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Financial Statements 2020-2021

Table of Contents

Statement of Management Responsibility Including Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Responsibility for the integrity and objectivity of the accompanying financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2021, and all information contained in these statements rests with the management of Global Affairs Canada. These financial statements have been prepared by management using the Government's accounting policies, which are based on Canadian public sector accounting standards.

Management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the information in these financial statements. Some of the information in the financial statements is based on management's best estimates and judgment, and gives due consideration to materiality. To fulfill its accounting and reporting responsibilities, management maintains a set of accounts that provides a centralized record of the department's financial transactions. Financial information submitted in the preparation of the Public Accounts of Canada, and included in the department's Departmental Results Report, is consistent with these financial statements.

Management is also responsible for maintaining an effective system of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial information is reliable, that assets are safeguarded and that transactions are properly authorized and recorded in accordance with the Financial Administration Actand other applicable legislation, regulations, authorities and policies.

Management seeks to ensure the objectivity and integrity of data in its financial statements through careful selection, training and development of qualified staff; through organizational arrangements that provide appropriate divisions of responsibility; through communication programs aimed at ensuring that regulations, policies, standards, and managerial authorities are understood throughout the department and through conducting an annual risk-based assessment of the effectiveness of the system of ICFR.

The system of ICFR is designed to mitigate risks to a reasonable level based on an ongoing process to identify key risks, to assess effectiveness of associated key controls, and to make any necessary adjustments.

A risk-based assessment of the system of ICFR for the year ended March 31, 2021 was completed in accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Financial Management and the results and action plans are summarized in the annex.

The effectiveness and adequacy of the department's system of internal control is reviewed by the work of internal audit staff, who conduct periodic audits of different areas of the department's operations, and by the Departmental Audit Committee (DAC), which oversees management's responsibilities for maintaining adequate control systems and the quality of financial reporting. The DAC confirms their support of the financial statements to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The financial statements of the department have not been audited.

Marta Morgan
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Anick Ouellette
Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer
Corporate Planning, Finance and Information Technology

Ottawa, Canada
September 3, 2021

Statement of Financial Position  (Unaudited)

As at March 31
(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 4 and Note 5)2,632,758 1,177,446
Vacation pay and compensatory leave 89,256 67,651
Employee future benefits (Note 6)151,197 147,680
Total liabilities 2,873,211 1,392,777
Financial assets
Due from the Consolidated Revenue Fund2,516,104 1,070,319
Accounts receivable and advances (Note 7)115,442 127,658
Loans receivable (Note 8)1,899,328 1,321,035
Investments and advances to International Financial Institutions (IFI) (Note 9)9,686,733 9,525,535
Allowance for valuation of investments and advances to IFI (Note 9)(9,686,733)(9,525,535)
Portfolio Investments (Note 10)53,060 -
Total gross financial assets4,583,934 2,519,012
Financial assets held on behalf of Government
Accounts receivable and advances (Note 7)(791)(899)
Loans receivable (Note 8)(1,899,328)(1,321,035)
Investments and advances to IFI (Note 9)(9,686,733)(9,525,535)
Allowance for valuation of investments and advances to IFI (Note 9)9,686,733 9,525,535
Portfolio Investments (Note 10)(53,060)-
Total financial assets held on behalf of Government(1,953,179)(1,321,934)
Total net financial assets2,630,755 1,197,078
Departmental net debt 242,456 195,699
Non-financial assets
Prepaid expenses32,588 30,349
Tangible capital assets (Note 11)1,763,666 1,741,515
Total non-financial assets1,796,254 1,771,864
Departmental net financial position1,553,798 1,576,165

Contractual obligations (Note 12)
Contingent liabilities and contingent assets (Note 13)
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

Marta Morgan
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Anick Ouellette
Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer
Corporate Planning, Finance and Information Technology

Ottawa, Canada
September 3, 2021

Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position (Unaudited)

For the year ended March 31
(in thousands of dollars)

 Planned Results*
2021
20212020
Expenses
International Advocacy and Diplomacy913,045945,377 968,174
Trade and Investment386,876344,852 359,191
Development, Peace and Security Programming4,598,5506,133,683 4,366,277
Help for Canadians Abroad53,07481,413 73,768
Support for Canada's Presence Abroad1,111,4751,057,475 1,090,056
Internal Services267,135349,406 320,356
Expenses incurred on behalf of Government (422,429)(681,041)(455,852)
Total expenses 6,907,7268,231,165 6,721,970
Revenues
Sale of goods and services122,23079,028 106,514
Gain on disposal of tangible capital assets 5,8354,696 11,664
Foreign exchange realized gain -5,033 4,801
Foreign exchange unrealized gain 20,599149,310 70,352
Amortization of discount on loans33,00032,657 27,841
Other revenues19,22259,835 32,275
Revenues earned on behalf of Government (168,089)(285,114)(213,119)
Total revenues 32,79745,445 40,328
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers6,874,929 8,185,720 6,681,642
Government funding and transfers 
Net cash provided by Government6,579,029 6,605,318
Change in Due from Consolidated Revenue Fund1,445,785 (91,433)
Services provided without charge by other government departments (Note 14)138,687 140,254
Transfer of the transition payments for implementing salary payments in arrears - (4)
Transfer of assets and liabilities (to)/from other government departments (Net of assets
held on behalf of Government)
 (148)53
Net cost of operations after government funding and transfers 22,367 27,454
Departmental net financial position - Beginning of year1,576,165 1,603,619
Departmental net financial position - End of year 1,553,798 1,576,165

Segmented Information (Note 15)
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.
* Planned Results as per GAC's future-oriented statement of operations.

Statement of Change in Departmental Net Debt  (Unaudited)

For the year ended March 31
(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
Net cost of operations after government funding and transfers22,367 27,454
Change due to tangible capital assets
Acquisitions of tangible capital assets 123,379 106,361
Amortization of tangible capital assets (91,453)(100,554)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets(5,896)(12,843)
Net (loss) gain on disposal of tangible capital assets including adjustments(3,888)11,477
Transfers of capital assets (to)/from other government departments9 (86)
Total change due to tangible capital assets22,151 4,355
Change due to prepaid expenses2,239 (3,087)
Net increase in departmental net debt46,757 28,722
Departmental net debt - Beginning of year195,699 166,977
Departmental net debt - End of year242,456 195,699

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flow (Unaudited)

For the year ended March 31
(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
Operating activities
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers8,185,720 6,681,642
Non-cash items:
Amortization of tangible capital assets  (91,453)(100,554)
Services provided without charge by other government departments (Note 14)(138,687)(140,254)
Transition payments for implementing salary payments in arrears - 4
Donation of tangible capital assets19,613 -
Net (loss) gain on disposal of tangible capital assets including adjustments(3,888)11,477
Variations in Statement of Financial Position:
Decrease in accounts receivable and advances(12,108)(30,981)
Increase (decrease) in prepaid expenses2,239 (3,087)
(Increase) decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities(1,455,312)122,761
Increase in vacation pay and compensatory leave(21,605)(10,820)
Increase in employee future benefits(3,517)(18,250)
Transfers (to)/from other government departments  157 (138)
Cash used in operating activities6,481,159 6,511,800
Capital investing activities
Acquisitions of tangible capital assets (Note 11)123,379 106,361
Donation of tangible capital assets(19,613)-
Proceeds from disposal of tangible capital assets(5,896)(12,843)
Cash used in capital investing activities97,870 93,518
Net cash provided by Government of Canada6,579,029 6,605,318

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)

For the year ended March 31

1. Authority and objectives

Global Affairs Canada (hereinafter called "the department") operates under the legislation set out in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, S.C. 2013, c. E-33, s. 174.

