past two parliaments to draw attention to the combat against trafficking in human organs.

Notable committee membership

Mr. Genuis was elected in 2015 and 2019. He grew up in Strathcona County and got involved in his community through volunteering with various organizations, including a local care centre. At age 15, he began writing a column for Sherwood Park News for which he continues to be a regular contributor as an MP.

Mr. Genuis holds a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management from Carleton University and Master’s of Science in Philosophy and Public Policy from the London School of Economics. Prior to his election, he worked in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Issues-specific background/statements

Mr. Genuis often rises in the House of Commons to speak about a variety of foreign affairs-related issues. In the 43rd Parliament he has asked the government about Iran, Sri Lanka, Canada-China relations, and Taiwan during Question Period. He also sparked an emergency debate in the House of Commons concerning the genocide of Rohingya Muslims in Burma and has presented a private member’s bill to combat trafficking in human organs.

During a briefing on International Development by departmental officials on October 15th, 2020, MP Genuis asked for details related to the Canadian Centre for Peace, Order and Good Governance as outlined in the mandate letter for Minister Gould and Minister Champagne.

Kerry Diotte, CPC (Edmonton Griesbach, AB)  

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary roles

Mr. Diotte has been the Vice-Chair of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS) since February 2019. He is also a member of numerous parliamentary associations and interparliamentary groups including the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA), the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM), and the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CCOM). He previously served as the Conservative Party of Canada’s deputy critic for National Revenue and Public Services and Procurement.

Notable committee memberships
Background

Kerry Diotte worked as a journalist and then an Edmonton City councillor before becoming a federal MP in 2015. his seat in the 2015 general election. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and educated at Ottawa’s Carleton University, Mr. Diotte enjoyed a long and successful career as a journalist, working in radio, TV, magazines and newspapers. Mr. Diotte has taught journalism, authored a book about Edmonton’s history and was a national director of the Canadian Association of Journalists.

Issues-specific background/statements

On January 29, 2020, Mr. Diotte rose to commemorate the victims of Flight PS752 and stated, “Iranian authorities must be transparent and fully co-operate with independent agencies investigating this horrific event. Families also deserve that the remains of their loved ones are allowed to be repatriated to Canada as soon as possible. Anything less is completely unacceptable. These loved ones have suffered enough”.

Martin B. Morantz, CPC (Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB) 

GAC-Related Key Interests
Parliamentary Roles

Martin Morantz was first elected in October 2019. He served as the National Revenue Critic from March to August 2020. Shortly after his election he joined the Canada-Europe and Canadian NATO Parliamentary Associations, the Canada-Israel and Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Groups, the Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association and the Canadian Delegation to the OSCE (December 2019-March 2020). He is part of the multipartite Inter-Parliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism announced in September 2020.

Notable committee membership
Background

Mr. Morantz holds a BA in political studies from the University of Manitoba and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to his election to Parliament he served as City Councillor on the Winnipeg City Council (2014-2018) where he chaired the Finance and Infrastructure Committee. Prior to his tenure as City Councillor, Mr. Morantz was a lawyer for 23 years in a Winnipeg law firm. He also presided Jernat Investment Ltd., a property investment and financial services firm. He also served on the boards of many community groups focusing on autism advocacy and research, assisted living and numerous groups in the Jewish community. MP Morantz is married and they have one son.

Issues-specific background/statements

On October 8, 2020 MP Morantz rose in the House of Commons and presented a petition regarding the persecution of the Uyghurs. He stated, “The petition says in part that it is clear that the UN conventions around the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide have been breached. Canada cannot remain silent in the face of this ongoing atrocity. The petition formally requests we recognize that Uighurs in China have been, and are being, subject to genocide and to use the Magnitsky Act in this case”.

B) Hot issue notes

Programing and Policy

Canada’s International Assistance response to COVID-19 (Global Response, including vaccinations)

Supplementary messages
Supporting facts and figures
Background

COVID-19 is causing devastating health, social, and economic impacts for people around the world; the pandemic is estimated to push an additional 88 million to 115 million people into extreme poverty this year. Canada’s international assistance response to COVID-19 is focused on fighting the pandemic; managing financial stresses and stabilizing economies; and supporting the most vulnerable and reinforcing recovery. Canada is collaborating as a member of the G7 and G20, and working hand in hand with international partners, including the World Health Organization. Canada’s humanitarian and development assistance response is rooted in the Feminist International Assistance Policy, with a particular focus on the world’s poorest and most marginalized, and considering the differentiated needs of women and girls. Importantly, and in complement to its own procurement efforts, Canada has made significant investments to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics are affordable and equitably distributed globally. In May, Canada joined the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a critical platform for global cooperation on the development, production, and distribution of safe and effective COVID-19 medical interventions. Canada is contributing to the COVAX Facility, the vaccine pillar of the ACT-Accelerator, both as a self-financing participant and to purchase vaccine doses for low- and middle-income countries through the Advance Market Commitment.

Funds that have been re-purposed to respond to COVID-19

Supplementary messages
Supporting facts and figures

Repurposed amount by continent

ContinentRepurposed Amount
Africa - North Africa$3.9
Africa - Sub-Saharan Africa$337.6
America$48.1
Asia$48.0
Europe$11.1
Middle East$25.6
To be determined$8.8
Total$483.0

Repurposed amount by partner type

Partner typeRepurposed Amount
Canadian Civil Society Organizations$124.0
Canadian Private Sector$2.7
Canadian Para-Governmental Organizations$5.0
Foreign Civil Society Organizations$40.3
Foreign Government$43.0
Multilateral Organizations$262.9
To be determined$5.2
Total$483.0
Background

COVID-19 is causing devastating health, social, and economic impacts for people around the world; the pandemic is estimated to push an additional 88 million to 115 million people into extreme poverty this year. Canada’s international assistance response to COVID-19 is focused on fighting the pandemic; managing financial stresses and stabilizing economies; and supporting the most vulnerable and reinforcing recovery. Canada’s response is rooted in the Feminist International Assistance Policy, with a particular focus on the world’s poorest and most marginalized, and considering the differentiated needs of women and girls. Canada has announced over $1.1 billion in addition to repurposing more than $483 million from existing resources to support global efforts to end the COVID-19. Canada’s support will be implemented through Canadian, multilateral and other international partners.

FIAP Overview

Supplementary messages – signature initiatives
Supporting facts and figures
Background

The 2017 Feminist International Assistance Policy focuses Canada’s efforts on providing international assistance that is human rights-based and inclusive in six action areas: Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls; Human Dignity (health and nutrition; education; and gender-responsive humanitarian action); Growth that Works for Everyone; Environment and Climate Action; Inclusive Governance; and Peace and Security. The Policy commits Canada to improving the effectiveness of its international assistance. Canada is investing in innovation and research, experimentation, seeking out new partnerships and ways of working, and is better communicating its results, activities and spending.

$2 Billion for the Feminist International Assistance Policy:

Budget 20182018-192019-202020-212021-222022-23Total over 5 years2023-24 Ongoing
* The Gender Equality Partnership funding allocated in 2021-22 and 2022-23 has been reprofiled and disbursed in 2020-21 ($195M).
Regularize Humanitarian Assistance and Apply a Gender Responsive Approach to Humanitarian Action$50.0 M$50.0 M$50.0 M$50.0 M$50.0 M$250.0 M$50.0 M
Break Barriers to Girls, Adolescent Girls, and Women's Empowerment, and apply a Holistic intersectional Approach$120.0 M$210.0 M$321.0 M$408.0 M$483.0 M$1,542.0 M$483.9 M
G7 Girls Education$50.0 M$75.0 M$75.0 M$25.0 M$25.0 M$250.0 M 
Gender Equality Partnership* $105.0 M $89.0 M$106.0 M$300.0 M 
SRHR  $216.0 M$249.0 M$307.0 M$772.0 M$300.0 M
Women's Voice and Leadership / Gender Equality / Barriers to Empowerment$70.0 M$30.0 M$30.0 M$45.0 M$45.0 M$220.0 M$50.0 M
Future GAC programming     $0.0 M$133.9 M
Project Canadian Leadeship and Deploy Canadian Expertise$47.5 M$25.0 M$31.1 M$37.6 M$39.7 M$180.9 M$39.7 M
Election Related Activities$10.0 M$10.0 M$10.0 M$10.0 M$10.0 M$50.0 M$10.0 M
Technical Assistance / Capacity Building / Leadership$37.5 M$13.0 M$16.8 M$15.6 M$15.0 M$97.9 M$15.0 M
Canada Fund for Local Initiative $2.0 M$4.3 M$12.0 M$14.7 M$33.0 M$14.7 M
Augment Support to Sub-Saharan Africa$20.0 M$15.0 M$14.7 M$20.0 M$27.3 M$97.0 M$27.3 M
GAC Programming in Sub-Saharan Africa$20.0 M$10.0 M$9.7 M$10.0 M$15.0 M$64.7 M$15.0 M
IDRC Presence in Francophone Africa $5.0 M$5.0 M$10.0 M$12.3 M$32.3 M$12.3 M
Adj. transfer to SSC and PWGSC$0.97 M$1.2 M$1.3 M$1.3 M$1.3 M$1.3 M$0.9 M
Total Proposed Programming$236.53$293.80$410.47$514.27$598.67$2,068.57$600.0 M
Budget 2019 allocated an additional $100 million ongoing starting in 2023-24      $700.0 M