The 2020-2021 Departmental Plan was based on the Global Affairs Canada Departmental Results Framework (DRF), as approved by Treasury Board. The DRF presents the department's core responsabilities. Core responsabilities are supported by program inventories, each of which has associated expected results and result indicators.

The core business of the department is currently organized around the following core responsabilities:

International Advocacy and Diplomacy -  Global Affairs Canada promotes Canada's interests and values through policy development, diplomacy, advocacy, and effective engagement.

At a time of unpredictability in the world, Canada will work to address fundamental global challenges and remain a strong voice championing the rules-based international system and the multilateral institutions that underpin it. Global Affairs Canada will pursue a principled international agenda that prioritizes innovative partnerships and multilateral efforts, and that puts the following at the centre of its actions: democracy; human rights; gender equality; peace and security; international law; and environmental protection. The department will stand up for the priorities and interests that are core to Canada's security and prosperity and will harness innovative and agile advocacy and diplomacy efforts to further advance its feminist foreign policy. This includes a special focus on cultural diplomacy. At the heart of the department's engagement and action is the commitment to work with our partners to make progress on common global goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nation's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

Trade and Investment - Global Affairs Canada supports increased and more diverse trade and investment to raise the standard of living for all Canadians and to enable Canadian businesses to grow internationally and to create economic opportunities.

Global Affairs Canada will seek out opportunities for Canadian commerce, ingenuity, and enterprise by deepening and diversifying trade relationships, advocating for a rules-based international trade and investment system focused on economic opportunities for all, particularly for small businesses, and seeking increased and diversified foreign direct investment. Diversification opportunities will focus on key regions such as Asia and Europe and key sectors such as innovation and technology. The department pursues modern and inclusive approaches with trading partners in important areas such as transparency, labour rights, the environment, small and medium-sized enterprises, gender, and Indigenous peoples.

Development, Peace and Security Programming - Global Affairs Canada programming contributes to reducing poverty, increasing opportunity for people around the world, alleviating suffering in humanitarian crises, and fostering peace and security, and in so doing, advances the Sustainable Development Goals.

Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is the hallmark of Canada's international assistance efforts and its implementation remains a top priority for Global Affairs Canada. Through the continued implementation of the Policy, Canada is helping to improve the lives of the people and communities that need it most and supporting developing country partners in their efforts to tackle serious and pressing issues like climate change, poverty, gender inequality and human rights.

Global Affairs Canada will continue to do its part in advancing a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals at home and abroad, including by increasing Canada's international development assistance every year toward 2030. The department will direct at least 95% of Canada's bilateral international development assistance toward programming that either targets or integrates gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, at least 15% of which will specifically target gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls by 2021-2022. The department will also direct 50% of Canada's bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan countries by 2021-2022 and improve the way it manages and delivers international development assistance to ensure greater effectiveness, transparency and accountability.

Help for Canadians Abroad - Global Affairs Canada provides timely and appropriate consular services for Canadians abroad, contributing to their safety and security.

Global Affairs Canada is committed to providing consular support in both official languages for Canadians requiring assistance abroad. Canada will ensure that through consular diplomacy, advocacy and strategic engagement, we will continue to adapt to current local contexts around the world and best practices in consular affairs to better serve Canadians. The department is committed to ensuring that Canadians receive efficient and effective consular and emergency management services through achieving excellence in service delivery.

Support for Canada's Presence Abroad - Global Affairs Canada manages and delivers resources, infrastructure and services enabling Canada's presence abroad, including at embassies, high commissions, and consulates.

Global Affairs Canada supports Canada's presence abroad, as well as diplomatic relations through its global network of missions, embassies, high commissions and consulates. Global Affairs Canada promotes Canadian interests and values internationally, supports Canadian businesses to reach global markets and helps improve the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable. To meet its departmental results targets, Global Affairs Canada will deliver on more cost-effective services and infrastructure, as well as provide more robust security measures and support at missions.

Internal Services

Internal Services are those groups of related activities and resources that the federal government considers to be services in support of Programs and/or required to meet corporate obligations of an organization. Internal Services refers to the activities and resources of the 10 distinct services that support Program delivery in the organization, regardless of the Internal Services delivery model in a department. These services are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Management Services; Materiel Management Services; and Acquisition Management Services.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

These financial statements have been prepared using the department's accounting policies stated below, which are based on Canadian public sector accounting standards. The presentation and results using the stated accounting policies do not result in any significant differences from Canadian public sector accounting standards.

Significant accounting policies are as follows:

(a) Parliamentary authorities

The department is financed by the Government of Canada through Parliamentary authorities. Financial reporting of authorities provided to the department do not parallel financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles since authorities are primarily based on cash flow requirements. Consequently, items recognized in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and in the Statement of Financial Position are not necessarily the same as those provided through authorities from Parliament. Note 3 provides a reconciliation between the bases of reporting. The planned results amounts in the "Expenses" and "Revenues" sections of the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position are the amounts reported in the Future-oriented Statement of Operations included in the 2020-2021 Departmental Plan. Planned results are not presented in the "Government funding and transfers" section of the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and in the Statement of Change in Departmental Net Debt because these amounts were not included in the 2020-2021 Departmental Plan.

(b) Net cash provided by Government

The department operates within the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), which is administered by the Receiver General for Canada. All cash received by the department is deposited to the CRF, and all cash disbursements made by the department are paid from the CRF. The net cash provided by Government is the difference between all cash receipts and all cash disbursements, including transactions between departments of the Government.

(c) Amounts due from or to the CRF

Amounts due from or to the CRF are the result of timing differences at year end between when a transaction affects authorities and when it is processed through the CRF. Amounts due from the CRF represent the net amount of cash that the department is entitled to draw from the CRF without further authorities to discharge its liabilities.

(d) Revenues

i Revenues from regulatory fees are recognized in the accounts based on the services provided in the year.

ii Funds received from external parties for specified purposes are recorded upon receipt as deferred revenue. These revenues are recognized in the period in which the related expenses are incurred.

iii Other revenues are recognized in the period the event giving rise to the revenues occurred.

iv Revenues that are non-respendable are not available to discharge the department's  liabilities. While the Deputy Head is expected to maintain accounting control, the Deputy Head has no authority regarding the disposition of non-respendable revenues. As a result, non-respendable revenues are considered to be earned on behalf of the Government of Canada and are therefore presented in reduction of the entity's gross revenues.

(e) Expenses

Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis:

i Transfer payments are recorded as an expense in the year the transfer is authorized and all eligibility criteria have been met by the recipient.

ii Vacation pay and compensatory leave are accrued as the benefits are earned by employees under their respective terms of employment.

iii Services provided without charge by other government departments for accommodation, employer contributions to the health and dental insurance plans, legal services and workers' compensation are recorded as operating expenses at their carrying value.

iv Expenses related to assets that are not available to discharge the department's liabilities are considered to be incurred on behalf of the Government of Canada and are therefore presented in reduction of the entity's gross expenses. For example, these expenses include related transactions arising from the recording of the loans receivable, including the recording of the discount.