These amounts may vary over time based on programming.

Feminist International Assistance Policy Commitments %
50 percent of bilateral international development assistance is directed to Sub-Saharan African countries by 2021/222017-20182018-20192019-20202020-20212021-2022Commitment
Disbursements48.4 %44.4 %41.7 %16.6 % This commitment is not on track to be met in 2021/22.
Operational initiatives   15.1 %21.0 %
Total Approved   31.6 % 
Planned initiatives   [REDACTED][REDACTED]
Operational and Planned initiatives[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]
Global or Unspecified0.1 %0.0 %0.2 %[REDACTED][REDACTED]
New initiatives approved during the fiscal year38.5 %43.8 %45.4 %52.7 % 
15 percent of all bilateral international development assistance investments specifically target gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls by 2021/222017-20182018-20192019-20202020-20212021-2022Commitment
Disbursements3.1 %5.9 %14.0 %7.9 % This commitment is on track to be met with operational and planned initiatives.
Operational initiatives   6.4 %10.9 %
Total Approved   14.3 % 
Planned initiatives   [REDACTED][REDACTED]
Operational and Planned initiatives[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]
New initiatives approved during the fiscal year13,2 %22,6 %27,4 %11,6 % 
95 percent of Canada's bilateral international development assistance investments will either target or integrate gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls by 2021/222017-20182018-20192019-20202020-20212021-2022Commitment
Disbursements92.0 %95.7 %96.6 %37.1 % This commitment is on track to be met with operational and planned initiatives.
Operational initiatives   35.3 %41.3 %
Total Approved   72.5 % 
Planned initiatives   [REDACTED][REDACTED]
Operational and Planned initiatives[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]
Uncoded0.0 %0.0 %0.3 %11,8 %5,9 %
New initiatives approved during the fiscal year98.6 %100.0 %99.6 %99.0 % 

These amounts may vary over time based on programming.

FIAP/LGBTQ2I

Supplementary messages
Update

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the challenges faced by LGBTQ2I persons and communities around the world. In line with the feminist approach to international assistance, Canada is ensuring its COVID-19 response is human rights-based and inclusive of the most marginalized and vulnerable. For example, through its LGBTQ2I International Assistance Program, Global Affairs Canada is providing COVID-19 emergency financial and practical support to help local LGBTQ2I communities and organizations create tailored responses based on the needs of the people they serve.

Supporting facts and figures
Background

In line with the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Global Affairs Canada has been working with civil society to ensure the meaningful inclusion of LGBTQ2I persons in its international assistance efforts. More recently, the department has been taking steps to prioritize the implementation of a feminist approach that is intersectional across its policy and programming work in order to fully consider the inequalities that various groups experience. Canada’s feminist approach adopts an expanded definition of gender equality that takes into account diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) identity factors and calls for the application of a gender based analysis plus (GBA+), a human rights-based approach and intersectional lens to all initiatives.

At the Equal Rights Coalition Global Conference held in 2018, Canada committed to identifying strategies to better address the challenges that LGBTQ2I communities face at home and abroad. This included meaningful engagement with LGBTQ2I persons and their representative organizations to ensure they are able to contribute to and benefit from Canada’s international assistance efforts. The LGBTQ2I International Assistance Program ($30M) was developed as a direct result of this commitment and is being informed by the needs and realities of LGBTQ2I persons and their representative organizations.