(f) Employee future benefits

i Pension benefits:  Eligible Canada-Based Staff participate in the Public Service Pension Plan, a multiemployer pension plan administered by the Government of Canada. The department's contributions to the Plan are charged to expenses in the year incurred and represent the total departmental obligation to the Plan. The department's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor. Eligible Locally-Engaged Staff (LES), who are employees hired at Missions abroad, participate in a combination of plans developed and administered based on local laws and practice, or in a worldwide pension scheme, which is administered by the department. As the Government of Canada is the sponsor of LES pension plans, the funds for the contributions have been provided to the department.

ii Severance benefits: The accumulation of severance benefits for voluntary departures ceased for applicable employee groups. The remaining obligation for employees who did not withdraw benefits is calculated using information derived from the results of the actuarially determined liability for employee severance benefits for the Government as a whole. The LES severance obligation is established on the basis of operational requirements of the specific Mission, local laws or practice, and is calculated based on the number of eligible employees multiplied by the estimated value of the severance payment based on historical experience.

(g) Accounts receivable and advances

Accounts receivable and advances are stated at the lower of cost and net recoverable value. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for accounts receivable where recovery is considered uncertain.

Accounts receivable and advances that are not available to discharge the department's liabilities are considered to be held on behalf of the Government of Canada.

(h) Loans receivable

Loans to developing countries and International Financial Institutions for international development assistance and unconditionally repayable contributions are recorded at cost and are adjusted to reflect the concessionary terms of those loans. The discount determined at the date of the issuance is amortized to revenue using a straight-line amortization. Any interest or service fees revenue is recognized with the passage of time and according to the terms of the loan agreement. Interest continue to be accrued until a formal debt deletion action has been approved in accordance with the Debt Write-Off Regulations, 1994 (SOR/94-602) and the Financial Administration Act section 24.1.

An allowance for valuation is subsequently used to reduce the carrying value of the loans including unconditionally repayable contributions to amounts that approximate their net realizable value. A loan provisioning expense and an allowance for valuation are accounted for every year until a formal write-off agreement has been approved.

Any loans written off or forgiven are presented as an expense in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position, under Transfer payments, in the fiscal year during which the formal debt deletion action has been approved in accordance with the Debt Write-Off Regulations, 1994 (SOR/94-602) and the Financial Administration Act section 24.1. Should subsequent recoveries arise, they are presented as a revenue in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position, in the fiscal year during which the monies are received.

Loans receivable are not available to discharge the department's liabilities and therefore considered to be held on behalf of the Government of Canada.

(i) Investments and advances to International Financial Institutions (IFI)

Investments and advances to IFI are recorded at cost.

Investments consist of subscriptions to the share capital of a number of IFI and are composed of both paid-in and callable capital. Subscriptions to international organizations do not provide a return on investment, but are repayable on termination of the organization or upon the department's withdrawal from the organization. Paid-in share capital is made through a combination of cash payments and the issuance of non-interest bearing, non-negotiable notes payable to the organization. Callable share capital is composed of resources that are not paid to the banks but act as a guarantee to allow them to borrow on international capital markets to finance their lending program.

Advances are issued to IFI that use these funds to issue loans to developing countries at concessionary terms.

For these investments and advances to IFI, an allowance is established based on their estimated realizable value.

Investments and advances to IFI and related allowances are not available to discharge the department's liabilities and are therefore considered to be held on behalf of the Government of Canada.

(j) Portfolio investments 

Investments are recorded at amortized cost less amounts written off to reflect a permanent decline in value. Investment income is recorded as revenue in the period in which it is deemed earned.

Investments are not available to discharge the department's liabilities and are therefore considered to be held on behalf of the Government of Canada.

(k) Non financial assets

The costs of acquiring land, buildings, equipment and other capital property are capitalized as tangible capital assets and, except for land, are amortized to expense over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as described in Note 11. All tangible capital assets and leasehold improvements having an initial cost of $10,000  or more are recorded at their acquisition cost. Tangible capital assets do not include  works of art, museum collection and Crown land to which no acquisition cost is attributable, and intangible assets.

Prepaid expenses for the department consist primarily of rent payments. Prepaid expenses are accounted for as non-financial assets until the related services are rendered, goods are consumed, or terms of the contractual agreement are fulfilled.

(l) Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities, are potential liabilities which may become actual liabilities when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. If the future event is likely to occur or fail to occur, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made, a provision is accrued and an expense recorded to other expenses. If the likelihood is not determinable or an amount cannot be reasonably estimated, the contingency is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

(m) Contingent assets

Contingent assets are possible assets which may become actual assets when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. If the future even is likely to occur or fail to occur, the contingent asset is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

(n) Environmental liabilities

An environmental liability for the remediation of contaminated sites is recognized when all of the following criteria are satisfied: an environmental standard exists, contamination exceeds the environmental standard, the government is directly responsible or accepts responsibility, it is expected that future economic benefits will be given up and a reasonable estimate of the amount can be made. The liability reflects the Government's best estimate of the amount required to remediate the sites to the current minimum standard for its use prior to contamination. When the future cash flows required to settle or otherwise extinguish a liability are estimable, predictable and expected to occur over extended future periods, a present value technique is used. The discount rate used reflects the Government's cost of borrowing, associated with the estimated number of years to complete remediation.

The recorded environmental liabilities are adjusted each year, for present value adjustments, inflation, new obligations, changes in management estimates and actual costs incurred.

If the likelihood of the department's obligation to incur these costs is not determinable, or if an amount cannot be reasonably estimated, the costs are disclosed as contingent liabilities in the notes to the financial statements.

(o) Foreign currency transactions

Transactions involving foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollar equivalents using rates of exchange in effect at the time of those transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into Canadian dollars using the rate of exchange in effect at March 31st. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are reported on the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position (and in Note 15) according to the activities to which they relate.

(p) Measurement uncertainty

The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes at March 31. The estimates are based on facts and circumstances, historical experience, general economic conditions and reflect the Government's best estimate of the related amount at the end of the reporting period. The most significant items where estimates are used are contingent liabilities, the liability for employee future  benefits, the allowance for loans, the allowance for doubtful accounts and the useful life of tangible capital assets. Actual results could significantly differ from those estimated. Management's estimates are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary, they are recorded in the financial statements in the year they become known.              

(q) Related party transactions

Related party transactions, other than inter-entity transactions, are recorded at the exchange amount.

Inter-entity transactions are transactions between commonly controlled entities. Inter-entity transactions, other than restructuring transactions, are recorded on a gross basis and are measured at the carrying amount, except for the following:

i. Services provided on a recovery basis are recognized as revenues and expenses on a gross basis and measured at the exchange amount.
ii. Certain services received on a without charge basis are recorded for departmental financial statements purposes at the carrying amount.

3. Parliamentary authorities

The department receives most of its funding through annual parliamentary authorities. Items recognized in the Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position and the Statement of Financial Position in one year may be funded through parliamentary authorities in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, the department has different net results of operations for the year on a government funding basis than on an accrual accounting basis. The differences are reconciled in the following tables:

(a) Reconciliation of net cost of operations to current year authorities used

(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers8,185,720 6,681,642
Adjustments for items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities:
Services provided without charge by other government departments(138,687)(140,254)
Amortization of tangible capital assets(91,453)(100,554)
Refund of prior years' expenditures11,044 19,623
Refund of Payments related to Public Health Events of National Concern and income support25,676 -
Other refund of program expenditures16,225 1,881
Decrease in accrued liabilities for Matching Fund program900 1,923
Increase in the allowance for bad debt expense(2,981)(3,715)
(Loss) gain on disposal of tangible capital assets (net)(7,916)546
Increase in vacation pay and compensatory leave(21,411)(10,456)
Increase in accrued employee future benefits(3,517)(18,250)
Increase in other accrued liabilities(29,638)(9,959)
Revenues not affecting authorities(1)(7)
 7,943,961 6,422,420
Adjustments for items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities:
Acquisitions of tangible capital assets (net)103,766 106,361
Decrease in lease inducements- 212
Increase in salary overpayments2,928 3,125
Loss on foreign exchange - IFI on behalf of Government149,310 70,352
Transfer payments to IFI on behalf of Government260,231 250,366
Increase in loans - Unconditionally repayable contributions830,400 326,000
Increase in portfolio investments53,060 -
Transition payments for implementing salary payments in arrears- 4
Increase (decrease) in prepaid expenses2,244 (3,228)
Proceeds from the disposal of surplus moveable Crown assets570 891
Gain on foreign exchange(2,255)(2,024)
(Decrease) increase in accountable advances(2,508)2,419
Revenues earned on behalf of Government affecting authorities- 5
Current year authorities used9,341,707 7,176,903

(b) Authorities provided and used

(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
Authorities provided
Vote  1 - Operating Expenditures1,982,540 2,000,309
Vote  5 - Capital Expenditures185,778 130,320
Vote 10 - Grants and Contributions6,810,943 4,970,142
Vote 15 - Payments, in respect of pension, insurance and social security programs or other
arrangements for Locally-Engaged Staff
72,371 68,874
Vote 30 - Administration of new free trade agreement measures and steel safeguards- 11,447
Vote 35 - Protecting Canada's National Security- 443
Vote 40 - Protecting Democracy- 104
Vote 45 - Renewing Canada's Middle East Strategy- 2,021
Vote 50 - Enhancing Canada's Global Arctic Leadership- 6,133
Other Statutory625,580 464,709
 9,677,212 7,654,502
Less
Authorities available for future years23,574 22,258
Lapsed authorities: Operating179,414 116,945
Lapsed authorities: Capital80,298 21,777
Lapsed authorities: Grants and Contributions50,775 296,090
Lapsed authorities:  Payments, in respect of pension, insurance and social security programs or
other arrangements for Locally-Engaged Staff
1,374 380
Lapsed authorities: Administration of new free trade agreement measures and steel safeguards- 11,447
Lapsed authorities: Protecting Canada's National Security- 443
Lapsed authorities: Protecting Democracy- 104
Lapsed authorities: Renewing Canada's Middle East Strategy- 2,021
Lapsed authorities: Enhancing Canada's Global Arctic Leadership- 6,133
Lapsed authorities: Other Statutory70 -
 335,505 477,598
Current year authorities used9,341,707 7,176,903

Parliamentary authorities provided are reconciled to Parliamentary authorities used in the current year and agree with amounts shown as "Available for Use" and "Authorities Used" as reflected in the "Summary of Source and Disposition of Authorities" in Volume II of the Public Accounts. 

4. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

The following table presents the details of the department's accounts payable and accrued liabilities:

(in thousands of dollars)

           2021           2020
Accounts payable - External parties2,460,311 1,009,103
Accounts payable - Other government departments and agencies26,973 29,908
Total accounts payable2,487,284 1,039,011
Accrued liabilities145,474 138,435
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities2,632,758 1,177,446

5. Environmental Liabilities

Remediation of contaminated sites

The Government's ''Federal approach to contaminated sites'' set out a framework for management of contaminated sites using a risk-based approach. Under this approach the Government has inventoried  the contaminated sites on federal lands that have been identified, allowing them to be classified, managed and recorded in a consistent  manner. This systematic approach aids in the identification of the high risk sites in order to allocate limited resources to those sites which pose the highest risk to the environment and human health.

The department has identified a total of 3 sites (3 sites in 2020) where contamination may exist and assessment, remediation and monitoring may be required. Of these, the department has identified 1 site (1 site in 2020) where action is required and for which a gross liability of $16,578 ($16,253 in 2020) has been recorded. This liability estimate has been determined based on site assessments performed by environmental experts.

In addition, there are approximately 21 unassessed sites (31 sites in 2020) that have not been assessed by environmental experts for which the department has estimated a liability of $0 ($0 in 2020).

These two estimates combined, totalling $16,578 ($16,253 in 2020), represents management's best estimate of the costs required to remediate the sites to the current minimum standard for its use prior to contamination, based on information available at the financial statements date.

For the remaining 21 sites (31 sites in 2020), no liability for remediation has been recognized. Some of these sites are at various stages of testing and evaluation and if remediation is required, liabilities will be reported as soon as a reasonable estimate can be determined. For other sites, the department does not expect to give up any future economic benefits (there is likely no significant environmental impact or human health threats). These sites will be re-examined and a liability for remediation will be recognized if future economic benefits will be given up.

The following table presents the total estimated amounts of these liabilities by nature and source, the associated expected recoveries and the total undiscounted future expenditures as at March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020. When the liability estimate is based on a future cash requirement and where material, the amount is adjusted for inflation using a forecast CPI rate of 2%. Inflation is included in the undiscounted amount. The Government of Canada lending rate applicable to loans with similar terms to maturity is to be used to discount the estimated future expenditures. The March 2021 rates range from 0.24% (0.45% in 2020) for 2 year term to 2.01% (1.37% in 2020) for a 30 or greater year term. 

Nature and Source of the Liability
(in thousands of dollars)

Nature and SourceFuel Related Practices (1)Total
Total number of sites 20212424
Number of Sites with a liability 202111
Estimated Liability 20211717
Estimated Total Undiscounted Expenditures 20211717
Total number of sites 20203434
Number of Sites with a liability 202011
Estimated Liability 20201616
Estimated Total Undiscounted Expenditures 20201616

(1) Contamination associated with leaks/spills from fuel storage tanks.

6. Employee future benefits

(a) Pension benefits

The department's Canada-Based Staff (CBS) participate in the public service pension plan (the "Plan"), which is sponsored and administered by the Government of Canada. Pension benefits accrue up to a maximum period of 35 years at a rate of 2 percent per year of pensionable service, times the average of the best five consecutive years of earnings. The benefits are integrated with Canada/Québec Pension Plan benefits and they are indexed to inflation.

Both the employees and the department contribute to the cost of the Plan. Due to the amendment of the Public Service Superannuation Act following the implementation of provisions related to Economic Action Plan 2012, employee contributors have been divided into two groups - Group 1 relates to existing plan members as of December 31, 2012 and Group 2 relates to members joining the Plan as of January 1, 2013.  Each group has a distinct contribution rate.

The 2020-2021 expense amounts to $91,553,398 ($80,280,921 in 2019-2020). For Group 1 members, the expense represents approximately 1.01 times the employee contributions and, for Group 2 members, approximately 1.00 times the employee contributions.

The department's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. Actuarial surpluses or deficiencies are recognized in the financial statements of the Government of Canada, as the Plan's sponsor.