Humanitarian Policy

Supplementary messages
Update

The impact of COVID-19 has re-affirmed the policy priorities set out in sub-action area policy, A Feminist Approach: Gender Equality in Humanitarian Action. GAC’s internal Feminist International Assistance Policy stocktaking exercise assessed implementation of this sub-policy as on track.

Supporting facts and figures
Background

To advance gender-responsive humanitarian action, Canada expects its partners to:

  1. implement gender equality policies in field operations;
  2. better understand beneficiaries needs;
  3. address gender-related programming gaps in humanitarian assistance; and
  4. empower women and girls through leadership and participation.
Humanitarian assistance spending of $800 million per fiscal year (average of $780 million 2013/14 to 2016/17)
Total Target: $800M per Fiscal year
2017-20182018-20192019-20202020-20212021-2022Commitment
Disbursements885892856443 This commitment is on track to be met with operational and planned initiatives.
Operational and Planned initiatives   [REDACTED][REDACTED]
Additional programming remains to be planned   0 
Total   [REDACTED] 

These amounts may vary over time based on programming.

ODA levels

Supplementary messages
Update
Supporting facts and figures

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

Supplementary messages
Supporting facts and figures
Background

SRHR includes: age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education; reproductive health services; family planning services, including contraception; safe and legal abortion services and post-abortion care; prevention and management of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections and other diseases.

Current and future Health and SRHR Targets

Global Health
Total Target: $1.4B/year ($700M/year SRHR) by 2023 until 2030
2020-20212021-20222022-20232023-20242024-20252025-20262026-2027Post 2027Commitment
Disbursements - Health204       The commitment is on track to be met with initiatives planned and calls for proposals in progress.
Operational and Planned initiatives - Health[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]
WHO Assessed unprogrammed0131313131313 
Finance IDA (8.8%)39393939393939 
Additional programming remains to be planned  123292368559598 
Total Health[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]
Disbursements - SRHR129       
Operational and Planned initiatives - SRHR[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]
Additional programming remains to be planned  19442502620684 
Total Health[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]
Additional programming remains to be planned  1437358711,1791,282 
Total Health[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED] 

These amounts may vary over time based on programming.

Support for Democratic Institutions (noting the transition in Sudan)

Update

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, democratic systems of governance built on strong institutional capacity, transparency and trust have the best basis to overcome the crisis and build back sustainably.

Supporting facts and figures
Background

Supporting democracy, and democratic institutions in particular, is central to Canada’s strategic foreign policy interests and is reflected in the Feminist International Assistance Policy’s Inclusive Governance action area, which addresses human rights, access to justice, participation in public life, and public services that work for everyone.

Canada has long supported countries and communities as they strive to strengthen their democracies. We take a comprehensive approach by investing in public sector institutions to ensure they are effective, accountable, transparent and responsive and by promoting the full participation of all citizens in the decision-making processes and institutions affecting their lives, with an emphasis on the inclusion of women, youth and marginalized groups.

PSOPs is currently funding two projects in Sudan aimed at increasing the meaningful participation of women in the transitional political process:

Canada’s Innovative Finance Programs

Supplementary messages
Update

On Oct 10, 2020, the Globe and Mail published an article criticizing Canada’s Innovative Finance Programs for having accomplished too little since their announcement in Budget 2018. On Aug 21, 2020, a similar critique of the IAIP was published in the Hill Times by Engineers Without Borders, an organization also featured in the October Globe article.

Background

1.59 Billion for the International Assistance Innovation and Sovereign Loans Program:

Budget 20182018-192019-202020-212021-222022-235-year total
International Assistance Innovation Program (IAIP)$56.9 M$145.1 M$200.6 M$257.9 M$314.2 M$974.7 M
Sovereign Loans program$0.0 M$60.5 M$154.0 M$201.0 M$201.0 M$616.5 M
Total Proposed Programming$56.9 M$205.6 M$354.6 M$458.9 M$515.2 M$1,591.2 M

These amounts may vary over time based on programming.