For Locally-Engaged Staff (LES), the Government of Canada participates  in local social security programs where possible. Where Canada does not participate in a local social security system providing pension benefits, or Canada participates in the local system and in addition, employer-sponsored  supplemental pension plans are typically provided in the country, the Government of Canada provides supplemental pension benefits through a combination of local separate pension plans developed and administered based on local law and practice, or through the Pension Scheme for Employees of the Government of Canada, LES which is administered by the department. Local separate pension plans are pre-funded and are provided on defined benefit or defined contribution basis. The Pension Scheme is a defined benefit plan provided on a pay-as-you-go basis. The department is responsible  for the expenses related to LES social security and pension (contributions to social security and separate pension plans and benefits from the Pension Scheme). The 2020-2021 employer contributions were $55,161,099 ($48,822,783 in 2019-2020). The department's responsibility with regard to the Plan is limited to its contributions. The Government of Canada, the Plan's sponsor, is responsible for the plan's deficit. 

(b) Severance benefits

Severance benefits provided to the department's employees were previously based on an employee's eligibility, years of service and salary at termination of employment. However, since 2011 the accumulation of severance benefits for voluntary departures progressively ceased for substantially all employees. Employees subject to these changes were given the option to be paid the full or partial value of benefits earned to date or collect the full or remaining value of benefits upon departure from the public service. By March 31, 2021, substantially all settlements for immediate cash out were completed. Severance benefits are unfunded and, consequently, the outstanding obligation will be paid from future authorities.

For LES, the estimated future cash flow for severance benefits is based on an average severance payment determined from experience. This average severance payment is multiplied by a percentage to reflect the notion that not all LES receive a severance at end-of-service.  Finally, this amount is multiplied by the total number of LES. The LES future severance benefits are not pre-funded, so benefits will be paid from future authorities.

The changes in the obligations during the year were as follows :

(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
Accrued benefit obligation, beginning of year147,680 129,430
Expense for the year13,107 32,284
Benefits paid during the year(9,590)(14,034)
Accrued benefit obligation, end of year151,197 147,680

CBS severance benefit liability amounts to $25,287,197, whereas the LES liability is $125,910,180.

(c) Locally-Engaged Staff insurance benefits

The department is responsible for the expenses (premiums to local insured plans and benefits from local self-insured plans) related to LES insurance benefits, which include medical, dental, disability and life insurance (Vote 15). The 2020-2021 expense was $19,072,610 ($19,670,873 in 2019-2020).

7. Accounts receivable and advances

The following table presents details of the department's accounts receivable and advances:

(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
Advances to Missions abroad42,386 49,344
Employee advances
Posting advances15,645 20,514
Other employee advances3,626 6,262
Total employee advances19,271 26,776
Receivables - Other government departments and agencies7,519 12,000
Receivables - External parties50,804 41,133
Cash in transit5,100 5,311
Other advances6,586 6,586
Subtotal131,666 141,150
Allowance for doubtful accounts on external receivables and advances(16,224)(13,492)
Gross accounts receivable and advances115,442 127,658
Accounts receivable held on behalf of Government(791)(899)
Net accounts receivable and advances114,651 126,759

8. Loans receivable

The following table presents details of the department's loans and transfer payments recoverable to developing countries and IFI:

(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
(a) 35-year term, 4-year grace period, unsecured, 5.0 percent interest per annum, semi-annual interest repayments with first principal repayment due January 2017 and final repayment in July 2026:
Egypt27,461 31,701
(b) 50-year term, 10-year grace period, unsecured, non-interest bearing, with final repayments between March 2015 and September 2035:
African Development Bank- 94
Algeria1,096 1,487
Bolivia42 85
Dominican Republic673 909
Ecuador356 630
Guatemala581 681
Indonesia54,766 64,127
Malaysia689 742
Malta75 100
Morocco1,525 1,800
Pakistan20,162 20,162
Philippines335 432
Sri Lanka28,731 32,808
Thailand5,671 6,345
Tunisia9,506 12,489
(c) 50-year term, 13-year grace period, unsecured, non-interest bearing, with final repayment in March 2023:
Algeria2,490 3,735
(d) Other loans to international organizations:
International Finance Corporation - Global Agriculture and Food Securities Program21,301 23,440
International Finance Corporation - Financial Mechanisms for Climate Change Facility182,230 199,654
357,690 401,421
Unamortized discount(94,354)(107,617)
263,336 293,804
Allowance for uncollectibility(122,040)(125,528)
Total – Loans to developing countries and IFI141,296 168,276

 

(e) Unconditionally repayable contributions:
Inter-American Development Bank - Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in the Americas440,233 325,900
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - Clean Technology Fund200,000 200,000
Asian Development Bank - Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia269,013 273,712
International Finance Corporation - Africa Renewable Energy Initiative150,000 150,000
International Finance Corporation - Blended Climate Finance Program248,555 193,500
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - Green Climate Fund110,000 110,000
International Fund for Agricultural Development - Climate Finance Program340,000 70,000
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - Energy Transition Program275,000 156,000
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - Renewable Energy in Small Island Developing
States Program50,000 30,000
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - Forest and Landscape Program75,000 40,000
African Development Bank - Canada-African Development Bank Climate Fund122,900 -
GuarantCo Ltd. - Investing in Inclusive Infrastructure40,000 -
  FinDev Canada - 2X Canada: Inclusive Economic Growth39,000 -
 2,359,701 1,549,112
Unamortized discount(571,147)(377,663)
 1,788,554 1,171,449
Allowance for uncollectibility(30,522)(18,690)
Total – Unconditionally repayable contributions1,758,032 1,152,759
Gross loans receivable1,899,328 1,321,035
Loans receivable held on behalf of Government(1,899,328)(1,321,035)
Net loans receivable- -

The grace period refers to interval from date of issuance of the loan to first repayment of loan principal.

In 2006-2007, the Government of Canada, as represented by the department, entered into an agreement with the Government of Pakistan to forgive its outstanding  $447,500,000 loan. In order to expire its debt obligation, the Government of Pakistan is required to make education sector investments over an estimated period of five years, that are equivalent to the present value of its debt of $132,600,000. According to the agreement, Pakistan's debt is to be written down proportionally by GAC as the investments are made. Since 2009-2010, the Government of Pakistan's debt has been reduced by a total amount of $427,345,514.

The unconditionally repayable contributions are in substance loans made to outside parties. However, during the year, the department entered into a loan agreement with FinDev Canada. FinDev Canada's mandate is to support the growth and sustainability of businesses in developing markets and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada's export credit agency. EDC is an entity owned and controlled by the Government of Canada.

These loans are aimed at stimulating economic development or for assistance and bear various repayment conditions. They have concessional terms and are repayable at various due dates with final instalments generally due within up to 25 years of initial disbursement.

Loans made with concessionary terms are recorded in part as expenses when the economic value of the loan is reduced.

9. Investments and advances to IFI

The following table presents details of the department's investments and advances to IFI:

(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
Investments
African Development Bank342,751 331,751
Asian Development Bank374,645 393,924
Caribbean Development Bank49,374 54,553
Inter-American Development Bank311,050 348,001
Inter-American Investment Corporation76,110 74,953
 1,153,930 1,203,182
Advances
African Development Fund3,313,973 3,206,891
Asian Development Bank - Special27,027 27,027
Asian Development Fund2,485,403 2,452,446
Caribbean Development Bank - Agricultural Development Fund2,000 2,000
Caribbean Development Bank - Commonwealth Caribbean Regional5,027 5,630
Caribbean Development Bank - Special Development Fund424,907 409,216
Global Environment Facility Trust Fund1,109,570 1,054,820
Inter-American Development Bank - Fund for Special Operations390,736 417,448
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development25,134 28,152
International Fund for Agriculture Development529,383 504,383
International Monetary Fund13,785 15,441
Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund147,152 143,325
Multilateral Investment Fund58,706 55,574
 8,532,803 8,322,353
Investments and advances to IFI9,686,733 9,525,535
Allowance for valuation(9,686,733)(9,525,535)
Net investments and advances to IFI- -

The allowance for valuation reduces the net realizable value of the investments and advances to IFI to zero, as it is not expected that the department will recover these investments and advances in the future.

10. Portfolio Investments

(a) Canada Investment Fund for Africa

The Canada Investment Fund for Africa (CIFA) is a joint public-private sector initiative designed to provide risk capital for private investments in Africa that generate growth. The CIFA is a direct response to the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the G8 Africa Action Plan. The main objectives of the CIFA are to optimize public-private investments in the Fund, to confer a beneficial development impact on Africa by way of increased foreign direct investments and to optimize the beneficial impact of the Fund's activities on Canadian interests.

The Government of Canada is a limited partner in the CIFA and its commitment towards the Fund was subject to a matching mechanism of other investors and was to be equal to the lesser of: (i) $100 million or (ii) the aggregated commitments of all other limited partners of the partnership. The investment period in the CIFA ended January 1, 2009.  From there on, and until the term of the partnership is reached, the department will receive income and returns of capital. Since its inception, the department received capital reimbursement from CIFA amounting to $60,411,356 and investment income of $8,206,021.

This initiative was finalized during the fiscal year 2019-2020. However, the department received a last capital reimbursement of $17,195 during the fiscal year 2020-2021.

The fair value of the CIFA has declined. An allowance of $46,512,693 is recorded to that effect.

Following receipt of the final distribution notice in December 2020, a write-off process was initiated by the department.

The following table presents details of the CIFA:

(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
CIFA opening balance46,530 46,530
Returns of capital(17)-
 46,513 46,530
Allowance for valuation(46,513)(46,530)
Gross Canada Investment Fund for Africa - -
CIFA held on behalf of Government- -
Net Canada Investment Fund for Africa- -

(b) Land Degradation Neutrality Fund

The investment consists of a contribution to the Land Degradation Neutrality Fund (LDN), an investment fund initiated to support sustainable land management and land restoration.

The following table presents details of the LDN fund:

(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
LDN Fund53,060 -
Gross Land Degradation Neutrality Fund 53,060 -
LDN fund held on behalf of Government(53,060)-
Net Land Degradation Neutrality Fund- -
Net Portfolio Investments - -

11. Tangible capital assets

Amortization of tangible capital assets is done on straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as following :

Asset CategoriesAmortization Period
Buildings10 to 25 years
Works and infrastructure30 years
Machinery and equipment5 to 25 years
Informatics hardware3 to 10 years
Informatics software5 to 10 years
Vehicles5 to 10 years
Leasehold improvementsOver the useful life of the improvement or the lease term, whichever is shorter
Assets under constuctionOnce in service, in accordance with asset type

Asset under construction are recorded in the applicable asset class in the year they are put into service and are not amortized until they are put into service.

Cost
(in thousands of dollars)
Opening BalanceAcquisitionsAdjustments (1)Disposals &
Write-offs
Closing Balance
Land560,91618-(1,020)559,914
Buildings1,871,65346,65415,515(3,960)1,929,862
Works and infrastructure10,05952--10,111
Machinery and equipment90,5473,732213(2,232)92,260
Informatics hardware11,382278-(130)11,530
Informatics software130,9558531,375(1,110)132,073
Vehicles66,3224,28510,060(5,821)74,846
Leasehold improvements289,4404,751(38)(3,505)290,648
Assets under construction254,10462,756(26,984)(6,316)283,560
 3,285,378123,379141(24,094)3,384,804
Accumulated amortization
(in thousands of dollars)
Closing Balance
Opening BalanceAmortizationAdjustments (1)Disposals &
Write-offs
Buildings1,118,06648,9103(3,638)1,163,341
Works and infrastructure1,931307--2,238
Machinery and equipment52,9549,00957(2,076)59,944
Informatics hardware5,6982,747-(130)8,315
Informatics software116,7477,683-(597)123,833
Vehicles41,6547,134394(5,267)43,915
Leasehold improvements206,81315,663(28)(2,897)219,551
 1,543,86391,453426(14,605)1,621,137
Net book value
(in thousands of dollars)
20202021
Land560,916559,914
Buildings753,587766,521
Works and infrastructure8,1297,873
Machinery and equipment37,59232,316
Informatics hardware5,6853,215
Informatics software14,2088,240
Vehicles24,66830,931
Leasehold improvements82,62671,096
Assets under construction254,104   283,560
 1,741,515   1,763,666

(1) Adjustments include assets under construction of $30,984 that were transferred to other asset categories upon completion of the projects.

Other adjustments include assets transferred to and from other government departments, asset reclassifications,  post capitalizations and unplanned depreciations.

12. Contractual obligations

Contractual obligations

The nature of the department's activities can result in some large multi-year contracts and obligations whereby the department will be obligated to make future payments in order to carry out its transfer payment programs or when the services or goods are received. Significant contractual obligations that can be reasonably estimated are summarized as follows:

(in thousands of dollars)

 20222023202420252026  and
thereafter
Total 
Operating leases11,33211,33211,62812,027135,366181,685
Transfer payments1,854,6911,535,954765,165432,534250,9434,839,287
Investments and advances to IFI243,082210,94269,93269,932119,388713,276
 2,109,105 1,758,228 846,725 514,493 505,697 5,734,248

13. Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

(a) Claims and litigation

The department is involved in various legal actions in the ordinary course of business and also as a result of its role in administering the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). These claims include items where the amount of damages is specified, and others for which no amount is specified. While the total amount claimed in these actions is significant, their outcomes are not determinable. Pending claims and legal proceedings for which the outcome is not determinable and a reasonable estimate can be made by management amount to approximately $28,000,000 at March 31, 2021 ($28,000,000 in 2019-2020). 

An allowance for claims and litigation is established when it becomes likely that the department is liable and it will incur an expense and the amount can be reasonably estimated. In management's opinion, the ultimate disposition of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse affect on the financial condition of the department.

(b) Contingent assets

Upon completion of a real estate exchange in Paris during the fiscal year 2018-2019, the Value Added Tax (VAT) component valued at 32,000,000 EUR or $50,000,000 CAD was not considered as recoverable and thus not accounted for by Global Affairs Canada. Upon further review of the transaction and the VAT component, the likelihood of the collectability of the VAT amount is being reassessed. Global Affairs Canada is confident that the department would be able to recover at least 90% (29,000,000 Euros or $45,000,000 CAD) of the total amount estimated.  This is contingent upon negotiations to be finalized with the government of France as the latter is also claiming some reciprocal tax exemptions in Canada.

(c) Callable share capital

The department is liable for callable share capital in certain international organizations that could require future payments to those organizations. Callable share capital is composed of resources that are not paid to the organizations but act as a guarantee to allow them to borrow on international capital markets to finance their lending program. Callable share capital would only be utilized in extreme circumstances to repay unrecoverable loans, should the organization's reserves not be sufficient. Callable share capital has never been drawn on by the organizations. For this reason, despite the difficult international economic environment, these contingent liabilities represent no additional risk to the department. As at March 31, 2021, the callable share capital is valued at $25.7 billion and no provision was recorded for this amount. 