Climate Finance

Supplementary messages
Update

In the summer of 2020, Global Affairs Canada held public consultations to seek input on the strategy to deliver Canada’s international climate finance from fiscal year 2021/2022 to fiscal year 2025/2026. The Department will post a summary of the consultations’ findings in November.

Supporting facts and figures
Background

Canada is delivering $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient economies. The objectives of this funding include significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting adaptation actions, and mobilizing new private sector capital for global climate action.

Global Affairs Canada portion of the commitment is $2.59B, with the remainder to be programmed by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Climate Change COP21
Total Target: $2.65B of which $2.59B for GAC from 2015/16 - 2020/21
2015-20162016-20172017-20182018-20192019-20202020-2021TotalCommitment
Disbursements1682523494265261361,858This commitment is on track to be met with operational and planned initiatives.
Operational and Planned initiatives     [REDACTED][REDACTED]
Additional programming remains to be planned       
Total      [REDACTED]

These amounts may vary over time based on programming.

FinDev Canada

Supplementary messages
Supporting facts and figures
Background

[REDACTED].

An agreement is in place between GAC and FinDev Canada ($3.8M/4 years) to support FinDev Canada’s Technical Assistance Facility. The Facility aims to address a range of capacity building needs of FinDev Canada’s investee companies, including around gender equality, governance and leadership, inclusive human capital development, impact targeting, measurement and reporting.

IDRC

Supplementary messages
Update
Supporting facts and figures

Asia

Afghanistan

Supplementary messages
Update
Supporting facts and figures
Annex 1: Planned & Actual disbursements for FY 2020-21
CountryProgramTotal allocated resourcesActuals
AfghanistanAfghanistan Development Program$126,030,000$39,308,997
AfghanistanPeace and Stabilization Programming$27,746,039$0
AfghanistanHumanitarian Assistance to Afghanistan$15,600,000$15,600,000
Total$169,376,039$54,908,997

Assistance to China (with reference and position on the Belt and Road initiative)

Supplementary messages
Background

China: (2018-2019 Bilateral: $3.4M / Multilateral: $37.61M / Total: $41.02 M)

Rohingya Crisis (Canadas Development and Humanitarian Response)

Supplementary messages
Update

Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant represented Canada at an October 22nd donor conference on the Rohingya crisis, which raised US $597M in new pledges to the Joint Response Plan in Bangladesh. He affirmed Canada’s continued leadership on the crisis and flagged plans for a renewed multi-year strategy.

Supporting facts and figures

Summary of Funds Committed to Date:

Development assistanceFunds committed
Development Assistance to Bangladesh (Host communities around Cox’s Bazar)$82,000,000
Development Assistance to Myanmar$73,000,000
Humanitarian Assistance to Bangladesh and Myanmar$95,552,093
Peace and Stabilization Programming$21,000,000
Total$271,552,093

By March 2021, we expect to have spent the totality of the $300 million.

Background

In August 2017, systematic, large-scale and targeted attacks by Myanmar’s security forces caused over 711,000 Rohingya in Rakhine State to flee to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The speed and scale of the influx has resulted in significant humanitarian needs in Cox's Bazar. Conditions in the refugee camps and settlements in the area remain difficult. The impact on Bangladeshi host communities is high, for example, with the loss of land, forests, access to health care and livelihoods.

The humanitarian and security situation in Rakhine State is also dire, with an estimated 600,000 remaining Rohingya in Rakhine, and over 120,000 remain confined in internally displaced person camps since outbreaks of inter-ethnic violence in 2012. They all face discriminatory systems and attitudes limiting their access to essential health services, freedom of movement, pathways to citizenship and livelihood opportunities – making the still unimplemented RAC recommendations all the more important.

On May 23, 2018, Canada released its Strategy to Respond to the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh, which dedicates $300 million over three years (2018-2021) for addressing humanitarian, development, peace and stabilization needs, as well as support for positive political developments in Myanmar and accountability. Canada is working to renew our multi-year Rohingya strategy.

In Myanmar, to implement Canada’s strategy, bilateral development projects support efforts to counter sexual and gender-based violence and to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights; strengthen women’s voices and leadership; and strengthen inclusive governance and the capacity of local civil society organizations.

In Bangladesh, bilateral development funding included $82 million to help mitigate the impact of the crisis on host communities in areas such as livelihoods, community cohesion, education and environment  and for longer term learning opportunities and health services for the refugees.

Peace and stabilization programming has contributed to peaceful national reconciliation, including effective participation of women in the peace process and peacebuilding activities.

Disbursements for final year of the Rohingya Strategy (2020-21)
CountryProgramExisting resources (budget allocated to the strategy)Funds spent to date (FY 20-21)
MyanmarMyanmar Development Program$20,300,000$20,300,000
BangladeshBangladesh Development Program$6,000,000$1,560,000
TotalsDevelopment Totals$26,300,000$22,560,000
Peace and Stabilization Programming$8,000,000$1,500,000
Humanitarian Assistance to Bangladesh and Myanmar$40,000,000$11,552,093
Total$74,300,000$34,912,093

Latin America

Venezuela

Supplementary messages
Update

At the October 19, 2020, Ministerial Quito Process and Group of Friends meeting, Minister Gould announced that Canada would lead on an action plan to maintain and enhance international attention on the Venezuela migrant and refugee crisis, help ensure existing donor pledges are honoured, and assess opportunities for future pledges, culminating in Canada hosting a conference in the second quarter of 2021.

As a result of the actions of the regime, the upcoming parliamentarian elections on December 6 will be neither free nor fair, yet will serve for the regime to seek control of the opposition-led National Assembly, the only remaining democratic institution in Venezuela.

Supporting facts and figures

Middle East

The Middle East Strategy

Supplementary messages
Supporting facts and figures
Background

The Middle East Strategy was launched in Feb. 2016 (and renewed in 2019) to respond to the threat of Daesh and the impact of refugees in Iraq and Syria.

The Strategy invests up to $3.5 billion over five years to help set the conditions for security and stability, alleviate human suffering, enable civilian-led stabilization programs, and support governance and longer-term efforts to build resilience. [REDACTED].

The overall funding for GAC across the four pillars of the Strategy includes up to $1.4B in humanitarian assistance, $470M in development assistance, $269M in security and stabilization programming, and $91M to support diplomatic engagement.

DND, CSIS, CSE and RCMP are key partners in delivering on Canada’s objectives under the Strategy.

Middle East Strategy Commitment:

Middle East Strategy2016-17 to 2018-192019-20 to 2020-215-year Total
Humanitarian Assistance$840.0M$560.0M$1,400.0M
Development Assistance$270.0M$200.0M$470.0M
Security$145.0M$124.2M$269.2M
O&M$90.0M$41.8M$131.8M
Total GAC$1,345.0M$926.0M$2,271.0M
DND (Operation Impact)$806.3M$442.0M$1,248.3M
Intelligence (CSIS-CSE)$31.8M$25.9M$57.7M
Total Canada2,183.0M$1,394.0M$3,577.0M
Middle East Strategy (Development assistance portion)
Total Target: $270M from 2016/17 - 2018/19
2016-20172017-20182018-2019TotalCommitment
Disbursements809595270The commitment has been met.
Total   270
Middle East Strategy (Development assistance portion)
Total Target: $200M from 2019/20 - 2020/21
2019-20202020-2021TotalCommitment
Disbursements[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]The commitment is on track to be met with operational and planned initiatives.
Operational and Planned initiatives [REDACTED][REDACTED]
Additional programming remains to be planned  0
Total  [REDACTED]
Middle East Strategy (humanitarian assistance portion)
Total Target: $840M from 2016/17 - 2019
2016-20172017-20182018-20192019/2020TotalCommitment
Disbursements280280263[REDACTED][REDACTED]The commitment has been met.
Total    [REDACTED]
Middle East Strategy (humanitarian assistance portion)
Total Target: $560M from 2019/2020 - 2020/2021
2019/20202020-2021TotalCommitment
Disbursements[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]The commitment is on track to be met with operational and planned initiatives.
Operational and Planned initiatives [REDACTED][REDACTED]
Additional programming remains to be planned  0
Total  [REDACTED]

These amounts may vary over time based on programming.

Lebanon & Canadian Assistance

Supplementary messages
Update

On August 4, 2020, a massive explosion originating from the Port of Beirut devastated central parts of the city. The catastrophe came on the heels of several multi-faceted crises Lebanon had been facing prior to the blast, including the near-collapse of the economy and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The blast exacerbated the impact of these multiple crises for the most vulnerable populations, resulting in an alarming increase in the number of people and households falling into poverty, and further reducing their access to food, jobs, income, education, health care, and housing.

Supporting facts and figures
Background
Beirut Explosion Humanitarian Relief
Total Target: $30M of which $8M Matching Fund
2020-20212021-2022TotalCommitment
Disbursements20 20 
Of which matching fund8 8
Operational and Planned initiatives[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]
Of which matching fund000
Additional programming remains to be planned  0
Total  [REDACTED]

These amounts may vary over time based on programming.

Allegations regarding Canadian funding for Union of Agriculture Work Committees

Supplementary messages
Background

OCHA’s COVID-19 Humanitarian Aid in the West Bank and Gaza

Supplementary messages
Background

Canada recognizes that the COVID-19 crisis is exacerbating the pre-existing needs of poor and vulnerable Palestinians, and that, collectively, we must avoid diverting resources from these needs as we respond to COVID-19. Canada remains committed to providing assistance focused on empowering Palestinian women and girls, economic growth that works for everyone, and inclusive governance.

Canada has a significant package of humanitarian assistance in the West Bank and Gaza, which helps particularly vulnerable Palestinians – such as women and girls, survivors of gender-based violence, and marginalized communities – to access food, health care, water and sanitation services, through experienced UN agencies and civil society organizations.

Canada exercises enhanced due diligence for all international assistance funding for Palestinians. This includes ongoing oversight, regular site visits, a systematic screening process, and strong anti-terrorism provisions in funding agreements.

UNWRA

Supplementary messages
Supporting facts and figures
Background

UNRWA faces financial constraints and operates in a volatile environment. Since 1948, it has been mandated to provide basic services (including health, education, humanitarian assistance) to Palestinian refugees in five areas: West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. UNRWA is the only UN organization mandated to provide assistance to over five million Palestinian refugees living in these five areas.

UNRWA is almost entirely funded through voluntary contributions and receives broad international support. For the past several years, UNRWA has faced a significant funding shortfall partly as a result of growing needs and falling contributions. UNRWA's Programme Budget (education, health and social services) and the Emergency Appeal for humanitarian assistance to the West Bank and Gaza are currently facing deficits and cuts to services. Some services have already been scaled back, and without significant additional resources, more may need to be cut, leading to negative humanitarian consequences.

C) Mandate

Agenda 2030: Increase international development assistance until 2030

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

FIAP/Accomplishments and targets

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Global Education

Supplementary messages

Update

Since the onset of the COVID19 pandemic, Canada has provided $7.5M in additional funding for education from crisis pool funds and is exploring options to fund further education programming through the recent PM announcement of an additional $400M for Canada’s international COVID-19 response.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Most governments around the world temporarily closed education institutions to help contain the spread of COVID-19. At its peak, school closures impacted over 90% of the world’s registered learners, from pre-primary to higher education. Nearly 200 million of these children, adolescents and youth are living in countries facing humanitarian crisis, such as in refugee camps where girls are half as likely as boys to enroll in secondary education. Globally, 258 million children, adolescents and youth were already out of school before the pandemic began.

Crises such as COVID-19 can have a devastating impact on girls, and adolescent girls, in particular. We know from the Ebola crisis that girls are at a higher risk of not going back to school when they reopen and that closures led to an increase in child, early and forced marriage, transactional sex to cover basic needs, and teenage pregnancy. For example, according to UNFPA, disruptions to programs on harmful practices could lead to 13 million additional cases of child, early and forced marriage in the next decade. Malala Fund estimates that 10 million secondary school age girls will not return to school because of the pandemic. Other marginalizing factors, such as displacement, create even greater barriers to education. At the secondary level, there are only about seven refugee girls for every ten refugee boys enrolled.

10 percent of bilateral international development assistance is to the education sector2019-20202020-20212021-20222022-20232023-2024Commitment
Disbursements11.8%3.0%   This includes the Bilateral Aid programming in the Education Sector. It excludes the new humanitarian "Education in Emergencies" sector (72012).
This commitment is not on track to be met in 2020/21 due to a shift in funding towards the COVID crisis.
Operational initiatives 4.5%6.6%6.3%6.1%
Total11.8%7.4%6.6%6.3%6.1%
Planned initiatives [REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]
Operational and Planned initiatives[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]
Uncoded0.1%6.0%4.0%3.9%3.7%
New initiatives approved during the fiscal year12.3%22.4%   

These amounts may vary over time based on programming.

Innovative Finance Programs

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Improving the Management of International Development Assistance for Greater Effectiveness, Transparency and Accountability

Supplementary messages

Update

The Department’s response to the pandemic includes securing additional funding through the crisis pool, providing greater flexibility to partners to repurpose existing projects, developing lighter approval processes for COVID-19-related projects, providing targeted responses to more vulnerable groups such as women, and strengthening engagement with partners.

Regular outreach sessions with Canadian partners took place to explore how best to facilitate programming activities in the field. This collaboration has resulted in a series of flexible measures to help Canadian organizations implement programming during the pandemic. For example, recognizing the financial challenges caused by COVID-19, GAC has reduced the requirement to withhold 5% of the projects’ value for holdback purposes, further supporting our partners during this unprecedented time.

Supporting facts and figures

The Gender Equality Focus behind Canada’s International Assistance Investments

Supplementary messages

Update

Canada has made significant progress in implementing the Feminist International Assistance Policy, including through its COVID-19 response, and is on track to achieving its policy targets.

Canada also continues to profile its leadership and advance its gender equality priorities in multilateral fora, including through the OECD-DAC Network on Gender Equality as a bureau member, the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), UN Commission on the Status of Women, and other multilateral platforms and initiatives such as the Generation Equality Forum to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing 4th World Conference on Women.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

The Minister’s 2019 Mandate letter sets out the commitment to maintain the gender equality focus of all of Canada’s international assistance investments to address economic, political and social inequalities that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.  The Feminist International Assistance Policy sets out the target of ensuring that by 2021-2022, no less than 95% of Global Affairs Canada’s bilateral international development assistance investments will either target (15%) or integrate (80%) gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

95 percent of Canada's bilateral international development assistance investments will either target or integrate gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls by 2021/222017-20182018-20192019-20202020-20212021-2022Commitment
Disbursements92.0%95.7%96.6%37.1%92.0%This commitment is on track to be met with operational and planned initiatives.
Operational initiatives   35.3%41.3%
Total Approved   72.5% 
Planned initiatives   [REDACTED][REDACTED]
Operational and Planned initiatives[REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED][REDACTED]
Uncoded0.0%0.0%03%11.8%5.9%
New initiatives approved during the fiscal year98.6%100.0%99.6%99.0% 

These amounts may vary over time based on programming.

Women’s Rights and Climate Change Adaption

Supplementary messages

Update

In the summer of 2020, the Government held public consultations to seek input on its approach to international climate finance post-2020, and is aiming to publish a report on “What We Heard” in the Fall of 2020.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

Reducing the Unequal Distribution of Paid and Unpaid Care Work

Update

Since the Mandate Letter commitment was issued in December 2019, initial efforts have focused on developing a way forward for its implementation. This strategy is being finalized internally and efforts are now shifting towards its implementation.

Supporting facts and figures

Background

World economies rely on care work to grow and prosper, yet care work remains unrecognized and undervalued. This work is overwhelmingly done by women and girls which affects their wellbeing, infringes upon their rights, and impact on their ability to participate equally and benefit from the economy. The issue of paid and unpaid care work cuts across action areas, regions, and SDGs and requires a commitment that will tackle the root causes of this inequality. Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy explicitly recognizes the care burden as an issue requiring our attention.

The pandemic has further exposed the invaluable and essential nature of care work to our societies. While women play a critical role in responding to the global COVID-19 pandemic, they are also suffering disproportionate health, economic and social impacts and these repercussions will have long term impacts. In the current context, there is an even greater need for innovative solutions to recognize, reduce and redistribute care work more equitably as we build forward stronger. In our efforts to advance a global economic recovery post-pandemic, we must also create space for the care economy to flourish as a social good that benefits all. Canada will continue to seek opportunities to promote our vision and demonstrate leadership in raising the profile and generating support for this issue.

Canadian Centre for Peace, Order and Good Government

Supplementary messages

Supporting facts and figures

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