Also, different methods are used by the department and by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to calculate the value of the department's callable shares for disclosure as a contingent liability. The department uses the US foreign exchange rate at the time of the investments and revalues its shares at the end of every fiscal year using the year-end US exchange rate. On the basis of this method, the department's valuation of its ADB callable shares is $7,996,854,135 as at March 31, 2021. However, ADB decided to use the Special Drawing Right (SDR) for purposes of denominating its capital in lieu of the US dollar. The value of the SDR against the US and Canadian dollar exchange rates at the time of inception was used to establish the par value of SDR. This par value of the department's callable shares is then translated using the latest exchange rate of SDR against the US and Canadian dollar exchange rates. Valuation of these callable shares on this basis amounts to $9,400,610,286 representing a difference of $1,403,756,151 with the department's own valuation as at March 31, 2021.

14. Related party transactions

The department is related as a result of common ownership to all government departments, agencies, and Crown corporations. Related parties also include  individuals who are members of key management personnel or close family members of those individuals, and entities controlled by, or under shared control of, a member of key management personnel or a close family member of that individual.

(a) Common services provided without charge by other government departments

During the year, the department received services without charge from certain common service organizations related to accommodation, legal services, the employer's contribution to the health and dental insurance plans and workers' compensation coverage. These services provided without charge have been recorded in the department's Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position as follows:

(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
Employer's contribution to health and dental insurance plans75,045 76,475
Accommodation62,414 62,703
Legal services996 896
Workers' compensation232 180
 138,687 140,254

The Government has centralized some of its administrative activities to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness delivery of programs to the public. As a result, the Government uses central agencies and common service organizations so that one department performs services for all other departments and agencies without charge. The costs of these services, such as the payroll and cheque issuance services provided by Public Services and Procurement Canada, and audit services provided by the Office of the Auditor General are not included in the department's Statement of Operations and Departmental Net Financial Position.

(b) Management and administration of Common Services

In accordance  with the Treasury Board Common Service Policy (October 2006), and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, S.C. 2013, c. E-33, s. 174., the department has the mandate to manage the procurement of goods, services and real property at missions abroad. These common services are mandatory for departments to use when required to support Canada's diplomatic and consular missions abroad.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) are in force to cover the roles and responsibilities of the department, partner departments, Crown corporations and non-federal organizations. These MOUs outline the principles and operational guidelines for the management and administration of the common services regime, specifications with respect to services and service delivery standards, the funding of common services, the responsibilities of parties, and dispute resolution.

i. Common Services provided to other government departments

To facilitate the efficient and cost-effective delivery of common services in support of the international programs of all federal departments and agencies of the Government of Canada, a new Interdepartmental Memorandum of Understanding on Operations and Support at Missions Abroad (the Generic MOU) was signed in September 2014.

In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, expenses related to changes made to partner departments' representation abroad are reflected in the financial statements of the department. Authorities for the department are adjusted via the Annual Reference Level Updates and Supplementary Estimates.

ii. Common Services provided to co-locators

To facilitate the efficient and cost-effective delivery of common services in support of the international  programs of co-locators, individual MOUs are signed with each co-locator. Co-locators comprise all non-departmental entities, and include Crown corporations, provincial or territorial governments, foreign governments, and non-governmental organizations co-located at the department's missions abroad.

In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, this activity amounted to approximately $37,602,942 ($31,257,349 in 2019-2020) of in-year funds received via the Net-Voted Revenues. 

(c) Administration of programs on behalf of other government departments

The department has a number of MOUs with partner departments for the administration of unique, in-year programs delivered abroad. The department issued approximately $71,089,772 ($35,860,779 in 2019-2020) in payments for operational and program activities on behalf of several partner departments. The department also collected approximately $3,630,495 ($91,067,960 in 2019-2020) in revenues on behalf of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. These expenses and the revenues are not reflected in these financial statements, but rather in the financial statements of the respective government departments.

(d) Other transactions with related parties

(in thousands of dollars)

 20212020
Revenues - Other government departments and agencies10,802 41,495
Expenses - Other government departments and agencies306,979 265,484
Loans receivable - Other government departments and agencies (Note 8)*39,000 -

Expenses and revenues disclosed in (d) exclude common services provided without charge disclosed in (a).

*During the fiscal year, the department entered into a loan agreement with FinDev Canada which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Export Development Canada (EDC). EDC is an entity owned and controlled by the Government of Canada.

15. Segmented information

Presentation by segment is based on the department's core responsabilities as presented in Note 1. The presentation by segment is based on the same accounting policies as described in the Summary of significant accounting policies in Note 2. The following table presents the expenses incurred and revenues generated for the main programs, by major object of expenses and by major type of revenues. The segment results for the period are as follows:

(in thousands of dollars)

 International Advocacy and DiplomacyTrade and InvestmentDevelopment, Peace and Security ProgrammingHelp for Canadians AbroadSupport for Canada's Presence AbroadInternal ServicesTotal
2021
Total
2020
Transfer payments        
Other countries and international organizations540,186695573,333---1,114,214 964,422
Non-profit organizations23,78421,53449,957---95,275 67,943
Other levels of government in Canada14,216-----14,216 14,590
International development assistance832-5,151,632---5,152,464 3,651,469
Individuals-----772772 829
Industry-30,867----30,867 33,159
Refund of prior years' transfer payments(1)-(1,846)---(1,847)(8,352)
Transfer payments incurred on behalf of
Government
--(531,731)---(531,731)(385,500)
Total transfer payments579,017 53,096 5,241,345 - - 772 5,874,230 4,338,560
Operating expenses    
Salaries and employee benefits294,010216,787129,94757,696519,955251,8361,470,231 1,407,693
Professional and special services15,96447,96913,46112,061148,39937,569275,423 292,185
Rentals14,12212,0457,1792,692196,47220,571253,081 262,997
Transportation1,3041,3251,0324,66832,90182042,050 132,317
Amortization of tangible capital assets1,794358,392-29,0932,17191,453 100,554
Acquisition of machinery and equipment,
including parts and consumables
2,0759536021,61634,27613,13552,657 45,795
Utilities, materials and supplies1,507313(41)15834,8111,47638,224 45,071
Repair and maintenance160(2)123428,3742,43331,200 30,601
Information5,16411,277292903,2043,22623,253 22,378
Bad debt-----2,9812,981 3,715
Telecommunications14799333122,47019722,977 13,947
Loss on disposal of tangible capital assets1581309-4,6253,1918,707 175
Foreign exchange realized loss16220575337878,6659,927 4,885
Foreign exchange unrealized loss--149,310---149,310 70,352
Other29,950201152,1342,10836334,771 21,097
Expenses incurred on behalf of Government--(149,310)---(149,310)(70,352)
Total operating expenses366,360 291,756 211,297 81,413 1,057,475 348,634 2,356,935 2,383,410
Total expenses945,377 344,852 5,452,642 81,413 1,057,475 349,406 8,231,165 6,721,970
Revenues   
Sale of goods and services-49-6,83471,22991679,028 106,514
Gain on disposal of tangible capital assets9159368154,072734,696 11,664
Foreign exchange realized gain244335112941,2173,0315,033 4,801
Foreign exchange unrealized gain--149,310---149,310 70,352
Amortization of discount on loans--32,657---32,657 27,841
Other revenues28323238,5972820,52716859,835 32,275
Revenues earned on behalf of Government(527)(342)(220,628)(5,820)(54,597)(3,200)(285,114)(213,119)
Total revenues9 433 416 1,151 42,448 988 45,445 40,328
Net cost from continuing operations945,368 344,419 5,452,226 80,262 1,015,027 348,418 8,185,720 6,681,642

16. Subsequent events

(a) COVID-19

The Coronavirus pandemic ["COVID-19"] has resulted in governments worldwide enacting emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus. These measures, which include the implementation of travel bans, self-imposed quarantine periods and social distancing, have caused material disruption to businesses globally resulting in an economic slowdown.  The duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown at this time.  As a result, the overall effect of these events on the department and its operations is too uncertain to be estimated at this time. The impacts will be accounted for when they are known and may be assessed.

During the first quarter of 2021-2022, programs repurposed $86.4 million in operational projects (Vote 10) and the department also secured an additional $450.0 million in grants and contributions funding to help developing countries in their response to the pandemic.

As the department navigates through this new reality, our risk management specialists offer continuous support to officials throughout the organization in view of optimizing assessment and mitigation strategies.

(b) Unconditionally repayable contributions

During fiscal year 2020-2021, the department undertook an accounting review of its unconditionally repayable Contribution (URC) portfolio and this review is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2021-2022.  Further to the initial phase of the review, which occurred during the first quarter fiscal year 2021-2022, a portion of URC transactions recorded as financial assets in the Statement of Financial Position as at March 31, 2021 may be undervalued and corrective entries may be necessary in light of the upcoming conclusion.

17. Comparative information

Comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

Annex to the statement of management responsibility including internal control over financial reporting

1. Introduction

This document provides summary information on the measures taken by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), including information on internal control management, assessment results and related action plans.

Detailed information on GAC's authority, mandate, and program activities can be found in the Departmental Results Report and the Departmental Plan. 

2. Departmental System of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

2.1 Internal Control Management

GAC has a well-established governance and accountability structure to support departmental assessment efforts and oversight of its system of internal control. A departmental internal control management framework, approved by the Deputy Head, is in place and includes:

The department's control environment also includes:

2.2 Service Arrangements relevant to Financial Statements

Common Arrangements:

GAC relies on other government departments for the processing of certain transactions that are recorded in its financial statements:

Specific Arrangements:

3. Departmental Assessment Results for Fiscal Year 2020-21

3.1 Progress during the 2020-21 fiscal year

The following table summarizes the status of the ongoing monitoring activities according to the previous fiscal year's rotational and risk-based plan.

Element in the previous year's ongoing monitoring plan for the current year.  Status
Ongoing monitoring of Information technology general controls (ITGCs).Completed as planned. Recommendations were presented to senior management and remedial actions have begun.
Ongoing monitoring of the Canada-Based Staff Salaries and benefits process.Completed as planned. Recommendations were presented to senior management and remedial actions have begun.
Ongoing monitoring of Transfer Payments – Other Programs.Completed as planned. No remedial actions required.
Ongoing monitoring of Mission specific processes.Ongoing monitoring testing for mission processes was deferred due to capacity and travel limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Review of key controls over significant risks:
  • Loans to Developing Countries and IFIs
  • Foreign Service Directives.
  • Accounts Receivable.
  • Year-end procedures.
Partially completed as some reviews (Foreign Service Directives and Accounts Receivable) were deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

3.2 New or significantly amended key controls

During 2020-21, the department monitored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its key internal controls over financial reporting. The reviews that were completed, such as ITGCs, CBS salaries and benefits and Transfer payment-Non development programs, did not show any material impact of the remote work environment induced by the COVID-19 pandemic on the design or operating effectiveness of GAC's internal controls over financial reporting.

Internal Controls over Financial Management

The TB Policy on Financial Management, published in 2017, puts greater emphasis on the importance of internal control over financial management (ICFM), defined as "a set of measures and activities that provide reasonable assurance of the effectiveness and efficiency of the financial management activities of the department". ICFR, defined as "a set of measures and activities that allow senior management and users of financial statements to have reasonable assurance of the accuracy and completeness of the department's financial statements" is just one subset of ICFM. Further to updating the department's ICFM, GAC has been working to incorporate its key financial management business processes into its internal control activities. Specifically, the monitoring plan will include the following financial management business processes:

Currently, assessment work for each process has started with the help of a major accounting firm, with more work planned in the upcoming fiscal years (See Implementation assessment timeline of ICFM provided in section 4.2) to reach the ongoing monitoring stage by March 31st, 2024, in line with TBS direction.

3.3 Ongoing Monitoring Program

GAC's risk-based ongoing monitoring program encompasses three control areas: Entity Level Controls, IT General Controls and business process controls. The program is designed to continuously monitor the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. The program is a two-pronged approach that envisions:

3.3.1 Annual Risk-Based Assessment

During fiscal year 2020-21, the department reassessed GAC's IT general controls, the business processes for expenditures related to Canada-based Staff salaries and benefits and Transfer payments – other programs. Key controls over significant risks within the processes related to year-end procedures and financial statement preparation and loans to developing countries and International Financial Institutions (IFIs), were also assessed.

As a result of the design and operating effectiveness testing of key controls inherent to the processes mentioned above, no significant control deficiencies, which would expose the department to a high risk of material misstatement of its financial statements, have been identified.

Furthermore, the following are some significant control areas offering opportunities for improvement, that the department is currently remediating:

4. Departmental action plan for the next fiscal year and subsequent fiscal years

For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, rotational reviews (on a 4-year cycle) of mature internal control processes will continue along with key control over significant risk reviews based on an annual validation of high-risk sub-processes and controls as well as mission processes. Furthermore, remediation strategies identified in ongoing management action plans will continue to be monitored.

As was the case during 2020-21, the department will give particular attention to the potential impact of the department's response to the public health crisis on its internal controls over financial management.

4.1 The assessment and monitoring plan for 2021-22 and further is highlighted in the table below.

Legend:
F Denotes the processes that will be subject to a full review during the identified fiscal year.
R Denotes the processes that will be subject to a key control over significant risk review.
X Denotes the processes that have not reached the on-going monitoring stage (See section 4.2 for the implementation timeline)

Business ProcessOngoing Monitoring
2020-212021-222022-232023-24

Entity-level controls (ELCs)

F

Information technology general controls (ITGCs)

F

Transfer Payments - Development

F

Transfer Payments – Other Programs

F

Salaries and benefits

FR

Capital assets at HQ

F

Payments at HQ

F

Loans to developing countries and International Financial Institutions

RF

Investments and advances to International Financial Institutions

F

Foreign Service Directives

F

Revenues

F

Accounts Receivable

RF

Year-end procedures and financial statement preparation

RF
Mission-specific processesFootnote 1RFF

Financial Management Business processes

XXF

Monitoring of management action plans

FFFF

4.2 Assessment and monitoring plan for financial management processes

The following table summarizes the assessment plan for GAC's financial management business processes:

Implementation Timeline of Assessment of Internal Controls over Financial Management (ICFM)

  Business ProcessFiscal Year
Planning and documentationDesign effectiveness testing and remediationOperational effectiveness testing and remediationOngoing monitoring
Budgeting and forecasting (planning)2021-222021-222022-232023-24
Chief Financial Officer Attestation2021-222021-222022-232023-24
Costing2021-222021-222022-232023-24
Investment Planning2021-222021-222022-232023-24
Pay Administration (Non – ICFR)2021-222021-222022-232023-24
Date Modified: